Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 Prior to the 2023-24 NBA season, in an article, I asked the question , "Is Joe Mazzulla an acceptable replacement for for Ime Udoka" (as Celtics coach)? My answer at the time was an emphatic "NO". That has changed. As a college student , Mazzulla was arrested and charged with domestic battery for grabbing a woman by the neck in a bar room. With Udoka being banished from the Celtics due to allegations of misconduct, my feeling at the time was that "The Green" did not need a repeat with Joe at the helm . What did counter my negative thoughts on Mazzulla was the fact that Brad Stevens , well known for hiring - and promoting - guys with character - fully backed Joe for the position of head coach. The positive result is history - with Mazzulla listed as one of the three finalists for NBA Coach of the Year . Frankly, I love this guy. He turned his life around from his wayward college days and is not only a superior pro basketball coach - he is a fine ...

 We read and hear repeatedly that this Celtics team is not what Boston fans saw last season - meaning not only are their new important additions - but this version of T he Green is not expected to wilt against the once-again eighth-seeded Miami Heat. The addition of Kristaps Porzingis gives Boston a third major piece on offense and defense. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White add toughness on the defensive end, coupled with the ability to score big points on any given night. Last night, the Heat - minus Jimmy "Playoff Machine" Butler and "Scary" Terry Rozier - eliminated the Chicago Bulls from the post-season. The Miami crew are major underdogs versus Boston, but as the Celtics saw last year, anything can happen in the playoffs . It all starts tomorrow (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET) in Beantown. Butler is not expected back for a couple of weeks, but any thoughts by The Green that this will be a cakewalk could be disastrous. Owner, Wic Grousbeck , chastised his boys when they...