Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 I understand that the much-revered Bob Ryan did not start writing about the Boston Celtics until 1969, the year Bill Russell retired, but I have to differ with him with regard to what he wrote about Robert Williams III .  Ain’t nobody. The Celtics have never had this kind of 7-foot modern athlete rim-protecting center as Robert Williams. And that includes the fading Shaq. — Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) January 16, 2022 I have labeled Rob Williams as the most physically-gifted Celtics big man since Bill Russell. Did Ryan forget about Russ as the epitome of "this kind of 7-foot modern athlete rim-protecting center"? "Big Bill" was truly the first super-athletic NBA big who was quick and a high-flyer. He made shot-blocking an art. The following from my previous article: Russell was closer to  6'10" than his often-listed 6'9" , and his  wingspan extended to 7'4" . Upon his entry into the League in 1956,  no one had yet seen anyone like him . ...

 I honestly didn't envision Robert Williams III breaking out the way he has this season . His minutes are at a career-high (19.3 MPG) - is averaging close to a double-double (10.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG) -  has become an able distributor from the top of the key - is one of the top finishers on lobs in the NBA - is tied for 3rd in blocks per game (2.1 BPG) -and his free throw accuracy is also at a career high (.683). And Boston's "Sky Pilot" is damn fun to watch. His supreme athleticism, quickness and wingspan make him a menace for opposing players, both under the hoop and well away from it. 14 PTS | 4-4 FT | 13 REB | 6 AST | 2 BLK Robert Williams III was the hero for the Celtics against the Bulls 😤 Full highlights ▶️ https://t.co/YrRPPZ9l4Z Support my work ▶️ https://t.co/CmiHWMgejF pic.twitter.com/E4k0LOK9Jq — Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) January 16, 2022 What should come next would be the development of some inside moves on offense . When the lobs are not there, or...

      We here at the Sentinel love seeing wins because that means we get to give out awards! Every game we should see one if not multiple Celtics players make their mark on the game. Last night we saw a nice team effort.       With that said, "DS the Pest", Dennis Schroder is our award winner - 16 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal. When he starts, he's a huge asset. He's also becoming a true trade chip. If I'm Brad I'm showcasing him to bring a piece in. I'm also holding onto JRich because he could be a key piece on a winner.       Last night was a good win because they could have melted in the fourth, yet they came back! Bleed Green!

      1st Quarter       Much better start tonight, tonight's effort is there unlike last night. This Bulls team is darn good. The Celtics passing and ball movement has been something to watch tonight. Gotta love how they are attacking the rim! Keep it up fellas!            Defense Defense Defense! So far the D has been pretty good. Not great, but the hustle is there. Now we need the execution, like the way DS is hounding guys up the floor. Tonight they need to reclaim their toughness on D.       2nd Quarter       Making the extra pass, is a sight for sore eyes. This is how you move the ball. Team basketball involves making the D work. Too much iso ball this season has doomed the Celtics . Pretty easy to game plan a team who lives for Iso ball. Need to keep the ball moving, setting screens, and making that extra pass.       Where's the D gone? DeMar DeRozan is des...

      1st Quarter       What was that quarter all about, lack of energy, not very good ball movement. The Sixers came out to play while the Celtics are still stuck in Indiana . Offensively I'm watching a bunch of guys just standing around the three point line and it makes me sick. This is a total turn around from what they did the other night. This team looks out of sorts tonight.       I usually like watching the games because it's a nice escape from reality but so far tonight I want to turn off the game and watch anything else! My mind is already drifting to tomorrow night vs the Bulls . Not to mention Pat's vs Bills. I hope the next few quarters can keep Celtics fans engaged.       2nd Quarter       We all remember the Where's the Beef Commercial?! WHERES THE D!!! What is going on out there tonight, we win a few games in a row and we stop doing what got us there? You finally get yourself  b...

Nba.Com just came out with their mid-season report , and despite their recent 3-game winning streak, the Celtics still have a few issues to deal with ( per Nba.Com's Steve Aschburner ): ...the Celtics have won more than two in a row only once so far, saddled with fourth-quarter failings and what Udoka labeled a lack of toughness. Tatum and Brown have maintained their numbers but haven’t lifted the team. Udoka is starting to get scrutinized. Dennis Schroder looks like a trade-deadline goner. A bright spot: Robert Williams III is a hustling fixture in the middle. I have written about the Celtics lack of toughness prior to this season. Here's an excerpt:  NBA teams can never drift to a Championship. Talent, skills and finesse alone don't produce Titles. Call the issue what you will, but this version of the Boston Celtics lacks it (toughness). Udoka sees it. Horford sees it. Maybe a few direct words from Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, Dave Cowens and Paul Pierce may turn the ship ...

  "Uncle Jeff Green's" Denver Nuggets blew away the Portland Trailblazers last night to the tune of 140-108 . Green must have heard the negative (and hilarious) vibes from Boston fans relative to his potential return (would be his 4th) to Beantown.  The feeling around Boston is that Jeff plays well when with Celtics rivals, but not in Boston . That played out last night as " Uncle Jeff" came away with 19 points (9-of-11 FG), five rebounds and three assists. At this point I would take Soylent Green. — The GOAT (@gsGOAT)  January 13, 2022  Despite his performance versus the Blazers, Beantown fan shows little support for the fourth return of Green to "The Green". And since 2021-22 was never going to be a serious-contention season, I will second that stance. Nikola Jokic & @unclejeffgreen were rolling in the @nuggets win! #MileHighBasketball Jeff Green: 19 PTS (9-11 FGM), 5 REB Nikola Jokic: 20 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST pic.twitter.com/8ktEH2jVvP — NBA (@N...