Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

Jaylen Brown has taken a number of hits from some Celtics fans over the years, but he didn't falter . He kept on plugging - learning - fitting in - and getting better and better . Now, after winning the series against the Indiana Pacers, his work and progression have been recognized.   Jaylen Brown wins the Larry Bird Trophy for 2024 Eastern Conference Finals MVP 🏆 pic.twitter.com/rGa4U97cUW — NBA TV (@NBATV) May 28, 2024 We sometimes forget that Jaylen is the "senior" member of the Jay Team, but still has to play "second fiddle" to Jayson Tatum . That has to be difficult. But holding the Larry Bird Trophy in the hands that have been so productive getting his team back to the NBA Finals most-likely erases the verbal attacks by naysayers. Jaylen has been indispensable to his team, and the Larry Brown Trophy is in sight.  

 The Knicks lead the Pacers in the Eastern Semis 2-0, while the Celtics are 1-0 versus the Cavaliers. Should Boston meet New York in the Eastern Finals, fatigue may be an issue for Tom Thibodeau's crew, while Joe Mazzulla's team should be just fine. It all comes down to minutes . Thibodeau has J osh Hart, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby all logging more than 40 minutes-per-game in the post season, with Hart playing almost the entire game at 46.6 MPG. Not so the Boston Celtics. Mazzulla has Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White all playing more than 30 MPG, with Tatum leading the pack at 37.5 minutes/game. If Indiana bounces back and forces the series to six-or-seven games, fatigue can quickly become a major factor if there does, in fact, end up being a meeting of Boston and New York. The Knicks play tough with plenty of intensity . Couple that with their stars logging big minutes in every game, and it doesn't bode well for their energy come Eastern Confe...

 Anyone else notice that when the Celtics impose their will on any opponent, they are damn near unbeatable?!  In their losses this post season they have so many self-inflicted wounds, turnovers and "hero ball" tactics. In their wins they come out punching and on fire . Playing the D we all know and love, while on offense, they move the ball and trust each other.  Unlike 2020, we are now tied with the Heat 2-2. Last time we fell behind 3-1 and lost in 6. Personally I feel Miami holds and grabs on all plays and are often bullying The Green. The Celtics, in their wins, have punched the Heat in the mouth and shown the bully the bigger, bolder team. By Imposing their Will on D it sets the tone for the game.  This writer doesn't discount this Heat team, but fully expect the Celtics to come out on a mission . Landing haymakers and blows to a team that has basked too long in the sun and warmth of Southern Florida .. The Celtics have shown they are road warriors, and know i...

 Which version of the Celtics will show up for Game 5 in Miami - the stable and proficient Doctor Jeckyll or the out-of-control Mister Hyde? The Doctor showed up at TD Garden last night with Boston's back against the wall . The Green cooled down The Heat. 102-82 . They out-rebounded Miami 60-39 and blocked 11 shots to The Heat's two . The result was never in doubt. With the series tied at two games apiece, the Celtics are not backed into a corner, and that may not be such a good thing . Their response to bad games has been splendid , but games following a solid performance have been "stinkers". It is interesting that Boston won Game 4 while shooting a poor 39.7% from the field and 23.5% on 3-pointers. But they held Miami to an-even-worse 33.3% on field goals.  The Heat will be fired up for Game 5, and the Celtics had better leave Mister Hyde at home . I cannot recall such performance swings by any Celtics teams of the past. Boston fans hope for an appearance by the ...

As of this mornings ratings, FiveThirtyEight's poll has the Celtics with the best odds (21%) of winning the NBA Title. Boston also is rated as having the best shot (39%) of coming out of the East to challenge for the 2020 Championship. In the same analysis, the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers are neck-and-neck with the second-best odds (18%) to win it all. The Lakers, however, are favored (32%) to win the Western Conference Finals, with the Clippers following at 29%. #BeatPhila 🧹✔️ Big fight vs Toronto ahead. Let‘s do this @celtics 🦾☘️ #BleedGreen #BubbleTheis pic.twitter.com/XFkrLO6e8k — Daniel Theis (@dtheis10) August 24, 2020 In the East, FiveThirtyEight gives the Toronto Raptors a 10% chance of garnering a Title this season, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks at 9%. The Celtics' manhandling of the Philadelphia 76'ers in their 4-game sweep played a large role in 538's predictions. The fact that the Rockets, Lakers and Clippers all appear to be vulnerable cert...