All the signs say "GO" for Celtics approaching the New Year

After defeating the Charlotte Hornets 119-93 last night, The Boston Celtics have the third-best record (20-7, .741) in the NBA behind only the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. They have won three games in a row, and may see a completely-healthy roster very soon. All the signs say "GO" for this Boston squad.

Where would Celtics be without Kemba Walker?

Was Kemba the right choice to replace Kyrie Irving, or what?!?! In last night's win, he poured in 23 points on 50% from the field and 46% on 3-pointers. For the season, he averages 22.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG and 5.4 APG. He is a tough cover for most opponents, and he opens up opportunities for his teammates. And the guy never stops smiling. What's not to like?

Both Jay Team members emerging at the same time!

Jayson Tatum's teammates went to his hot hand against the Hornets, and he emerged with a team-high 39 points and 12 rebounds. He and his running mate, Jaylen Brown, combined for 55 of Boston's points, in addition to 21 boards and seven assists. Therein lies the main difference from last season. The Jay Team has emerged as a rebounding-and-facilitating unit. They are hitting the boards and finding teammates at opportune times. Their surge has been a delight to watch.

This pass was beautiful pic.twitter.com/AHy4z86VvX
— Adam Taylor (@AdamTaylorNBA) December 23, 2019

Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart may be back in action soon

The initial reaction to Gordon Hayward's sore left foot was one of alarm. Our thoughts were, what if the left ankle surgery didn't work. Danny Ainge has assured us that the soreness is in no way related to Hayward's ankle injury from 2017. That is good news. Marcus Smart's double-eye infection turned out to be worse than originally thought, but he is expected back in the near future.

Grant Williams is earning a spot in the core rotation

Forget the 25-missed-treys-in-a-row from the start of the season. Brad Stevens has had confidence in Grant Williams from the beginning, and now the rookie forward is making his mark. In 22 minutes of action last night, he scored 12 points on 5-of-6 from the field and 1-of-2 from 3-point-land. He also grabbed 4 rebounds, passed off for two assists, and had one steal and one block. G-Will doesn't play like a rookie, and expect more from him entering the New Year.

The rookie crop looks very promising

We finally got to see 23 minutes of Romeo Langford last night. He scored eight points on 3-of-6 shooting (2-of-3 on treys), while taking down four rebounds. Carsen Edwards and Tremont Waters have formed a dynamic back-court duo for the G League Maine Red Claws, and I see both having a solid future in the NBA. Tacko Fall NEEDS be an NBA player for years. To say he is beloved everywhere he goes is to understate the issue. If he can continue to hone his skills, he could be virtually unstoppable.

Danny Ainge has laid the groundwork - all that is needed is some good fortune

The present and future both look bright for the Guys in Green. But could we find a bit of good luck this season. With a healthy core and solid bench, this team can go all the way. All they need is some good luck.

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The Elm Street Nightmare

A true-and-suspenseful horror tale of haunting, homicides and the hunt for triple-murderer, Daniel Laplante - as told by the cops that were there By Lt. Thomas Lane (Ret.) Daniel Laplante - cold, calm, clever, calculating- Photo: YouTube Elm Street surfaces on six (6) occasions in the Laplante saga: 1.) He resided on Elm Street in Townsend, Massachusetts 2.) He kidnapped a woman at gunpoint on Elm Street, Pepperell , Massachusetts 3.) That kidnapped woman fled to the Gillogly residence on Elm Street after escaping from the armed fugitive, Laplante. 4.) He was arrested and transported to Massachusetts State Police Barracks on Elm Street in Concord . 5.) He was tried, convicted and sentenced for the murders at Superior Court , corner of Elm Stree t and Gorham Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. 6.) The author, Thomas Lane, lived on Elm Steet, Pepperell, Massachusetts while a police Sgt./Lt. for the town police force. When evil and cleverness reside in the same mind, the st

Did the Celtics Kevin McHale really have a wingspan of 8-feet?

According to many sources, the Celtics Kevin McHale did indeed have an estimated wingspan of 8-feet. One of those sources is Wikipedia, as seen below: Kevin McHale American basketball player DescriptionKevin Edward McHale is an American retired basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Boston Celtics. He is a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, and is regarded as one of the best power forwards of all time. He was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. Wikipedia Born: December 19, 1957 (age 61 years), Hibbing, MN Wingspan: 8′ 0″ Height: 6′ 10″ Spouse: Lynn McHale (m. 1982) NBA draft: 1980, Boston Celtics (Round: 1 / Pick: 3) Hall of fame induction: 1999 Number: 32 (Boston Celtics / Power forward, Center) Kevin was listed at 6'10" tall when he was drafted with the 3rd pick in the 1980 draft. Red Auerbach, in yet another heist, brought in both McHale and center Robert Parish (via trade) prior to the Celtics' 1980-81 Champion

In defense of Marcus Smart

Let me make it clear first of all that I am totally against making a threat of any kind that even hints at harming, or certainly killing, another human being. Marcus Smart was wrong in doing so in the Celtics loss to the tanking Oklahoma City Thunder , and he deserved the one-game suspension. But to be honest, part of me loved that it occurred. . This type of thing can happen when a player gets to a point "beyond frustration" and is having a bad game. Marcus and his teammates have been under-performing generally - were in the process of losing to a pathetic-and-tanking Thunder team - and Smart was having a bad game . And he let loose verbally at the closest target - an NBA official. Wilt Chamberlain did a similar act versus referee, Earl Strom when Wilt was having his usual tortuous time at the free throw line (per Chicago Tribune's Sam Smith): ''He was in one of those 1-for-13s,'' recalls referee Earl Strom. ''Nothing was getting close. S

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