Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 The In-Season Tournament seemed to inspire and energize a Celtics bench that wasn't exactly bringing back memories of Bill Walton, Scott Wedman and Jerry Sichting from the mid-80's .  It started with the somewhat-maligned Luke Kornet . He was aggressive while scoring seven points and hauling in nine rebounds - six of which were off the offensive glass . Payton Pritchard had a solid outing that fans were waiting for, with 13 points, five boards (4 offensive) and three assists . He and Luke were fierce on the offensive glass. Then there was Sam Hauser. "The Mauser" was on target , hitting five of his ten 3-point attempts for 15 points. His ability to get his shot off so quickly and hit the trey so consistently really opens up the floor. In all, Boston got 91 minutes, 37 points, 21 rebounds (13 offensive) and five assists from their bench . Not enough can be said for the ability of Pritchard and Kornet to take down offensive rebounds, setting things up for easy hoo...

 It may sound like I am picking on Luke Kornet , but I am not. Admittedly, I detest the "Kornet Contest" , but I think he generally does a good job as the Celtics third-string center. The issue I have is that, should 37-year-old Al Horford start to wear down - or Kristaps Porzingis ends up on the injury list - relying on the undrafted big man with limited skills to come through in big minutes could be a nightmare. Kornet did put up solid numbers in only 15 minutes in the win over the Nets (11 points, 7 boards), and that extrapolates to 26 points and 17 rebounds on a per-36-minutes basis. That is the point! Brad Stevens may have to work on a better third option for that center spot. A trade for the disgruntled Daniel Theis might not be appealing to Stevens moneywise, but if a buyout from Indiana occurs, the door may be open. But for now, let's assume (hope?) that Luke's Nets performance was not a fluke , and Boston fans will see more of it in the near future.

  NBA TV analyst, Carlos Boozer , was the first I heard bring to our attention the amazing footwork that Jayson Tatum has developed. Boozer is right on. Tatum may end up at the all-time Celtics scorer, but he puts the ball in the hoop in so many ways. His footwork may already be in the league of Kevin McHale and Al Jefferson . But Boozer also stressed the beautiful 3-point shot displayed by Tatum. It is a joy to behold. Jayson is on a roll this season - as is his team. He has the tools and seasoning to rise to a true leadership role this season and lead his crew to Banner 18. All worries about the team's synergy with the arrival of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have been dispelled . This team looks potent.

 The Celtics Al Horford is going to have to be more stable and reserved out there on the court. His reputation as a show-off needs to end . Of course, I am not serious. Are there any NBA players more stable-and-reserved than Al? If so, not many. In Boston victory over the Nets last night, the technical foul assessed on him for allegedly "hanging on the rim" was ludicrous.  The last thing Horford wanted to do following his dunk off a perfect lob was to quickly come down on the foot of another player and risk an injury. There was no showboating or celebration to it . His hang time was brief and functional. What prompted the tech? We may never know, but the call was detrimental to the game and demeaning to one of the classiest individuals to ever play for the Boston Celtics.

 The late K C Jones said it best when asked why, as coach - when his team had a large lead - he played his seasoned vets big minutes and the youngsters hardly saw the floor . KC responded that when you have a lead, you simply can not allow the opposition to get the confidence to spur a comeback . In other words, when the enemy is down, keep them there. Celtics fans can assume present coach, Joe Mazzulla , has said similar things to his troops, but they fail to comply at the worst moments - like in last night's loss to the Nets after holding an early 28-point lead . Boston sports writers will blame the 19 turnovers - too much reliance on 3-pointers - not working the offensive boards , etc. Those are just symptoms of a bigger problem. Realizing Mazzulla is a rookie head coach, he still needs to demand his crew makes sure that the enemy never has a chance to "return from the dead" and crush The Green in their own home. Joe should make his guys watch each-and-every episo...

  Tonight on his birthday we take an extra in depth look at JTs overall game tonight. Along with quarter recaps.  Jayson Tatum ☘️🏀🍀 Love the way JT is establishing himself on the glass. You have to applaud your star that wants to get down and dirty and rebound the rock. The greats always want to be good at everything! JT pulls up off the dribble and goes nothing but net. JT has been attacking, which is my favorite JT! The only flaws I see in JTs game are, on occasion too many missed threes and too many turnovers.  JT drives and gets to the rim, he was hit but just kept going! Go get yourself that basket stud! JT goes off glass as he catches the pass inside. He should live in the post. Kobe and Michael both did! The greats know where their bread is buttered. Get those old tapes out and watch both of em JT.  The birthday boy gets the rock and brings down the house with a one handed JAM! Personally I'm loving the color of his kicks tonight. JTs shoe game has been elit...

  Trade deadline today, will we see any minor moves by the Celtics?! A wing and a big?! Or are we waiting for the buyout market?!  It's been busy already with the Jazz, Fakers, and T-wolves three team deal. Kyrie heading to Dallas and KD heading to Phoenix. Unfortunately I think the Fakers make out in their deal. The Mavs and Suns on paper make out. Although the Nets have accumulated a group of guys who have various skill sets.  Huge huge huge shout-out to Blake Griffin for always being ready to do what's needed. The C's had come out flat last night and after a few threes from Blake that energy shifted. You have to love a guy like Blake, who once was a star but now is your utility guy and is always willing step up. His defense on Embid was solid, his rebounding was sound, and let's face it he was an assassin from deep. Love guys like this!  DWhite has proven to be an invaluable piece to this Celtics team. He's a solid point guard when needed, he can shoot the three,...

 Don't get me wrong. Kevin Durant's trade to Phoenix makes the Suns a worrisome foe - for now. The "Fearsome Foursome" of Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Durant is damn potent. But Durant will be 35 years old prior to the start of next season - has a 4-year deal worth $194 million - and has a significant injury history. Phoenix will be good if KD is healthy, but for how long? That return, with those unprotected picks, is an amazing haul for an unhappy player. — Josh (@poundcoyne) February 9, 2023 The Nets get three players back from Phoenix (Jae Crowder, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson) and a gold mine of unprotected draft picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029) and a pick swap in 2028 . That haul dwarf's what Danny Ainge got when he sent Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to Brooklyn.  This move makes Phoenix maybe the top contender for the NBA 2023 Title - if the stars remain healthy (and happy). Durant has moved around the League like a gypsy. He can't be cou...

  This is what I wrote only three days ago: "The structure of the Brooklyn Nets team is fragile.  Future injuries and/or a string of losses could very well rupture the tenuous underpinnings of that structure." Kyrie Irving has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets   According to Shams Charania , Irving is unhappy with the extension offered by Brooklyn: Reporting on Kyrie Irving’s trade request with the Nets and two of the reasons why: pic.twitter.com/dRZcm03YP2 — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2023  What goes unstated in this occurence is the role played by the Boston Celtics . Going back to last season, the Celtics have defeated the Nets in the last 10 games the two Eastern rivals have met, but the 139-96 thrashing by Boston may have been the catalyst that sealed Brooklyn's fate. Kyrie's "professional" post-game interview following the crushing defeat should have been seen as a "red light". My take is that he viewed the loss as ...

 I freely admit to possessing negative feelings about Kyrie Irving and his "misbehavior" while in Boston - and playing for such a storied sports franchise. And the incessant boos from the loyal Celtics fans are appropriate - for now. Why "for now" . Because for the first time I have reviewed a post-game interview of Kyrie Irving that revealed some improved maturity and professionalism - two words I never thought would be employed to describe the Nets star. Kyrie's response to the loss was well-phrased, intelligent and courteous . He gave no excuses and indicated how he and his team need to get tougher, prepare better and lead a better example. Win or lose, if Irving continues on this positive path, maybe the boos at TD Garden should stop When should the boos for Kyrie Irving stop? Or should they at all. I may be changing my mind about the noted "Celtics Logo Stomper". https://t.co/QC5XplrrOC Kyrie Irving Talks Loss vs Celtics, Postgame Interview ht...

 That was the buzz early last season when the disgrunted Ben Simmons decided to sit out the season in Philly. One such proposal broached sending Marcus Smart, Josh Richardson, Grant Williams and two first round picks to the 76'ers for Ben. Another had Smart, JRich and Rob Williams III heading out for Simmons. Back to the present, and more sanity. The Celtics lead the entire NBA with a 32-12 record and Marcus just keeps getting better-and-better as main point guard. Over the last four games - all wins - he is ranked third in the League with 11.0 assists per game. Smart doesn't exactly burn the rim from the hinterlands, but this season he is hitting at a 33% clip on treys. How about Ben? He has attempted one 3-pointer this season - and missed it. He seems plagued by a fear of taking any shot from distance and having to go to the free throw line after being fouled. So any potential deal sending Marcus Smart to Simmons' new home in Brooklyn would be total folly . Smart...

 Good question! Let's take a look at what Celtics player's stepped up to supply Jaylen Brown's 27 points and seven rebounds per game in Boston's victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. It turns out six Celtics ( Marcus Smart, Grant Williams, Derrick White, Luke Kornet, Payton Pritchard and Malcolm Brogdon)   all surpassed their season averages to supply 27 extra points . The sextet did even better on rebounds, supplying an extra, combined 12 boards. It was Smart (16 points), White (15 points, 7 boards) and Kornet (11 points) who really stood out. You may notice I omitted assists in this discussion. Jaylen is only averaging roughly three assists per game so no fill-in was required in that category. However, Marcus filled that category by himself with 10 assists versus Brooklyn, campared to his 7 APG season average . So the answer to the title question may be "everybody". That's the way it should be.

 That is what I proposed in my article on New Years Day . The first test of the Nets solidity (or lack thereof)  came with the knee injury to Kevin Durant who is expected to miss one month of action. Here is my take on Ben Simmons from that article: The third prong of Brooklyn's Big-3,  Ben Simmons,  just  can't seem to find a position or team that suits him.  Usually listed as a 6'10" point guard, Simmons can play various spots on the floor, but injuries and what can only be described as  "mental unsteaduness"   - and the unwillingness to take shots from any distance - have attached  many question marks to his future in the League. Ben's flaws surfaced in the Celtics 109-98 win over Brooklyn last night. Even though Simmons had nine rebounds and 13 assists in the contest, he took only three shot attempts and missed all three . He scored ZERO points , hardly what his team was looking for to help fill the 30-point void left by Durant's abs...

 The right knee injury Kevin Durant suffered on Sunday versus the Heat has been diagnosed a an MCL sprain. It is expected that he will miss roughly a month . So that puts the ball - almost literally - in the hands of former-Celtic, Kyrie Irving . If he wishes to be the main guy in Brooklyn , even for a short while, this is his chance. The Boston Celtics still have a hold on the top spot in the League Standings with a 29-12 record for the season and 7-3 over the last 10 games . The third-place (Eastern Conference) Bucks have hit a few bumps and are 4-6 over the last 10 contests. The Nets are 9-1 in that same span , with much of the success resulting from the play of MVP contender, Kevin Durant. Filling the void created by Durant's absence, in large part, will be in the hands of Irving, but replacing Kevin's 30 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists is no simple task .The Nets went 5-16 - with an 11-game losing streak - last season when Durant was out with a similar injury. So t...

 The Celtics, Nets, Bucks, Cavaliers and 76'ers are clustered at the top of the Eastern Conference Standings. All five teams hold records of .615 or better, with Boston leading the entire League (28-12, .700). But The Celtics hold on that spot is tenuous. A significant injury to Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell or Joel Embiid can change everything. More news is pending on the seriousness of Durant's knee injury from last night. His potential prolonged absence and increased losses could rattle both Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons , both of whom are not regarded as the most-stable individuals in the NBA. The Bucks without Giannis would be in deep trouble. The Greek Freak does everything on the floor but sweep it. He is a phenomenon and in a class all by himself. The Celtics without Tatum leading them might fare somewhat better . His teammate, Jaylen Brown , currently accompanies Jayson in the top-10 MVP Ladder.  Aside from the possibility and co...

 Time for a heart check once again for the Boston Celtics. Last night's 150-117 drubbing by a 15-21 team (Oklahoma City Thunder) should never happen. Many Celtics fans recall Larry Bird calling out his team members, and himself, as having "no heart" and being "sissies" prior to a decisive Game-7 in the 1984 Finals. Danny Ainge even brought his stethoscope to heart-check his comrades. It may be time for a heart check once again . Despite barely holding on to the best record in the League, the rival Brooklyn Nets are breathing down the necks of a team that too-often chooses to lose its drive to compete . Not a good sign for the post-season. Larry Bird just hated to lose - ever! Boston dropped Game-6 to the Lakers, 119-108. How did Larry do? He produced 28 points (8-of-11 FG), 14 rebounds, eight assists, one steal and three blocks. He played all-but-one-minute of the game. @CelticsSentinel Celtics are Embarrassing. No heart. — MJR (@mjr1900_rl) January 4, 2023 ...

 Any NBA analyst who views the Brooklyn Nets current 11-game winning streak as a prelude to the 2023 Champuionship is delusional. And my argument centers on the (so-called) Big-3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. The well-respected Nets coach, Jacques Vaughn , has his work cut out for him. It all starts with 34-year-old Kevin Durant. The 12-time All-Star's time to shine is fading , although he still plays like a much-younger version of himself. But Durant is now with his fourth NBA team and always seems to be trying to add yet another Title to his credit . He asked to be traded last summer, but later rescinded that request. If the losses return, he may ask out. Kyrie Irving? When Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2017, many analysts felt he could be a franchise player in Beantown, but he never committed to one of the top sports franchises ever - and after causing much disruption - chose to head to Brooklyn. He had originally asked for a trade (prior to goi...

 The Brooklyn Nets have suddenly surged into second place in the 2022-23 NBA Standings . A 10-game winning streak can tend to do that! There are five teams in the East with records better than .600 - led by the Boston Celtics with a record of 25-10 (.714). At least for the present, Brooklyn appears to be the major block to the Celtics chances of coming out of the Eastern Conference in the post-season.  The Nets do it with scoring . They rank first in the League in Offensive Rating (123.4 PPG), Field Goal Percentage (54.8%) and 3-Point Percentage (44.2%). No surprise that Kevin Durant leads the Nets' attack with 29.9 PPG, followed by (major sigh) Kyrie Irving at 26.1 PPG.  How about Ben Simmons , you may ask. He is averaging 8.3 points per game and remains a question mark for whatever fortunes await the Brooklyn Nets.  Is Brooklyn's 10-game surge a temporary fluke - or a reflection of their destiny for the 2022-23 season? Time will answer that question, but any te...

 I have limits! And they have just been reached! I have a problem with the "Title Seekers" conversing in the shadows to come together to create a new NBA dynasty. And the Brooklyn Nets are a prime example. The plotting of Celtics misfit, Kyrie Irving, and the star that cast aside any thoughts of joining the Boston Celtics, Kevin Durant , came together in Brooklyn for the purpose to winning a few Titles. They have added Ben Simmons to the mix and are strategically positioned to achieve the goal. Or are they? All three stars are flawed in one way or another. Individually, they are filled to the brim with various superior skills which are yet to produce wins together - let alone a Championship - in our time. Coach Steve Nash was the scapegoat in an NBA League that is now controlled by the star players. Now comes former Celtics Coach, Ime Udoka , the main character in one of the biggest scandals in Celtics history. Speaking only for myself, if this foursome achieves any leve...

 Beyond his age (33) and injury history, Blake Griffin can contribute right away with the Celtics. Fans won't see the same player from the Clippers Lob City days, but at 6'9" and 250 lbs., he can still catch-and-jam - while also grabbing his share of rebounds. Blake's per-36-minutes stats from last season with Brooklyn might surprise a few readers: 13.5 points - 8.6 rebounds - 3.9 assists No, Griffin won't be on the floor for 36 minutes per game, but he will put up decent numbers when he is out there. And when Rob Williams returns to action , we may see both on the court together - at least on occasion - showing us the Boston version of "Lob City" - at least for brief stints.