Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 Most Celtics fans heard the noise from NBA analysts . They chant that the Mavericks duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are superior to the Celtics Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown pairing . That simply doesn't ring true, at least using a limited sample of Game-1. Using win/loss as a category, and including points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, FG%, 3-pt% and FT% , the Tatum/Brown take out Luka/Irving by a score of 7-to-3. Dallas duo wins points, steals (barely) and turnovers (barely), while the Celtics pair takes all the rest. The rebounding (17-13), assists (7-3) and blocks (4-0) for Tatum/Brown over Luka/Irving were outstanding . Also noteworthy that the Boston team as a whole took honors on blocked shots, sending nine shot attempts away - to only one for the Dallas team. It is vital for the Celtics to lose any complacency from their convincing win in Game-1 - and to take ZERO plays off in Game-2. I have mellowed on any negative feelings for Irving, but I would ...

  "Leadership"? "Kyrie Irving"? In the same sentence? Yup, I said it. Former-Celtic, Kyrie Irving, has found a secure home with the Dallas Mavericks and basketball fans have never seen the level of maturity the "Master-of-handles" has displayed in the "Big D". So, no longer will my readers see headlines such as what I wrote a year ago: "Kyrie me no Irvings" -- Tom Lane It starts with his stats, but that is only part of the story. In last night's win over the Timberwolves in Game-1 of the West Finals, Irving came away with 30 points, five rebounds and four assists. He continually wormed his way through the Minnesota defense, hitting on 12-of-23 from the field. His scoring and efficiency were critical in the Dallas victory. "We had a lot of long meetings with J-Kidd… Once I saw we had a chance, I was like well I’m not going to take this for granted, so every single day I remind those guys what it’s like to fail, what it’s like...

 According to Bleacher Reports' Greg Swartz , the Celtics acquiring Kristaps Porzingas for Marcus Smart - and the Mavericks paying Kyrie Irving $126 million over three years (with a 3rd-year player option, no less) will both "look the worst in 3 years" . Let's start with Irving (per Swartz): "This was a desperate move by the Mavericks, who were desperate not to lose another star guard in free agency. Unlike with Jalen Brunson, however, no other team was likely to give Irving this kind of money. Something will eventually affect Irving's availability. We just don't know what yet. Tying perhaps the most unpredictable player in the NBA to Luka Dončić is a dangerous game to play for Dallas, a franchise that is still widely carried by its Slovenian superstar. If (when?) Irving grows unhappy or becomes a distraction, the Mavs can only hope that Dončić doesn't ask out as well." I simply cannot disagree with this projection . Kyrie Irving seems to event...

 This attains (degrades to?) the level of absurd. Hardwood Houdini's Josh Cornelissen has broached the possibility of the Celtics signing Kyrie Irving in free agency. Danny Ainge's additions of Irving and Gordon Hayward  proved a disaster. Hayward had a season-ending injury minutes into his Celtics career, and Kyrie was a disruptive influence. The Celtics may still be recovering from that debacle. In Cornelissen's proposal, Brad Stevens picks up Irving on a sign-and-trade and sends Derrick White and Grant Williams (S&T). I am feeling ill! Let me see if I have this right. Boston picks up the "Logo Stomper" and all of his mental baggage - and sends away one of the most-likeable (and capable) Celtics players (White) - in addition to a guy that has the toughness lacking in some of his teammates (Grant). So Kyrie me no Irvings. Out of the question. Can't somebody just launch Kyrie into outer space with enough supplies to last past the trade deadline so h...

  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 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...

 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...

 As a former Chemical Engineer , I have always had an issue with NBA analysts using the term "chemistry" when describing positive player-pairings or textbook team play. The reaction of various chemicals can be either destructive or "synergistic" . Let me explain. A stick of d ynamite or container of Tennerite requires a blasting cap or high-energy bullet, respectively, to explode . I have witnessed the explosive power of both, and the destruction each can cause. May I suggest the destructive effects that the inclusion of the volatile Kyrie Irving had on the welfare of the Boston Celtics. SYNERGY: (Definition) mutually advantageous conjunction or compatibility of distinct business participants or elements (such as resources or efforts) "Synergy" , on the other hand, suggests a beneficial combination of participants in an endeavor. There are no negative connotations here . Let me mention the extention of Al Horford's contract and the addition of Malco...

 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...

 I have to be honest here. A sweep of the Nets was never on my mind . But "jubilation" only partly describes my feeling after Boston took the series in four games. More than any Brooklyn player, Kevin Durant was my major worry. And I was concerned that Kyrie Irving may have a superior series against the team he abandoned. And then there was the question of Ben Simmons returning and possibly having a revival with his new team. None of that happened . Durant was "held" to 26 points per game, hitting on only 39% of his field goals . His mid-range game seemed to desert him - or should we say Boston's stifling defense took it away. Irving averaged a respectable 21 points per game, but was unable to make up for the time he lost gelling with his teammates during his anti-vaccine stand . And for Simmons, he never showed up , and we are now hearing of mental issues entering the picture along with his back woes. I didn't expect a sweep I believed in a series win...

 Jayson Tatum: "My message is, nobody plays harder than we do!" ESPN's Zach Lowe wrote recently that Boston's defense over the past several months may be the best he has ever seen - and I second that statement. Zach Lowe thinks the Celtics defense since New Years Day may be the best he has ever seen. Mentally going back to 1960, he may be correct. https://t.co/tS1jkKESlZ — Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) April 23, 2022 The Celtics crew are no longer taking plays off - becoming complacent - letting leads slip away . They plug away on both defense and offense, and the Nets Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant must feel at times that the refs are allowing too many Celtics players on the floor . Jayson Tatum may have had six turnovers in last night's 109-103 victory, but he also had a team-high six steals to go with  team-high 39 points . Payton Pritchard continued his efficient work of the bench,  scoring 10 points in only 12 minutes - hitting 4-of-5 from the field and 2...

  It's a word you don't hear often - "mettle". But that's what The Green displayed in their rough-and-tumble takedown of the Brooklyn Nets in the final quarter of Game Two (per Google.com) : METTLE : "ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way". Example: "the team showed their true mettle in the second half" I would not have written this early in the 2021-22 season. But it fits now. The 114-107 victory for Boston looked like it may not happen in the first three quarters. They were down by as many as 17 points at one juncture and Brooklyn's Bruce Brown and Goran Dragic were shooting lights out . But Boston clamped down in the 4th period . Kevin Durant couldn't move without two or three Celtics surrounding him. He finished with a team-high 27 points but turned the ball over six times. , Durant made only 4-of-17 from the field. Kyrie Irving scored only 10 points and was 4-of-...

  Most Celtics fans remember the play very well back in January, 2019 . With two-plus seconds left - and down two points - the Celtics Gordon Hayward inbounded the ball to Jayson Tatum , who missed the shot attempt. Kyrie Irving , a member of The Green at that time, wasn't pleased with Hayward's decision, and made it clear for all to see. Tatum-as-closer apparently wasn't what Irving had in mind . Fast-forward to last night - with Boston down 114-113 in the last few seconds of Game One versus the Nets. JAYSON TATUM FOR THE WIN!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/WUr4UsaURk — Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 17, 2022 That's true irony, folks! Marcus Smart with that ball fakes and then gets a perfectly-placed pass to Jayson for the "spin-and-win". It was thing of beauty . So the guy that Kyrie didn't trust two years ago to hit a last-second shot attempt sent Irving into the streets of Boston with a tough loss . You just can't make this stuff up.     

Even after 17 Title Banners, Celtics fans need a bit of Fantasy. Come with me for a few minutes I want Tommy Heinsohn and Johnny Most broadcasting Game One between the Celtics and Nets tomorrow afternoon. Yes, I know they have both passed on, but can you imagine these two Boston "Homers" sharing thoughts on the return of Kyrie Irving and his Brooklyn Nets to TD Garden. Many Celtics fans want this left alone, but I can't. It was Irving stomping on the center-court Celtics logo that did it for me . For those not aware, that Leprechaun logo was designed by Red Auerbach's brother, Zang. Okay, I also want Tommy and Johnny to get Red's take on all of this during half-time.  Legend has it that leprechauns often engage in mischief . What better time to inject a few pranks into the Nets' offense than tomorrow somewhat after 3:30 PM ET. Leprechauns are also said to have a pot of gold hidden away , and that bit of gold known as the Larry O'Brien Championship Tr...

 Lebron James has four Championships to his credit - moving from team-to-team like some low-caliber journeyman. But his latest super-team in Los Angeles has been eliminated from post-season play. The James/Anthony Davis/Russell Westbrook matchup failed. Kyrie Irving has one Title under his belt, and teaming up with James Harden and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn looked like Number-2 was on the near horizon. Harden left the fold, replaced by Ben Simmons - who has yet to be seen in a Nets uniform. Brooklyn, with a disappointing 41-38 record, is locked into the Play-In Tournament. If the Boston Celtics ever had visions of acquiring a third star to match up with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown , that potential scenario may have changed. Ime Udoka and Brad Steven s may be the most-intelligent coach/head honcho pair in the NBA and realize that the proper blend of talent and synergy almost-always trumps star power. The Celtics hold a 50-30 record - are second in the Eastern Conference - and...

  As things sit right now, the Brooklyn Nets would take on the Toronto Raptors (in Toronto) in the first game of the Play-in Tournament, as the 7th and 8th seeds , respectively. So, what's the glitch? Toronto is the only NBA city where the still-unvaccinated Kyrie Irving can't play. Irving has been on a tear since the All-Star Break , and his absence could lower the Net's chances at making the final eight teams in the East - although a loss to the Raptors would still give Brooklyn a second game in which to remain the the playoff picture. Here are Kyrie's post-All-Star stats : Post All-Star break stats:  38.7 ppg | 4.0 rpg | 5.7 apg | 2.0 spg It is obvious that Irving would be sorely missed if this scenario comes to fruition. A loss in Toronto would mean a second game versus the winner of the Atlanta-Charlotte Play-In contest and a win would move Brooklyn to the 8th seed against the Miami Heat. A loss to Charlotte or Atlanta would remove them from the post-season . We...

 This was a really good one. The game brought back memories of Larry Bird facing down Dominique Wilkins . It initially looked like Kevin Durant was unstoppable in his role as the Boston Strangler - that is, until Jayson Tatum decided he wasn't going to let that happen . This was the Earps and Doc Hollida y against the Clantons and McLaurys at the OK Corral . The Boston Celtics came away with the win, 126-120 with Tatum tying Larry Bird for most 50-point games. He had 54 points in this one.  But Jaylen Brown did a fine job in his role as Doc Holiday to Jayson's Wyatt Earp , coming away with 21 points despite a recent ankle injury. Jaylen bested the much-booed Kyrie Irving's 19-point production and needs some recognition here for realizing the importance of this contest. But the big story is the battle of two of the most-skilled scorers in the NBA, Durant and Tatum . Kevin put up 37 points, and I have never seen a player score major points with seemingly so little effort....