How Are the Celtics Winning???

After their win against the 120-105 victory over the Orlando Magic, the Celtics have improved to 4-4 on the season. The Boston Celtics, who were supposed to be the worst team in the NBA, would be the 4th seed in the playoffs if the postseason started today. That's crazy. How are they doing it? I'll give you a clue; it's not because they have more talent than other teams.

Reason #1: They're running. 
With 13.2 fast-break points per game, the Celtics are 15th in the NBA in that category after 8 games. Easy baskets have sparked runs for Boston this year and it has given confidence to some of their young players that may be offensively challenged like Avery Bradley and Phil Pressey. Although they're only 15th in the NBA in fast-break points, their overall offensive pace is very fast compared to previous years under coach Dic Rivers. In their win against the Heat, the C's outscored the Heat 15-5 on the break.

Reason #2: They're buying in to Stevens.
Brad Stevens has basically instilled a college-style offense to a NBA team but modified it a little. The very simple offense consists of dribble handoffs, pick and rolls, and back door cuts. Somehow, he found a way to include all three of those basic basketball concepts into one continuous motion offense. The Boston Celtics are 16th in overall offensive efficiency.

Vitor Faverani or Kelly Olynyk?

The Celtics and rookie head coach Brad Stevens have a GOOD problem on their hands. They have two talented big men who both make valuable cases to becoming the starting center in Boston.  

The question is: Vitor Faverani or Kelly Olynyk?

Vitor Faverani came out of Spain and made a big impression in the preseason.  Over the course of this young season, Faverani has averaged 6.1 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 1.6 blocks per game. Faverani had a huge game in the Celtics home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. He exploded for 12 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 blocks in 37 minutes of play. What I find puzzling is after that game, Brad Stevens progressively played him less and less after the season opener. With his minutes being dropped, Faverani's production dropped. Excluding his first two games, Faverani has averaged 3.6 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 0.4 blocks per game. Not as impressive... Faverani is a great shot blocker and he uses his big body to clog the paint and driving lanes. The Spaniard has his starting role revoked in the latest game against the Heat and he only played 3 minutes totaling 2 points in the game.  Was this the right decision by Brad Stevens?

Kelly Olynyk is considered a cornerstone for the Celtics in upcoming seasons after he dominated at Gonzaga.  Olynyk played off the bench for the Celtics' first six games and was relatively effective off the bench. His averages while serving as a bench scorer were 9.8 points per game, and 5.6 rebounds per game. Pretty Good. Contrary to Faverani, Olynyk played more and more minutes as the season went on. In his first career start in the NBA against the Heat on Saturday night Olynyk totaled 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Most people look upon this performance as one of his weaker ones, but I look at it from a different perspective. Olynyk may not have scored many points, but he didn’t need to, Jeff Green (24 points), Avery Bradley (17 points) and Jordan Crawford (15 points) all had big scoring nights.  What Boston needed was rebounding and passing.  Olynyk led his team in rebounding with 8 boards, and had a three way tie with Jordan Crawford and Phil Pressey with 4 assists to lead the team.  Olynyk is not as effective as a defender as Faverani but he can still hold his own.

This Is Not How To Tank



The Boston Celtics were supposed to be in competition for the popular #Tank4Wiggins trend that included division rivals, Philadelphia 76ers, along with the Phoenix Suns, but it has instead been the polar opposite. While the 3-4 record that the Celtics currently present is below .500, they are doing better than the newest super team and Atlantic rival, the Brooklyn Nets, and one of their arch rivals in the New York Knicks (both 2-4).

With the Celtics currently on a three game win streak, with wins against the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, and most notably, the Miami Heat, it seems as though things may be picking up in bean town, but the question I have for Boston is whether or not to put their future on the line in a season where they know that they are not bringing the Larry O'Brien trophy back to Boston.

With talent such as Andrew Wiggins, Julius Randle, and Jabari Parker, all probable to feature in the upcoming draft, it makes a lot more sense to tank for a high draft pick rather than a low playoff seed. Brad Stevens is proving he can compete at the highest level after making the switch from the college game to the pro game, but his focus should be on fielding a competitive team in the near future rather than playing for a first round playoff exit at the hands of the Heat, Pacers, or Bulls.

Celtics Stun the Heat



I'm just so pumped up and hyper right now to describe the game and recap it in words. Oh. My. God. That just happened. Boston won the one game that I actually cared about this season and doing so, they strung together a three-game winning streak. Somehow, they look half-decent. The players are buying into Stevens, their hustling on both ends of the court, and their scrapping for points. On their road trip they just kept finding ways to win. Here's how they won the game tonight #beattheheat


As much credit as Jeff Green, Avery Bradley, and Brad Stevens should get, the Celtics only had the opportunity to win the game because Dwayne Wade made a bonehead mistake by intentionally missing his second free throw so badly, it was a violation. That gave the Celtics a glimmer of life and they took that glimmer, and made it into a W in 0.6 Celtics.

Bass Leads C's Past Magic

With 16 points and 7 rebounds, power forward Brandon Bass lead the Boston Celtics to a 91-89 nail-biting victory over his former team, the Orlando Magic. Bass also helped the team with a key late block in the fourth quarter. 

But it wasn't just Bass who played well for the Green. Avery Bradley, Jordan Crawford, and Jeff Green had very efficient offensive games while providing great defensive play. Avery Bradley, the defensive-minded guard for the C's, had a very important steal on rookie Victor Oladipo which resulted in an "and-one" dunk. Bradley's full court pressure really harassed and bothered Victor Oladipo for much of the game. Avery Bradley's stats included 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block. 

Jordan Crawford, one of Boston's many "wild card" players, really showed up in a positive way in the game. The guard who is known for having turnover problems played a very clean game and even showed some signs of life defensively for once. His hands looked quick, for he had quite a few deflections which resulted in turnovers. The Celtics scored a season-high 25 points off of turnovers and a lot of that was in part because of Jordan Crawford.

Jeff Green also played very well, even though the stat sheet doesn't really stick out to you. He only had 10 points, but he sparked the team's momentum at times with his ferocious slams; most notably the dunk on Jason Maxiell. 

During the late fourth quarter, Orlando was clawing back at the Celtics lead. In fact, Arron Afflalo's jump shot that was just inside the three-point arc cut the lead to one point! If Afflalo shot the jumper about 6 inches farther from the basket than he did, the game probably would have had a different outcome. The game would be tied with under a minute left and coach Stevens would be forced to prove that he can coach effectively in tough situations.

But the shot was a two-pointer. And the Celtics hung on to their lead for the win. Although we are currently still in full-tanking mode, Boston's record improved to 2-4 on the season and under Brad Stevens. 

Stevens Leads Celtics to First Victory

The Boston Celtics were able to hold on to the win tonight versus the Utah Jazz with the help of Brandon Bass' timely, clutch shooting in the fourth quarter. Brad Stevens got his first win as a NBA coach with a victory over a team led by Gordon Hayward, a player whom he coached at Butler University just a few years ago.

Brandon Bass led the Celtics in scoring with 20 points and Jeff Green, who didn't play in crunch-time yet again had 18. Gordon Hayward carried the load for Utah with 28 points and 9 rebounds, but it obviously wasn't enough.

Boston Celtics: 97
Utah Jazz: 87

This is Why Basketball is More Than Just a Game

This is Kevin Ware last March:

Kevin Ware, the guard for Louisville University suffered one of the most gruesome injuries any sport has ever seen. Today, during the first exhibition game, this is what happened:


His first shot since his terrible knee injury, he take the three ball from the wing. Splash! The Louisville crowd goes wild and Kevin acts like it's nothing. He just simply takes a few hops and gets back on defense into the full-court press to help his team. What a kid!!
After the game, Kevin spoke to reporters, "I was a little nervous," Ware said. "I didn't expect to get in so late. Me and Coach didn't really talk about it."

NBA Power Rankings: The Boston Celtics

The Celtics have started off their season 0-3, and their performances have been anything but inspiring. They have proved nothing to any fans who were cynical of them in the beginning of the season. Somehow, they have proved even less to the big shots in sports media...

ESPN: #30

Not surprisingly, the worldwide leader in sports ranked the Celtics dead last on their weekly power ranking.

CBS Sports: #30

Although CBS has the Celtics 30 just like ESPN, I really enjoyed this power ranking better. It was easier on the eyes and the blurb about every team was just plain better. My compliments go to NBA writer, Matt Moore who put the rankings together. For the comments on the Celtics, Moore wrote, "Remember, they don't rebuild. They reload." Even though Boston got the last spot on CBS' power rankings, they achieved the #1 spot on the power tanking list. #tankforwiggins

Yahoo Sports: #30

Yet another hater. But maybe rightfully so.

NBA.COM: #30

Maybe everyone is overlooking Boston. They can't get any worse, maybe Brad Stevens will start winning some games. Maybe Gerald Wallace will actually help the team. Nah. Who am I kidding?

Sports Illustrated: #30

I'm just about done with this. It's getting really frustrated. I'm used to rooting for good teams. Boston fans have honestly been so lucky. We are so spoiled.

USA TODAY: #29

WE'RE NOT LAST!!!! LETS GO!!! This was actually my favorite ranking. Not only because the Celtics weren't dead last, but also because the overall post was cleaner than all the others. The analysis for all 30 teams was solid and two teams were awarded "biggest rise" and "biggest fall" in the ranks. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/rankings/

So it will only get better for the Celtics. They play the Cavaliers tonight and hopefully they will achieve their first victory of the season versus Uncle Drew and company. Brad Stevens hasn't been very impressive so far compared to my high expectations, but hopefully he realizes he's not coaching college anymore and he starts stringing together some W's.

Russell Westbrook Back?

The star point guard for the OKC Thunder who tore up his knee last year in the playoffs and wasn't supposed to be back for another two weeks is apparently in TONIGHT'S lineup versus the Phoenix Suns. He has reportedly passed all of his rehab benchmarks and is all set to go. He continues the trend that Adrian Peterson set of recovering from devastating knee injuries abnormally quickly. How are they doing it? Did Westbrook make a quick trip to Germany?

I'm sure Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City's face of the franchise, is happy to get Westbrook back. Although everyone at ESPN bashes Russell Westbrook for his shot selection, Russell is a valuable part of the Thunder's offense. Without him, KD has had to shoulder the load offensively, scoring 27.5 points per game through the first five regular season games. But it's obvious that he and his team miss Russell Westbrooks explosive offense, tenacious defense, and all-around amazing athleticism, for OKC has just 2 wins on the season. In their three losses, the Thunder have put up 81, 95, and 102 points on the board.

The Aftermath of the Celtics Collapse

Although it's only the second game of the season, it's never good to surrender the game after leading by 22 points in the third quarter. It was eerily similar to game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals. The Lakers were down 13 to the Celtics and they tore the hearts out of everyone in Boston by coming back and winning the game.


In the aftermath of blowing the huge lead against the Milwaukee Bucks, veteran forward Gerald Wallace, who has bounced around the NBA in his career and is now on the Celtics, had some thoughts about his team's performance. “We got selfish,” Wallace said. “Instead of worrying about winning the ball game, we were more worried about our stats and getting points. It showed. We went from a team that was together and moving and playing together in the first half to a team that was five individuals out on the court, everyone playing for themselves, and it showed on the defensive end.”

Where Amazing Happens

This new NBA commercial promoting "Big" and "Where Amazing Happens" predicts the future. The ad is truly amazing. Phil Jackson to the Knicks???? Derrick Rose scoring 70???? Kobe Bryant retiring??? It's so sick.

Welcome Back NBA

Finally the NBA is back! The 2013-2014 season tips off tonight at 7:00 with the Magic and the Pacers. Then at 8:00, the defending champions Heat will take on the Chicago Bulls with Derrick Rose back and better than ever. The epic "Bill and Jalen NBA Preview" series ended today with Bill's number one team as the Bulls. He picked them to win the title and overthrow King James' throne. Along with the over-looming Miami three-peat led by the King and a possible 5th MVP award in 6 years for Lebron, I'm looking forward to many other things in the season....

Zach Lowe's Columns

In my opinion, Zach Lowe is the basketball writing guru. He writes articles on Bill Simmons' blog and has appeared on many "B.S Reports". His writing is awesome and he has unbelievable basketball knowledge. Read his stuff at Grantland.com.

The Returns

Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, Russell Westbrook, and Rajon Rondo are coming off of devastating injuries from last year.

The T-Wolves

Rubio and Love. Awesome.

New Faces in New Places

Most notably Dwight Howard going from the Lakers to the Rockets to join Jeremy Lin and James Harden. Also, Josh Smith going to Detroit to complete the most menacing front court in the NBA of Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe, and Smith. How will they mesh? Also, Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans joining Eric Gordon on the NEW ORLEANS PELICANS!!!!!! How will they mesh? Also, the scary Brooklyn Nets with my boys Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. They're all of the sudden potential contenders in the East.

The 2013 Rookie Class

Cabrera to Accept Hank Aaron Award

Every year, every team in the MLB nominates one player from their team to be a nominee for the prestigious Hank Aaron Award. The Hank Aaron Award is given out to the 2 most outstanding offensive performers in baseball; one in the American League and one in the National League. Miguel Cabrera will be the AL recipient of the award and accept it during game 4 of the World Series according to a trustworthy source. The other winner is Paul Goldschmidt

Cabrera, who plays for the Detroit Tigers, has won the award one time before, in 2012. The recent winners of the prestigious trophy are in the picture below. (MLB.com) So congratulations Goldy and congratulations Mr. Cabrera, I'm sure you two are  very proud of this achievement but you wish you weren't playing golf in October.

Just How Clutch is Big Papi? - A Response to Albert Chen

In the eighth inning of game 2 of the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers, the Red Sox were trailing DET by 5 runs. Max Scherzer was nearly perfect after the Tigers' Anibal Sanchez was almost perfect in game 1. Sanchez had a no-hitter through the ninth and Scherzer threw 7 innings and let up 2 hits and 1 earned run. But when the Tigers' bullpen relieved the ace in game 2, all hell broke loose for Detroit. With a comfortable 5-1 lead, Jose Veras began pitching for Detroit in relief. I think we all know what happened from here. David Ortiz guessed on the first pitch he saw and sent right fielder Torii Hunter over the wall for the potential series-swinging grand slam to tie the game. Needless to say, I was screaming in joy and disbelief as this was happening. So just how clutch is Big Papi?



With the hit, Ortiz created yet another signature Boston Sports moment including a Boston Police Officer in the bullpen.[/caption]

With the grand slam in the eight, Big Papi climbed to second place on an exclusive list of players including Bernie Williams and Pete Rose with the most game-tying or go-ahead hits in the 8th inning or later in playoff history. Williams and Rose are tied for first with 6 hits with J.D Drew and David Ortiz tied for second with 5 apiece.

Prior to Ortiz' late-game heroics, Sports Illustrated's Albert Chen wrote a story in the weekly magazine titled, Clutch Much, with the Red Sox' David Ortiz as the background. The thesis of the article was about the "Clutch Gene" and if it exists or not. In the article, Chen writes from the analytical perspective, in which there is no such thing as being clutch. In his article, Chen says, "There's no denying that clutch hits exist -- but is there such a thing as a  clutch hitter? I believe there is, and in the sport of baseball, there's no hitter more clutch right now than David Ortiz.

Parquet Post 10-15-13

As the Red Sox battle the Tigers in Detroit in game 3 of the 2013 ALCS, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are preparing to face their former teammates when they battle in the Barclays Center.  Granted it's the preseason, but the crowd is still going to be into this one. The most interesting part of this game will probably be pre-game when Garnett and Pierce shake hands with Bradley, Jeff Green, and Brandon Bass.

Although Kevin Garnett is not playing, the Nets will still probably run away with this one. Brooklyn has so much offensive firepower this year and I think they will be a real force in the East, but I doubt they stand a chance against Miami. It doesn't matter who wins this game tonight, it's the preseason. But, the reaction of the building is important because Paul Pierce and KG deserve some respect even though they left.

PREDICTED FINAL SCORE:

BKN: 103

BOS: 94

***IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER***

Rondo WILL Be Traded this Year

On their NBA preview series in which they rank every team in the NBA, Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose ranked the Boston Celtics #24 in the league. The video is very interesting and entertaining, with cool graphics and mini segments like "Champagning and Campaigning" with Jalen Rose and "The Clairvoyent Bill". Rose and Simmons agree and disagree about various things regarding the Celtics. Bill thinks that the Celtics will ship Rondo before the All-Star break and he will only play 30 games or less.

The Case Against T-MAC, C-WEBB, and VINCE

There's been a lot of talk around the basketball world about whether or not Chris Webber, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady should be inducted to the NBA Hall of Fame this year or ever. What do you think? I say no to all of them, and I have my opinion and statistics to prove it.

If you're a basketball fan from the 90's and early 2000's, you're probably screaming your head out at the computer screen. I know, I know, they were awesome to watch. Honestly, who hasn't seen Tracy McGrady go all Reggie Miller and score 13 points in 30 seconds.

Who is the Best Quarterback in the NFL?

This post was written before week three of the 2013 NFL season

Nowadays, there has been a ton of talk about what your team's QB should look like--Russell Wilson or Tom Brady? Andrew Luck or Peyton Manning? The NFL, which has progressively become a passing-dominated league, had 11 Quarterbacks throw for over 4,000 yards in 2012, an unthinkable statistic. How do you measure a QB's value to a team, because now some passers get it done with their legs too. Statistically, you could make the argument that Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Robert Griffin III was the best Quarterback in the NFL last year. Judging by QBR, a pretty good football saber metric, Peyton Manning was the best with Tom Brady and Matt Ryan at 2nd and 3rd. MATT RYAN?????

Your Survival Guide to Basic Sabermetrics in Baseball

Ever since "Money Ball", the award-winning movie that showed in theaters in 2011 starring Brad Pitt, sabermetrics have been a hot topic in the realm of baseball. You can find sabermetrics everywhere, even in Williamsport, PA at the Little League World Series!

Sabermetrics have revolutionized the sport and helped baseball teams form their club and decide which players they should carry on their roster. But what even is sabermetrics?

Best Red Sox-Yankees Moments of the 21st Century

After an awesome regular-season game that was played on Sunday night between the Red Sox and Yankees, the rivalry was renewed once again. I decided to compile the best moments of the New York/Boston rivalry in the time that I have been alive for. Basically the 21st Century, so I'm disregarding the whole Babe Ruth fiasco. Here it is, in chronological order.




Pedro Martinez’s noble outing in the 2003 ALCS proves to be not enough. The coaching staff regrettably kept him in for too long.


Jorge Posada is pumped after he ties the game with his double. 

Pedro Martinez takes down New York coach Don Zimmer in a brawl during the 2003 ALCS.


Aaron Boone rips Boston's hearts out as he hits a walk off home run in game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against the Red Sox.

[
Derek Jeter lays out for a foul ball against the Red Sox in a regular season game.


A Boston fan cheers on his team as the Red Sox "Cowboy Up" in 2004


Mike Lowell breaks up a double play by tackling infielder Robinson Cano[/caption]


A-Rod intentionally slaps the ball out of the glove of the Boston Pitcher. Like a girl.


A-Rod and Jason Varitek fight in a bench clearing brawl during the 2004 ALCS


Curt Schilling's "Bloody Sock" game in the 2004 ALCS against the NY Yankees was one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry. He pitched in game 6 of the ALCS with a badly injured ankle. He won the game and forced a game 7. Boston won game 7 and completed the greatest comeback in sports history.


Big Papi hits one of his many walk off home-runs against the Yankees. This one in the 2004 ALCS

Dave Roberts pinch runs in game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. The world knows that he's stealing. He goes and he's..... Safe! He eventually scores the winning run that sends the Red Sox into the World Series.


Capping the "Greatest Comeback Ever"


The Red Sox 'band of idiots' celebrate after they win their first World Series in 86 years . They beat the St. Louis Cardinals in 2004.


Manny being Manny after the 2004 World Series victory


Boston Pitcher Ryan Dempster hits the hated Alex Rodriguez on purpose in a regular season game that has high stakes in 2013.

If you are a Red Sox or Yankee fan and you read this blog post and you didn't get the chills, there is something wrong with you. I'm a Red Sox fan and every time that I think about 2004, I can't stop smiling. Go Red Sox!

This post was written before the 2013 MLB Playoffs. David Ortiz's grand slam in game two of the ALCS and his unbelievable World Series would definitely make this list.