Tag Archives: #BostonCeltics

Jayson Tatum Named 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year Finalist

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Boston Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum was recently named a finalist for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. He joins Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz in what has been one of the most hotly contested races in recent history.

Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum has his team on the cusp of the NBA Finals. In his rookie campaign, Tatum averages 18.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game in the playoffs. This postseason, he joined fellow rookie Donovan Mitchell as the only rookies since Julius Erving in 1972 to string together seven straight 20+ point playoff games. Tatum also became the youngest player in NBA history to score 200 points in the playoffs, surpassing Kobe Bryant in the process. If the award included postseason accolades, Jayson Tatum is a shoe-in for the award.

https://twitter.com/MidRangeBR/status/994409422834294784

Playoff performances aside, Jayson Tatum is considered by many to be the most complete player of the 2017 draft class. He showcases his ability to score at ease from all three levels. Tatum broke the Celtics’ rookie record for three pointers made in a season with 105 and scored 43% of those attempts. He possesses a smooth as butter shot and the ability to play staunch man defense on the other end. Tatum can also knock down step back shots, and finish at the rim at an efficient rate. Tatum averaged 13.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists during the regular season.

Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons is the favorite to win the award, as he dominated the league with stellar performances all season long. Simmons averaged 15.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.2 assists (fifth in NBA) and 1.7 steals per game. With 2017’s first pick Markelle Fultz injured on the sidelines, Simmons opened eyes and dropped jaws with his high basketball IQ, stellar passing ability and court awareness, and the ability to finish efficiently at the rim.

As a 6’10” point guard, Simmons’s versatility helped fuel one of the NBA’s top ranked defenses. He was also one of 16 players to get two steals per 100 team plays, and block at least 2% of shots.

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Simmons averaged 16.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists during the postseason. He led the 76ers past a tough Miami Heat team, where he then clashed with fellow rookie Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics. Philadelphia was eliminated in five games.

Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell is considered by many as the fan favorite for the Rookie of the Year award. After Gordon Hayward’s departure, the Utah Jazz looked for Mitchell to step up and provide much of the offense this season. Consequently, Mitchell responded impressively, producing 20.5 points (top among rookies), 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Mitchell displayed a unique ability to create his own shot, getting separation between him and his defender with ease as he used his first step quickness. He was also a difference-maker as part of the NBA’s second ranked defense. Coming into the league known more as a defensive player, Mitchell certainly has overall exceeded his potential.

Much like Jayson Tatum, Mitchell raised his game when the lights shined the brightest. He led the Utah Jazz into the playoffs, dropping 24.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He led his team into the Conference Semis, where the Jazz were ousted by the Houston Rockets in five games.

Though it is a regular season award, it is a sign of something special. Watching each of the three candidates battle in the playoffs this young into their careers is great for the NBA.

The Rookie of the Year award winner will be announced June 25th on TNT.

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.

Elephant in the Room: Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown

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Elephant in the Room

With the young C’s surging in the 2018 playoffs, there’s no question the amount of productivity that’s come from everyone on the roster. With All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward out for the season, every single player has stepped up. There was even a Jabari Bird (who?) sighting late in the season, who gave the Celtics some key minutes. Still, there’s been this weird debate Boston faithful has brought up with the emergence of both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and that’s “Who would you rather keep?”. This stems from possible trade talks surrounding both Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard, which you’d have to give up one in said scenarios, right? Most likely. Even so, the resounding opinion seems to be keep Tatum, but have we forgotten just how valuable JB is? I’m not here to pick sides, but let’s take a look at some variables to see if this is as clear as most think, or clouded judgment. You be the judge.

Jaylen Brown, Round 1, Pick 3 – 2016/2017

Being his rookie year, JB came into the league as an athletic G-F who had a sweet stroke and a smooth game. Young sure, but poise is what separated him from his rookie class, establishing a quiet, yet fierce, demeanor. Having to ride pine behind Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder, Brown was still able to excite TD Garden for about 17 MPG. However, he could only muster up 6.6 PPG through 78 games and 20 starts. Hardly the Jaylen Brown we know today. Having been offense heavy with ol’ faithful IT4, JB still found a way to contribute nightly, delivering 26 10+ point nights and some flashy play. He fell off a bit in the playoffs, still his promise and intrigue is what kept fans excited and hopeful.

Image result for jaylen brown

Final 2016 Stats:

  • PPG – 6.6
  • MPG – 17.2
  • FG% – 45.5
  • 3P% – 34.
  • RPG – 2.8
  • APG – 0.8
  • BPG – 0.2
  • SPG – 0.4
  • FT% – 68.5
  • TOPG – 0.9

 

 

 

Jayson Tatum, Round 1, Pick 3 – 2017/2018

With the NBA draft lottery over, and the luck of the Irish in place, the first pick in the 2017 NBA draft was awarded to the Boston Celtics. However, trading that pick with the Philadelphia 76ers for the number three pick confused fans. But let’s fast forward to now, where Jayson Taytum dons the old Walter McCarty and is shaking and baking defenders on a nightly basis. Added to the core of Brown, Smart, Horford and Rozier, the Celtics coupled a soon-to-be fan favorite in JT with the bunch. It was tricky to think how he’d fit in, but it left no doubt in C’s fans’ minds that he was something special.

Adding Irving, Hayward, and some other pieces, Boston created a formula of success in young talent. Since the start of the 2017, Tatum came in right away and was a clear choice for the Celtics future. He brought the sexy shooting and slashing prowess, while triggering defensive sparks and led fast breaks with high-flying dunks. No question this guys a pure bred scoring machine, totaling 65 10+ point nights in his rookie year, ten of those being for 20+. Interesting note, he also started 80 games for the C’s as well. Not to be diminished though, Hayward’s season ending injury and Kyrie going in and out of injury and eventually for the season allowed Tatum to excel and advance. That’s not to say he wasn’t a star because believe me, he will be and certainly was for Boston thus far. Here are his stats from season one:

Image result for jayson tatum

 

Final 2017 Stats:

  • PPG – 13.9
  • MPG – 30.5
  • FG% – 47.5
  • 3P% – 43.4
  • RPG – 5.0
  • APG – 1.6
  • BPG – 0.7
  • SPG – 1.0
  • FT% – 82.6
  • TOPG – 1.4

 

The Breakdown

No doubt JT had himself a rookie season, even earning himself some playoff records as a young gun. He is simply a basketball player. He can shoot over you, dribble past you, and dunk over you. Who wouldn’t want a guy like that? BUT, let’s not forget about the other young C, Jaylen Brown. The dude has been equally as stellar, delivering big moment after big moment down the stretch of games. He’s truly been as clutch as any other player in the league, and has turned into a prolific scorer in the interim. He went from 20 starts to 70 (+50), and added 51 10+ point games with 17 20+ point games (seven more than Tatum), and three with 30+. He also was one of the main factors in the first round of the playoffs, and added to his game since last year. Let’s take a quick peek at JB’s 2017 stats compared to JT:

              2016 Stats:                             2017 Stats:                            Tatum 2017 stats:

  • PPG – 6.6                              PPG – 14.5                                 PPG – 13.9
  • MPG – 17.2                             MPG – 30.7                             MPG – 30.5
  • FG% – 45.5                             FG% – 46.5                              FG% – 47.5
  • 3P% – 34.3                                3P% – 39.5                               3P% – 43.4
  • RPG – 2.8                                RPG – 4.9                                RPG – 5.0
  • APG – 0.8                                APG – 1.6                               APG – 1.6
  • BPG – 0.2                                BPG – 0.4                                BPG – 0.7
  • SPG – 0.4                                SPG – 1.0                                 SPG – 1.0
  • FT% – 68.5                              FT% – 64.4                              FT% – 82.6
  • TOPG – 0.9                             TOPG – 1.8                              TOPG – 1.4

Comparably, these two seem almost like the same player. Some stats have a few numbers north or south, but nothing that really stands out. Both are electric and can get the fans behind them in an instant, and both are part of the youth movement in the NBA. Tatum, without a question, will thrive with the ball in his hands. Brown will also, but think of him as a mid-level Dwayne Wade. Without boring details, Brown actually has better stats than Wade did in his second year. But then again, so does Tatum.

Who Do You Love, Are You for Sure?

In 2021, the Celtics will have to deal with the question everyone is wondering: do you keep Jaylen Brown? The answer should be yes. Obviously, Tatum will bud and flourish and will be a household name in all of New England and beyond. But Brown will eventually want more money and longer security. Assumed the same for Tatum, added with Kyrie, Horford and Hayward, Celtics fans will have to break out the paper and pencil to do some math. Boston just wont have enough, and they kind of put all their eggs in the baskets of Kyrie and Hayward. Horford in getting a little seasoned, so he may be out soon. It’s a tough call either way.

Brown certainly deserves more credit than he gets, and Tatum hasn’t gotten the praise he will in the future, but both deserve to be loved by all of Celtics nation. Without either, the Celtics may not be on the verge of dethroning LeBron. Still, don’t snub JB just yet. Not to take anything from the once-in-a-blue-moon rook in Tatum, but Jaylen has doubled in points since last year, made himself more of a scorer and deep threat, AND is work horse on either end of the floor. What more can Brown do for you?

Image result for jaylen brown celebrate

 

Please follow me on Twitter @JaxBrown725 and Instagram @drew_joseph1020

What If the Celtics Landed Kevin Durant?

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Disclaimer: This is 100% speculation. It’s impossible to tell what would actually happen, but I decided to take a really unrealistic jab at it.

After the conclusion of the 2015-2016 NBA season, six-time All-Star and former MVP Kevin Durant became one of the most coveted players to appear in free agency in a long time. A player with such natural superstar talent hadn’t been available like this since Dwight Howard became a free agent in 2013. Teams swarmed Durant and his agent at the beginning of the summer in pursuit to acquire one of the best players in the NBA. The early front-runners were the super team Golden State Warriors, the superstar-starved Boston Celtics, and Durant’s former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

On July 4th, 2016, Kevin Durant announced in The Players’ Tribune that he intended to sign with the Warriors. His decision came down between Boston and Golden State, and he chose to join the team that already possessed championship talent. But what if Durant chose the latter and went to Boston?

Durant Becomes a Celtic

In an alternate universe, Durant chose to don Celtic green rather than staying in the Western Conference. Boston gives Durant his promised max contract deal worth around $26 million, but he only accepts a one year deal with a player option, similar to the one he took with GSW. He joins newly signed Al Horford, who accepted a four-year deal worth $113 million two days earlier, as the highest cap hits on the team. Boston does not exercise Amir Johnson’s contract option to reallocate $12 million in cap for Durant.

2016-2017 Season

The Celtics still had the third pick in the 2016 NBA Draft earlier in the summer and still selected Jaylen Brown, Guerschon Yabusele, Ante Zizic, Demetruis Jackson, and Ben Bentil. All of those draft picks except Brown still play elsewhere for the 2016-2017 season. When it’s all said and done, Boston’s starting five is as follows: Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Kevin Durant, and Al Horford.

Boston easily locks up the first seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with an offense led by IT and Durant. Isaiah Thomas has his Renaissance season, but not to the same degree. Instead of averaging 28.9 points a night, he only drops closer to 20. It’s Durant’s world and the rest of the Celtics are just living in it. Him and Horford become the leaders that Brad Stevens and the Celtics craved for since Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were traded. Durant becomes the offensive workhorse of the Celtics, dropping close to 30 a game like his younger days in OKC.

The Celtics slide by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. Durant exploits his match-up with Otto Porter in the second round against the Wizards instead of Porter lighting up Boston’s defense. Without his production early into the series, the Wizards fall to the Celtics in six games instead of seven.

The Celtics do not get eliminated in five games against the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Because Isaiah Thomas does not exert himself as much in this alternate universe, he does not suffer a season-ending hip injury. Avery Bradley does not become the workhorse of the C’s offense, and 20 year old Jaylen Brown isn’t assigned to guard LeBron. Durant against LeBron becomes one of the best match-ups in the playoffs. The red-hot Cavs are taken to seven games and crack under pressure. The Celtics advance to take on the Warriors in the 2017 NBA Finals.

The Warriors did not land Durant in the off-season, so they kept a similar lineup compared to their 2015-2016 run. They don’t sweep the first three rounds, but they still found themselves easily making the Finals. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are no match for Boston. The Celtics ultimately fall in six to the Warriors. Durant wins regular season MVP but does not earn a ring.

Summer of 2017

Though Durant doesn’t earn a ring, luckily enough for Boston he is willing to stay. He picks up his player option to play another season with the promise of a ring. Free agent Gordon Hayward never teams up with his former coach, Brad Stevens, and stays in Utah. However, the Celtics still have the assets to make the trade for Kyrie Irving still happen. Boston sends off IT, Crowder, Zizic, and picks for Irving. Kelly Olynyk and Jonas Jerebko walk still, but Gerald Green returns on a one year deal. They also still bring in Aron Baynes on a one year deal.

In the 2017 NBA Draft, the Celtics trade down not to third, but to the eighth pick via trade with the Knicks. The Celtics swap the first overall pick and Avery Bradley for Kristaps Porzingis. They then select Dennis Smith Jr. out of NC State instead of the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics have become a super team almost overnight, just to impress Durant.

The new starting five consists of Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Kristaps Prozingis, and Al Horford.

Conclusion

If Durant signed with Boston (and decided to stay), Danny Ainge had an interesting situation in front of him. He could either stay with his “build for the future” route or he could also press the “win now” button. If he wants to win now, Boston would have to lease talent to win a few championships quickly. I went the latter route here, but I also made the assumption that everything worked out perfectly in Boston’s favor.

If I were a NBA GM I’d avoid doing something this drastic. Three years down the road Boston could only afford probably one of those players they acquired. In real life, the Celtics’ current situation is a perfect storm. They acquired All-Star talent in Kyrie and Hayward, and without them this team has shown that they already have the talent to contend in the playoffs. Durant or no Durant, don’t mess with the C’s.

 

Cover image courtesy of SB Nation.

Celtics vs Sixers: The Rivalry Renewed

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photo cred- phillyvoice.com

 

Celtics vs. Sixers: NBA Playoffs Round 2

In every sport there are rivalries that always have fans hooked to the TV. In the NBA, one of those rivalries have come back to life after the 76ers turned themselves, along with the C’s, into one of the better young teams in the NBA. After years of tanking and being the laughing-stock of the league, the Sixers are FINALLY back to being a top-tier team. This renewed rivalry with the Celtics is great for the NBA and its fans.

This will be the 20th playoff match-up between the two teams. The Celtics have gotten the better of these match-ups throughout their rivalry, with a 54-46 record in the postseason. This rivalry goes back to the days of Bill and Wilt, Larry and Dr. J, and now our young guns vs. their young guns. With guys like Simmons, Embiid, Saric, Tatum, Brown, Rozier, and veterans like Horford and Reddick, this series has ALL the makings of an INSTANT CLASSIC. Let’s not forget that the C’s are on this playoff run with All-Star players out of the lineup (Kyrie and Hayward) and with a banged up Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.

NBA FANS GET YOUR DINNER TRAYS READY, TAKE THE FOOD OUT OF THE OVEN AND FIND A SEAT IN THE LIVING ROOM… THIS SERIES IS GOING TO BE INCREDIBLE!

GAME 1 WRAP-UP

photo cred- www.sbnation.com

The Celtics took Game 1 at The Garden 117-101, which saw three Celtics players with 20+ points. Terry Rozier was absolutely on FIRE after continuing his dominant play at home, shooting a CRAZY 7/9 from three point land. Al Horford posted a solid line of 26/7/4, while Tatum contributed 28/3/2. Tatum did not show signs of being a rookie at all (as mentioned by C’s great Kevin McHale). There were contributions all around in this game both on offense and defense, and the Celtics bench outplayed the Sixers bench. Overall, we basically ran them out of the gym all while missing TWO SUPERSTARS!

Game 1 was neck and neck for a while, with the Celtics losing some double-digit leads but ultimately got it together. Trust me, I have my doubts with this series because of the talent the Sixers have compared to the injuries Boston has. But after last night I am convinced we can STEAL this series. However, it’s going to take ONE thing: WINNING ON THE ROAD, which the Celtics have failed to do so far in this postseason.

Predictions & X-Factors

Celtics fans have to be happy with getting an early jump on this young, athletic, and talented Sixers team. Although we are missing key players due to injuries, I believe we match-up better in this series with their starting five and bench than we did last series having to deal with Giannis and Middleton.

The X-factors in this series are multiple guys who will need to help this team win. In my opinion, the Celtics need Rozier, Horford, Smart, Tatum, and Brown to continue playing well at home and on the road. The bench production will be hot and cold for both teams. But, ultimately it will come down to how the starters play both at home and on the road. Plus they need to make sure the defense contains Ben Simmons and J.J. Reddick because let’s face it, Joel Embiid is going to do WORK!

I love the way this team is playing now with young guys firing on all cylinders. There is one guy I think that should get more playing time against Embiid, and that’s Greg Monroe. Monroe hasn’t played since early in the Bucks series. I think he can be a huge compliment to Baynes and Horford when it comes to an inside presence. However, like the old saying goes, “If it aint broke, don’t fix it”. Another X-factor for me will be the atmosphere inside the Garden, which was electric last night. The fans always seem to pump this team up, and last night they hit Ben Simmons with a “Not A Rookie” chant, which was an absolute classic!

Series Prediction

My prediction for this series is the Celtics FINALLY get a road win and they take the series in 6 games, moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals where they will meet LeBron James and the streaky Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes, I get it, the Cavs aren’t what they use to be, but they still have LBJ and Kevin Love mixed with championship experience that I think will get them by the Toronto Raptors.

Judging by the picture below of the Sixers bench completely leaving the court with 10.5 seconds still remaining. It seems that Scary Terry did his job and had them retreating to the locker room in FEAR.

LETS GO CELTICSSSS!!!!

Brad Stevens: Coach of the Year

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BRAD STEVENS – NBA COACH OF THE YEAR

Credit: Simon Cooper – PA Images

In this day and age in the NBA, there are not many “great” coaches left in this league. Coaches in today’s NBA come and go as often as the season change, but there are just a handful that stay planted with an organization or that can be considered great. Brad Stevens of your Boston Celtics has become one of those coaches.

Let’s take a look at some reason why Coach Stevens is more than deserving of NBA Coach of the Year:

Making The Case

Since Brad Stevens has taken over this team, all they have done is WIN and PRODUCE. Players within the organization and around the league love this guy’s system and have shown an interest in playing for him (Kyrie Irving). No matter who the player is, where they came from, or how many minutes they play, Coach Stevens always seem to get full effort and production from his guys on any given night and not many coaches can accomplish that.

Whether Coach Stevens is switching lineups/rotations due to injuries or match-ups, the team can contend on a nightly basis. Take a look at last year, when we had guys like Kelly Olynyk and Jonas Jerebko on the floor in big games. Maybe it was lingering injuries to guys like IT4 or Avery Bradley. It didn’t matter, because Coach Stevens got these guys to push through and battle in every single game. Even the roster Coach Stevens has dealt with hasn’t had too many superstars, but rather role players who were successful in his system and lead us on deep playoff runs.

Then there is this season, which has been a disaster for Brad and the organization as a whole. First it was prized free agent signing and former Butler alum Gordon Hayward going down with a gruesome ankle injury vs. LeBron and the Cavs that made everyone spit their dinner out. Then, throughout the entirety of the season they lost Marcus Smart, Daniel Theis, and KYRIE IRVING. Kyrie’s done for the regular season AND playoffs.

CELTICS ARE COOKED RIGHT?! THINK AGAIN

With young guys like Rozier, Tatum, and Jaylen Brown playing like seasoned vets, the Celtics are still poised to make a run in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Also, let’s not forget how incredible Marcus Morris has been for us. Not many people in Celtics Nation were supportive of this move, but man did I LOVE IT. Bully Morris has been a blessing in disguise, and whether he starts or comes in off the bench, this man GETS BUCKETS! In Steven’s system, Morris has turned into a scorer whenever he is called upon, and even hit a HUGE game winning three at the buzzer with the C’s completely undermanned. This again has to do with how Brad uses his guys and trusts their ability to help the team win.

Let’s take a look at the small sample Brad Stevens has provided with us already:

photo cred.- https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/stevebr99c.html

Stevens has compiled a record of 220 wins and 187 losses with a win percentage of .541% . Not a bad start for a guy who just turned 41. Stevens gets high praise from almost every player in the league, and coaching legends like Greg Popovich.

 

Closing Argument:

Bottom line, Brad Stevens gets it. Since coming into the league, Brad has been a student of the game, while making the jump from Butler to the C’s. Now, Brad has become the ULTIMATE teacher. With all the injuries this team has they are still a top five team in the NBA. Look out for Brad; his guys are completely fired up and ready for a playoff run. Even without Kyrie and Gordon, this team is going to surprise you. I cant wait to see what the future holds as a Celtics fan!

 

Prediction – Brad wins coach of the year

 

FINALLY…. LETS GO CELTICS ! #BleedGreen

Can the Celtics Catch the Raptors for the One Seed?

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The Raptors seemed to have the one seed in the Eastern Conference locked up, but a recent run by the Celtics has cut the lead to three games. With eight games left in the season, the Celtics need to make a run to lock up the top seed. Here’s how they can do it and how it would benefit them:

How Can They Get It?

The Raptors have a challenging schedule for the remainder of the season. They play the Nuggets, Cavaliers, Pistons, Heat, and most importantly, the Celtics twice. Five of the seven teams the Raptors play are playoff teams, so they could go below .500 the rest of the season. The Celtics have an easier schedule, as they play the Jazz, Wizards, and Raptors twice. It would be very unlikely if the Celtics got the one seed without going 2-0 against Toronto due to the three-game deficit. The Celtics could go on a twelve game winning streak to end the season, as long as they don’t slip up against inferior opponents.

How Helpful Would It Be?

The Celtics are banged up and they need the worst possible team they can face to get by. As of now, the Heat are the eighth seed, which is actually a bad thing because the Heat give the Celtics trouble. The Bucks would be the better match-up for the Celtics, because Al Horford does a fairly good job guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo. Assuming they get there, the one seed in the second round would be the most beneficial for the Celtics. As of now, they would play LeBron James and the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers have struggled this season, but LeBron James is basically impossible to beat in the playoffs. The one seed would allow the Celtics to match up with the 76ers or Pacers, which is easier. The one seed would help in the Conference Finals because a potential match-up with the Raptors would be at home.

 

Cover image courtesy of USA Today.

Irving

Irving Poised to Lead the Celtics

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First Half

In Kyrie Irving’s last nine games, the superstar point guard has averaged twenty-five points a game. This has been a crucial stretch for the Celtics, as before the All-Star Break they looked lost. Since the break the Celtics are 4-0 and look like a different team. Irving, to no surprise, has stepped up his game. One of the reasons why Irving wanted out of Cleveland was to lead his own team. Ever since the Celtics acquired him he has become the face of the franchise. With the injury to fellow star Gordon Hayward in the first game of the season he’s had to be even better. The Celtics are in the stretch run of the season and Irving has raised his game further.

Irving

Photo Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Irving Since the Break

Before the All-Star break Kyrie was having another very good season. His averages were similar to his days in Cleveland. Since the break his scoring has increased, and he’s taking over games with more ease. He is playing at an MVP caliber when the Celtics need it the most. Earlier in the season he was explosive, but not the game changer he’s been over the last four games. In four games since the break he’s scored less than twenty-five points in a game once. He is shooting 54 percent from the field and fifty percent from three-point range. He is also shooting 91 percent on free throws.

Irving

Photo Credit: Boston Globe

Why This Comes as No Surprise

For many these numbers come as no surprise. He is one of the best players in the league because of his scoring ability. The question entering this season was could Kyrie lead a team without LeBron. If any stretch of games will answer the question, it’s the games the Celtics have remaining and the playoffs. So far, he has proven he is up to the task. Kyrie wanted to build his own legacy and he’s heating up at the perfect time.

Irving

Photo Credit: Mitchell Leff/ Getty Images

Can He Keep It Up?

The Celtics have nineteen games left in the regular season. They are a very young team and will be leaning on the veterans such as Horford and Kyrie. As fatigue set’s in for the young Celtics such as Brown and Tatum, Kyrie will need to be at his best. That will be no easy task, but this is what Kyrie wanted. Kyrie wanted a legacy of his own and he’s in the perfect situation.

Can the Celtics regain their form?

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The All-Star break could not have come at a better time for Boston. Going into it, the team were on a three-game losing streak and had won just five of the previous ten, giving up over 120 points twice in consecutive games. Of all the teams in the top eight in the East, only the Heat were in poorer form, so the days off were an opportunity for coach Stevens to resolve their problems and gear up for the season’s finishing stretch.

Now that the business end of the season is upon us, the team need to pick up the pace. Celtics fans who study the schedule will know that the team is running out of games to get back into form ahead of the playoffs, and though sports bettors who like to wager a bet on Stakers.com will find the Celtics toward the top of the betting markets for the Eastern Conference, those who watched the team going into the break know that there is some work to do.

The recent slump in the Celtics’ fortunes was in sharp contrast to the way that they started the season. A 16-game winning streak that included victories over San Antonio, Golden State, and Miami took them to the top of the Conference, and with Cleveland struggling, there was a great opportunity to dominate the East. However, it didn’t quite happen. They had a shaky patch in December and then seemed to hit a wall in the middle of January, losing nine out of 15 and slipping to second in the standings behind Toronto.

What went wrong? Well, for a start, Marcus Smart punched a picture frame in his hotel room. Fortunately, the glass embedded in his hand didn’t hit a tendon, but Smart was out for three weeks and the defense suffered. The Celtics gave up 121 points to Cleveland and 129 to the Clippers, and suddenly opponents were finding it too easy in the paint. As they scrambled to correct the problem, the defensive foul count began to creep up, which also cost them.

The other main problem was more complicated and trickier to resolve. During their bad run, Boston’s bench players didn’t step up enough, leading to an inconsistent run of results. Too many times they threw in unforced errors or didn’t bring the required level of intensity to the court. To an extent, this was not their fault. Earlier in the season, while the likes of Kyrie Irving and Marcus Morris were absent, the likes of Abdel Nader and Semi Ojeleye enjoyed plenty of game time, but the return of the big guns meant that they’ve been required to spend more time on the bench and that has made it harder for them to maintain form and confidence.

The final problem that underlay the Celtics’ bad run was a tendency to rely too heavily on Irving. The team’s main source of points, he regularly puts his body on the line for the Celtics, but in his absence, they were dramatically poorer at both creating and scoring. Clearly, he needs front-line support, which helps to explain the Celtics’ apparent interest in Tyreke Evans ahead of the trade deadline earlier this month, and is almost certainly something that Danny Ainge will be aiming to address in the offseason.

Can the Celtics regain their form? The early signs are encouraging. With Smart back in the team, Boston kept things tighter to beat Detroit, and followed that up with a win at the Knicks to leave them just half a game back behind Toronto and with a 6.5 game lead over a revamped Cleveland side pushing hard to return to the top in the East.

While the tendency to rely too heavily on Irving could ultimately cost them against the likes of Cleveland and the Warriors, the Celtics will feel confident of beating anyone else they come up against and have every chance of overhauling the Raptors to head into the first round of the playoffs on top of the Conference, for the second time since 2008.

There are some vital games coming up, particularly the early run of fixtures in March. The Celtics will take on the West’s leading side, Houston, and the playoff-bound Timberwolves, followed by two of their closest pursuers, Washington and Indiana, and the month ends with the first of two crucial games against the Raptors, which could determine who tops the Conference. However, with Smart back in the team and momentum returning, the Celtics look in good shape to correct their January slump and head into the playoffs at the top of their form.

Al

Al Horford- Underappreciated Big Man

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How Al Horford Came to Boston

The Celtics signed Al Horford to four-year max deal prior to the 2016-2017 season. Since then Horford has been everything the Celtics were expecting. So far in his Celtics career he has averaged 13.7 points a game, while improving his three-point shooting. Horford hasn’t been the best player on the planet, but that’s not what the Celtics pictured. This year he made his first All-Star game as a Celtic, but many have said he is overrated. Al deserves an All-Star nod and has been crucial to the Celtics’ success the last two seasons. There are many reasons why Horford has had such a big impact.

Al

Photo Credit: Kim Klement- USA Today  Sports

Horford’s Signing Was Huge for Celtics

Before Horford signed with the Celtics there was a notion that big names wouldn’t sign in Boston. In the summer of 2016 the Celtics were attempting to land both Horford and Kevin Durant in free agency. Durant chose Golden State and many people saw Horford as a good signing, but not the superstar Celtics fans had been expecting. Horford has been better than many people give him credit for. His singing was in many ways signaled that the Celtics were back to being contenders.

Al

Photo Credit: Dan Zanine- USA Today Sports

Horford’s Performance

Horford creates problems for defenses because of his shooting ability. Since joining the Celtics, he has shot 39 percent from three-point range. That’s five percent better than when he was in Atlanta. He is averaging five assists a game with the Celtics, a huge increase from his 2.7 average in Atlanta. Horford has also been elevating the play of Boston’s young stars Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier, as well as Kyrie Irving. He is very good at setting picks and maintaining contact as long as possible. This allows his teammates to get open shots or drive to the basket of his screens. The Celtics are a very young team making Horford’s consistency even more important.

Al

Photo Credit: Christopher Evans/ Boston Herald

Expectations for Remainder of the Season

Horford is not going to put up numbers like Kyrie. He isn’t that type of scorer and the Celtics don’t need him to be. Horford has been extremely effective because he affects the game on defense and offense. Al may not have godly stats but Horford is a big reason for the Celtics Success over the past two seasons.