youth movement

Bruins Youth Movement Key To The Future

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Last season, the Boston Bruins were lead by their youth movement. Next season will be no different as the Bruins system is stacked for years to come. Last season saw the debuts of Ryan Donato, Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Matt Gryzelcyk. All four players showed that they could play at the NHL level, which is partly why the Bruins have not been active on the trade front this offseason.

Returning to the playoffs next year will be no easy task. The Maple Leafs have improved, Tampa Bay is still very good, and the Florida Panthers could be a sleeper playoff team. The Bruins still have the one of the best young cores in the NHL, ready to lead them again next season.

Stanley Cup Core

The Bruins Stanley Cup core from 2011 still remains. They are not in their primes but have meshed perfectly with the Bruins young players. The Bruins top line of Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Patrice Bergeron is one of the best lines in hockey. Bergeron battled injuries last season, but he is still one of the best centers in the league. Zdeno Chara is not the player he once was but he is the perfect mentor for young players, such as Brandon Carlo and Charlie McAvoy. David Krejci battled injuries last year, but played well with Jake DeBrusk when healthy. What made the Bruins so good last season was how the veterans and young players came together.

youth movement

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

Bruins Youth Movement

The 2018-2019 season could see the debuts of more Bruins top prospects. That list includes Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Jakub Zboril, and Zach Senyshyn. All three players are on the Bruins roster and will be looking to make their case in camp. The Bruins will have Trent Frederic, Ryan Fitzgerald, Jack Studnicka, and Jeremy Lauzon in Providence. They still need more experience, but could be contributors at the NHL level in the near future.

The Bruins are not only set for years to come due to their depth in Providence. They have David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand under club control for the next five years on team friendly deals as well. They re-signed center Sean Kuraly this offseason to a three year deal worth $1.2 million per year. It will  be hard for the Bruins to re-sign everyone especially starting next offseason. Both McAvoy and Brandon Carlo will be free agents. The McAvoy deal will be more expensive than Carlo, as no one else on the Bruins roster affects the game like McAvoy does. Danton Heinen and Ryan Donato who will also be restricted free agents at the end of next season.

youth movement

Photo Credit: Amalie Benjamin NHL.com

Salary Cap

Donato and Heinen will not be as expensive to resign as McAvoy. Donato will most likely receive a “prove it” deal, similar to that of Matt Grzelcyk, as he will only have one full season of NHL experience. Jake DeBrusk won’t be a free agent until the 2020-2021 offseason, but he is already key to this team.

The Bruins will have to be creative to keep their young core together. Although it will not be easy, the Bruins have the advantage. Not every prospect will pan out and some could be used as trade chips. Don Sweeney has the one problem every GM only dreams of.

Red Sox Run Away With The American League East

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The New Boston Massacre

The Boston Red Sox have run away with the American League East. After the come-from-behind victory last night over the New York Yankees, the Red Sox have a commanding 9.5 game lead in the division. The Yankees have lots of injuries and the Red Sox took advantage of it with a four-game sweep. Even with Chris Sale missing his start on Thursday, the Red Sox still got the bats going in a 15-7 win. On Friday and Saturday, the Red Sox would win 4-1. Craig Kimbrel ran into a little trouble in the ninth inning on Saturday. But he sealed the win and the Yankees left the bases loaded in the ninth inning. Then, Andrew Benintendi knocked the game-winner in the tenth inning on Sunday to complete the four-game sweep.

Aaron Boone Is A Bad Manager

The Red Sox have been criticized all season for how they can beat bad teams and lose to the good ones. However, the Yankees are struggling with injuries and haven’t been good against the bad teams. Between J.A. Happ and Aaron Judge, the team needs help ASAP. Aaron Judge is a big piece to the Yankee lineup and it’s clear his bat is missed. Aaron Boone isn’t that great either and it’s showing.

Alex Cora is faced with injuries as well, but he has overcome them. Dustin Pedroia, Chris Sale, and  Ian Kinsler are on the DL. Yet, the Red Sox still find a way to win games. He even had Mookie Betts play Friday night at second base and he made a nice stop.

Dave Dombrowski, who’s been criticized for not getting bullpen help, sure is winning right now. The Red Sox picked up Nathan Eovaldi and Ian Kinsler; both have been great so far. The Red Sox should really have the division in their pocket now and be able to breeze through October.

Countdown To Celtics Tipoff: 70 Days

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Welcome back to the Celtics season tipoff countdown!

Each day, we’ll give a review of news surrounding the Celtics. We’ll also look back in history to see what happened on today’s date in team history (August 6th). To round out the day’s post, we’ll give you stats and fun facts related to the number of days remaining before the first game (70 today). Let’s get to it!

Recent Team News

The over/under for the Celtics win total has been set at 57.5 in Las Vegas. This is the highest total in the Eastern Conference. Across the entire NBA, their over/under is second only to the Warriors, who have been set at 62.5. Both the Raptors and the 76ers sit at 54.5 wins.

On This Date

August 6, 2007: The Celtics signed free agent Scot Pollard. The center played sparingly in his one season in Boston, averaging eight minutes per game, two points, and two rebounds over 22 appearances.

Via Sports Illustrated

Stats (2017-18)

  • Jaylen Brown appeared in 70 games, starting each one and playing an average of 30.7 minutes per game.
  • Brown also racked up 70 total steals last year.
  • Marcus Morris attempted an average of 7.0 two-pointers per game, converting 47% of them.

Fun Facts

  • The 1970 Celtics fell far short of the playoffs, finishing with a record of 34-48. Rookie JoJo White made the All-Rookie first team, while John Havlicek made the All-NBA second team and the All-Defense second team.
  • Devin Booker holds the record for the most points scored against Boston with 70 points. He accomplished the feat on March 24, 2017. The Celtics won the game by double digits, and many players took issue with how the Suns played to lose in order to run up Booker’s total.
  • Luigi Datome is the only player to ever wear number 70 in green. He wore it in 2015 with the team.

Via CelticsLife

That concludes today’s Countdown to Celtics Tipoff. Make sure to be back here tomorrow as the clock continues to tick towards the 2018-19 season!

Down on the Farm 7/28-8/3 (@Pr1m3_Kyr1e)

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*Every weekend, I will update you on weekly results from the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA), the Portland Sea Dogs (AA), Salem Red Sox (High A) and Lowell Spinners (class a short season). After every team is recapped, individual stats are posted. Also, I will have a prospect of the week section at the end.

Down on the Farm- Pawtucket Red Sox

The Sox started off the week with a 6-5 win over Charlotte. Adam Lind hit his ninth home run, then Josh D Smith gave four runs in five innings. On Sunday, they lost by a score of 8-0. The offense was stifled and William Cuevas gave up five earned runs over four innings. Pawtucket lost by a score of 11-10 on Monday. Rusney Castillo hit a home run and drove in three runs, but a throwing error by Ivan de Jesus in the 13th allowed Syracuse to walk it off. On Tuesday, the Sox lost by a score of 3-2.

Adam Lind hit a home run, but Josh A Smith gave up three runs over six innings. They won on Wednesday by the score of 8-1. Tzu Wei Lin drove in two runs and Chandler Shepherd gave up one run over 6.1 innings. On Thursday, they were walked off by a score of 5-4. Sam Travis had three hits and a run but Matthew Gorst blew the save and Syracuse walked it off in the 12th. Pawtucket closed out the week with a 7-4 win. Brandon Phillips hit a walk-off three-run home run and Robby Scott picked up the win in an inning of relief.

Down on the Farm- Portland Sea Dogs

The Sea Dogs started off the week with a 3-2 loss. The offense was stagnant and Josh Taylor gave up the game-winning single in the ninth. Then, Portland lost again on Sunday by a score of 4-1. Josh Ockimey went deep, but Mike Shawaryn gave up two earned runs in six innings. They had an off day on Monday and lost by a score of 7-6 on Tuesday. Danny Mars drove in two runs and Teddy Stankiewicz gave up five runs over seven innings. Portland was postponed on Wednesday and Friday and swept a doubleheader on Thursday. After all, Matthew Kent and Kyle Hart got the victories in the day-night doubleheader.

Down on the Farm- Salem Red Sox

The Sox started off the week with a 7-2 win on Saturday. Brett Netzer drove in three runs and Tanner Houck gave up one run over six innings. On Sunday they won by a score of 5-2. Downs and Madera went yard, even though Darwinzon Hernandez gave up two runs over five innings. Salem was off on Monday and they won by a score of 8-1 on Tuesday. The offense was frustrated and Kevin McAvoy gave up four runs in five innings. They lost on Wednesday by a score of 4-2. Dalbec knocked in a run but Joan Martinez gave two runs over one inning. The game was stopped in the sixth, and they were postponed on Thursday and Friday because of rain.

Down on the Farm- Lowell Spinners

On Saturday Lowell lost by a score of 3-1. The offense got blanked coupled with Politi giving up two runs over 2.1 innings. They lost by a score of 7-1 on Sunday. The offense was quiet again, also Ahearn gave up five runs over three innings. On Monday they lost by a score of 4-2. Cottam and Romanski knocked in a run apiece and Pantoja gave up three runs over five innings. Lowell beat Hudson Valley by the score of 8-0 on Tuesday.

LeGrant and Duran went deep, additionally, Haworth gave up no runs over five innings. On Wednesday, they won by a score of 8-2. Granberg drove in three runs, and Gomez threw three scoreless innings to pick up the win. They closed out the week on Thursday with a 5-3 win. Berroa knocked in two runs and Bazardo gave up two runs in 5.2 innings. They got postponed on Friday.

Prospects of the Week

There were a few notable promotions in the past week

First baseman Josh Ockimey to Pawtucket and Lind opts out

Mike Shawaryn to Pawtucket, strikes out a lot, but also walks a lot.

Then, Bobby Dalbec to Portland, has great power and walks a lot.

Finally, Durbin Feltman to Salem- many scouts say he could be in the bigs this year, has a 100 MPH fastball a and a great slider

Gronk Is Looking like His Old Happy Self at Camp

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Gronk Is Back and Healthy

Training camp wouldn’t be the same without Gronk, and it sure is good to see him on the practice field. Both Brady and Gronkowski decided to skip voluntary OTA’s earlier this offseason. Tom was away to spend time with his family, and maybe a little time away from the boss. Meanwhile, Gronk could’ve been away for many reasons. Retirement, as he stated after the loss to the Eagles last year, is not one of them. If my opinion matters, I think that a contract restructure could’ve been the cause for skipping OTAs. Gronk is about to make $9 million dollars this upcoming season. He could possibly want an extension or some guaranteed money up front. He is the best TE in the NFL, and arguably of all time, and he’s still playing with the best QB in the world.

Gronk Having Fun Again

Courtesy of Getty Images

Watching training camp, Gronk seems to have a little spring in his step mentally. He’s been acting like the Gronk of old. Rob Gronkowski has seemed to have done a complete 180 from a year ago at this time. He’s been actively helping the new faces, showing them the dedication it takes to play for Bill Belichick. While at the same time he’s been noticeably happier out on the field and after practice. His agent Drew Rosenhaus was spotted at camp recently, which could mean his contract situation is being taken care of. Rosenhaus is the agent of multiple Patriots, so it may have nothing to do with Gronk at all. With the expectation of the contract being done a week ago I believe it is no coincidence as to why was there.

Bill Has Done His Part

Courtesy of USA Today

Finally, Gronk comes in fully healthy, possibly another reason for him seeming so happy. He’s now able to focus on the little things not having to worry about nagging little injuries, just focusing on the grind and loving every minute of it from what I have seen. Bill Belichick has also done his part during camp. At the end of practice he switched the offense and defense for a quick scrimmage. Camp has certainly seemed a lot lighter this year. Everyone’s still working hard, but things have lightened up. With all the outside noise about this team not getting along, I believe it’s just the same old Patriots, with the same old happy Gronkowski. Come September 9th, we will be watching the same product on the field as always with many Gronk spikes.

The Red Sox Are On The Verge Of Ending The Yankees Season

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The Yankees came into Boston with a chance to close the gap in the A.L East. Instead, the Sox have stomped on the throat of the Yankees. For the second straight day, the Sox’ starting pitching shoved the bats down the throats of Yankees hitters. Boston now has a commanding 8.5 game lead heading into Sunday’s finale against New York. With the Yankees coming apart at the seams, it’s now time for the Sox to wrap up the division once and for all.

Embed from Getty Images

David Price Has To Step Up

Everyone knows how much of a disaster David Price has been in Boston. None the less, the pressure falls on the shoulders of the soft left-hander. The Red Sox have absolutely dominated the Yankees in all assets of the game. Rick Porcello and Nathan Eovaldi both had excellent starts against the “potent” New York lineup. Porcello ignited Fenway Park on Friday night with a complete game one-hitter, retiring twenty-one straight Yankees. Eovaldi followed up Porcello’s excellent outing with an equally dominant performance going eight strong shutout innings. This sets Price up perfectly heading into Sunday Night baseball.

The Yankees hitters cannot seem to get out of their own way at the moment. With Judge hurt and Sanchez on the DL, Price is primed to finally have success against the Yankees as a member of the Red Sox. Price needs to show up and perform because he could wrap up the A.L East. Sweeping the Bronx Bombers out of Fenway without Chris Sale starting a single game would be astronomical for the moral of the Red Sox. Let’s watch and see if Price can give the Sox anything in a big spot.

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Boston Hitters Must Stay Sharp

After the beatdown the Sox gave New York the past three days, it would be easy to take the Yankees lightly. No matter the outcome of the finale on Sunday, the Red Sox weekend is a success; but still, the Sox have to show up and put the pinstripes down once and for all. With Tanaka on the hill, the Sox lineup has to come out of the gates hot. If they can get a lead on New York, then its all but over. This once prominent Yankees team is now on the verge of spiraling into their fourth straight loss. Time to send New York packing with their hopes of a championship crushed.

Countdown to Celtics Tipoff: 71 Days

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Welcome back to the Celtics season tipoff countdown!

Each day, we’ll give a review of news surrounding the Celtics. We’ll also look back in history to see what happened on today’s date in team history (August 5th). To round out the day’s post, we’ll give you stats and fun facts related to the number of days remaining before the first game (71 today). Let’s get to it!

Recent Team News

Many former Celtics returned to play in the TD Garden as the BIG3 League visited Boston on Friday night. Glen “Big Baby” Davis, Nate Robinson, Brian Scalabrine, and Jermaine O’Neal all returned to the parquet. Ryan Gomes, Xavier Silas, Chauncey Billups, Ryan Hollins, and Mike James also were former Celtics who revisited the old stomping ground. In the league founded by rapper Ice Cube, teams play three-on-three, halfcourt basketball. Among other altered rules, there is a four-point spot on the court. Check out more coverage of the BIG3 on the site!

On This Date

August 5th is apparently the most forgettable date in Boston history, as nothing noteworthy happened on this day in history.

Stats

  • Jaylen Brown attempted 7.1 two pointers per game last season, converting on an average of 3.8. He shot 51% from inside the arc last year.
  • The Celtics as a team last year averaged 7.1 steals per game in the month of January. They also averaged that many in losses, and also in games played at home.

Fun Facts

  • Robert Parish, who joined forces with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, stands 7’1″ in height. He was with the team from 1980-1994. The Hall of Famer was an All-Star in nine of those seasons.

Via Getty Images

  • The 1971 Celtics were one of few Celtics teams during that era to miss the playoffs. Under coach Tom Heinsohn, the team went 44-38 to finish third in the Atlantic division.

That concludes today’s Countdown to Celtics Tipoff. Make sure to be back here tomorrow as the clock continues to tick towards the 2018-19 season!

A Book About Tom Brady Being Released

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A new book is coming out soon on Tom Brady. It gives an inside scoop on what really happened during the deflate-gate saga. That whole drama about the deflation of the footballs in the 2015 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts. Tom Brady would play in the Super Bowl two weeks after that and win his fourth ring. The following season he would serve a four-game suspension. That is when we would get a first-hand look at Jimmy Garoppolo. The book, “12: The Inside Story of Tom Brady’s Fight for Redemption” by Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge says Brady offered to pay a $1 million dollar fine. But Roger Goodell had other ideas.

Brady Was Offered a Deal in Deflate-Gate

The book says that Brady had to publicly throw former Patriots equipment employees John Jastremski and Jim McNally under the bus. Brady had to state that they purposely tampered with the footballs, even without his knowledge. Brady would say no and serve his four-game suspension. Robert Kraft spoke at the NFL’s owners meetings and Kraft said he would not appeal the four-game suspension handed down on Brady and the team fine. Tom Brady didn’t like that too much.

Brady Didn’t Feel like He Was Getting the Support He Needed

According to the book, Brady was devastated by Robert Kraft’s comments. Tom Brady would call DeMaurice Smith and say.”What the [expletive]?,” Why am I not getting the support I deserve on this thing?”

Smith said that the NFLPA would fight on Brady’s behalf. At this point is when the so-called “rift” started, between the team and Brady. Brady was mad that Kraft didn’t have his back during deflate-gate.

So when it came time to trade Garoppolo, that’s when Kraft stepped in and made sure he was behind Brady and not do him wrong again. Belichick traded Garoppolo for a second-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers.

BIG3 Boston Recap and Exclusive with Nate Robinson

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The BIG3 was in Boston this past Friday with a slate of four games. This was the second to last week of regular season games, so their was a lot of playoff implications. I was able to go to TD Garden and cover this event and ask guys like Dr. J, Rick Mahorn, Glen Davis, and Nate Robinson questions. Entering this week the BIG3 standings looked like this:

  1. 3 Headed Monsters (6-0)
  2. Power (5-1)
  3. 3’s Company (4-2)
  4. Tri-State (4-2)
  5. Killer 3s (2-4)
  6. Ball Hogs (1-5)
  7. Ghost Ballers (1-5)
  8. Trilogy (1-5)

Those standings changed a lot this weekend with a lot of crucial games.

Game 1: Ball Hogs VS Trilogy

The first game of the week had no implications on the playoffs. However, the game featured the return of a Boston fan-favorite. Brian Scalabrine made his return to the TD Garden, and played in front of the fans that he won a championship for. During this game the Trilogy looked to bounce back from an awful season, and the Ball Hogs hope to get a win for Scal in front of the Boston crowd. It would be tough for the BIG3 defending-champions, Trilogy, to get a win here with no Kenyon Martin, and their leading rebounder, Al Harrington.

Scalabrine started the game, and whenever he did something, TD Garden erupted in cheers. The Ball Hogs led the entire first half, and at halftime they were up 26-20. However, Trilogy went on a 15-6 run to start the second half to get a 35-32 lead. The game became very close, as at one point it was tied 43-43. Then the Trilogy went on a little 6-0 run to make it 49-43. A Rashad McCants layup ended the game as the Trilogy won 51-45.

Four members of Trilogy were in double figures in the win, Derrick Byars (17), Al Thornton (12), Rashad McCants (10), and James White (10). Deshawn Stevenson and Andre Owens led the Ball Hogs with 14 points each, while Brian Scalabrine finished with two points and two rebounds.

Trilogy (2-5), Ball Hogs (1-6)

The post-game press conference featured Trilogy Head Coach, Rick Mahorn, and Trilogy players, Rashad McCants, and Derrick Byars.

My question was for Rick Mahorn, “So you guys were down 26-20 at the half, and you guys went on a 15-6 run. What did you say to your players at halftime?”

Rick Mahorn: “What’s interesting about our team, we are very diverse. We have guys who are coaching for the G-League. I have to take my hat off for Dion Glover (Trilogy player). He is not going to score a lot of points, he is not going to do different things, but guys respect his voice. He said something at halftime which was to play with confidence. Having guys like [Glover] and Kenyon [Martin], being able to translate that to the players really helps the team go out, and execute.”

Game 2: Tri-State vs Killer 3s

This was arguably the most important game of the week. Tri-State was looking to clinch a BIG3 playoff spot, while Killer 3s looked to stay alive in the BIG3 playoff hunt. Jermaine O’Neal made his return after three weeks due to a shoulder injury. This game featured four former-Boston Celtics: Nate Robinson and Jermaine O’Neal for Tri-State, and Ryan Hollins and Mike James for Killer 3s.

The Killer 3s went up 27-21 at the half, and then at one point led 36-23 before Tri-State coach, Julius Erving, called a timeout. Tri-State found themselves down 40-29 before Nate Robinson took over. Robinson led Tri-State on a 22-5 run to close out the game. Tri-State won by a score of 51-45. Tri-State has clinched a playoff spot, and the Killer 3s are eliminated.

Nate Robinson and Dion Hawkins both had 14 points each, and Hawkins also collected ten boards. Amar’e Stoudemire and Jermaine O’Neal also contributed with 12 and eight points each. Stephen Jackson came back for the Killer 3s after missing last week. He led the Killer 3s with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Tri-State is 5-2, The Killer 3s are 2-5.

The post-game press conference featured Tri-State head coach, Julius Erving, and players Nate Robinson, and Dion Hawkins.

I was able to get a quick 1-on-1 interview with former Celtic, Nate Robinson. I said to Nate, “So a report came out earlier today that you signed overseas in Lebanon. Do you plan on playing in the BIG3 next year with that move?”

Nate Robinson: “I am with BIG3 until I am done playing basketball. My summer is dedicated to the BIG3. I have not signed yet [in Lebanon]. I am trying to weigh my options, and figure out what is my next move. First, I definitely want to get invited to a [NBA] camp somewhere, and see if I can get a call. If not I am going to go overseas, and continue to play the game because I love to hoop.”

https://twitter.com/bigmike7772/status/1025550522080743424

Game 3: Power VS 3 Headed Monsters

This was the biggest game of the week with the two best teams in the BIG3 facing each other. The Power entered this game with a 5-1 record, and in second place. They were facing the undefeated powerhouse, the 3 Headed Monsters. The 3 Headed Monsters entered this game without some key-pieces to their team. Reigning BIG3 MVP, Rashard Lewis missed another game, and Qyntel Woods also missed Friday’s game. The Power played one former Celtic which was Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis.

The losses of Lewis and Woods for the 3 Headed Monsters was evident as they went down 25-16 at halftime. The Power powered their way to a 47-30 lead in the game. Then, the 3 Headed Monsters went on a 10-0 run that made it 47-40. After a Corey Maggette free throw to make it 49-40, Glen Davis hit the game-winner as the Power knocked off the undefeated 3 Headed Monsters 51-40.

Corey Maggette led the Power with 16 points, and Glen Davis had 15 points. Chris Andersen continued to be dominant for the Power with 8 points, 4 rebounds, and Cuttino Mobley had eight points and four assists. Reggie Evans led the 3 Headed Monsters with 23 points and 11 rebounds.

The Power are 6-1, and the 3 Headed Monsters are also 6-1.

The post-game press conference feature Power Head Coach, Nancy Lieberman, and Power players, Glen Davis and Corey Maggette.

My question was for both Corey Maggette and Glen Davis. I asked, “What is it like playing for one of the best women in basketball history, Nancy Lieberman?”

Corey Maggette: “I respect everyone on our roster, and even more for our coach. My shoes have all of my teammates and coaches names on them. It shows the hard work everyone had done. Even for Nancy becoming the first woman coach in a men’s professional league. She has a swagger, so when you have those characteristics as a person, it shows your character and integrity that you want as a coach.”

Glen Davis: “You can always tell when you look into somebody’s eyes that there is a certain intensity and glare. When I see her talk about the game, and I see the intensity and the wisdom in her eyes. I know she is the one. You have to respect it no matter if it is a man or a woman or a little kid. She takes the game so seriously, and that is why I respect her, and everything that she is about. Everybody can coaches X’s and O’s, but when you can see that intensity and love in her eyes, it is a whole different ball game. I am going to always respect her, and try to learn as much as I can from a wise person like that.”

Nancy Lieberman: “Now you can understand why god is good, and why I am blessed. These two people right here, I think the world of them. Thank you for being out here with us today Boston.”

Game 4: 3s Company VS Ghost Ballers

Heading into this week, 3s Company was uncertain if they would have to clinch a playoff spot with a win in this game. With a Killer 3s loss earlier in the day, 3s Company already clinched a playoff spot. Baron Davis was unavailable again for the 3s Company. Ghost Ballers look to win back to back games for the first time this year. The Ghost Ballers had two former Celtics on their roster, Ricky Davis and Marcus Banks.

Even though they already clinched a playoff spot and did not have Baron Davis, 3s Company did not let up on the Ghost Ballers. They jumped out to an 8-0 start, and then went up 18-4. At the half, 3s Company led 25-14. The closest the game got was after Carlos Boozer hit a three to make it 31-23. 3s Company close the show and won by a score of 51-33.

Without Baron Davis again, the lesser-known players on 3’s Company had to step up. Andre Emmett led 3s Company in scoring with 23 points, and he also had 7 rebound and 3 assists. Drew Gooden also stepped up for 3s Company with 10 points and 4 rebounds. Carlos Boozer had a double-double for the Ghost Ballers with 15 points and 13 boards.

3s Company is 5-2, and Ghost Ballers are 1-6.

There was no post-game press conference for the 3s Company.

Here are the BIG3 standings after this week in Boston.

  1. Power 6-1
  2. 3 Headed Monsters 6-1
  3. 3s Company 5-2
  4. TrI-State 5-2
  5. Killer 3s 2-5
  6. Trilogy 2-5
  7. Ball Hogs 1-6
  8. Ghost Ballers 1-6

This week in Boston was a big one with all the playoff teams being figured out. There is now a new number one, and many people will be coming back from injuries for playoff time.

Kyrie Irving- Greatest Ball Handler of All-Time

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For those of you that may not know- the NBA season is 10 weeks away. Free Agency has died down and basketball fans are left without much to get excited about. That being said- this week happens to be ‘NBA Handles Week’. There isn’t many things more exciting than watching the NBA’s best break some ankles on the court.

Kyrie Irving is a Wizard with the Ball

To celebrate why not talk about Kyrie Irving and his otherworldly handles?

In my opinion Kyrie Irving is the greatest ball handler in the history of the league. There’s a reason why they call him “The Unguardable Guard”. Armed with a crossover that leaves defenders reeling, a nasty hesitation, and the leagues scariest spin move Irving is as unstoppable as it gets. Once he makes his move its game over for his defender.

Sure there are others with formidable handles. Steph Curry, James Harden, and Chris Paul come to mind when debating great handles. But when the discussion about the greatest comes up Kyrie Irving’s name seems to pop up the most. 

But don’t just take my word for it!

“Hands down, Kyrie has the best ball-handling skills that we have in our league,” Atlanta Hawks All-Star forward Paul Millsap said. “The way he reads defenses, the way he reads your feet, it’s unbelievable … His biggest asset is his creativity. He is one of the most creative point guards we have.”

“Kyrie has the best handle of all time,” said Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon. “Very creative and uses different motions, as well.”

Limitless Creativity Leads to Innovative Moves

Kyrie is always trying something new with the ball. Whether it’s a step back three or a hesitation crossover into a floater in the lane he is always looking to set up his shot with a crafty move. He speaks often about keeping his defender on their toes and being as unpredictable as possible.

“There is creativity that goes into it, meaning to change on the fly with multiple combinations, multiple moves, being able to turn my practice into my work and really just have some fun out there,” Irving said. “Being able to keep your defender in an unpredictable state is always a fun thing because you can dribble, shoot, pass … You’re able to not only make plays for yourself, but for everyone on the court.”

High Praise from Another Legendary Dribbler

Stephen Curry, who is arguably Irving’s stiffest competition for such an honor, has spoken highly of Kyrie’s handles. Curry recently included Irving’s name in his Mount Rushmore of ball handlers. Steph also had this to say about Irving in a recent interview:

“He is able to use both hands and he’s shifty and crafty,” Curry said. “He changes speeds to keep people off-balance. Perhaps the best way to put it into words, he has an uncanny kind of ability to go one way, stop on a dime, right to left, left to right, whichever, and still be on balance and get by you. It’s unpredictable. You just don’t know which way he is going.”

Speaking of Curry, check out this sweet move Irving put on the 2X MVP last season:

It doesn’t get much better than that!

On that note I shall leave you with a final clip that compiles a few of the Unguardable Guard’s highlight moves from the 2018 season. Feel free to sit back and enjoy ball handling at it’s best.

https://twitter.com/redapples/status/944218647375081472?s=20