Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 Celtics Coach, Joe Mazzulla's, love of the 3-point shot may have been a cceptable during the 2024-25 season . But last season he had Jayson Tatum (.343 from three), Kristaps Porzingis (.412), Al Horford (.363) and Jrue Holiday (.353). Last season's version of The Green shot . 368 from deep ,  Well, how is that long ball affection working out this season? The team as a whole is hitting only .312 on 3-pointers . Yet, despite the poor marksmanship beyond the arc, Boston is s till launching roughly the same number of shots (47.8 attempts) as last season (48.2 attempts) from deep. The two Celtics starters with the most minutes (Payton Pritchard and Derrick White) are shooting .213 and .263, respectively from deep . Last season , those numbers showed .407 and .384, respectively for the back court duo.  It is obvious that the loss of Tatum, Porzingis, Horford and Holiday is sorely felt because of the heavy defensive coverage they demanded beyond the arc. Perhaps Mazzul...

  Adaption to change is quite necessary for survival . Ask Celtics head honcho, Brad Stevens , about that. He is in the midst of doing just that. The Boston Celtics could not continue their quest for more NBA success being over that "second apron" . So, there goes Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday . Add in that Jayson Tatum will be out of action for all (or most) of next season, and right away Boston fans think they are looking at a 2025-26 gap season. To me, "GAP" means an empty space. I don't see the upcoming season that way . League mastermind, Brad Stevens, had to make major moves to (hopefully) remain highly-competitive next season and plan for Title contention for the extended future . Stevens will not punt . I am excited to see what deals lie ahead for The Green. I understand that many Boston fans want immediate-and-continued serious Championship hopes . Well, the lust for immediate gratification has undermined many individuals - and even a number of...

 In a recent interview, Brad Stevens stressed that the 2025-26 version of his Celtics will f ocus on the "strengths" of the present crew. Well, 3-point shooting accuracy does not appear to be a strong point for the returning veterans or the new additions to the roster. Starting with Summer League , in two games - both wins - Boston is shooting 10-of-29 (34.4%) from the hinterlands. Not horrible, but probably not a number that indicates anything resembling "strength" . Ironically, Jayson Tatum , now lost for the upcoming season, hit almost that same percentage (34.3%) last season - down from 37.6% in 2023-24 . The big loss in long-ball shooting has to be Kristaps Porzingis (among the missing), who shot  41.2% from deep last season . He constantly bailed out his team with 3-point shots that were released with a quickness that opponents found difficult to handle. Jrue Holiday (also gone) hit an uncharacteristic 35.3% from deep last season , after hitting 42.9% i...

 The Boston Celtics have reportedly acquired 6'7", 230-lb. Georges Niang from the Hawks in a 3-team transaction that sends Boston's Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta. Niang was drafted by the Indiana Pacers with the 50th-overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft . The Celtics will be his fifth NBA destination - that is, unless he is traded prior to the upcoming season.  He is a local product - born in Lawrence, Massachusetts - raised in Methuen, MA - and starred at Tilton Prep (New Hampshire). The 32-year-old is listed as a power forward and is known generally as a shooter , with a  3-point percentage of .398 for his NBA career. Georges' resume also contains at least two connections with the Celtics . According to Wikipedia, former Celtics superstar, Larry Bird , praised the then-youngster after the 2016 draft, and Niang (when he played for Philly) once grabbed the leg of Jaylen Brown to allegedly slow him down during a play. Niang grabbing Jaylen Brown’s leg pic.twitter....

      Just like that another piece of Banner 18 has been traded away. KP is on his way to Atlanta as the Cs cut costs. I for one have to say KP brought a special something to this  group. He unlocked this offense to something it's never been before. At times in his two seasons here he was unstoppable. His signature Celtics moment had to be game on the NBA finals where he was freaking incredible! Unfortunately this season injuries derailed him especially in the postseason given that virus he was dealing with.       I honestly don't understand why this ownership group has given away two of our best players. Yet I do it all boils down to money. I really hope the Celtics are gonna make a splash in tomorrow nights draft. I'm hearing the Cs may be interested in the guard out of Illinois. It's going to be an interesting off-season as this roster takes shape being led by JB and DWhite. What could have been a back to back champion, turned into JT getting i...

      Cs must come out tonight and establish their dominance over the Knicks yet again. It all starts on defense which should lead to good offense. I fully expect the Celtics to tie this series up as we head home for Boston on Wednesday night. Cs open up with the first five points. Great ball movement leads to a DWhite three! JT finds DWhite for another three! Cs offense is starting to hum! Timeout by the Knicks and this lead could grow even more for the Cs. Cs need to continue to dig in on defense.       Cs finish the first with a flurry of threes! That's how you finish a quarter! Now let's see that lead double as we enter the second. Overall you have to be pleased with the Celtics offense there. They moved the ball well and hit their shots. I was extremely impressed with their defense at points. I need that for the rest of the game! It's great seeing JT find his stroke and show some emotion. Give me that fire and win this damn game! Cs do need to cle...

      I've been in a fog lately from a sports perspective and you all know why. Today is the day where we see the Celtics finally play like champions. Today is the day where the series shifts. Today is the day of reckoning! I truly believe the only team who can beat the Celtics is themselves and that's what happened. That is why they are in this hole... Today starts the process of getting back into the series. I guarantee a Celtics win not only today but come Monday.       Cs score first and Al nails his first three! I'm taking those as good signs today. Jrue parts the D like the red sea and scores. Cs must do all the little things and win the hustle plays. JBs three is pure and that's a great sign! I am concerned that JT has missed two shots early on. With that said he nails a three! That's a big shot early on for him,  time to light it up. I love watching JB attack the paint, force the refs to make calls. I despise this Knicks team so much. Cs m...

      I personally can't stand the Knicks or this roster. Yet for at least four games I'll have to deal with seeing them and their blowhard fans. In all reality this Celtics team is better and deeper. Joe is a better coach than Tibs and that's a fact! I'm hoping to see the Celtics throw multiple defenders at the flopper Brunson. They used different guys in the regular season who gave him problems. I expect the Cs to expose him on defense because he's a liability. JT has owned the Knicks all freaking season. He's going to have an incredible series!      Scal just said something where I agree with him. He said the Knicks don't have enough talent to win! The reason why the Celtics will win this series is because they are stacked and ready to roll! Cs must come out and punch these Knicks in the mouth. The Knicks don't defend very well and the Cs will expose them. These New Balance commercials are really played out. Let's get some new and better content f...

      Not sure about anyone else but I'm sick and tired of this unskilled Magic team. They do nothing but hack the crap out of our beloved Celtics. I full guarantee that tonight is the end for this Magic team. I expect everyone to be at their best! Let's Get it Cs! Cs are in black... Time to bury the Magic! Round two here we come!      JB opens us up with a deuce! JT finds Al and we are up early. Cs offense is a bit stagnant after the decent start. KP posts up and scores easily. NBA update the Pacers have beaten the Bucks and was this the last time Giannis wears a Bucks uniform. Here is my prediction the Pacers will beat the Cavs in seven. Cs offense needs to get going and Joe sees that. He gets the timeout and let's see how the Celtics respond. Cs aren't very impressive right now.       Cs need to go on a run here... Cs offense is slowly starting to get it going. Nice close to the first, now we go off in the second. Haven't hit one thre...

      Cs have opened up this first quarter in a very solid place. Yet the lead isn't where it should be. These refs suck! Just throwing that out there today. Cs are getting screwed already. Just like Detriot did earlier... How awesome was it watching the Lakers lose! This Magic team is absolute trash. Cs will prevail tonight and finish this off Tuesday night. Celtics must separate themselves as we enter the second quarter. We can't allow this group of hackers to get any closer.      Did I mention how awful these refs are?! DWhite gets mauled like a bear and still scores plus the And One! JB called out the refs and the refs are giving the Magic all the calls. What a crock of malarkey! I'm disgusted by the NBA refs more so now than I've ever been. I not only watch the Celtics but all games. They are a joke! They screwed the Pistons and tried to screw the Wolves. Have I said how much Cole Anthony is just nothing more than a hacker... Dude has no game whatsoeve...

      Jayson Tatum has reentered the conversation as he looks to bring the Celtics a road win. Unfortunately we have no Jrue Holiday tonight. KP gets inside early to kick off our scoring. I'd love for him to have a big game tonight. JT takes the rock to the whole like a man's man and scores easily. He honestly got hacked. JT pops back from three and goes nothing but net. So far so good and I see no ill effects from the wrist. A clear cut offensive goaltend goes uncalled...      Al nails his first shot from three! The man is ageless! This Orlando team is nothing more than a bunch of dirty punks. Thankfully we have a very mature team that isn't taking any gruff! The harder the Magic hack the better we play. Al earning Tommy points and finding DWhite for the three! JB is running on the fast break and sending home Jams! Cs looks pretty locked in early on. I'm gonna do a dance so we can increase this lead. Orlando calls a timeout and we are in their head... ...

       Cs are without Jayson Tatum tonight, that doesn't mean the Cs shouldn't win... If the Cs defend as they should and move the ball on offense they will come out on top. So far JB has been his normal playoff self. I'm not very pleased with how we are shooting early on. Those numbers must go up to get things flowing in the right direction. Cs have been very aggressive at going to the hoop tonight. Cs are leaving plenty of points out here tonight. I'm hoping for a much smoother second as we move forward.       Porzingis is going to need to step up here in the second. His shooting wasn't very efficient. Just like that he gets the first shot of the second. KP still can't hit a three but he is getting to the line. If he can live at the line tonight I'll be alright with that outcome. PP with a corner bomb that gets the Garden going! Congratulations to PP on winning the NBAs sixth man of the year award. He joins some pretty special Celtics royalty wi...

 🍀      Cs are author without Jaylen Brown tonight. I'm cool with it because he needs the rest. That knee needs rest and I'd even let him sit the first round of the playoffs. Cs will be ready for whoever comes their way come playoffs. I am curious how the west matchups shape up. Those teams are fighting for the three through six seeds. I mean even in the East some seeds are up for grabs. Once everything boils down I'd love to know our readers predictions.        Al Horford starts off the game with the BLOCK! Cs have found themselves missing a few too many shots early on. DWhite bags the first shot for the Cs. He liked it enough he scores again. DWhite nails the three with a hand in his face! Cs are a bit sloppy with the rock. I can't wait for DWhite to hit the playoffs and show everyone what he has.        All I want from the Cs is to get out of this game healthy. Looking like Luke and PP will be the first two off the bench. D...

 🍀       The regular season marches on or in my opinion mushes along. It's gonna be a long night watching Brunson flop all over the court tonight. I don't like watching him play the game I love. KAT is another guy I don't care to watch. To be honest this entire Knicks roster can go kick rocks. I'm surprised the Cs are resting guys today. I sure hope they do tomorrow night.         Cs look to continue to dominate this inadequate Knicks team. KP looks like he was in an epic fight. I love everything KP brings to being a Celtic. KP gets us on the board as he scores over KAT. KAT is a defensive liability and honestly plays with no effort on D. DWhite with an early Tommy point and earns the Cs another possession. JT nails the three, it was a perfect swish. He knows how to put the biscuit in the basket!      Cs are off to a very slow start on offense. The defense needs to get things going too! If they can get them both going they sho...

🍀       Cs look to bounce back from that loss on Wednesday night. They welcome the Suns who they rolled by thirty points last week. Let's hope they can duplicate that tonight. It looks like most of the Cs should be playing tonight. Cs are going to be epic come playoff time with their three headed monster in the post. KP, Al, and Luke are all playing elite basketball. I trust all three will make huge plays during the playoffs. Cs have a very deep roster that will shine once the playoffs start.       JBs haircut is smooth folks! JB drives early on and gets fouled. I like the way he consistently attacks the cup when he gets the rock. JB needs one more point to pass Antoine Walker on the Celtics scoring record list. Right there he scores and there it is! Way to go JB! Toine was always a favorite of mine, and had many memorable plays in Celtic green. We all remember his inspiring speech that led to a huge Celtics comeback vs the Nets in the Eastern Coferen...

 🍀      Cs will face the Grizz shorthanded yet again. There will be no JB or Luke tonight. It will have to be the next man up motto tonight. We do however get Al and PP back tonight. Let's hope we can get some payback for the game in Boston earlier this season. Cs give up the first basket of the game. Look at X getting the start tonight! Hoping he has a solid game.        Cs offense has been a bit anemic here, right until KP drilled that three. That is his shot and it can't be stopped. It's so pretty to watch when it swishes through the net. The defenders really have opportunity to affect that shot. Oh boy... Tony Brothers is doing tonight's game. If Tommy were here he would be railing against him. He's always been anti Celtics. Let's hope he doesn't screw us tonight.       JT hits the three effortlessly! This game seems like it is going wire to wire. Cs and Grizz are trading blows. Ja always plays with an extra edge vs us. JT...

 Most of the talk surrounding the Boston Celtics lately has been about the cost of once-again being in the "second apron" and the strong possibility that Kristaps Porzingis or Jrue Holiday may be traded this off-season.  I have written previously about Porzingis being a luxury for Joe Mazzulla. The team is potent without him on the floor - but often omnipotent with him. Although Boston has a better record with him on the sidelines than they do when he is active. Kristaps' injury history is certainly a detriment to any trade ideas Brad Stevens may have. Jrue Holiday if 34 years old, and his offense has been a bit of a concern this season. If he ends up being the casualty this summer, can Payton Pritchard take over the starting gig next to Derrick White ? The stats from this season say "Yes" . The stats below show Jrue's numbers for his 30.5 MPG - while I have projected Payton's to the same amount of floor time. Pritchard: 15.3 PPG - 4.1 RPG - 3.7 A...

  🍀       Cs are in the land of the Sun. They will be without JT after that scary fall vs the Kings. Suns have been playing better basketball led by Kevin Durant. He's been a scoring machine! Yet the Cs have the defensive answers to keep him at bay. I personally think Devon Booker sucks. So he doesn't worry me one bit. Cs have the double big line up tonight. JB opens us up with back to back treys! Let's Go!      Cs are off to a hot start tonight, they are scorching the Suns! Jrue nails a corner three like an assassin! Cs are aggressive on D and running in transition. That's the way to do it folks! If the Celtics continue to punch the Suns in the mouth they will fold like origami. DWhite for three! The Cs are firing on all cylinders! This is a clinic on how you stomp on your opponents throats! It's great seeing all these Celtics fans in the stands.       It's crazy but all five starters have nailed three pointers so early on. This i...

 🍀       Nice to see JB back on the floor, he brings a level of intensity second to none. JB gets himself on the board as he gets in the paint and scores. The way he I'd able to use his body is blunt force trauma to whoever gets in his way. Ever since he's been in the league he has improved at whatever short comings his game has. Cs look like a team coming off a back to back. Very sloppy play early on and it needs to be cleaned up.       Cs have been excellent on the road this season. Which bodes well since it they get to the ECF and Finals they will be on the road. It could set up winning those series at home in six games. To be honest I would not be surprised if the Cavs get upset in the playoffs. OKC I'm thinking should win the west unless a team like the Nuggets takes it to them. I don't see any other western team beating them. Especially not those frauds in LA.       Cs owe this Kings team some payback, last time we met t...

🏀       The Celtics have been sold for a huge number to a group led by William Chisholm. The question is will he be able to keep this team together? Sadly I don't see it happening, or at least that's what I'm hearing. Cs have clinched a playoff spot and have won fifty games yet again. Not too shabby. They only trail the Thunder and Cavs record wise.        Good seeing Max aka Cornbread in that lottery commercial. One of the most talented and impacful Celtics of all time. Young Celtics fans should YouTube hits highlights. The man belongs in the Basketball Hall of Fame! He's an excellent radio announcer and keeps it real. Kudos to Coach John Calipari in beating Kansas in the tournament. I have and will always love Coach Cal. He was always so good to me when I attended UMass Basketball camp. UMass will never ever reach those heights again.         It's time for tipoff! This Jazz team is looking to get Cooper Flagg. That kid is sp...