Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

     Cs are off to a good start early, but last time the played Philly we blew a big lead. This NBA Cup court is gross. I love the Cs posting JB up against Maxey. Time to make him work on defense. JB for three! JB scores again and he's playing very well tonight. PP is looking really good so far tonight. Nice to see him find his groove early on. Cs came to play tonight and I've got a decent feeling about it. Cs are not messing around  as the lead is up to nine. Queta with the block of the year and Hugo nails the three! Cs with a solid lead after the first. I like what I saw on both ends of the floor.       Cs start the second quarter with a decent lead. The key is building on it and keeping it steady. Simons with a nice bucket off the glass. This kid is quick and can get anywhere on the floor ge wants to. Simons with a three just as the shot clock went off. That was a sweet move and shot, it was electric! Nice to see DWhite finding his shot as well...

 It is no surprise that the Boston Celtics have exercised their club option on Baylor Sheierman's contract . He will be kept on the roster for next season for a mere $2.7 million . Scheierman is currently the 12th man in minutes for Boston this season, averaging only 8.5 minutes per game . He is a known shooter, but even his per-36-minutes stats only show 3.2 points per contest . The same enlarged stats do show a penchant for board work at 12.7 rebounds per 36 minutes . But Baylor's 4th season with the Celtics presents a different picture. Brad Stevens also holds a club option for 2027-28 on the 6'6" shooting guard for the sum of close to $5.0 million . So, unless Scheierman improves his production prior to that, Boston may choose to move on from him. Thus, Stevens and Joe Mazzulla need to monitor Baylor's fit with the team. He may either be a late bloomer (a la Chauncey Billups) or a bust as an NBA-level player. This season and next will determine his futur...

 Yes! Why not Josh Minott as the fifth Boston Celtics starter. He was in the starting unit last night in Boston's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, and his energy is infectious . In 33 minutes , the 6'8" forward came away with 11 points (4-of-9 FG, 2-of-6 on 3-pointers), 15 boards (5 offensive), two assists, three steals, one block. Minott played an important role in the 20-point margin over the Cavs. For the season, Josh leads his team with 1.8 steals per game - is second in field goal percentage at 58.3% - and is also second in rebounding at 6.5 RPG . He attacks the basket on offense and annoys the Hell out of opponents on defense . And he can't be left alone beyond the 3-point line, although his season average for the long ball is .333 and can be improved. So, why not Minott, Joe Mazzulla, in the starting unit for many of the upcoming games. He started the last two games for The Green - both wins for Boston . Is that a fluke? Joe Mazzulla needs to find out. T...

      Celtics are welcoming the Cavs and their big front line to the TD Garden. Question is can the Cs present some matchup problems for them. Possibly by going smaller and running off of rebounds? If they push the pace they may have a good shot of pulling off the upset. One thing is for sure we need Derrick White to be at his best. His shot hasn't been where it should be lately. I'm looking forward to what Josh Minott can give us tonight. He gives 110 percent on every play.       Cs must be locked in defensively tonight, especially on the perimeter. They can't allow the Cavs shooters to get going. Personally I don't like the Cavs and wasn't surprised when the Pacers beat them last season in the playoffs. To be totally honest I've never ever liked the Cavs. Especially those 90s teams who used to give the Cs fits. I loved watching Michael Jordan hit "the shot" vs them. I never yelled so loud in my life to that point. Honestly I don't see anyone in t...

      We tip off tonight in New Orleans. It's an early lead for our Celtics but will it last? JB looks good right now, as he elevates and hits the jumper. Cs are currently leading in the rebound department. Which has been their Achilles heal all season. Cs are in the bonus early on tonight, which is a sign that we are being aggressive tonight. Pelicans have made a run and the lead is down to seven. Holding leads has been an issue all season. Pelicans are picking it up on both ends as the Cs begin to crumble. Cs must weather this storm if they want a shot at their first victory. My keys to victory will be the rebounding and defense tonight. Simons nails a three and he needs to do more of this.       We enter the second up by eight, can we build on it? DWhite hasn't been himself lately from deep. We need him to pick it up if we want a chance at winning tonight. Queta is doing a pretty damn good job on the boards tonight. We have a timeout as the lead has...

 In the Boston Celtics loss to the Pistons last night, The Green were outrebounded 55-38 . Boston also gave away 19 offensive boards, while the Celtics only managed 12. The previous version of the Celtics (2024-25) averaged 45.3 RPG, but that crew included Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet.  It is ironic that 6'1" Payton Pritchard was high man off the glass with 10 boards to his credit last night. Was that a fluke? Nope. Pritchard is in second place this season with 6.9 rebounds per contest. Only center, Neemias Queta has averaged more. It appears Joe Mazzulla has a few avenues to choose to correct this malady. He could go with a bigger lineup, but the choices for big men is slim indeed . A trade for a board-eating center is another possibility.  Mazzulla can also prod his guys into hitting the glass with more authority and consistency. Pritchard may be the hardest worker out on the court for Boston, but when your s hortest player lead...

      I missed Friday nights game traveling to a wedding down at the Cape and unfortunately the good guys lost. Today we take on the Detroit Pistons. Today's game should be a good one but it's gonna be a dog fight. I still love this team but we are swimming up water right now. We need to remember how to win and finish games. This Pistons team is young and on the rise.       We stand here in the third as the Celtics trail by six. The net has finally been done and we are ready for action. Cs came out at the start looking good but lost that lead by half. Do I think the Cs can come back... I do but... if they lose it wouldn't be a surprise. JB finds himself at the line and only hits one of two free throws. Anyone else watching these games and wondering if guys are connected to the arrests of Chauncey, Terry, and Damon. JB with the three from deep but defensively we are lacking. The defense needs to step up or we will be losing a ton of games this season....

 It is obvious that Celtics coach, Joe Mazzulla , sees Neemias Queta as (potentially) having a high ceiling . Post game, following Boston's loss to the 76ers, Mazzulla said the standard is high for the 7-foot center , and he needs to keep getting better and better . Queta started the game - played 25 minutes - and came away with 17 points on 7-of-8 from the field, and eight rebounds . His teammates are looking for him now on offense, and at very least, he can be a double-double machine as his game progresses. Neemias Queta in the Celtics season opener: 17 PTS 8 REB 7/8 FG 3/4 FT Queta could get a lot of playing time this year pic.twitter.com/uC43PypniB — Ensign Hoops (@EnsignHoops) October 23, 2025 As Queta's game smarts increase, so will his production. He has the tools - height, strength, athleticism, determination. He has no 3-point game , but neither did Bill Russell or Robert Williams. But Neemie aquiring a mid-range game initially - and becoming somewhat of a threa...

 During an awful time in our society's history - in which half-the-population loudly decries any type of law enforcement - let me state strongly that the world needs more cops like my late partner, and friend, Ken Beers. Officer Ken Beers (ret.) Ken and I started in law enforcement as auxilliary officers of the Pepperell (MA) Police Department. We received no pay for that, but were paid a whopping $2.50 per hour when appointed as Special Police Officers. The pay got better as we attained full-time status. Ken wasn't in it for the money. He loved being a cop, and so many in the small town loved and respected this fine individual. He practiced "Community Policing" before it had a name. And Ken was always there for me - assisting me on calls - calming a situation before it escalated - and on one fateful day , preventing me from being shot by a triple murderer on the run from the law. Despite my Chief not favoring 2-man cruisers, Ken chose to ride with me during...

        Tonight is the night, game one for our beloved Boston Celtics. We have some core pieces here but there are some who have moved on. I'm going to miss Al, Luke, Jrue, and Kristaps. They were all part of Banner 18 and I'll never forget them. Yet we do welcome some brand new pieces to our chess board and I believe they will have a positive impact this season. Not sure what direction I'm going to take this season in my writing but I plan on being my authentic self.        🏀 First quarter 🍀      Here we go! The Celtics starting lineup consists of JB, DWhite, Sam, Payton, and The Pride of Portugal. We really need this group to come out firing! Defensively we have to see what Queta can do vs the big baby Embid. Queta scores on the Celtics first possession of the season. Excellent pass from DWhite leading Queta to the basket. Cs are making an effort to get to the paint. DWhite seems to be locked in on all fronts.    ...

 The exhibition season has ended for the Boston Celtics and Derrick White is the Celtics unofficial MVP for the 4-game series . As always, White was everywhere in the three games in which he played. Here are some pre-season stats for the 6'4: combo guard: 26.9 MPG (team high) 21.7 PPG (team high) 7.0 APG (team high) 3.0 BPG (team high) 6.3 RPG (2nd to Queta's team-high 7.0 RPG) Derrick has been virtually irreplaceable for Boston since he came to the Celtics, and his value to the team has resen since the roster has been ravaged by injury, trades and general cost-cutting . Making the All-Star team this season is highly likely because of what he brings to the court and his expanded value to The Green. Kudos to Brad Stevens for having the vision to trade for this guy when he becamre available. White won't turn 32 years old until summere, and he continues to improve his game every season.

      Tonight is the final tune up before we open up with the Philadelphia 76ers. We have the double big line up of Queta and Boucher. I like it! Queta sets a perfect screen and DWhite nails the three. I have visions of future All Star Derrick White coming off screens and swishing threes. Every night Celtics fans book it! I really can't believe how thin Boucher is. JB is playing elite D and picks the Raptors players pocket. Expect JB to make the All defensive team in my humble opinion. JB showing off right now using his footwork and nailing the three!       Expect a huge leap from Queta this season. So far tonight he has a steal and a few buckets in the post. We all know the young man can rebound rather well and block shots regularly. C DWhite with a heck of a sequence just now with the corner three and drawing the charge. Cs bring in Simons, Garza and Minott. Garza is built like a lean linebacker. I like the nice little shot he just put in. Hugo enter...

 My wife, Linda, and I have walked the logging roads of Northern New Hampshire and Western Maine for many decades, but things have changed . Almost totally gone are the loud eruptions of partridge (ruffed grouse) as they took flight - and the startling crashing of moose bounding away - or in one case - coming right at us. Moose in our driveway Estimates by wildlife authorities show the populations of both moose and partridge have roughly been cut in half from their peak years.    The major reason for decline in the moose population has been cited as the proliferation of winter ticks which feed on the blood of the hooved creatures. Hundreds, or even thousands, of ticks often feed off one animal. Young moose are most vulnerable. Partridge that flew onto our porch - released unharmed The decline in ruffed grouse is generally attributed to a loss of habitat . Weather, particularly wet springs , also plays a role - while predation by coyotes is certainly suspect. Our fre...

Watching the Celtics blow out the Cavaliers last night, I grew frustrated at the defensive rebounds that Boston players could not corral . Apparently, my eyes and mind-set betrayed me since the stats this morning showed Boston took down 39 defensive boards to only 22 by Cleveland. But The Green lost the offensive rebounding contest , pulling down only 12 to the Cavaliers 22.  Joe Mazzulla fully understands that his present crew is both undersized and underexperienced . Rebounding and defense are mostly intensity and hard work. And Joe is stressing that point to his troops . His message to his players is - "Work hard out there, be intense, don't give up offensive boards to the opposition, stay with your man on defense - or you will be taken out of the game." The first few months of this season will determine if the Celtics maintain a "win every game" mentality or go for a lottery pick. And Jayson Tatum's potential return towards the end of the ...

  Remember Larry Siegfried? He was a star on the Ohio State team with John Havlicek - played in the ABA, until it folded - and then was brought on board by the Celtics Red Auerbach at the suggestion of Havlicek. "Siggy" became an important fixture with Boston, winning five Title rings with the Celtics. Now comes Chris Boucher to Beantown, formerly a team mate of Payton Pritchard at Oregon. Boucher was in the starting lineup (with his buddy, Payton) in Boston's exhibition win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. In less than 11 minutes, he hit 2-of-3 on his 3-point attempts - took down two rebounds - and made one steal. At 6'9" and 200 pounds , he may struggle against larger opponents at the center spot, but time at the PF slot would be another option. I doubt he will have the same impact that Larry had in his time in Boston, but the 32-year-old Boucher may be a keeper for a coach (Joe Mazzulla) that adores tough defense - and the ability to stretch the floor on...

      Stat time! Our Boston Celtics took on the Cavs last night. We had several players in double figures. Hauser, White, Pritchard, Simon's and Minott. Given this season and the the roster shake up expect to see multiple scorers in double figures. I personally would pencil in JB, DWhite, and Pritch to be regulars in this department. Heck I may even throw in Hauser, Simons and Boucher. It's all hands on deck this season so why not! What we need to see is Queta and X take that next step given they are part of our rotation of bigs w new addition Luka Garza.       I'm kinda excited to see what Joe is able to get out of this roster. So far in these three games we are seeing a Coach who wants his team to rebound. If you aren't rebounding you will find yourself subbed out and on the bench! Which I freaking love! The more rebounds we can secure the better opportunities we have at pushing the pace. I feel defensively we have a group of guys willing to get nast...

     Stats wise last night we saw balanced scoring from a few guys. Boucher, Pritchard, Garza, Minott, and Simon's each were over ten plus points. I liked what I saw from Boucher yet again. The kid has length and a decent offensive game. Garza is a guy who will get a lot of guys good looks off the screen. Minott is a guy who brings a lot of energy and hidden talent to the team. We all know Simon's can score plenty and I'd really like to see him come off the bench. He can be an automatic bucket off the bench. PP or Pritch was solid and I expect a huge year out of him.       I love the fact the Joe is stressing everyone needs to rebound. If you want to be a team that plays at a fast pace you need to grab the boards and go. Hugo needs work but I actually feel he's gonna be a nice piece on this team. I'd love for Baylor to be the next Payton Pritchard. A guy off the bench you need to fear and expect to see the best out of. As much as I feel this season cou...

      While only playing in the first half JB managed to score 21 points. This season he's going to probably put up a career average in points per game since JT is injured. What we need him to do is take a step forward and be a facilitator as well. We all know he can rebound and play some epic D. I think with him at the helm we may see a tough brand of basketball. In regards to stats DWhite was his all around self scoring 16 and adding 3 rebounds and 10 assists. Newcomer Chris Boucher added 11 and 4. I like what be brings to the team. Baylor had 13 and another newbie Garza had 10. In regards to new players I want to see where Simon's fits in.       What I saw last night are guys who will bang and give effort. Hugo showed me he has heart and if he plays like that Celtics fans will love him. I really feel that there is some ability on this team to be competitive. Expect a guy like Queta to take that next step as well as X. Both will need to be in the pos...

 I wrote my critique of Kitty's Restaurant  last December because I felt my family's 80-year, 6-generation tradition was at an end. Apparently, I was wrong. From my grandparents to our great grandson , our visits to this North Reading (Massachusetts) restaurant was always a pleasure - until my wife, Linda, and I ate there a year ago . During that visit, the service was slow and awkward, the cost of drinks had risen - and the food was almost inedible. For the first time, we threw away the leftovers. But we talked to some folks who had been there recently, and their views indicated the place was what it had always been . The word was that the food was as good and plentiful as I remembered.. As a reaction to the good news, Linda and I went back to Kitty's last month . We were heading to a wedding ceremony later in the day, so we sat at the bar and only ordered drinks and an appetizer. And I watched carefully at the speed of service to the other patrons and the food they had o...

 Boston Celtics fans are hearing and reading that the present Celtics team is looking to pick up the pace. But the 96-97 Celtics crew led the League in pace and had the worst season (recordwise) in their history . For that horrendous season, the M L Carr-coached Boston team finshed the regular season with 15 wins and 67 losses . Antoine Walker was the star, but he was only a rookie. And The Green were still trying to recover from the deaths of Len Bias and Reggie Lewis . Rick Pitino had not arrived on the scene yet. Hindsight reveals his presence in Boston would not have made a positive difference in the season's outcome. The 96-97 crew had 11 players averaging 20-or-more minutes per game, and as stated, their pace led the NBA. It appears that Boston sports fans can expect high  minutes from the Celtics core this season - and significant floor time from a number of the newcomers .  NBA.com has the Boston Celtics ranked 12th in the East in their Power Rankings , b...

 Call it evolving- or call it adapting - but  remaining active and viable past the age of eighty requires a boatload of changes.  "You can't tweak your little finger without your brain initiating the action." -- Tom Lane Everything starts with your brain . Having passed the 80-mark almost two years ago, I spend a good amount of time pondering  how I will fill the next day. This is as basic as it gets . Spending eight decades on this earth creates a lot of habits - both good and bad.  Lethargy wants to take you out of the action, and it needs to be fought.  A lazy lifestyle is a killer and will take you out sooner than later. "Lack of curiosity in older folks separates them from the younger set." -- Tom Lane I learn more from my mistakes and those of others than I do from success.   Daily movement  is critical.  Mental stimulation  is vital. Living in the past on previous glories and not getting out of your comfort zone creates a downward...

 At least to me, the Boston Celtics have the only true dynasty in the NBA's history . They won 11 Titles from 1957 to 1969 , and not incredibly, Bill Russell owns all of those rings. Thinga have changed in the League. No team has even won back-to-back Championships since the Golden State Warriors did it in 2017 and 2018 . And the last six Titles have been won by different teams every season.  Sports Dynasty (definition): A team or individual that dominates their sport or league for an extended length of time. Sure, the Lakers, Warriors and Bulls had their runs as imitators of the Celtics, but none of them had the 8-in-a-row Titles (1959-1966) that Russell and his team had. But that is all in the rear view mirror now. A repeat of Boston's record will never be achieved again . And I believe that is a good thing. Salary caps, payroll aprons, injuries and players with wanderlust (read: Lebron, Durant, etc.) have ensured that. The Russell-led Celtics of the 60s were so dominan...