Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 We haven't seen much of Lamar Stevens this season, but he got the start at center last night as the short-handed Celtics (no Horford, Porzingis or Kornet) took out the Magic, 128-111.   The "Pine Platoon" of Stevens, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailuk combined for 55 points, 17 rebounds, 11 assists, eight steals and four blocks . Pritchard had a productive night, He scored 21 points (7-of-10 FG, 6-of-7 3s), pulled down three boards, and dished out five assists. Hauser was high man for Boston in rebounds, collecting seven. The veteran starters got into the passing mode from the start, with Tatum, Brown, Holiday and White combining for 20 of Boston's 31 assists . Derrick White had a team-high eight dimes. With the three big men out, the usual bench crew really came through - which bodes well for The Green's success in their quest for Banner 18.

  First it was Al Horford . Then in Boston's recent loss to the Magic, it was Jayson Tatum assessed a technical foul for hanging on the rim. This focus on what NBA referees view as a celebration after a dunk is not good for the game or the players . As Tatum indicated following the loss, players hang on to the rim briefly to avoid injury via an unbalanced landing or coming down on another player. Granted, we have all seen some players treating the rim as a pull-up bar in the gym following a slam dunk. That is celebratory and should be treated as such. But there are enough injuries and rules that slow the game down. The techs against both Al and Jayson were unwarranted. It is still a subjective call, but the refs should not be calling for a tech every time someone briefly hangs on the rim - checks the landing spot - and comes down from the heights. That is all! Is the NBA wrong in focusing so closely on their players that hang on the rim after dunks. If it's clearly a prolon...

 In a past Celtics-Magic contest at TD Garden, it just seemed strange that normally-mild-manner Al Horford would get ejected after an alleged flagrant-2 foul against Orlando's (and former Celtic), Moritz Wagner . The referees took some time analyzing the supposed infraction and ruled that Horford had elbowed Wagner in the groin area. Al Horford ejected early in the 3rd quarter vs. Orlando Here's a look at what happened. #ORLvsBOS pic.twitter.com/MT479xaqdd — Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 17, 2022 But on Wednesday, when Orlando faced Detroit, it was Wagner's turn to get ejected . In the confrontation with Al Horford, it was Moe that instigated the incident by fouling Al on a Celtics in-bounds play. On Wednesday, it was Wagner once again acting as the instigator when he pushed Detroit's Killian Hayes out of bounds. A scuffle of players from both sides took place, and Wagner and many other players from both teams were ejected. Tempers flare in D...

 The Boston Celtics once-grand offense has fizzled in the last five games - resulting in a 1-5 record in that span. What's up? The Green have been toppled by the Milwaukee Bucks from top spot in the League Standings - but still are number-one in Offensive Rating (116.8 points) for the season - but are dead-last (101.0 points) in that category over the last five games . The main reason? T heir field goal and 3-point shooting have hit the skids. The Celtics players are taking more treys and hitting fewer of them . They average 41.9 treys per game (attempted) for the season, and make 38.1% of them. Not so for the last five contests. For that span, they are up to 44.0 3-point attempts/game and hitting a mere 28.6%. And their assists are down from 26.3 APG (season) -to-22.0 APG while racking up four losses and one victory. The rebounds, turnovers and Defensive Rating have not changed much for the Boys from Beantown, so it appears that the main issue in their lackluster play in the la...

 The Boston Celtics just can't rid themselves of their live-or-die-by-the-3 pointer mentality . They get lazy - ignore active ball movement - and heave 3-pointers far too often. After their tiring 4-2 road trip, some of that can be expected, but the 117-109 loss to the Orlando Magic should not have happened. The culprits for Boston were numerous, but their 11-of-46 shooting from deep took center stage . They are second in the NBA in 3-point attempts (41.7 per game) , and that may be fine when those shots are landing. The other culprits? Let's start with the paucity of passes - only 17 assists for a team that averages 26.4 APG . Rebouding is a basic fundamental for winning, and The Green only took down 38 boards , even fewer than the 42.6 RPG that puts them in 23rd place this season. The boys were tired. That was obvious. But three losses in the last four games for the number-one team in the NBA had better not be a downward trend that gains any kind of momentum . Expect a resu...

  Jayson Tatum is not the only Celtic to have worked on - and improved - his game this off-season. Derrick White has returned to the court as a legit scoring threat for Boston. With Rob Williams out of action, White has taken a starting role and made the most of it. Through three games, the Celtics are 3-0 and he has averaged: 28.7 minutes - 13.0 points - 4.7 rebounds - 3.0 assists - 52% FG - 50% 3s In the Celtics 126-120 win over Orlando last night, Derrick had a line of 27/4/4 while hitting 10-of-17 from the field and 5-of-9 on treys . His catch-and-shoot corner threes were deadly. Credit his shooting coach(s) for the improvement. Credit Derrick White's shooting coach(s) for this kind of performance - and the off-season work he put in. This opens things up for the Jay Team even more. What a plus! Derrick White 27 Pts 4 Ast Highlights vs Magic! https://t.co/si2Z3aW61H via @YouTube — Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) October 23, 2022 If White can routinely shoot even-remotely like t...

 I was slotted to draft third in one of my Fantasy Basketball Leagues , and I p icked Jayson Tatum over Giannis Antetokounmpo . I had a reason. My thinking was that I truly believed that Tatum would have improved his game over the summer , a time of year when the great ones make critical strides . That seems to have happened for the Missouri native now in his sixth NBA season. The Celtics are off to a perfect start to the 2022-23 season with a 3-0 record. Jayson now holds the franchise record for most points scored through the first three games , having scored 104 total points - thereby eclipsing Larry Bird's previous record of 96 points over that first-three-games stretch. Tatum leads the League in scoring at 34.7 points per game and continues his dominance on the boards with 8.3 rebounds/game . His assists are at 3.0 APG , while adding 1.0 steals and 1.7 blocks per contest. His field goal percentage is a whopping 58.7 %.   The MVP chants will certainly get louder for th...

  Jaylen Brown's superstar-like performance in last night's victory over the Orlando Magic wasn't just about the electrifying numbers. It had a lot to do with his future in Boston - or elsewhere . If Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka wanted to showcase Brown for an upcoming trade, which I doubt is the case, his eruption versus Orlando could not have been more perfect . There was some "hop-on-my-back" swagger as he hit from everywhere and dared the Magic defense to stop him.  They couldn't! Not only did Jaylen put up a game-high 50 points, but he was high-scorer for the entire NBA last evening . The question now comes down to - with two stars that can carry their team to victory - and with a similar skill set - can they exist (and thrive) together in Boston . Marcus Smart has proven himself as a solid point guard, but since he will never be a volume scorer, what better shooting guard next to him is out there than Jaylen Brown? Rob Williams game is soaring exponen...

      1st Quarter            Ball Movement Ball Movement  so far we are getting to see some very nice ball movement. Leading to a three from Dennis Schroder, and watching JB get to the hoop untouched. On yet another possession, we see the offense end in a Jaylen Brown nothing-but-nylon three. Imagine this Celtics fans, What if we moved the ball this well every game. Hmmm the possibilities could be endless.        Can a run to start the new year save this roster, let's play hypothetical, if the Celtics reel off five games in a row or more, get themselves into a top 4 seed, what are we asking Brad to do? Stick with this group or make some upgrades that can result in a nice lengthy playoff run? Interesting to think about as we move forward.        Movement away from the hoop? As we near the end of the quarter, a lot of our offensive screens and plays are for threes!? Ime tell me why, get these guys go...

       First Half Thoughts       1st Quarter       Jaylen Brown was dealing like he was running the black jack table. His jumper is so pure. He attacks the hoop more so than anyone out there. He's so silky smooth getting to the cup . Smart played some nice D with a great block. He also fed RWill on an oop!        Jayson Tatum's pull up is so smooth, like butter on a roll! He hits those step back threes without effort. RWill once again doing the little things, keeping the ball alive . Al knocked down a three which is good to see!       The D started up like gas station coffee that has been sitting there. Bland and no kick! They needed to box out more on the boards . The offense became stagnant when both Jays were out, yet they only trail 28-26.       2nd Quarte r       This writer once again questions the D? It looks like they have never played D before. How ab...

 The Celtics Marcus Smart will be suspended for tonight's game versus the Miami Heat for a violation of a rule specified by Coach Ime Udoka . That violation is supposedly for missing the team's flight to Orlando for Wednesday night's game. The alleged infraction did require consequences, particularly for a key player that seems destined for co-captaincy this coming season. Udoka is not fooling around with his newly-acquired and talented squad. But the suspension is for a pre-season game where the win-loss status means little. Coach Udoka has set the tone for the season! Join in - follow the rules, and we should have a successful season. All is well in Beantown!

    Random thoughts on Celtics 103-102 loss to Orlando in pre-season play        It seems that lulls in offense are something this team will need to improve on. Too many turnovers are also leading to this lack of offense. When the extra passes are made, it usually ends up with the Celtics scoring. It creates open shots and the motion on offense is something to look at next game.       Before getting hit in the nose we are seeing what Payton Pritchard can do. Knocking down threes, getting the ball to his teammates, and hitting the mid range jumpers. He can legitimately be one of your bench scorers. Kid has no fear and up in basketball heaven Tommy Heinsohn is pleased .             Rob Williams hustle and moto r are huge to this teams success. He worked hard on all ends of the floor tonight. His passing was efficient, and he hit some shots tonight. Wait till he and The Wolverine get their alley oops g...

 I am sticking to my preferred Celtics starting-5 of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Rob Williams and - yes - the veteran, Al Horford . Ime Udoka starting newly-acquired Juancho Hernangomez at power forward versus Orlando in exhibition is simply early roster-tinkering. That's what coaches do in exhibition play. Expect a different look in the starting quintet on Saturday, and I have no idea what that "new look" will resemble . I expect a different face at power forward, and Jabari Parker may get a look as a starter. But when the real battles begin in the regular season, expect Horford to be out there for the starting gun. Ime Udoka seems to be in a "switch everything" defense mode , having sufficient youth, depth and size to make it work - but the question is - would this be the best defensive strategy. Pro basketball is more a game of instincts than long-thought-out strategies more-conducive to winning at chess. With a premier shot-blocking center l...

 We didn't hear much of Jaylen Brown during the off-season, but we are used to that. He is coming back from wrist surgery , but you couldn't tell by his stellar play in Boston's narrow 98-97 win over the Magic in Exhibition play. In 26 minutes of action, Jaylen poured in 25 points from everywhere - and in many ways. Turnaround fade-away, corner 3-pointers, several catch -and-shoot scores, full-court driving layup. He did it all on the offensive end. He also compiled four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block . Brown had a beauty of a driving, behind-the-back pass to Al Horford for a corner trey, and his on-target lob pass to Jayson Tatum was perfection. Despite recovering from wrist surgery, Jaylen Brown excelled in Boston's 98-97 victory over the Magic. https://t.co/InOlcqnrGM Jaylen Brown 25 pts 4 threes 3 asts vs Magic 2021 Preseason https://t.co/QTD8qlO0Zl via @YouTube — Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) October 5, 2021 Wrist surgery?   That apparentl...

          First quarter thoughts , Jaylen Brown looks slimmer yet his shot is just as sweet. No fear going to the hoop. Jayson Tatum looks bigger, ready to go at his opponents. We saw some good ball movement. Good effort on the defensive end. Juancho isn't afraid to bang . We saw some fight on going after the ball and extra passes. Shroeder and Al Horford have a nice connection and good pick and roll. J Rich getting a block, a reminder of his defensive pedigree. The Wolverine showed his willingness to be the facilitator. There were some defensive breakdowns and a few bad turnovers.        Second quarter thoughts , JT used his new frame and massive shoulders to post up and get buckets. We see that P ayton Pritchard has no fear, willing to take and make 3s. The Wolverine showing us he can get to the hoop with his strength, plus the ability to drive. We saw more of Juancho's energy on that offensive rebound. Al making plays, setting screens...

 Celtics boss, Danny Ainge , said it a while back - that the Celtics needed some "shooting with size" . Well, he may have accomplished that goal by trading for 6'7" Evan Fournier . Danny Ainge on 98.5 on what @Celtics need.... "I would say maybe shooting, with size. ... We could use shooting, we could use passing. But you always need defense. ... I think that shooting at the big position is something we haven't had." — Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 4, 2021 In last night's runaway 132-96 win over the Orlando Magic ,  the French import contributed 18 points, five boards, four assists and two steals in 29 minutes of action . Evan started the game at the forward spot in place of the ailing Jaylen Brown. .  Fournier hit 8-of-14 shots from the field and 2-of-5 beyond the arc. His shooting and scoring were expected. But his other contributions are a bonus .  His size allows him to play at least two positions on the court and makes him effective de...

Any true Celtics fan knows what Brad Stevens' ideal lineup would look like. The starting (and game-closing) five would all be in the neighborhood of 6'8", with the ability to score, in addition to the tenacity to defend any opponent of any size.  Brad is not alone when one of his shorter players gets caught in a mismatch down low. We cringe right along with him. That is why the Boston faithful may never see Isaiah Thomas back in Beantown - and why Kemba Walker is often included in trade rumors. The NBA Trade Deadline hits on March 25, and Danny Ainge has made it known that he is looking for "shooting with size"   via the Trade Exception. I have written recently on 6'8" wings, Aaron Gordon and Harrison Barnes being near-perfect targets to fill that need. The Magic's Gordon is currently out of action with an injury, and Barnes may be available from a Kings team that appears to be going nowhere this season. Either wing would be a nice fit in Bosto...

With two of Boston's point guards out of commission and the team on a two-game losing streak, Danny Ainge needs to maintain the patience that he has acquired since coming to Beantown. Marcus Smart is out for 2-to-3 weeks with a calf issue, while Payton Pritchard is nursing a knee injury. The traded player exception (TPE) sits unused in Ainge's hands, and he clings to it like he has with past draft picks. That should continue - barring an irresistible deal he can't let go.  The Celtics bench has proven to be a weak link this season, and the latest rumblings concern the availability of Pelicans' sharpshooting guard, J J Redick, being available. Redick is a shooting guard - pure and simple. Despite the scoring woes from Boston's bench, Redick is not the answer. Here's the deal. The NBA's All-Star break occurs March 5-10, and historically, this is a time when many inter-team discussions take place. The trade deadline is March 25, and April 9 marks the last day f...

I never expected the Celtics much-depleted roster to dominate the Orlando magic to the tune of 124-97. But they did it.  J aylen Brown reappeared from the COVID-generated mist to distribute the ball (8 assists) and score a team-high 21 points on 50% from the field, 2-of-5 on threes and, get this, a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line. Getting better at the charity stripe has just been another part of Jaylen's journey to All-Stardom. Payton Pritchard once again stood out, producing 16 points, four boards and five assists. He seems too damn consistent for a rookie, but Celtics fans love it. By the way, get him a better nickname before it's too late! Talking of consistency, much-maligned Semi Ojeleye came through again with 18 points (6-of-10 FG, 3-of-6 on 3s) and six rebounds. He keeps getting the minutes out of necessity, and we may see that continue once the roster is back to whatever is considered normal by today's standards. Jeff Teague needs a mention here with ...

I absolutely love what rookie Payton Pritchard brings to the Boston Celtics, but I DESPISE the nicknames being tossed out there. "Fast PP, 8 Mile, P Rabbit"? Payton deserves better. Now hold up damn it!!!! I know we praising Melo, Wiseman, and Edwards as ROY candidates but I’d be damned if we not gonna talk about the IMPACT Payton “P-Rabbit” Pritchard has on the Boston Celtics! Circle back later. Carry on! — Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 16, 2021 The rookie came through once again last night, as Boston destroyed the Orlando magic with the final score at 124-97. The subs came through in this one, including Pritchard with: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 6-of-13 FG, 4-of-8 on treys P Rabbit sounds like a damn vibrator lol. Come on man. He needs a better nickname — Mr Winters (@CDUBB758) January 16, 2021 Help me out here! It took seemingly forever for the Celtics fans to even consider using my "Jay Team" moniker for Boston's star pairing. Let's ...