Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

       First Half Thoughts       1st Quarter             GWill came out firing hitting a few threes. Smart and RWill with the connection for yet another JAM! We saw Nesmith get in and get a bucket .             PP got minutes, very surprised because we rarely see him . Jabari got some time and had a bucket.       JT to RWill for two, JT going strong to the hoop. DS had a rain making floater. Overall offensively they left some points on the floor. Celtics lead 20-9.       2nd Quarter        Nesmith again with a bucket. We got some love from Romeo with an And One! We had a Hernangomez sighting getting to the line .           JT yet again getting to the hoop. JT getting himself to the line. His willingness to go and get to the line is a welcome sign.        DS was balling once again, hitt...

 As I wrote previously, Jayson Tatum may end up as the top, all-time scorer in Celtics history , but he remains far away from contending for BEST all-time. Rookie head coach, Ime Udoka got it right with his post-game appraisal of Tatum's performance : ''Jayson showed frustration on his shots, but you've got to play through that,'' Celtics coach Ime Udoka said. ''He had some turnovers late -- some sloppy ones -- but he has to find a way to affect the game in a positive way when his shot isn't falling.''  Jayson was getting his shots off (22 of them), but they weren't falling. He was 8-of-22 (36%) from the field and 1-of-8 (12%) on treys. His other stats? Four rebounds, two assists and six turnovers . Udoka called some of those miscues "sloppy ones".   After 13 games and a career-high 37.4 MPG this season, Tatum is hitting career lows in FG% (.388), 3-pointers (.321) and free throws (.742). He has become a better rebounder (...

      Here at the Sentinel we like to honor Tommy Heinsohn , as you all know. So after tonight's performance vs the depleted Bucks, we have not one but two winners of our award. While we would have liked a non overtime win, we will take it.        In 41 minutes RWill had 12 points and 10 boards. He also had 3 blocks and 3 assists . What truly amazes me is how he keeps offensive possessions alive . Earning the Celtics many more opportunities to get the ball in the hoop. His maturation this season has been truly a joy to watch. We know Tommy is proud of RWill.       In 42 minutes the Wolverine had 19 points and 6 rebounds. He also chipped in with 6 assists and 3 steals. Marcus also seems to becoming that playmaker we need on offense. His shot selection was much better . Overall his words have spurred a nice run by the Celtics. T ommy always loved Marcus and lasts nights performance would have made him proud. 

 Milwaukee was missing some key Bucks from the herd last night , so the Celtics 122-113 overtime win definitely has an asterisk next to it . But here are the bright signs I have witnessed thus far in the season: Rob Williams has health, bounce and intensity I see no hint whatsoever of any leg-or-knee issues in Rob Williams play . Last night, he logged 41 minutes , coming away with 12 points on perfect shooting from the field (5-of-5) and the foul stripe (2-of-2). He took down 10 rebounds - six of them off the offensive glass . He added three assists and three blocks, and he was all over the floor getting his hands on the ball constantly.  Marcus Smart has settled his game down How important is Marcus Smart to the Celtics and their season? Last night, he logged a team-high 42 minutes , producing 19 points, six boards, six assists, three steals and tying RWill for plus/minus honors with a +13 . Oh - and he hit 7-of-13 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. His passes ...

        First Half Thoughts       1st Quarter      Label this writer being disappointed that The Greek isn't playing . With that said, you get a wounded Bucks team that needs to be put in their place! Celtics fans get to welcome back the ultimate do your job player in Semi Ojeleye! Bobby Portis is a guy Celtics fans would love to have on our team.       JT to Al to RWill for the JAM, starting off the scoring tonight. Al with some busy hands on D, following up misses and getting put backs. Al to DS for three, he liked it so much DS did it again . Plus he's using his lightning quick skills to get to the hoop. DS once again getting buckets. DS using his slithery silky smooth moves to get to the hoop.      JT using his strength to get to the hoop tonight, nailing a three in Allen's face, with some Duke on Duke crime. JT nailing a three which when it goes in sounds like joy out of the hoop. JT crashing th...

 For an NBA team known historically as a defense-first crew , Boston fans could hardly tell that by the 2-5 start to the Celtics season . Where did the defense go, or was it ever going to be there this season? In the first 7 games, the Celtics went 2-5 while being 25th in defensive rating, at 110.3 Over the last 4 games, the Celtics are 3-1 with a league best 93.9 defensive rating (more than 4 points better than the next best team). This teams identity is on the defensive end. pic.twitter.com/u5k0Cs5d4Q — HOOPS EMPIRE (@HoopsEmpire_) November 11, 2021 We may be seeing a return of the hallowed Boston defense . It is true. Over the last four games, the team is 3-1, with the top Defensive Rating in the League . They are also tops in preventing Second-Chance Points by opposing teams - and fourth in Opponent Points in the Paint .  Since Boston only ranks 16th in Defensive Boards, it can be inferred that their interior defense, aka protecting the paint, has returned - at least for ...

        First Half Thoughts       1st Quarter      Celtics should hopefully be ready to give the Raptors a taste of their own medicine and light them up. Al opening up the O with a nice fall away. RWill follow up dunk, always hustling. JT coming up roses hitting his first shot. RWill following up another shot with a tip in.      Al crashing the offensive board, getting second chance points. DS for three off a JT pass! Nice ball movement . Marcus with a smooth jumper that wasn't a three. JT with a sweet pass to Romeo for three! JRich hustling and swatting the shot on the other end. Get that weak stuff outta here!        JT driving and kicking to Romeo for three again! The man knows how to distribute the rock! JRich off the dribble with a nothing but net jumper! Smooth as the other side of the pillow! DS for three, silky smooth! DS to the cup! Celtics lead 33-26 .       2nd Quarter  ...