Celtics

LeBron Struck First, but the Celtics Got the Last Laugh

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Grit, determination, and a never quit attitude. Those are traits the Celtics have embodied all season long, and everything the team exemplified in Game 2.  After a hard-fought battle the Boston Celtics pulled away late for a 107-94 victory and a 2-0 series lead. LeBron’s monster game proved not quite enough, as the Celtics attacked the Cavaliers with a huge team effort.

The Cavaliers started the game with revitalized energy after inserting big man Tristan Thompson into the starting lineup in place of Kyle Korver. Thompson did a good job of locking down the pick and roll early on. He managed to disrupt the C’s offensive flow, forcing them into some tough looks.

LeBron James poured in a whopping 21 points in the first quarter, the most points in any quarter in any playoff game of his career. He added four threes on 8-13 shooting, but the rest of the Cavs shot 3-11 for a total of six points in the frame. LeBron finished the night with 42 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.

Bringing LeBron to a Halt

If it wasn’t for the valiant efforts of Jaylen Brown, the Cavs could have ran away with it early. Jaylen led the charge with 14 points in the first quarter, finishing with a team high 23 to go along with seven rebounds and three assists.

Jayson Tatum picked up where Jaylen left off. He started the second quarter with nine quick points to keep the team afloat as LeBron continued to stay hot. Towards the end of the quarter, LeBron took a hard shot to the jaw and had to leave the floor to get checked out. He was quickly cleared to play and returned before the end of the period. Meanwhile, the Cavs built their lead up to double digits for the first time in the series. Marcus Smart made some big plays with under a minute left in the quarter and the Celtics trimmed the Cavalier lead to seven.

It Takes a Village

Terry Rozier was the hot hand in the third. He overcame a rocky start by producing 14 points on his way to an 18 point and five rebound night. The momentum started to shift in favor of the Celtics, as the team dominated the period in the open floor. They barraged the Cavs with 36 points in the quarter while creating havoc on the defensive side of the ball. Marcus Morris was huge, hitting a tough and one with 5:14 to play in the quarter to tie the game up. He took a moment to wave his hands in the air, gesturing the garden faithful to their feet as the crowd roared with en electric energy.

Less than a minute later Marcus Smart canned a three from the top of the arch to give the Celtics their first lead since 3-2. It became a lead they would not relinquish.

Marcus Smart was absolutely crucial in the second half. He provided an adrenaline shot of energy that infected the whole team. Smart gave the Celtics all the momentum necessary to continue pouring in basket after basket, relentlessly attacking the teeth of the Cavalier defense. He finished with 11 points, nine assists, five rebounds, four steals, and a team high +/- of +21.

Playoff Al

Smart’s efforts must have particularly affected Al Horford. After an eight point and five rebound fourth quarter, Al put the Cavaliers to rest. He finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the game.

Horford’s biggest moment came with just under four minutes to go. After Al set a pick and rolled for an alley-oop. J,R. Smith gave him a shove in the back on the way up. Consequently, Smith got issued a Flagrant 1 on the play. Horford hit both free throws and on the ensuing possession tacked three more to put the Celtics up 12. All hopes of a comeback were all but over for the Cavs.

It was a team effort fueled victory for the Celtics. Four different players stepped up and led the team in scoring in each quarter for the game. The team also did a great job of handling the ball, giving up only eight turnovers to the Cavaliers’ 15.

The Cavs gave LeBron a bit more help in the game, mostly from fellow All-Star Kevin Love, who produced a 22 point and 15 rebound double double. Tristan Thompson finished with an eight point and seven rebound effort, and Kyle Korver gave the team 11 points off the bench.

A True Competitor

After the game Brad Stevens gushed about Marcus Smart and what he brings to the table for the team. “He’s as tough as they come. A true competitor. He matches his intensity with a physical toughness. We are really glad he is on our team”. Marcus Smart continues to be the hot glue guy for this Celtics team. The Celtics have gone an impressive 8-2 since inserting him back into the lineup. He seems to never fail to make the big plays down the stretch of games, not afraid of any moment and willing to bump and scrape to win every possession. 

Stevens finished his press conference stating that the team will, “have to be tougher and even more resilient as we move to Cleveland”.

History will be on the their side, as the team is 37-0 after leading a best of seven series 2-0.

Game 3 will take place Saturday night at 8:30 pm. The Celtics will look to take a commanding 3-0 lead as LeBron will do anything to claw the Cavaliers back into the series.

Carson Smith: Bounce Back Season Or Back To The DL?

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While his start to the season has proved to be a rocky one at best, will he be able to turn it around?

For Carson Smith, his recovery from Tommy John surgery is over 2 years in the making. While landing himself on the disabled list yet again has stirred up some controversy. After leaving Monday’s 6-5 loss in the end of the 8th, he threw his glove during a tantrum which resulted the injury.

On Wednesday, Smith said in a statement: ” “I think my shoulder’s tired in general, just from pitching. I’ve thrown a lot lately and I think my arm was just tired.” Later that day, manager Alex Cora made a surprisingly different statement when asked about smith’s comments: “I don’t agree with it. On a daily basis we talk to pitchers and how they feel. If they don’t think they can pitch that day, we stay away from them.” He added, “It caught me by surprise. If he felt that way he should’ve told it to us or he should’ve mentioned it.”

While they handle the injury, the bullpen still has guys like Kimbrel,Kelly, and hopefully a bounce back week from guys such as : Johnson, and Hembree. While the bullpen hasn’t lived up to expectations, it’s still a long season. Combined, the bullpen sports a 6-4 record with a 3.63 combined ERA in just over 100 innings of relief work. While also tallying 121 strikeouts combined.

Smith is responsible for a 1-1 record with a 3.77 ERA through 14.1 innings pitched and striking out 18. After a fantastic showing in his Red Sox debut last season, the numbers haven’t matched up.

The latest update:

Smith was placed on the 10 day Dl as of yesterday. The team also recalling relief pitcher Bobby Poyner from AAA Pawtucket. Also completing the Deven Marerro trade by acquiring LHP Josh Taylor today as well. How both the team and Smith himself handles this situation remains to be seen. Soon enough, time will tell if Smith is bust or bounce back material.

 

NBA Will Not Take Disciplinary Action Against J.R. Smith

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The NBA announced recently that Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith will not receive further discipline after shoving Al Horford to the ground during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The Play in Question

With just under four minutes to play Al Horford set a pick and rolled for an alley-oop. J.R. Smith gave Horford a shove in the back on the way up, and Al went tumbling to the ground. Smith got issued a Flagrant 1 on the play.

It was blatant that the shove was no accident, and in an aggressive manner. Horford was completely airborne when J.R. made his decision. He thrusted his arms into Al’s body, jolting him forward out of control.

After the game, J.R. openly admitted to the shove, stating, “It was a good call. I blatantly pushed him.”

The Fallout with J.R. Smith

What kind of example is the NBA trying to set here? Two of the most dangerous positions a player can get injured in is getting undercut and having their feet taken out (like Gordon Hayward), and being shoved while airborne. Not only did Smith commit a hostile act, but he openly admitted to doing so!

If Horford had gotten injured on the play, one must wonder if the NBA would have decided to take further disciplinary action on the incident. The league must focus on the action that happened, not on the result. It sets a bad public example by letting such a heinous act go without any consequences, even if Horford is fine after the incident.

J.R. Smith is averaging two points on 12% shooting in the Eastern Conference Finals. It will be interesting to see how he performs as the series progresses.

 

Game 3 will take place in Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday night at 8:30 pm.

Carson Smith’s Self-inflicted Injury

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Carson Smith Regrets Decision To Throw Glove

Via NESN

You thought the Red Sox were going up after starting the season 17-2.  Alex Cora had connected with the players, getting through to them, then reality reared its ugly head. First, whiny David Price can’t pitch because he doesn’t know how to take Zyrtec or Claritin for his allergies. Now Carson Smith injures himself because he threw his glove in frustration last night in the loss to the Oakland Athletics.

The Red Sox Will Not Discipline him

Both Dave Dombrowski and Alex Cora spoke about the injury today saying that it could be significant. All over throwing a glove in anger. Dombrowski said  “I’m sure at some point we’ll get a second opinion. But I don’t know the severity of it. But I’m not expecting him back in 10 days by any means at this point. We’ll see how severe it ends up being. But it’s got the potential to be a major injury.” Smith seemed apologetic and the team isn’t expected to discipline the reliever.

Avoidable Injury

The last thing this team needs is an injury to a reliever struggling in the late innings of games recently. Carson Smith spoke about the injury today and appearing emotional, according to Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston. ” I think fatigue played a factor in my shoulder and my shoulder just couldn’t handle it.” “I think my shoulder’s tired in general, it’s just from pitching. I’ve thrown a lot lately and I think my arm was just tired” Said Smith. Smith also said it’s never happened to him before but he does throw his glove every day while warming up.

To face potential surgery because Carson Smith decided to throw his glove is unreal. For a major league pitcher to end a season because of a self-inflicted wound defies logic. In the video below, you can hear Carson Smith sound like David Price saying that the 14 innings he’s pitched so far made his arm tired. He’s pitched only 23 innings over the last three seasons, and it’s only May. All I can say is thank God he and Price don’t play football.   They’d last maybe a couple of hours playing for Belichick.

The Patriots Hire Martial Arts Expert Joe Kim

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Bill Belichick Hires Martial Arts Expert

The New England Patriots hired martial arts expert Joe Kim as a pass rushing consultant yesterday. According to USA Today, Joe  Kim has worked with eight other NFL teams. He worked most recently for the Cleveland Browns in 2016. Bill Belichick gave Joe Kim his first job in the NFL with Cleveland in 1992.  Kim began his martial arts career in 1974 and will help the young defenders on the Patriots to develop a better pass rush.

The Patriots tied for seventh last season in the pass rush. They had 42 sacks, but they really never got to the quarterback when they needed to. Most notably, in the Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, Nick Foles never went down.

Kim Has Worked With Eight NFL Teams

In addition to the Browns, Kim has helped the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Penn State. Danny Shelton got the opportunity to work with Kim with during his time with the Cleveland Browns. Shelton praised Kim on his Instagram in January 2017. “Got the opportunity to work with [Master Joe Kim] this past year and felt like I really improved from my first year with his help. Appreciate your work Master Kim and I know the best is in store for you. #blessed #masterjoekim.” Shelton posted also on Instagram a video of Kim working with Kim in April  2017.

http://www.instagram.com/p/BSebe9ig0uh/?utm_source=ig_embed

 

The Importance of the Patriots Offensive Line

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Physical Day for the Offensive Line

Half of the Patriots offensive line got their physicals today. The Patriots have to make sure they do a good job protecting soon-to-be 41 year old Tom Brady. The Patriots have Brian Hoyer and Danny Etling, but neither is Tom Brady. Patriots assistant coaches met with the media last week, and Dante Scarnecchia is looking for a replacement for Nate Solder. The Patriots will probably try Isaiah Wynn and Trent Brown for the left tackle position.

Newly Acquired Players Will Be Key to Protecting Tom Brady

Scarnecchia has a challenge trying to replace Nate Solder. Scarnecchia said on Friday, “It’s a big challenge, because you get in a real big comfort zone with him, and especially the way Nate played over the last half of the season,” Scarnecchia said. “He’s been given this opportunity and he’s taking advantage of it for he and his family, so now the next thing is we gotta replace him. So, we have guys that we’re hoping will be able to step in there”. Wynn was drafted 23rd overall in the NFL Draft. According to the Boston Herald as a senior Wynn was a second-team All American. He also started all 15 games at Georgia, including the National Championship.

Scarnecchia spoke highly of Wynn on Friday, saying, “He was a really good player in the best conference in America at his position, and he played left tackle and he’s played guard, so that’s what I like about him, He’s got great traits. We look for three traits: Smart, tough and athletic enough to play the position. He’s got all three, so we’ll see if that translates to this level.”

Trent Brown, was acquired from San Francisco for a third-round pick in the NFL Draft. Scarnecchia also had a lot to say about Brown: “He’s attentive, wants to know what we’re doing, kind of a quiet guy, but that’s all right,” He’s listening to what’s going on around him, can answer a lot of questions, so we just have to see how that works. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to see it until we get to training camp, with he and Isaiah.”

Czech Mates David Krecji and David Pastrnak

Bruins Players Shine Overseas at the 2018 IIHF

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HEADING TO THE WORLDS

As the annual break up day came to a close, a quick decision was made by some of the Bruins players to opt to continue to play overseas. Czech mates David Pastrnak and David Krejci  continued on and represent their home country of the Czech Republic; a few days later Charlie McAvoy flew over to Copenhagen, Denmark to represent the USA in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). They say no rest for the weary, and not even jet lag would keep both Krejci and Pastrnak from dazzling at a recent game against Russia. Charlie McAvoy represented the USA in a stellar performance , garnering two goals and two assists in his first game playing against Korea.

“It was a long day, got here a couple hours ago,” McAvoy said. “We have such a good team. It was a great opportunity for me to go out there and just feel the puck and get ready for the rest of tournament.”

Team USA C

KEEPING THEIR LEGS MOVING

Yesterday’s game against France saw Pastrnak scoring two quick goals as the Czech Republic defeated France 6-0. Along with Dmitrij Jaskin, both Davids are seeing success playing on the same line; Krejci has thus far recorded a point in every game in the Worlds.

NO MATCH FOR THEIR OPPONENTS

Meanwhile, as the Czech Republic continues to seek their first gold since 2010, Team USA routed Norway yesterday in a 9-3 defeat. Once again, Charlie McAvoy, (whose knee seems to be getting better) got a goal and an assist. The United States are now in first for Group B with 16 points, three more than Finland, while the Czech republic is third in their group behind team Russia.

Team USA will have a tough opponent on Tuesday as they face Finland. The Czechs will face Austria on Monday. As the trio of Bruins players continue to find success overseas, fans will look to see that success translate back home in Boston when the new season starts. Check out the highlights of Team USA vs Team Norway:

The Hunt for a Better Bullpen

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If you watched Red Sox baseball this past week, you should have seen a trend forming. All week great starting pitching was followed by the bullpen crapping themselves. The stats in the last seven days can support this claim, as Sox starters have had a 3.11 ERA with a 1.06 WHIP. Sox relievers have had a 6.06 ERA with a 1.59 WHIP. This has been frustrating to watch and almost makes us forget about Jackie Bradley Jr.’s woes at the plate.

Better Numbers are Ahead

The full season’s numbers don’t paint the same story, however. Sox relievers in the entire season have posted a 3.76 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Starters also going on to average 3.49 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. Clearly, we can justify this by saying the obvious: The Red Sox bullpen had a bad week. They were not clutch and they did not throw quality strikes. More was expected from this quality pitching staff.

The only way from here is up and the quality is ahead of us, folks. We have seen this bullpen do tremendous things when they try. Carson Smith is finally turning the corner, posting a 1.04 ERA in the last 28 days (11 games) with 12 strikeouts and one earned run. In the same sample size, Joe Kelly has posted a 0.77 ERA with 16 strikeouts and one earned run.

Reinforcements are Incoming

Don’t forget, more help is on the way. Tyler Thornburg is set to begin his rehab assignment in Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday 5/14. Steven Wright is also slated to join the Sox on the same day. A much needed depth will be added to this bullpen, but what can we expect from the two? Thornburg hasn’t pitched in a major league baseball game since 2016. Even then, I’m sure Cora will be using him sparingly since he’s apparently made of glass. Even Wright, who has recovered fully from his left knee injury and served his 15 game suspension for domestic violence, will be a mixed bag of results.

Also, at some point, Bobby Poyner should be getting called back up as well. Poyner posted a 2.25 ERA in seven regular season games with the Sox, and even has a 1.42 ERA in six games with the PawSox. If anybody outside of Brian Johnson slips up, expect to see Poyner in the big league bullpen for the majority of the season.

Dealin’ Dave at it Again?

What if this all doesn’t pan out the way we expect? There will be trade activity around the time of the deadline (or even sooner) and the Red Sox will be involved one way or another. Kelvin Herrera and Jeurys Familia are two names that will probably finish the 2018 season with a different team and are two pieces that can really bring a bullpen to the next level. Yes, both are closers and both are eligible for free agency in 2019, so they would be rentals. However, the Sox obviously wouldn’t dare move Craig Kimbrel from his job in the pen.

The Mets and the Royals both seem to be trending downward quickly and I would be shocked if they were playoff contenders this season. Also, both teams could use an outfielder which could potentially prompt a JBJ trade. Familia is known for his sinker which averages at 97 mph and Herrera for his 89 mph changeup. Also, they have been in the spotlight before as they actually faced each other in the 2015 World Series. That last part is something the Sox bullpen lacks: clutch factor.

Overall, these two players will find another home this season acting as rentals. The New York Yankees are also in the same boat as the Red Sox for the fact that their bullpen hasn’t been the best either. Also, going off of last year, the Astros bullpen may not be the best as well. All in all, the Sox won’t be alone when it comes to bolstering their relief pitchers, but hopefully this bad week has been a wake up call to the front office.

@ELJGON

Red Sox Starters

The Red Sox Need Another Right Handed Starter

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With 4 southpaws in the starting rotation, adding another right handed starting pitcher would help bring more transition throughout series.

As of right now, the rotation consists of Sale,Price,Porcello,Rodriguez, and Pomeranz. Does anyone else spot the problem? There is only one right handed starter!!! Sure, Steven Wright has recently been activated by the Red Sox but will he make an impact? Well, his last start was April 29, 2017, and he will start his way back as a bullpen player ( for now.)

The rotation has struggled a little bit within the last two series. Within the last seven days, the starting rotation sports a 4.33 ERA in 54 innings pitched with a 3-3 record. Compared to April where they sported a 3.40 ERA in 230.1 innings pitched with a 19-6 record.  

While the month of May has seen a decline, now is the time to make the adjustments that are so desperately needed. There are many different low cost candidates that the team could look for in a trade before the trade deadline.

Trade Candidate: Julio Teheran Atlanta Braves

The 27 year old is molding a marvelous season thus far, with a 4-1 record throughout his first 9 starts, he sports a 3.49 era in 49 innings pitched with 43 strikeouts. In his last start against the Chicago Cubs,  he lasted 6 innings while giving up 4 earned runs on 4 hits and only 1 strikeout. While he’s not totally a makeshift player, he has lights out stuff. What would it cost in a trade? In short, it all depends on his market value up until the trade deadline. With the right mentoring, he could blossom into a powerful name in the future.

Trade Candidate: Dan Straily Miami Marlins

The 29 year old finished his first full season in 2017. In 2018 he has a 1-0 record with a 5.54 era in 13 innings during his first three starts. While he has never had eye popping stats, he is a ground ball pitcher. He does pitch well in hitter friendly ballparks. Like Miami, Fenway is a hitter friendly park. He has a very team friendly contract, only making $3.375 million this season with three years of arbitration afterward.

With the team still in great shape, there are so many avenues the team could take.Time will tell.

Joe Kelly

Joe Kelly Becoming A Key Bullpen Piece

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When the Red Sox acquired Joe Kelly at the 2014 trade deadline they envisioned him becoming a rotation fixture. Four years later Kelly has turned into a key bullpen piece. As a starter he has never been able to pitch deep into games forcing the Sox to move him into the bullpen. In Kelly’s first season as a reliever he recorded a 2.79 ERA. Through eighteen appearances this year Kelly as been even better in a Red Sox Bullpen that has struggled at times.

Moving Joe Kelly Into The Bullpen

Kelly has always been known for his fastball that can top 100 mph . This was a problem for the flamethrower as a starter he was unable to control it. Since being moved into the bullpen his control has improved. In fifty eight innings last year he struck out fifty two batters. He struck out twenty four batters over his last twenty innings and opponents hit .202 against him. Kelly struggled last year in the second half but his .279 ERA was still impressive. For the Red Sox it seems like they have finally been able to salvage something from the John Lackey Trade. In 2018 Kelly is only adding to that narrative.

Joe Kelly

Photo Credit: David Kohl- USA Today Sports

His 2018 Season So Far

This season has been an interesting one for Kelly. He became a fan favorite for what happened in the Yankees first series at Fenway. His work on the mound has been even more impressive than his fighting skills. Kelly has thrown nineteen innings, striking out twenty two batters with an ERA of 2.23. The Red Sox have used him in high leverage situations as he has two saves on the year after having none last year. When Kimbrel was unavailable Kelly was not the reliever called on to close out games. Kelly is becoming one of Manager Alex Cora’s most trusted weapons.

Joe Kelly

Photo Credit: Joe Robbins/ Getty Images

What To Expect

As the season goes on Kelly is expected to be one of the Red Sox most used relievers. Kelly’s opportunities in high leverage situations will be determined by his performance. The right-hander will be a free agent at the end of the year which will keep him highly motivated. The Red Sox had high expectations when they traded for Joe Kelly in 2014. If he can continue his impressive start then it could be a special season for the former starter.