Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

  Jayson Tatum's ejection in the Celtics 109-84 loss to the surging Knicks was his first - but not his last - time getting tossed after picking up two technical fouls. His verbal reaction to the ejection ? ''But all the great players get thrown out a few times in their career, so it's good for my rep,'' he (Jayson Tatum) said. He's right. Larry Bird had a number of ejections during his stroried career, often for fighting . I was at the Old Boston Garden when he and Julius Erving were tossed after a physical altercation on the court.  Another ejection took place when he whipped a ball at Bill Laimbeer after Larry just could not take any more abuse from the much-hated Detroit center . Bird was not known as a referee-baiter, but he did pick up two technicals (and an ejection) when he had a disagreement with the refs in a game versus the New Jersey Nets . Admittedly, Jayson Tatum needs to curtail his complaining to the refs to some degree, but it probably...

Former-superstar Julius Erving gave the Celtics' Jayson Tatum high praise  when he stated that this special youngster was a player that could "raise the level of his game at playoff time" . And that is exactly what Tatum did this season, averaging 25.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.0 SPG and 1.2 BPG in the 2020-21 post-season. Those are impressive numbers. How impressive? Jaylen's third-year playoff stats compare nicely to Kevin Durant's third-year, post-season numbers . KD's 2009-10 playoff averages show: 25.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG . There are a few exceptions ( Kawhi Leonard comes to mind), but most NBA superstars show future stardom in their debut season. Jayson did that in his rookie campaign.  I am not making a direct Tatum/Durant comparison here. But I have yet to hear a credible Tatum detractor belittle Tatum's talent, skills and potential. And we have not yet seen Jayson at is best.

But, yes he was - he was that good. Larry Bird wasn't quick - couldn't jump - wasn't athletic. But COULD HE PLAY! The highlight reel below is a great reminder of just how good he was. If there was a reward for getting the most out of your limited, God-given assets on the hardwood, he gets my vote. The background so-called music is Surfin Bird by the Trashmen. Try to get through it. And for those that want more punishment, I offer the lower video. And our writers at @_Celtics_Center were just rambling about Celtics games they have seen and going to The Garden. I was there for the infamous Boston/Philly game where Bird tangled with Julius Erving and Charles Barkley (photo below). Basketball was Larry's life, his dream, his passion. He worked for everything he accomplished. That is why he was so good. If you last through more than 20 seconds watching the bottom Trashmen vid, you deserve your own reward. Past viewers have complained of getting The Jitters very quickly. ...