CELTICS NOTES: Shoulder woes continue to hamper Perkins

Kendrick Perkins began having problems with his left shoulder when he suffered a dislocation during practice in February 2006. Nearly three years and three surgeries later, the Boston Celtics’ center continues to deal with shoulder woes that have forced him out of the lineup for the second time in recent weeks. Perkins, who strained the shoulder in last Friday night’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, missed his second consecutive game on Monday night when the Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 115-109, in overtime at the TD Banknorth Garden. The latest...read full article

Celtics outlast Raptors in OT

The Toronto Raptors waged a fierce battle Monday night, but fell 115-109 in overtime to the Boston Celtics in the second leg of a home-and-home series at the TD Banknorth Garden. Paul Pierce led all scorers with 39 points, including nine in OT, as Boston swept the two-game set from Toronto. "There's players who play the game [and] there's players who absolutely love the game," Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said. "Paul is one of those love guys." "You all need to start playing some of that Superman theme music in the building when he is going like...read full article

NBA Backcourt Report: Celtics Top Toronto Twice

The Boston Celtics were able to beat the Toronto Raptors for the second night in a row, but they would need overtime to do it. Andrea Bargnani hit a 3-pointer with a second left in regulation to force the extra period, but the defending champs pulled away after that, finishing on top 115-109. Paul Pierce led Boston with 39 points, but his best work was done in overtime. Pierce started the period with a 3-pointer, finished with 9 points total, and the Celtics never looked back, leading the entire extra five minutes of play. The Celtics fought back from a 10-point deficit in...read full article

Celtics need overtime to subdue Raptors

Paul Pierce scores a season-high 39 points, nine of them in overtime, to lift Boston to a 115-109 victory at home.

at Boston 115, Toronto 109 (OT): Paul Pierce scored nine of his season-high 39 points in overtime and the Celtics swept a back-to-back, home-and-home series with the Raptors. One day after Ray Allen's 36 points led Boston to a 94-88 win in Toronto, Pierce led a comeback from a 10-point deficit midway through the third quarter and carried Boston (31-9) to its...read full article

Perkins out a week for Celtics

Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins is expected to be sidelined the next week due to the recurrence of a left shoulder injury he suffered during the NBA Finals. "It's not career-ending, but it can be a career problem and has been," said Boston coach Doc Rivers. "Last year, we got away with it and then we had the worst timing in Game 5 (of NBA Finals) You just don't know with that injury. I've had it. It's not a fun injury." Brian Scalabrine started at center Monday night and had 11 points in Boston's 115-109 overtime win in Toronto. Perkins, who had surgery...read full article

Pierce plays ‘Superman’ again, bad knee and all in Celtics’ 115-109 victory over Raptors

Superman shook off the Kryptonite, which in this case was a sore right knee, as Boston’s captain, Paul Pierce, torched Toronto for a season-high 39 points and 9 rebounds last night at the TD Banknorth Garden to carry the Celtics to a thrilling 115-109 overtime victory over the upset-minded Raptors. “That was Superman,” Boston forward Kevin Garnett said of Pierce’s performance, adding that the Superman theme song should be played in the Garden whenever Pierce gets it going like he did last night. The win was Boston’s second in as many...read full article

Perkins out until at least next week

Kendrick Perkins missed his second consecutive game last night after separating his surgically-repaired shoulder last week. The 6-foot-10, 280-pound center said that he will not return to Boston’s lineup until early next week at the earliest. “I was told to sit out a week so I guess I’m out until Monday,” said Perkins, who is averaging a career-best 8.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this year. Perkins saw Boston physician Brian McKeon about the injury and McKeon told him to rest his shoulder for at least a week. “It does feel better,” Perkins said. “It gets better...read full article

NBA: Celtics, Magic, Lakers, 76ers and Suns win

Ray Allen scored a season-high 36 points, including eight 3-pointers, and the Boston Celtics withstood a late Toronto rally to beat the Raptors 94-88 on Sunday afternoon, snapping a four-game losing streak. Allen, who made a career-high 10 3-pointers against Charlotte on April 14, 2002, finished 8-for-10 from 3-point range on Sunday, making his first six attempts. Rajon Rondo had 14 points and 11 assists and Kevin Garnett added 10 points and 11 rebounds. Paul Pierce had 11 points for Boston, which had lost seven of nine coming in. Andrea Bargnani...read full article

Quote of the Day -Ray Allen

"We don't want the pig to get as fat as it possibly can. One day you have to slaughter the pig." -Ray Allen

Celtics vs Raptors Highlights

Allen's 36 points help Celtics end slide

The Boston Celtics found a cure for their recent woes in holding off the Toronto Raptors 94-88 on Sunday behind the hot shooting of Ray Allen. The Celtics guard hit his initial six three-pointers, spurring the Atlantic Division leaders to their first win in five games. He finished with a season-high 36 points, making eight of 10 shots behind the arc. "We just rode his hot hand tonight," the Celtics' Paul Pierce told reporters after Boston won for just the third time in 10 games. Allen said his team mates were responsible for the big game. "We were moving the ball," Allen told...read full article

Celtics top Raptors, end four-game skid

BOSTON 94, TORONTO 88: Ray Allen scored a season-high 36 points, including eight three-pointers, and the visiting Celtics withstood a late Toronto rally to beat the Raptors on Sunday afternoon, ending a four-game losing streak. Allen, who made a career-high 10 three-pointers against Charlotte on April 14, 2002, finished 8-for-10 from three-point range on Sunday, making his first six attempts. Rajon Rondo had 14 points and 11 assists and Kevin Garnett added 10 points and 11 rebounds. Paul Pierce had 11 points for Boston, which had lost seven of nine...read full article

Led by Allen’s 36, Celtics Return to Winning Ways

Ray Allen was on a roll Sunday, so the Boston Celtics kept going to him. Allen scored a season-high 36 points, including eight 3-pointers, as Boston won at Toronto, 94-88, ending a four-game losing streak. “When Ray gets it going, that’s our focus,” Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said. “Feed the pig, that’s what we always say. He was the hot guy, so we want to keep feeding him.” Allen was 8 for 10 on 3-point attempts, making his first six. “When you see a player having a good night like that, it’s our duty as other players to try and get him the ball,” Paul Pierce said. “We just...read full article

Allen feasts on Raptors as Celtics halt losing skid

 Ray Allen scored 36 points as the Boston Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 94-88 Sunday, snapping a four-game losing skid. Allen helped Boston jump out to a quick start, sinking all five of his three-point attempts in the first quarter as the Celtics raced out to a 32-20 advantage. "When Ray gets it going, that's our focus," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "Feed the pig, that's what we always say. He was the hot guy, so we want to keep feeding him." Allen finished 11-of-14 from the field and eight-of-10 from the three-point line. He also converted all six of his free-throw...read full article

Celts top Raptors, end 4-game skid

Ray Allen was on a roll, so the Boston Celtics kept going to him. Allen scored a season-high 36 points, including eight 3-pointers, and the Celtics withstood a late Toronto rally to beat the Raptors 94-88 on Sunday afternoon, snapping a four-game losing streak. "When Ray gets it going, that's our focus," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "Feed the pig, that's what we always say. He was the hot guy, so we want to keep feeding him." Allen, who made a career-high 10 3-pointers against Charlotte on April 14, 2002, went 8-for-10 from 3-point range...read full article

Danny Ainge willing to go all-in with this hand

Danny Ainge was out west last week scouting talent, including his own two youngsters in the NBDL, Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens, both of whom he recalled Thursday. That spared the Celtics [team stats] personnel czar much of the furor that was unhatched by his team’s 2-6 slump heading into Friday night’s game in Cleveland. “I’m not worried,” he said. Though there may indeed be a trade on the horizon for the Celtics prior to the Feb. 19 trade deadline, Ainge reiterated that there is “nothing even close” right now. More to the point, he’s...read full article

Celtics Want to Acquire a Shooter

An article on Yahoo! Sports stated the Celtics were looking to acquire a shooter for the bench:

What GM Danny Ainge wants is a shooter off the bench, but he's struggling to find one. League sources say he made a bid for the Orlando Magic's J.J. Redick recently, a guard he's long coveted, but an offer of J.R. Giddens and Gabe Pruitt couldn't come close to prying Redick. What's more, Orlando isn't motivated to fortify the Celtics. Suddenly, the Magic believe they can beat Boston. League executives say Ainge has become more persistent this week in searching...read full article

Celtics will face new look Raptors

Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers is referring to his club's recent malaise as a bit of a withdrawal on the savings it accumulated when it was winning 19 games in a row earlier this season. The Raptors wouldn't mind at all if the Celts' bank balance kept taking a hit for at least the next two nights. Boston has lost seven of their past nine and head into Toronto today looking to get things righted. The two teams finish up the home and home series in Boston tomorrow.
But this Raptors club will have a distinctively different approach than the one...read full article

Sleepy Raptors hope they wake up before Celtics do

It will be shortly after 12:30 p.m. today when the Raptors begin one of the most significant games of their season, a test of how far they've come against an accomplished opponent, an emotional afternoon sure to play out before a soldout Air Canada Centre. They'll be sleepy. And so, probably, will many of the fans. It's just the way it is in the topsy-turvy start-time world of television-driven NBA scheduling. But who wakes up first – the Raptors, their fans, the Boston Celtics – may be the determining point on who wins. "Once you get into the flow of the game, you pretty...read full article

Boston Celtics (29-9) at Toronto Raptors (16-21), 12:30 p.m.

The struggling Boston Celtics will try to put the brakes on a season-high four-game losing streak Sunday when they close out a short road trip up north against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Boston has dropped four in a row and seven of nine since ripping off a team record 19 consecutive wins. In Friday's 98-83 loss to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena, Kevin Garnett tallied 18 points and 15 rebounds for the defending NBA champions. The four-game skid is the longest for Boston since dropping seven straight from...read full article

Rondo key to turning Celtics' fortunes

Mike Giardi welcomes Scott Souza of the MetroWest Daily News into the NECN studio to discuss the Boston Celtics, who have fallen from grace, losing 7 of their past 9. One area critics can point to would be the play of point guard Rajon Rondo. "He has regressed a little bit," Souza said. "One of the things that he has to keep doing -- one of the things I liked that he did (Friday) night -- was even if things aren't going his way, he has to keep pushing the basketball. He can't walk the basketball up the court, because that really allows the defense to sag off of him...read full article

The Celtics Have Little to Offer When It’s Time to Talk Trade

Trades started the Boston Celtics on their way back to the top of the N.B.A. It could take something more creative to keep them there. The Celtics simply do not have much to give up. “We’re cap-strapped, and we’re an interesting team, where we won a championship last year yet we don’t have a lot of players that guys want to trade for,” Boston Coach Doc Rivers said. “That’s unusual when you think about it, so we have to go another route if we want to change our team.” That is why the Celtics have been linked to names like P. J. Brown...read full article

Quote of the Day

"We're good man. I am telling you the truth. The mood is real positive. We are going to get through this touch stretch." -Paul Pierce

What we learned: Celtics-Cavaliers

With a little over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the game no longer in doubt, a demonstrative Kevin Garnett huddled with Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Sam Cassell on the Celtics bench. The topic: how to get the team out of the worst funk The Big Three have experienced in their 1½ years together. "We were trying to work things out," Cassell said. "Trying to regroup. We're tired of talking about it. This [(expletive] is getting old now. We're tired of excuses. This is what we have in our locker room right here. Hakeem...read full article

NBA: Cleveland 98, Boston 83

LeBron James, responding to the challenge posed by the defending NBA champions, scored 38 points Friday in leading the Cleveland Cavaliers past Boston 98-83. It was the fourth time this season James has scored at least 38 and it came in one of the highlight contests to date in the NBA season. Boston appeared headed for the best record in the Eastern Conference this year when it put together a franchise-record 19-game winning streak, but the Celtics have lost seven times in their lasts nine outings. This was their fourth straight setback. Cleveland...read full article

Too much James, too little Celts

They circled this game on their calendar months ago. On Friday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers checked it off as another win. Their biggest in a season getting special. LeBron James scored 38 points, harassed Paul Pierce all over the floor and strengthened his case to be the league's MVP front-runner as the Cavaliers, playing with a bottled-up intensity reserved for the playoffs, improved to 19-0 at home by beating the staggering Boston Celtics, 98-83. James scored 23 points in the second half. He added seven rebounds, six assists, four steals, three blocks...read full article

Cavaliers vs Celtics Highlights

Pumped-up LeBron James leads Cavaliers over Celtics

For days, LeBron James insisted that facing the NBA champions in January was no ordinary regular-season game. He and the Cleveland Cavaliers proved it Friday night, beating the Boston Celtics, 98-83, in a game filled with playoff-like intensity. James scored 38 points, harassed Paul Pierce all over the floor and continued to make his case for the league's most valuable player as the Cavaliers improved to 19-0. James scored 23 in the second half. He added seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks. After the Cavaliers had built their lead to...read full article

NBA Haier Play of the Day

Quote of the Day 1/8/09

"Nobody said it was going to be easy. I know, at times, we do make it look easy. We are a very, very confident team....... I feel we have the mind-set to weather the storm." -Kevin Garnett

Celtics, Cavaliers ready to rumble

As little LeBron James Jr. practiced writing his name on the dry-erase board in Cleveland's locker room, his famous father was busy a few feet away. The Boston Celtics were on the flatscreen TV and LeBron James was watching them, studying them, breaking them down. Stepping away from his work, the youngster examined his penmanship. "Daddy, my 'n' looks like a 'w'," he said. On Friday night, his father wouldn't mind seeing a different 'W.' The Cavaliers, owners of the Eastern Conference's best record and the league's only unbeaten team at home, will host...read full article

What's wrong with the Celtics?

The Celtics walked into their Christmas afternoon showdown with the Lakers on a 19-game winning streak. The Lakers defeated Boston 92-83 in their Finals rematch and it appears that the C's left with their spirits broken. In the past two weeks the Celtics have a record of 2-6 with their only victories coming against the lowly Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards. The reigning NBA champs suffered losses to the Lakers, Knicks, Bobcats, Warriors, Blazers, and Rockets. In their last loss they were defeated by the Tracy McGrady-less...read full article

Reigning champs have their issues

From 19 consecutive victories and the best start in NBA history (27-2), the defending champions have now lost six of eight games. The Celtics' unanticipated conquerors include the sub-.500 Warriors, Knicks and Bobcats, as well as the shorthanded Trail Blazers (without Brandon Roy) and Rockets (minus Tracy McGrady). And none of this can be blamed on injury, as the Celtics have had nearly their full team in place and available. Surprising? Not entirely, according to their coach.
"I thought during the [19-game winning] streak it was starting to come,'' Doc...read full article

James, Cavaliers, set for rematch with Celtics

When the NBA champion Celtics take the court in Cleveland on Friday night, LeBron James expects to see the Boston team that opened the season 27-2, not the one that has lost six of its last eight games. "It's not the end of the world. They've lost a few. They'll get it together," James said. "I bet they won't come in here on Friday sluggish." After scoring 21 points in Cleveland's 111-81 home victory over Charlotte on Wednesday night, James gave a running commentary as he watched the final minutes of Boston's 89-85 loss to Houston on television. The...read full article

Playing 'full speed'

I have a friend in Winthrop who, I hear, was a pretty good running back on the football team back in the day. He still helps out with the high school team a fair amount. I enjoy standing near him on the sidelines during games. I played football through fifth grade but, weighing in at around 110 pounds as a freshman and sophomore in high school -- a AAAA (largest) school in Pennsylvania, a pretty tough football state -- I thought, well, football probably wasn't my sport. I ran track, played tennis, ran cross-country and played in the band. Good choices; I broke no...read full article

Celtics vs Rockets Highlights

The sky is falling: Rockets hand Celtics another loss

Yao Ming posted 26 points and eight rebounds, and the Houston Rockets dealt the Boston Celtics an 89-85 defeat at TD Banknorth Garden. The Celtics have been reeling as of late, dropping six of eight since a franchise-record 19-game win streak. The loss also snaps the defending champions' 13-game home win streak, dropping Boston to 18-2 this season as the host. Aaron Brooks had 19 points for the Rockets, who got their first win on a five- game road trip. They had lost the first three games to Toronto, Atlanta and Philadelphia, respectively, before...read full article

Nothing’s working for the Celtics right now

Rajon Rondo knows one thing: “If it doesn’t kill you it will make you stronger,” the Boston Celtics point guard said. What he might not understand is that his Celtics are killing their fans. The people who watched them roll to their 17th NBA title last season are seeing nothing more than an ordinary team right now, and when you consider that Wednesday’s 89-85 Garden loss to the Houston Rockets was their sixth in eight games, well, that’s a bit less than ordinary, isn’t it? What’s the problem? What isn’t the problem? Celtics players seem to think it’s defense...read full article

Celtics fall at home 89-85 to Rockets

Von Wafer hit a 3-pointer with 44 seconds left to give Houston the lead as the Rockets beat the slumping Boston Celtics 89-85 in the NBA on Wednesday. It was the sixth loss in eight games for the defending NBA champions, but their first at home since a Nov. 14 defeat to Denver sent them on a 19-game winning streak. Yao Ming had 26 points and eight rebounds, scoring on a putback with 12.9 seconds left to help the Rockets snap a three-game losing streak and a five-game road skid. Paul Pierce scored 26 points, and Kevin Garnett had 18 and eight rebounds...read full article

Rockets-Celtics: Houston Spoils Boston's Chance For Redemption

For the Rockets, it was "The Tale of Even Quarters." The Celtics came into this game having lost five of their last seven games, and were looking to turn things around at home against the injury-plagued Rockets. Maybe next time. The Rockets have been playing horrible basketball the past two weeks. They had lost six of their past eight coming in, and were looking for any answer to the terrible shooting of late. Von Wafer and Aaron Brooks were viable solutions. The Celtics opened the game on fire. Paul Pierce connected on all of his shot attempts, including three...read full article

Rockets 89, Celtics 85: Slumping champs drop another

Okay, now it's serious. The Celtics have lost six of their last eight after the Houston Rockets, playing without the injured Tracy McGrady and Shane Battier, punched the defending world champs in their collective mouths, 89-85, at the Garden last night. What was thought of a few days ago as a natural bump in the road seems a little more serious than that this morning. Next up for Boston: the Cavs on the road tomorrow night. "(The Cavs) have been looking forward to this," said Paul Pierce. "We're going to get their best punch. The way they've been...read full article

Rockets hand struggling Celtics narrow defeat at home

Struggling NBA champions Boston Celtics suffered their third straight defeat after Houston Rockets edged them 89-85 at home on Wednesday. Houston guard Von Wafer made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 43 seconds left and Yao Ming added two of his team-high 26 in the final seconds to clinch victory. The Celtics entered the contest having lost five road games in their last seven contests, but the holders could not find any solace at home either. Paul Pierce led the way with 26 points for the Celtics, who scored a season-low 11 points in the fourth quarter to let the...read full article

NBA notebook

Memphis waived forward Darius Miles, who was trying to make a comeback after a two-year absence following knee surgery. Miles was cut by the Boston Celtics in the preseason and signed with Memphis on Dec. 13. The 27-year-old also served a 10-game league suspension after his signing for violating the league's drug policy. Miles holds career averages of 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.15 blocks in 27.6 minutes in 414 career games with Memphis, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Portland Trail Blazers. SPURS - San Antonio Spurs waived reserve forward Anthony Tolliver. Tolliver played in 19 games for the Spurs, averaging 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds. The rookie from Creighton played only nine minutes in the last two games for San Antonio. LAKERS - Tests showed Lamar Odom's right knee injury...read full article

Starbury to the Celtics?

Sadly, this will be my last post for a while. This internship with the B/R sucks out all energy that I have to write. So, thanks to all of you who joined on for the meantime, including my latest fan Steven Resnick. It's been an honor writing for you guys. But, never fear, I'll be situated sometime towards the end of February and then all will be restored. As for Starbury on the C's? Desperate times call for desperate measures, huh? Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser don't seem to think that it would necessarily be a bad thing if he joined the squad. I tend to agree...read full article

Videos

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Bobcats outplay slumping Celtics

After 19 straight wins and an NBA record 27-2 start, the Boston Celtics have lost that swagger. The lockdown defense and the poise are missing, too, as teams line up to get a shot at the defending champions. On Tuesday, it was the lowly Charlotte Bobcats, as Raymond Felton scored 25 points and rookie D.J. Augustin added 11 of his 20 in overtime in a stunning 114-106 win that sent the Celtics to their fifth loss in seven games. Going from unbeatable to vulnerable in less than two weeks, the Celtics were searching for answers after being left battered, bruised...read full article

Bobcats put lid on Celtics in OT: Felton, Augustin lead way vs. reigning champs

There's a grease board in the Charlotte Bobcats locker room where assistant coaches scrawl a mini-critique of each opposing starter. Usually it's technical ("don't give up pick-and-roll"), but the warning about Boston Celtics All-Star Kevin Garnett was more elemental: "Don't get punk'd." Turns out the Bobcats punked Garnett Tuesday, holding him to 1-of-3 shooting in overtime and forcing him into two fouls. That was good for a 114-106 victory against the reigning champion Celtics at Time Warner Cable Arena. Satisfying as this would be...read full article

Bobcats add to Celtics slump with surprise overtime win

The Charlotte Bobcats stunned the Boston Celtics in overtime on Tuesday, grabbing a 114-106 victory to hand the NBA champions their fifth loss in seven games. Raymond Felton scored 25 points, Gerald Wallace contributed 23 and rookie D.J. Augustin came up with 11 of his 20 points in overtime as the host Bobcats won for just the 13th time in 35 games this season. "It was just a really good team effort," Bobcats coach Larry Brown told reporters. "Raymond...read full article

Celtics vs Bobcats Highlights

Raymond Felton scored 25 points and dished out eight assists, and fellow guard D.J. Augustin stepped into the limelight with a big effort in overtime, as Charlotte continued Boston's recent road woes with a 114-106 overtime victory. Augustin scored 20 points, double-double machine Emeka Okafor notched 13 points and a game-best 17 rebounds, Gerald Wallace added 23 points and six rebounds and Boris Diaw donated 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Adam Morrison contributed 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting off the bench for the...read full article

Felton, Augustin help Bobcats hold off struggling Celtics

Rookie D.J. Augustin scored 11 of his 20 points in overtime as the Charlotte Bobcats rallied to down the reeling Boston Celtics, 114-106, on Tuesday night at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Celtics have dropped five of their last seven since starting the season 27-2, which included a franchise-record, 19-game winning streak. The Bobcats strung together consecutive wins for just the fourth time this season and have yet to win more than two in a row in the Larry Brown era. Raymond Felton joined Augustin in the comeback as he netted 16 of his...read full article

Celtics Fall To Bobcats in OT

Raymond Felton scored 25 points, rookie D.J. Augustin added 11 of his 20 points in overtime, and the Charlotte Bobcats stunned Boston 114-106 on Tuesday to continue the Celtics' sudden slide.
Beaten by their surprising nemesis for the second time in two seasons, the defending champions came undone in OT, and they've quickly gone from unbeatable to vulnerable. After a team-record 19-game winning streak and an NBA-record 27-2 start, the Celtics lost for the fifth time in seven games, leaving battered, bruised and angry by Larry Brown's upstart...read full article

NBA Power Rankings: New Year, New Number One

It's been two weeks since the last edition of my power rankings, where the East's mighty trio of Boston, Cleveland and Orlando took the top three spots. But that was last year, and now that 2008 has come and gone, it's time for a new leader: the Lakers. There was plenty of repositioning elsewhere as well, including the Detroit Pistons re-entering the top-10 for the first time since mid-November.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (27-5) - Technically the Lakers are still a half-game behind the Celtics for the NBA's best record, but after L.A. beat Boston pretty convincingly on Christmas Day, then downed both Utah and Portland by double digits, there's no question who should be #1.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (27-6) - LeBron couldn't rally the Cavs past the Heat last week on his birthday despite dropping 24 of his 38 in the second half, and I can...read full article

Celtics in united state

The Celtics failed to match the New York Knicks in both effort and tactics in a 100-88 loss Sunday, and they can expect a similar brew of energy and strategy when they visit Charlotte tonight. But the defeats - the 29-6 Celtics have lost four of six - have served more to galvanize the team than discourage it. "The adversity we've gone through the last two years, we almost revel in it," guard Ray Allen said. "We always bounce back from it. As a team, we've always...read full article

Boston's David Faces New Goliaths

Do not ask Boston's Sam Cassell if Rajon Rondo has improved dramatically. The veteran point guard will only offer up, "What do you think?" Maybe it is a stupid question, seeing as Rondo's third-year numbers are up across the board. Already third in the league in steals (2.23 per game), Rondo is also producing career bests in points (10.9 per game), assists (7.6 per game) and field goal percentage (51.7%). His player efficiency rating is also 4.8 points above the league average, thanks in large part to his ability to get into the lane. "He kills on layups," said...read full article

Celtics already setting sights on home-court advantage for playoffs

The NBA playoffs are a full three months away, but the Boston Celtics have the postseason in the back of their minds right now. The Celtics realize, perhaps more than any team in the NBA, how important homecourt advantage is in the playoffs. On their journey to winning the franchise’s 17th NBA title last season, the Celtics went a combined 0-6 on the road in Atlanta and Cleveland in the playoffs, and 8-0 at home. So they know how important gaining homecourt advantage will be in this year’s playoffs. Winning homecourt is...read full article

Celtics, Cavs downed by teams at bottom of East

LeBron James didn't agree with the traveling call that helped prevent his Cleveland Cavaliers from beating lowly Washington. A loss to the struggling New York Knicks leaves little doubt Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics are stumbling atop the Eastern Conference. James was whistled for taking an extra step while driving for a potential tying layup with 2.3 seconds left, and Cleveland lost 80-77 to the host Wizards on Sunday despite wiping out a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter. "Bad call," said James, who had 30 points, 10 assists and...read full article

Celtics honor Natick firefighters

The Boston Celtics honored two Natick firefighters Friday night who helped save two teens from an icy pond last month. Lt. Michael Aries and Firefighter Brian Linton helped save two teens who fell into the icy waters of Pickerel Pond on Dec. 20, and gave their survival suits to the teens to keep them warm, said Fire Chief James Sheridan. The Celtics honored the two firefighters as part of the team's Heroes Among Us program. The pair attended the Celtics-Wizards game Friday night, and received their due in an on-court ceremony during the...read full article

Why hating Kevin Garnett and Boston Celtics is good for NBA

I find ‘The Ritual’ frustrating. This is the tradition of modern players treating the opening tip like a family reunion exchanging half-hugs, pounds, and love. I, like most fans, want glares and game faces. The jump ball (and often the following 48 minutes) is too friendly for my liking. I want more Gladiator, less Kumbaya. However, I understand ‘The Ritual’. Like it or not, players have relationships from competing against each other in AAU, high school, college, and the NBA. And like it or not, players have a common business interest through their union. So I...read full article

Marbury can't decide on Celtics

Stephon Marbury expressed his interest Friday in joining the Boston Celtics if and when he can work out a buyout of his contract with the Knicks. The disgruntled NBA star was in Minneapolis to watch his cousin Sebastian Telfair play Friday night when he appeared on a local Minnesota TV broadcast and confirmed his interest in joining former Timberwolves teammate Kevin Garnett in Boston.  "Reuniting with Kevin is something that I would love," Marbury said. "There is some hope, if I can get out of my contract and they're interested in me. How can you deny...read full article

Are Starbury and the Celtics Destined for One Another?

Maybe Stephon Marbury willed his way into a home when he blogged earlier this week that the Starbury movement "won't stop." It appears that the World Champion Celtics are in fact interested in the Knicks exiled point guard as was reported yesterday. While the response of many to the talk that the Celtics would shake up their chemistry with someone as volatile as Marbury, ESPN gives an in-depth list of reasons why they would take him on, almost making Boston sound overconfident in their ability to make Stephon a team player with "ubuntu", the African...read full article

Marbury in Ray Allen's thoughts

Celtics guard Ray Allen has followed Stephon Marbury’s career since they were teenagers. And Marbury’s situation as a New York Knicks’ outcast and potential Celtic recruit is in Allen’s thoughts as the teams prepare to meet at Madison Square Garden Sunday. “It’s speculation, I don’t really have to think about it,” Allen said after the Celtics’ practice in Waltham Saturday. “I learned a long time ago to deal with everything and everyone we have here, that’s where our focus has to be.” Marbury said he would be interested in joining the Celtics, if his contract with...read full article

Courtside View: Celtics can't be trapped

Over the past two weeks, the Celtics have proved that they can still wipe the floor with bad NBA teams. Well, except Golden State. While each victory during the team's franchise-record winning streak provided a bit of a charge based on its historical significance, the blowouts over the Kings last Sunday and Wizards on Friday felt more like beating up the sparring partner. It's better than getting beaten up by the sparring partner, but does little to indicate you are going to win the title fight. From now until April, every Celtics game is going to be viewed through...read full article

Numbers aren't adding up for Celtics

Portland scored a basket with six men on the court against Boston, and referees allowed it. Also, the Celtics have too few quality reserves.

How you know it isn't your week . . .After losing to the Lakers and being upset by the Warriors, the Celtics ended the West Coast Trip From Hell, falling in Portland, 91-86, giving them more losses (three) in six days than they'd had all season (two). Making it perfect, the Trail Blazers' Travis Outlaw scored on an inbounds play with six players on the floor to end the first half. Portland was given a technical foul, which Ray Allen made, but the referees...read full article

Dancing to Own Beat, Rondo Directs Celtics

Rajon Rondo’s everyday pace falls somewhere between blur and tornado. His quick steps and quick decisions fuel the Boston Celtics’ relentless offense. When the time comes to relax, Rondo accelerates. Between N.B.A. championship drives, Rondo can be found roller skating at Robben’s Roost, a rink in Louisville, Ky., his hometown. The music blares, the lights flash and Rondo takes flight. “He loves to release, get by himself — he’s listening to music and he’s going his own speed,” said Doug Bibby, Rondo’s coach at Louisville Central High School and...read full article

Nearly perfect Pierce leads Celtics

Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics got over their disappointing West Coast swing in a hurry against the overmatched Washington Wizards. Pierce scored 26 points on nearly perfect shooting, and the NBA-leading Celtics beat Washington 108-83 on Friday night. "It always leaves a bad taste in your mouth,'' Pierce said. "Knowing that we're going to spend a large amount of this month on the road, it's good to get back home and finally get a taste of some winning.'' After an overnight flight Wednesday, coach Doc Rivers figured his players might be tired Friday. But...read full article

Celtics return to winning ways

Boston 108, Washington 83: Paul Pierce scored 26 points on nine-for-10 shooting for the Celtics, who rebounded from a 1-3 trip.

New Orleans 92, at Portland 77: The Hornets won their fourth in a row as David West scored 25 points.

Denver 122, at Oklahoma City 120: Carmelo Anthony made a three-point basket with 0.1 seconds left to cap a 31-point outing.

at Orlando 86, Miami 76: Rashard Lewis had 17 points as the Magic beat the Heat for the 10th straight time. Dwyane Wade scored 33 points for Miami, but...read full article

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NBA: Celtics crush Wizards to improve to 18-1 at home

Paul Pierce scored 26 points on nearly perfect shooting and the Boston Celtics roared back from a rough road trip to beat the Washington Wizards 108-83 on Friday night. The Celtics went 1-3 on their West Coast swing after the best 29-game start in NBA history, 27-2. With the victory, they improved to 18-1 at home. Pierce made his first nine shots and all five 3-point attempts before missing his final shot, a 3-pointer, but Kendrick Perkins converted the offensive rebound with 1:20 remaining in the third quarter. Pierce left the game with 48 seconds...read full article

Wizards prove perfect houseguest for Celtics

Road-weary Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics couldn't miss on their comfortable homecourt. Especially against the lowly Washington Wizards. Behind Pierce's 26 points and nearly perfect shooting, the team with the best record in the NBA roared back from a rough road trip and beat the team with the worst record in the Eastern Conference 108-83 last night. The Celtics were determined to play well after going 1-3 on the West Coast. "It always leaves a bad taste in your mouth," Pierce said. "Knowing that we're going to spend a large amount of this...read full article

Wonderful Wizards

The Celtics' regular season is far from over. But a league-record start has launched them into a race for home-court advantage in the postseason. And the significance of their Causeway Street court and a supportive crowd was apparent last night, as the Celtics recovered from a difficult road trip for a 108-83 win over the Washington Wizards, their 13th successive victory at TD Banknorth Garden. After concluding 2008 with three losses in four games in California and Oregon, the Celtics (29-5) were back to their old selves in their first game of the new...read full article

NBA Atlantic: Chink develops in Celtics armor

When the Celtics raced out to the best 29-game start in NBA history, a number of observers were already handing title No. 18 to Doc Rivers and Company. A 1-3 west coast swing didn't exactly knock the C's off the prohibitive favorite pedestal but it did reveal a few chinks in the team's armor, and gave hope to the other elite teams in the league like the Lakers and Cavaliers.
Boston finished its trip by squandering a double-digit lead in Portland on Tuesday against a Brandon Roy-less Trail Blazers club. The Celtics got no help from the officials in...read full article

Celtics try to get back on track in Beantown against Wizards

The Boston Celtics are probably glad to get back home where they will host the Washington Wizards tonight at TD Banknorth Garden. After winning a franchise record 19 straight games, the Celtics opened a four- game road trip out west with a loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. They dropped the next tilt in Golden State before ending the season-high skid with a victory over Sacramento on Sunday. Boston then fell back into the loss column after a 91-86 defeat to Portland on Tuesday, as Paul Pierce scored 28 points and Kevin Garnett...read full article

Report: Marbury Coming To Celtics?

Disgruntled New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury wants to play for the Boston Celtics, according to a published report. ESPN's Marc Stein says "Boston is Marbury's preferred destination if he manages to become a free agent and that the Celtics are indeed hopeful of signing him."

NOT AN EASY DEAL TO MAKE

The problem is Marbury's massive contract and his attitude.

Here's how Stein describes it:

"The 31-year-old hasn't officially played for New York since...read full article

Celtics to honor firefighters who helped teens in icy pond

Tonight, the Boston Celtics will honor two Natick firefighters who helped save two teens who fell into an icy pond last month. Lt. Michael Aries and Firefighter Brian Linton helped save two teens who fell into the water at Pickerel Pond on Dec. 20, and gave their rescue suits to the teens to keep them warm, said Fire Chief James Sheridan. The Celtic's will honor the two firefighters as part of the team's Heroes Among Us program. The pair will attend the Celtics-Wizards game, and will receive their due in an on-court ceremony during the...read full article

Celtics Interest is Light at End of Starbury Tunnel

It's funny how the world works sometimes. Stephon Marbury's reputation went from that of a promising young point guard to selfish prima donna when he forced a trade away from Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves 10 years ago. Now his last chance to redeem some measure of respectability appears to have come in the form of a team that features Garnett as its star. ESPN.com is reporting that the Celtics are interested in signing Marbury to provide depth now that P.J. Brown and James Posey have left the team. Brown is...read full article

Sources: Marbury, Celtics interested in deal

Nearly one year since Stephon Marbury last played in a regular-season game, signals are getting stronger that the New York Knicks' outcast will eventually make his comeback with the Boston Celtics. That still depends largely on Marbury's ability to negotiate his release from the Knicks after weeks of fruitless and oft-contentious buyout talks, but sources with knowledge of the situation told ESPN.com this week that Boston is Marbury's preferred destination if he manages to become a free agent and that the Celtics are indeed hopeful of signing...read full article

Celtics get back to intense roots

There is nothing like a New Year's Day practice, full of some Boston Celtics intensity, to put a (1-3) road trip in the rear view mirror. Celtics coach Doc Rivers put the Green Team through an uptempo workout to start 2009, getting the team back to its roots after that rough West Coast swing that yielded just one win. "You lose a couple games, you can tell you kind of get that fight back into you," center Kendrick Perkins said. "I just think we need to get back to that intense Celtics basketball, high energy level and the defensive team that...read full article