Ainge says Celtics will have a 'busy summer'

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Boston Celtics president of basketball operations; Danny Ainge, reflected on the 2014-15 season at the team's practice facility in Waltham, MA on Thursday. For 33-minutes he gave his take on the upcoming offseason, free agency and of course the NBA draft. When asked about how big the next few months would be for the C's, this is what Ainge had to say.

What's next for the Celtics?

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The Celtics finished their regular season 40-42, winning their final six-outings and grabbing the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference to face LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Unfortunately their season only lasted seven more days as they were swept out of the playoffs in four-games by Cleveland. Now Danny Ainge has some decisions to make this offseason, as the future could go one of two ways. Continue with the youth-movement, or go out and get an all-star (via free agency and or trade).

NBA suspends Kelly Olynyk

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Kelly Olynyk has been suspended 1-game by the NBA without pay. The announcement was made on Monday by Rod Thorn, the league's President of Basketball Operations. The center was called for a foul in the Celtics' Game 4 loss to the Cavaliers on Sunday, where fighting for a loose ball with Kevin Love, he yanked the left arm of the Cavs' forward downwards.

Crowder Suffers ACL Sprain

CBS Sports

After a very chippy, physical Game 4 between the Celtics and the Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon that led to two injuries, no one knew which one was worst. Kevin Love's dislocated left shoulder or Jae Crowder's left knee sprain. Both players would not return to finish the game at the TD Garden, but so far good news has surfaced for the C's swingman on Monday.

Cavaliers 101 - Celtics 93: C's swept out of Playoffs by LeBron [CLE wins series 4-0]

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Boston- It was a sunny afternoon down on Causeway Street, a great day to avoid a 4-0 sweep from LeBron and the Cavaliers. Despite the 'over-achieving' aspect of the Celtics this season, no team wants to be eliminated from the playoffs without getting a win. Such was the case on Sunday, and there was still a fighting chance in every sense of the word. But in the end the hole was just too deep to climb out of as Cleveland took the C's best punch in the mouth and escaped with a 101-93 victory to advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals

4 Keys to a Celtics Game 4 Victory

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The Celtics are on the brink of elimination as they get set to take on the Cavaliers in Game 4 at the TD Garden come Sunday afternoon. Despite keeping things close in the first three games, the C's still find themselves down 0-3 in this best of 7 first round series.

Brad Stevens has gotten his squad off to great starts, but it's after halftime where they can't seem to get over the hump. The Celtics have never led in the third or fourth quarter of this series. If they want to extend their season and fight to see a Game 5 back in Cleveland, Boston is going to need a near perfect day.

Here are 4-keys to victory that could save the Celtics season for a few more days and avoid getting swept.

Why LeBron James is just the worst

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It was a back breaker loss last night for the Boston Celtics slim hopes of upsetting the heavily favored Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James took over the game from start to finish, putting up 31 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. He is an unbelievable basketball player; and in the early rounds of the playoffs against lesser competition, he is arguably the best ever.

As much as I want to respect LeBron as I watch in awe of his ability to make the game look so easy, I just can't.

He quite possibly is the most smug, selfish, whiny, immature, and unbelievable athlete in the NBA. In a league full of “look at me” type personalities, James tops the list and is miles and miles in front of second place. LeBron has been scrutinized more than any other player in the NBA, yet he brings it all upon himself.

I don’t know if this bothers anyone else but look at King James comments after the game.

Cavaliers 103 - Celtics 95: Love comes up big against C's [CLE lead series 3-0]

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Boston - The Celtics were looking to avoid a 0-3 series deficit to Cleveland on Thursday night and let their fans see at least a fifth game. Despite a not so great performance from all-star Kyrie Irving, the C's second half rally just fell short to LeBron James. The Cavs are now one game away from advancing to the Eastern Conference semi-finals as they won 103-95 in Game 3 at the TD Garden.

Cavaliers 99 - Celtics 91: C's rally comes up short [CLE leads series 2-0]

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Cleveland - It took 15 fourth quarter points for LeBron to hold off the Celtics in Game 2. After a huge double-digit second half Cavs' lead had dwindled down to two, it was James' playoff experience that made the difference in a 99-91 victory for the home team and to be up 2-0 in this best of seven series matchup.

4 Keys to a Celtics Game 2 Victory

Associated Press

The first Playoff game of the Brad Stevens era in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon was filled with ups and downs.

For  a while in the first half the Celtics looked like they had what it took to pull of an epic Game One upset. Then all of a sudden Kyrie Irving took over the game and the Cavs did not look back, running away with a 13-point victory against the playoff newbies.

Isaiah Thomas reacts to Lou Williams Winning Sixth Man of the Year: 'Numbers don't lie'

Yahoo! Sports

Raptors guard Lou Williams won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, while Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas, whose numbers were greater than Williams, finished in second place.

Thomas was asked about Williams winning the award at Celtics practice on Monday. Isaiah congratulated Williams for winning the award but clearly didn't agree with the outcome.

Cavs' J.R. Smith on Guarding Avery Bradley: 'Apparently he's like Kobe now, so I can't touch him'

Associated Press

Even though the Cavaliers comfortably beat the Celtics 113-100 in Game 1 of their first round playoff series, not everyone on the Cavs was completely happy about how the game went.

Cavs guard J.R. Smith expressed to reporters his frustration with the game's officiating. Smith, who picked up four fouls in 19 minutes while guarding Celtics guard Avery Bradley yesterday, had this to say about the officiating, according to Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick:

Cavaliers 113 - Celtics 100: Irving, 'Big 3' Playoff Debut Lead Cavs Past Celtics [CLE leads series 1-0]

Associated Press

While many questioned how Boston was going to slow down LeBron James, playoff rookie Kyrie Irving displayed his scoring prowess by dropping a game-high 30 points in a 113-100 Game 1 victory over the Celtics on Sunday.

James added 20 points and Kevin Love chipped in a double-double; 19 points, 12 rebounds. Cleveland's three all-stars combined for 69 points and opened up a 20-point lead in the third quarter, their biggest one of the day. The Celtics impressively trimmed Cleveland's lead down to 6 towards the end of the quarter before the Cavs went on a 9-0 run and took a 15-point lead into the fourth.

Isaiah Thomas compiled a double-double in his playoff debut, he scored 22 points and dished out 10 assists. Evan Turner had 12 points and pulled down a team-high 7 rebounds. And Kelly Olynyk scored 12.

Celtics Need the 'old' Jared Sullinger in Cavs Series

Associated Press

Shortly after acquiring Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics made a shocking announcement about the status of one of their best players.

The Celtics announced that Jared Sullinger was going to miss the rest of the season due to a stress fracture in his foot. The news was a huge blow at the time. Sullinger was leading the team in points and rebounds. And just like that, playoff basketball felt like a pipe dream for the Celtics.

Then came the final stretch.

2015 NBA Playoff Predictions

It's the most wonderful time of the year for hardcore basketball fans. Following March madness and the NCAA championship game, the NBA Playoffs is set to get underway today at 12:30 EST on ESPN between the the fourth seeded Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards in the East. Here at Causeway Street Blog we're not only excited for the postseason, but also for the chance to watch the Boston Celtics still playing and extending their season after sitting at home last year.

How the C's turned the 'nay-sayers' into believers

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After a 25-win season a year ago, the Boston Celtics are back in the postseason for the first time since 2013. Brad Stevens' 15-win improvement to 40-42 was good enough to not only clinch a playoff spot, but lock up the seventh seed in East. These scrappy C's finished the regular-season with the most wins in the conference at 24-12 (since February 2). So how did these guys, who were suppose to be in year-two of a 'rebuilding-phase' now find themselves with an opportunity to make some noise against LeBron James and the second seed Cavaliers?

Stevens named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month

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Boston Celtics coach; Brad Stevens has won Eastern Conference coach of the month honors for April on Thursday.

Stevens led the C's to a 7-1 record in the final weeks of the regular-season. The Celtics ended the month winning their last six straight.

Celtics/Cavaliers Round 1 Schedule Released

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The Celtics will meet LeBron James in the postseason for the fifth time since 2008, first meeting since the Eastern Conference Finals in 2012. Much has changed in the last three years for both sides, for one LeBron has gone from hot sunny South Beach to Cleveland, while the only ones who remain from that C's last great playoff run is Brandon Bass and Avery Bradley (who did not play in the ECF due to his two-shoulder injuries).

Podcast - C's Officially Playoff Bound

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The Celtics (40-42) are officially playoff bound! They have locked up the seventh seed and will face LeBron and the Cavs beginning this Sunday. We're discussing what are these young guy's chances in the postseason, plus we revisit predictions from before the regular season began and how the C's would finish record wise. Find out who was dead on, plus we're talking Boston legend; Paul Pierce and what Truth he's been telling lately. All of this and much more on this special edition of the Causeway Street Podcast...Enjoy!

Celtics 105 - Bucks 100: Gigi leads C's to season-high sixth-straight

 

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Milwaukee -  The Celtics were an Eastern Conference best 12-5 in back-to-backs this year, and in their regular-season finale, they proved why they have the most wins in the East since February 2 at 23. The C's improved to 40-42 after a 105-100 victory over the Bucks, for their season-high sixth straight win.

Pierce Speaks the 'Truth'

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Former Celtics captain and Boston icon, Paul Pierce, now with the Washington Wizards recently sat down with ESPN's Jackie MacMullan to discuss a plethora of topics, including his lone year in Brooklyn, his relationship or lack there of with Walter 'Ray' Allen and even how sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber as prolonged his playing career.

Here are some highlights of the piece that was very enlightening to say the least:

Celtics 95 - Raptors 93: C's officially clinch the seventh seed

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Boston - The Celtics on 'Fan Appreciation' night definitely gave the TD Garden faithful their money's worth in the home regular-season finale on Tuesday. For the second time in nine days, the C's battled the Raptors down to the wire and found a victory on another last second shot. Jae Crowder's right side corner jumper with .8 seconds left, gave the home crowd a 95-93 victory.

Celtics clinch Playoff Spot

The Celtics are in!

After the Nets' 113-86 loss to the Bulls last night, the Celtics officially clinched a playoff spot. Brooklyn can no longer catch the Celtics because the C's own the tie-breaker between the two teams. Celtics are headed back to the playoffs for the first time in two years.

Now the only question is: who will the Celtics play in the first round of the playoffs?

Well, it's this simple.

Thomas named Eastern Conference Player of the Week

Associated Press

After leading the Celtics to a 3-0 record, Isaiah Thomas was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from April 5 - April 12.

Last week, Thomas averaged 22.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. In his best game of the season, Thomas scored a season-high 34 points (10-for-17) and dished out 6 assists on national TV against the Pistons on April 8.

Evan Turner and LeBron James exchange words after yesterday's game

Associated Press

After yesterday's 117-78 Celtics win over Cleveland, Evan Turner and LeBron James exchanged words after both teams shook hands.

While many speculated that Evan Turner was talking trash to all-star LeBron James about what could be a possible first-round playoff match up between the Celtics and Cavaliers, the conversation actually had nothing to do with NBA basketball.

Celtics 117 - Cavaliers 78: C's rout short-handed Cavs

Boston Globe

The Celtics are so close to making the playoffs, they can almost taste it.

The Cavaliers, playing without LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith, four of their five starters, were no match for an inspired Celtics team. The C's roasted the Cavs from the beginning of the second quarter en route to a 117-78 blowout win yesterday at TD Garden.

Isaiah Thomas scored a game-high 17 points in just 22 minutes, he was one of seven Celtics players who scored in double-digits. Evan Turner filled his stat line by posting 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

Celtics 99 - Cavaliers 90: LeBron Lays Egg, C's Get Huge Win

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The Celtics were wire to wire dominant last night against the Cavs and just kept improving their playoff position with a 99-90 win.

Marcus Smart was firing from the get go and finished the night with 19 points to lead five players for the Celtics who had double figures. Evan Turner, who was quiet scoring the basketball added a career high 13 assists as he settles seamlessly into his play maker role.

Celtics 113 - Pistons 103: C's win two-in-a-row, claim seventh seed

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Detroit - The Celtics (35-42) were a half game ahead of the Heat as the eighth seed after an overtime win in Toronto on Saturday night. They were looking to avenge a loss from nearly three-weeks ago at the TD Garden. As the playoff push continued, a national audience finally got to witness the scrappy C's get a 113-103 win over the Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills and keep up in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Celtics Playoff Tickets Already on Sale

With five-games to go and the Celtics (eighth seed) are one-game ahead of the Pacers and Heat, who both have the same record of 34-43. Boston is also one-game behind the Nets (36-41) as only 2.5 games separate the seventh through the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference postseason race.

Celtics 117 - Raptors 116 (OT): C's reclaim the eighth seed on Smart's game winner

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Toronto - The only advantage the Celtics had coming into Saturday is that they were 9-1 on back-to-backs in their last 10. Despite a tough loss on Friday night to the Bucks, Boston entered the Air Canada Centre a half-game behind the Miami Heat for the eighth seed on their current playoff push. After a back and forth fourth quarter between the Raptors and C's, they needed an extra five-minutes to decide a final outcome. The result was a game-winning layup that beat the buzzer from Marcus Smart to give the visitors a 117-116 victory.

A Celtics Fan Viewing-Guide to the Final Four

While the Celtics are in the midst of a playoff run (Some really great stuff on here about that, check out the latest podcast), it’s never too early to take a look at some draft prospects and some potential future Celtics while enjoying this weekend. This year’s final four contains 3 teams with multiple potential first round picks, so there is a ton of talent coming on Saturday night and Monday night.

Bucks 110 - Celtics 101: C's miss an opportunity in playoff push

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Boston - The Celtics came into Friday night's game tied with Miami at 34-41. Even though the Heat own the tie-breaker, with a C's win, they could have sole possession of the eighth seed in their quest to make the postseason. Instead the Bucks played spoiler and gave themselves a two-and-a half game lead as the sixth seed by grabbing a 110-101 victory at the TD Garden.

Sullinger set to return tonight

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As if the Eastern Conference playoff race wasn't already interesting enough until today. The Celtics announced this afternoon via their website, that third-year forward; Jared Sullinger and his metatarsal stress fracture in his left foot has completely healed and will be available tonight when Boston takes on the Milwaukee Bucks at the TD Garden.

Ainge would be 'dissapointed' if C's miss the postseason

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Let's face it, not even the president of basketball operations; Danny Ainge himself could have envisioned the current Celtics playoff push we are all witnessing. After all this team is still just in year-two of a rebuilding phase. One could blame it on a weak Eastern Conference, that potentially could have three-teams with sub .500 records in the postseason by the time it's all said and done in less than two weeks. Or you could say this young group of players, with Brad Stevens leading the pack, just wants to prove to themselves and to the basketball world that there is always something to play for.

Celtics 100 - Pacers 87: C's Dominate; Olynyk and Turner Thrive

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Kelly Olynyk's black and blue, baseball sized shiner on his eye was downright ugly, but his play was nothing short of beautiful. Olynyk's 19 points off the bench helped the Celtics put away the Indiana Pacers 100-87 on Wednesday night.