Celtics 106 - Kings 84: C's End 2014 With a Bang

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Boston - Brad Stevens decided to shake things up a bit to close out 2014 and possibly snap a four-game skid. Evan Turner was called upon to start at point guard for the third time this season and the Celtics not only picked up a 106-84 victory over the Sacramento Kings during this Wednesday New Year's Eve afternoon matinee, but also recorded their largest win of the season of 22-points at the TD Garden.

Podcast: New Year's Resolutions

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As 2014 comes to an end, what's next for the Boston Celtics? The Causeway Street Blog writers discuss possible New Year's resolutions that they would like to see in 2015. Plus how will the TD Garden receive Rajon Rondo; who is set to make his first return on Friday since being traded a few weeks ago to the Dallas Mavericks. All of this, plus some Bron Bron talk...Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Bass: 'We have enough talent in here to win'

Photo: Jim Davis (Boston Globe)

Brandon Bass gave reporters a piece of his mind on Monday, over the Celtics' potential and how he believes they can succeed in the Eastern Conference.

The Eastern Conference isn't as strong as it used to be. Teams like Milwaukee, Brooklyn and Miami are all under .500 teams but currently hold a playoff spot. Unlike the Western Conference, where a team that has a .500 record will always be outside of the playoff picture.

Pierce: 'I was shocked definitely' about Rondo trade

Photo: Brian Babineau (Getty Images)

Kevin Garnett isn't the only former Celtic who was surprised when he found out that the Celtics dealt their point guard Rajon Rondo, the trade also surprised Paul Pierce.

Pierce talked briefly about Rondo and the direction the Celtics as a franchise are heading towards after last night's 101-88 win over Boston.

Wizards 101 - Celtics 88: Pierce, Humphries lead Wizards past Boston

Photo: Brad Mills (USA TODAY)

The Washington Wizards put on a show in the first half that was full of a 360-layup, open three pointers and transition baskets, while the Celtics played from a far for 48 minutes.

Last night's game at the Verizon Center started out the same way it did the last time these two teams went at it, except this time the Celtics didn't erase a 23-point deficit, Celtics fell behind 15-2 in the opening quarter and never came close to closing the gap.

The Wizards at one point had a 24-point lead as they beat the Celtics, 101-88.

Celtics Injury Report: James Young cleared to play, Thornton update

Photo: Mike Lawrie (Getty Images)

After missing the past two weeks with a separated right shoulder, James Young has been cleared to play.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters that Young is healthy, but will remain on the injured reserved list. James will have to earn his back onto the active roster.

When Young injured his right shoulder earlier this month, the first-round rookie has continued to stay positive about the rough beginning to his rookie campaign.

Garnett: 'Little bit' surprised about Rondo trade, talks retirement

Photo: Barry Chin (Boston Globe)

Friday afternoon was not the first time Kevin Garnett returned to TD Garden as a member of the visiting team, but it was the first time he faced a Celtics team that was without their point guard of the last seven season; Rajon Rondo.

Rondo was the only player left from the 2008 Celtics championship team before he was traded last week to Dallas. And Garnett admitted that seeing a Rondo-less Celtics team was a bit odd.

Nets 109 - Celtics 107: C's fall short at the end, Nets win in TD Garden matinee

Photo: Winslow Townson (Reuters)

It was a game that came down to the final seconds; and ended with a play that no one expected.

Celtics were down by four points before Avery Bradley hit a three-pointer with 1.7 seconds left, cutting Brooklyn's lead down to 107-108. The Celtics didn't have any timeouts left but had enough time to intentionally foul Joe Johnson.

Johnson, who could have sealed the win for the Nets by purposely missing his second free throw attempt, missed the first but made the second free throw and pushed Brooklyn's lead to 107-109.

Magic 100 - Celtics 95: C's Rally Falls Short

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Orlando - The Celtics looked to bounced back from a Sunday night lost to the Heat, but were unsuccessful. The Magic returned the favor, after they fell to the C's less than a week ago at the TD Garden. Boston made their young opponents work for it though, after coming back from being down 27 to within three late in the fourth, Tobias Harris stopped the bleeding. The Magic snapped their four game losing streak while handing the Celtics their second consecutive defeat, in a 100-95 victory at the Amway Center.

Nelson Back in Orlando

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The Boston Celtics are taking on the Magic for the second time in less than week. The C's won last Wednesday night 109-92 at the TD Garden, which turned out to be Rajon Rondo's final game as a Celtic. The former captain was traded the following day to the Dallas Mavericks for Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder and Jameer Nelson.

Podcast: The Post-Rondo Era Begins

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Danny Ainge finally decided to pull the trigger on the biggest trade of the 2014-15 NBA season so far. The Causeway Street Blog writers discuss the shocker that was the Boston Celtics sending their captain to the championship contending Dallas Mavericks. What is next for the C's after this move? Does this mean there's a fire sale and other players with expiring contracts such as Brandon Bass, Marcus Thornton or even Jeff Green will be on the trading block? Does Marcus Smart automatically become the new 'Rondo?' All of these topics and more, on this special Holiday edition of the Causeway Street Podcast! Enjoy.

Heat 100 - Celtics 84: C's get Burned on South Beach

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Miami - The Celtics looked to get their first four-game winning streak of the season with Marcus Smart in his first start of his professional career, and came up empty. Boston, in its second game of the 'post-Rondo era' looked flat, and the Heat, even without Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, led the entire game to a 100-84 victory at the American Airlines Arena.

Who does Celtics Nation Point its Lonely Finger at?

As the dust settles and the reality of the Boston Celtics Big 3 Era squad being fully disbanded sets in, it’s time to play the blame game. The knee-jerk reaction is to point the finger at Danny Ainge, but that just over-simplifies a rather complicated situation.

Mavs win in Rondo's Debut

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Rajon Rondo made his official debut for Dallas last night, in a home game against the NBA Champion; San Antonio Spurs. It was first game as a Maverick since being traded from the Boston Celtics along with Dwight Powell on Thursday night for Jameer Nelson, Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder and two future draft picks.

Rondo: I'm dying to get another ring again

Photo: CSNNE

It has been four years since Rajon Rondo competed for an NBA title, now as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, Rondo has a chance to return to the NBA Finals sooner than anyone expected.

Rondo, who was introduced to Dallas last night, already has high expectations as one of the newest Mavericks.

Danny Ainge: [Rondo trade] was the right thing to do

Photo: Charles Krupa (Associated Press)

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge thanked Rajon Rondo face-to-face Thursday night after he agreed to a deal that would send the four-time All-Star point guard, along with forward Dwight Powell to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Brandon Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson, two future draft picks and a $12.9 million trade exception.

Ainge says the possibility of losing Rondo to free agency, and not being able to add impact players is what led to his decision.

Celtics 114 - Timberwolves 98: Olynyk's 21 points leads C's in first game without Rondo

Photo: Associated Press

Less than 48 hours after trading their captain, Rajon Rondo, the Celtics still had a game to play at TD Garden.

In their first game without Rondo, the Celtics did a great job in passing the ball and opening up good scoring opportunities.

The Minnesota Timberwolves kept the game close until the fourth quarter, that's when the Celtics pulled away with a 114-98 victory, their third consecutive win.

Evaluating the Return for Rondo

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As I’m sure you’ve heard, the Celtics finally pulled the trigger, trading Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks for Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson, a future first, and a future second round pick. These are relatively unknown players, so let’s take a look at exactly what Danny Ainge got in return for the four-time all-star.

Defending the Rondo Trade

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I want to start out this post with a disclaimer.

This is not a Rondo bashing post as he now is a Maverick. I enjoyed watching Rajon Rondo play in a Celtics uniform for the past 8 seasons. He was part of the 2008 championship team, the best Celtics team in my generation. He also blossomed into an All- Star point guard who at least once a night was due for a play that would turn heads and make the TD Garden erupt.

Rondo has become the best rebounding guard and assist man in the league, and I will truly miss the triple-double watch on what seemed to be a nightly basis. That was just in regular season Rondo, lets not forget Prime Time National TV Rondo, or Playoff Rondo as he would always step his game up in those moments. The Mavericks got a steal as they are a championship caliber team without Rondo, and now they vault to to top 4 of the West as a favorite.

Boston Offically Trades Rondo to Dallas

Photo: Dallas Mavericks' Instagram

Both teams have made announcements on Thursday night, and Rajon Rondo is officially a Dallas Maverick.

The trade was agreed upon by both parties at around 6:00 PM pending league aprroval. ESPN had reported that Dallas would receive the all-star point guard along with big-man Dwight Powell in exchange for back-up center Brandan Wright, forward Jae Crowder and veteran guard Jameer Nelson. Boston will also receive a conditional first-round draft pick in 2015 and a second-rounder in 2016 as well as a $12.9 million trade exception.

Celtics Agree to Trade Rondo to the Mavericks

Photo: Getty Images

Wow...that escalated quickly.

Rajon Rondo is no longer a Celtic.

Shocking news that Boston has agreed today, to trade Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks for a 2015 first round draft pick, future 2nd round pick, back-up center Brandan Wright, guard Jameer Nelson, and forward Jae Crowder. The Celtics also included Dwight Powell in the deal.

Ainge Downplays Trade Talks

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Rajon Rondo trade talks have been on over-drive all day today. Of course it had to be brought up this morning on Danny Ainge's weekly interview with a Boston sports radio station. The Celtics president of basketball operation was asked what he thought about reports that his captain was being shopped, and teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are seriously interested in acquiring the point guard.

Trade Season Offically Underway

Photo: Alyssagreenbergphotography.com

With the NBA trade restriction ending on signed free agents and other players, the NBA trading season is well underway. While usually there aren’t many deals made this early on, one of the more respected NBA reporters; Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski has been tweeting out about lot of chatter despite it being this early, although no imminent deals just yet. Among the teams he listed, as being the most active was the Boston Celtics. What does this mean for the C’s? Well at 9-14 they are most likely sellers, but anything is possible with Danny Ainge.

[Update] Trade Rumor: Rondo to Dallas

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After flirting with another triple-double last night at the TD Garden, in a 109-92 Celtics win over Orlando, Rajon Rondo was the subject of yet another trade rumor. On Wednesday afternoon it was reported by multiple sources that Danny Ainge was fielding trade offers for many of  the C's players including his captain and Jeff Green among others.

Celtics 109 - Magic 92: C's Win Two-in-a-Row

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Boston - The Celtics were a trending topic early on Wednesday before they took the court at the TD Garden. No, not because they snapped their three game skid on Monday night, but because trade rumors have begun to swirl once again. Rajon Rondo, a familiar topic as usual, decided to ignore the headlines and play basketball as he led his team to a 109-92 win over the Magic.

C's December will decide the Future: Playoffs, Buyers, Sellers??

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We have reached the so called “grind” of an NBA season. The point of the season only highlighted by untimely injuries, career records broken, and ugly jerseys worn in marquee matchups on Christmas day. Normally, by this time of the year  you can tell who is a contender and who will be in contention for the ping pong balls in June. Yet the Celtics have a lot still to be decided. They’ve lost a bunch, but have been competitive in nearly every contest. Usually, I’d remind myself and others “Almost only counts in Horseshoes, Hand Grenades, and when discussing Peyton Manning’s career,” but the Eastern Conference sucks!!! The C’s are only 1 ½  games out!

Celtics 105 - Sixers 87: Olynyk's Career Night helps Snap Losing Streak

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Philadelphia- There's nothing like playing the 76ers to regain some confidence after going through a three-game skid. The Boston Celtics came into the Wells Fargo Center with one mission, to get back on track as soon as possible. Kelly Olynyk got the message loud and clear as he finished the night with a career-high 30 points, and helped the C's get over the hump in a 105-87 victory on the road.

Podcast: Is Rondo A part of the Future?

Photo: Boston.com

The Causeway Street Blog.com writers are back discussing the 7-14 Celtics and their recent woes, and what might the future hold for C's captain Rajon Rondo. Listen to this recent episode as they'll also talking about this week's match-ups against some of the league's worst teams.

James Young out for at least 2 weeks

Photo: Whitney Hayward (Portland Press Herald)

James Young will be out for at least two weeks due to a right shoulder injury he suffered earlier this week.

While playing with the D-League's Maine Red Claws, Young landed on his shoulder after he reached for a pass and made contact with an opposing player.

"When I first felt it pop out, I thought I would miss some time," Young said. "I thought it was going to be longer; they said it would be two weeks. That's a good thing."

Knicks 101 - Celtics 95: Anthony, Knicks snap 10-game losing streak

Photo: Mark L. Baer (USA TODAY)

Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks entered TD Garden last night desperate for a win.

Anthony, who suffered a knee injury earlier this week, decided less than two hours before tip-off that he was going to play. He scored 22 points, leading the Knicks to a comfortable 101-95 win.

Amar'e Stoudemire contributed 20 points, 7 rebounds and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 16 points off the bench.

The Knicks shot nearly 50 percent from the floor and never game up a lead. The only time New York was behind in this game came in the first quarter when they were down 4-0.

Hornets 96 - Celtics 87: C's Lose Second Straight

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Charlotte - It was another lack of execution in the fourth for the Celtics on Wednesday night at the Time Warner Cable Center. Despite pulling within two with four minutes to play, it was Al Jefferson who held off the rally, scoring 11 points in the final quarter. In the end the Hornets won 96-87 and handed Boston their second consecutive lost on the road.

Wizards 133 - Celtics 132 (2 OT): Pierce & Wall Snap C's Win Streak

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Washington - It was only 24 hours removed from one of the best wins of the season for the Celtics, beating Paul Pierce and the Wizards in a Sunday matinee at the TD Garden. Last night John Wall returned the favor while his team blew a 23-point lead in front of the Verizon Center home crowd. It took 58 minutes, but Washington rallied in the second overtime to put Boston away 133-132.

Paul Pierce shows love for Boston before two-game series against Celtics

Paul Pierce's love for the city of Boston only grows stronger the longer he's away.

After 15 years in Boston, Pierce was traded last year to Brooklyn but hasn't stopped professing his love for the city he used to play for, a city he calls his second home.

Pierce posted a video entitled 'Back to Boston' yesterday on The Players Tribune, the website created by Derek Jeter.

Celtics 113 - Lakers 96: Zeller leads C's past LA

Photo: Mark L. Baer (USA TODAY)

Tyler Zeller scored a season high 24 points, and grabbed 14 rebounds in a blowout win against the Los Angeles Lakers last night at TD Garden.

The Celtics shot 51 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Lakers, 54-38. Rajon Rondo had another big night dishing out baskets, he had 16 assists.

In classic Rondo style, Rajon flirted with a triple-double, scoring 12 points and pulling down 8 rebounds.

Young & Powell Shine in Red Claws Win

Photo: Maine Red Claws' Instagram

The Maine Red Claws (5-2) beat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (3-5) 110-106 at the Portland Expo Building last night. Celtics rookies James Young, Dwight Powell and Marcus Smart were all assigned to Boston's D-League affiliated team just hour before tip-off.

Who is the Celtics Closer?: Gotta be Jeff Green

               

For the first time all year, the Celtics were able to pull out a close one against the Pistons last night. It broke a streak of late game woes that have come to define the young season for the Celtics.  The C's have been so bad this year at holding on to a lead and have been awful in late game execution, whether it’s getting a key defensive stop or executing a final shot to win the game.

C's Rookies Sent to Maine

The Celtics assigned rookies Marcus Smart, James Young and Dwight Powell to the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Developmental League earlier today. The three will be available to play tonight when the team takes on Fort Wayne at 7.

Celtics 109 - Pistons 102 (OT): C's Snap Five Game Skid

Photo: Getty Images

Boston - TD Garden's faithful not only anticipated the return of rookie point guard; Marcus Smart, but they were also expecting their Celtics to get a much needed win as well. After blowing an 11-point lead late in the fourth, the Pistons forced overtime, but it was Jeff Green who kept the C's alive in the extra five minutes to help capture a 109-102 victory over Detroit and snapped a five-game losing streak.

Hawks 109 - Celtics 105: Korver, Hawks outscore C's in the second half

Photo: John Bazemore (AP)

After losing four straight, the Celtics came out the gates scoring all over the Atlanta Hawks in the first half, but then the fourth quarter reared its ugly head. Again.

Led by Jeff Green's 14 points and Rajon Rondo's seven assists, the Celtics scored 42 points in the first quarter and continued to push the pace throughout the first half, outscoring the Hawks, 66-50. And then the Hawks responded, and their 59 second half points was enough to knock off the C's, 109-105.

Atlanta's 20-5 run in the third quarter changed the complexion of the game. Kyle Korver scored 10 points throughout the game changing run, he played the difference maker. Celtics led by as many as 23 in the first half.

Rumor: Charlotte may be interested in trading Lance Stephenson for Jeff Green

Photo: Streeter Lecka (SI/Getty Images)

The Charlotte Hornets may be looking to deal guard Lance Stephenson.

The Hornets signed Stephenson as a free agent this past summer hoping to add a scorer at the wing who could also knock down three point shots. Grantland's Zach Lowe, is reporting that Jeff Green is someone who they may be interested in trading for.

Smart Will Miss 10th Straight

Photo: CBS Sports

Boston Celtics rookie; Marcus Smart did not travel with the team to Atlanta, and will miss his 10th consecutive game with a high left ankle sprain.

According to Celtics.com; Smart underwent an CT scan at New England Baptist Hospital on Monday and results came back negative. A positive sign in the rehabilitation process for the point guard, but a setback at the same time.

Rondo has Chat with Heinsohn about Frustrating Month

Photo: CBS Sports

 The Boston Celtics ended their hellacious November with a 3-10 overall record, while only winning one of eight at the TD Garden. The NBA champion San Antonio Spurs handed the C's their worst loss so far this year on a Sunday afternoon. A 111-89 defeat at home pretty much summed up the 13-game scheduled month in the Celtics' locker room with one word: Frustration

Spurs 111 - Celtics 89: C's Lose Fourth Straight

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The Boston Celtics came in the TD Garden losers of their last three (six overall at home), looking to snap the defending NBA champion's six-game winning streak. After 36 minutes of decent play between both teams, it was all San Antonio in the fourth quarter. In the end the Spurs became winners of seven straight after a 111-89 victory over the C's

Spurs Game Preview: The Champs are in town

photo: Soobum Im (USA TODAY)

In their only visit to Boston this season, the champion San Antonio Spurs, kick off its four-game road trip hoping to stretch their six game winning streak to seven.

In a crowded Western Conference, the Spurs, 11-4, sit at fifth. After a 1-3 start, San Antonio won nine of their last 10 games while competing in the league's toughest division.

The NBA's Southwest Division is home to four of the top six teams in the Western Conference.

Rondo blames himself for loss against Bulls

Photo: Boston Globe

Rajon Rondo missed the biggest free throws of the game for the Celtics in yesterday's matinee against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden.

Friday's 109-102 loss to the Bulls was the Celtics' ninth of the season. After the C's blew a 16-point lead, Rondo had a chance to give his team a two-point advantage but instead missed a pair of freebees in the last minute of the game. Celtics have now dropped six of their last seven games.

"It's very frustrating, in particular this game," Rondo said. "If I make my free throws, I think we win the game."

Podcast: Celtics Lose another Close one to the Bulls

The Celtics (4-9) lose another close one at the TD Garden and fall to 2-6 at home. The Chicago Bulls (10-6) spoiled Thanksgiving for C's fans, winning 109-102. Derrick Rose finished with 21 points, and Jared Sullinger added 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead all scorers. Hear the Causeway Street Blog writers discuss what went wrong for Boston who have lost their third consecutive straight, as this is their first postgame podcast episode!

Bulls 109 - Celtics 102: Chicago outscores Boston in the Fourth Quarter

photo: Winslow Townson (USA Today)

It's going to be a long season if the Celtics continue to struggle in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics, who had a six-point lead heading into the last quarter of the game, were outscored by the Chicago Bulls, 24-11, in the last 12 minutes. After a Jeff Green layup, the Celtics took a two-point lead, 102-100, with 2:29 left to go in the game.

Chicago's Jimmy Butler then tied the game at the free throw line, 102-102.

Smart Limits Himself in Practice

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart returned to his first on-the-court session on Wednesday afternoon. According to the team, the rookie removed himself from the middle of practice. His status for tomorrow's game against the Chicago Bulls remains up in the air. But the C's will meet again later today for more practice time before a decision is made.

Smart Looking to Work his way Back

The Boston Celtics enjoyed a two-day break from the practice court after a disappointing 94-88 loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Despite the C's best defensive outing of the season while holding Portland to 43 percent shooting and forcing 16 turnovers, including 12 steals on the night, it was the Celtics' offense that let the victory slip away.

Bass & Green Drawing Trade Interest

The Boston Celtics are 4-8 so far this season, and technically this is still considered another rebuilding year. You can't help but wonder who could be on their way out in the next two months or so. While most believe that Rajon Rondo is the player teams are inquiring most about, rumor has it that forwards Jeff Green and Brandon Bass are attracting attention as well around the league.