Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Pistons 121 - Celtics 114: Pistons electric offense defeat C's at TD Garden


In a game where their opponent's offense put on a masterful performance, the Celtics kept things close throughout but ultimately faltered in a 121-114 loss at TD Garden.

The Celtics took a 92-84 deficit into the fourth quarter but used a 9-0 run to rally back -- grabbing their first lead of the game since the beginning of the first quarter.

Stevens Pregame vs Pistons: 'To judge Amir's [Johnson] performance by his defensive rebound percentage probably isn't fair'



For the second time this season, Celtics big man Al Horford will rejoin his teammates against the Pistons.

The last time the Celtics faced the Detroit, Horford was making his return from the concussion protocol -- which led to him missing nine straight games.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

CWS Podcast - Are the Celtics Eastern Conference Contenders?


Celtics end their road trip at 3-0 last week, but couldn't fend off the San Antonio Spurs at home on Black Friday. We breakdown what went wrong in the fourth quarter despite starting off the afternoon matinee with an early 15 point lead. Plus we discuss the Western Conference with our guest, resident Phoenix Suns fan and NBA writer Tim Tunis [SportsBlog.com]. We'll also look ahead for what's on tap for the Celtics this week, that could have them turn a corner. Take a listen to Episode 61 of the Causeway Street Podcast below:

Monday, November 28, 2016

Celtics 112 - Heat 104: Six Celtics score in double figures, cruise to a win in South Beach




Behind steady defense and a strong offensive surge, the Celtics beat the Heat 112-104 in Miami on Monday night.

Despite being outscored 42-35 in the third quarter, the Celtics built a strong second-half lead and kept the Heat at bay throughout the second half by jumping ahead early and consistently attacking their opponent offensively.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Spurs 109 - Celtics 103: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs' bench beat Celtics in Matinee at TD Garden



For the first time this season, a Celtics team that was at full-strength faced one of the best teams in the league.

Although the C's have already played against teams like the Cavaliers and the Warriors, both games were played without Al Horford and Jae Crowder.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Celtics 111 - Nets 92: Six Celtics score in double-digits, rout Nets in BK



In what was their best overall team performance thus far, the Celtics dominated the Nets on Wednesday en route to a 111-92 blowout in Brooklyn.

After being outscored in the third quarter for five games in a row, the C's outscored their opponent tonight 28-17 -- which certainly set the tone in the second half. Nets came within two points in the third quarter but never led once throughout the night.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

CWS Podcast - Klay Thompson, Blue Apron & Snoop Dogg


Celtics are at full strength for the first time this season, despite a blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors that led to an irate Isaiah Thomas. We discuss Thomas calling out his teammates and coaching staff, Draymond Green's rant about Boston Celtics fans, plus how important the return of Al Horford & Jae Crowder in the lineup? We'll also take a look at a possible trade scenario for Klay Thompson. Zac Peloquin of Off The Wagon Podcast joins us in-studio as our fourth co-host in this must-listen episode of the Causeway Street Podcast! Click the player below:

Marcus Smart gives timeout speech, sparks Celtics rally against Timberwolves



Celtics guard Marcus Smart is quickly becoming one of the team's most vocal leaders, most notably sparking a 17-0 run against the Timberwolves by simply digging into his teammates and challenging them to do more in the paint.

Facing a 13-point deficit at the end of the third quarter, the third-year guard motivated his teammates by giving them an intense pump up speech before they retook the floor for the fourth.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Celtics 99 - Timberwolves 93: Al Horford, Celtics bench rally past Minnesota



The Celtics' fourth-quarter rally was an epic one.

After the Timberwolves grabbed a 15-point lead towards the end of the third quarter, the Celtics responded with their best offensive run of the season as they cruised to a 99-93 win in Minnesota.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Celtics 94 - Pistons 92: Al Horford comes up big in the final seconds



After suffering a lopsided loss by the hands of the Warriors at home, the Celtics bounced back in the motor city with help from their All-star big man Al Horford, who returned to the court after a nine-game absence.

Horford finished with a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) and hit the go-ahead game-winning putback shot with just 1.3 seconds left.

Draymond Green calls out Celtics fans for booing Kevin Durant


As if the the Celtics losing to the Golden State Warriors  in a blowout wasn't enough, Draymond Green had to open his mouth and voice his opinion on Celtics fans at TD Garden booing his teammate Kevin Durant on Friday night.

Isaiah Thomas rips Celtics coaching staff after losing to Warriors: 'We gave up, coaching staff as well'



Celtics All-star guard Isaiah Thomas expressed his frustration with his team and his coaching staff on Friday, following their 104-88 loss to the Warriors.

Thomas highlighted the fact that he played less than 30 minutes against Golden State, the fewest minutes he's played in a game this season.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Warriors 104 - Celtics 88: Kevin Durant & Golden State bring the C's back down to earth


The Warriors reminded the Celtics on Friday why they're one of the best offensive teams in the league en route to a 104-88 blowout win over Boston at the TD Garden.

Klay Thompson scored a game-high 28 points, while Kevin Durant flirted with a triple-double (23 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) and silenced the boos from the Garden's faithful.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Kevin Durant reacts to criticism for not signing with Celtics: 'I have no attachment to Boston at all'


For the first time this season, Kevin Durant will face the team that tried to lure him to Boston during the offseason but came up short.

The Celtics courted Durant over the summer, enlisting one of their city's icons in Patriots quarterback Tom Brady at the Hamptons before Durant ultimately decided to sign with the Warriors two days later.

Kenny Anderson opens up in 'Mr Chibbs' documentary


It's been 10-years since former NBA All-Star and Boston Celtics point guard, Kenny Anderson has retired from his playing career. But since then the New York City playground legend has been through life's peeks and valleys and has struggled with many things outside of basketball including the death of his mother, divorce and even a DUI.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Celtics 90 - Mavericks 83: Isaiah Thomas 22-point fourth quarter leads Celtics past Mavs



A quick start by the Celtics led to an offensive explosion by Isaiah Thomas and ended in another win at home.

Thomas' 22 points in the fourth quarter pushed the Celtics to a 90-83 win over the Mavericks at TD Garden on Wednesday.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Pelicans 106 - Celtics 105: Anthony Davis' 25 points beat the C's in New Orleans


Another road loss for the Celtics and another defeat to one of the NBA's worst teams. Boston became New Orleans' second victim in 11 games.

Anthony Davis' 25 points and 16 rebounds along with clutch plays down the stretch from old friend Tim Frazier, gave the Pelicans and their home crowd a 106-105 victory over the C's on Monday night.

Al Horford (concussion) out again, will sit out against Pelicans



He's not "quite ready to play."

Brad Stevens told the media hours before the Celtics tip-off against the Pelicans in New Orleans.

CSW Podcast - Golden State, DeMarcus Cousins & David Chappelle


After an atrocious start to the week for the Celtics, they finished 2-2 and might have possibly found their defensive mojo. We discuss the difference that Marcus Smart and Kelly Olynyk have made in the starting lineup, plus the boost the C's bench has gotten from Terry Rozier, James Young and Tyler Zeller as of late. We're talking Golden State Warriors, who the Celtics will face most likely without Jae Crowder & Al Horford. What does Brad Stevens have to do to beat the 'villains' of the NBA again? We also debate on the best 'trade scenario' that would bring DeMarcus Cousins to Boston.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Celtics 105 - Pacers 99: Isaiah Thomas, C's push past Pacers



In a game where Celtics All-star Isaiah Thomas didn't find his offensive rhythm until the second half, Boston kept the Pacers at bay in the final minutes of a 105-99 win in Indiana.

Thomas poured in 20 of his 23 points in the second half, including eight of his team's final points at the end of the fourth quarter.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Celtics 115 - Knicks 87: Isaiah Thomas, Celtics blowout Knicks


The Celtics were very hungry for a win.

After two consecutive lopsided loses, the Celtics reverted to their old ways and put together their strongest defensive performance of the season in a 115-87 win over the Knicks at TD Garden.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Wizards 118 - Celtics 93: Otto Porter, Wizards beat C's down in Nation's Capital



The Celtics made franchise history in Washington on Wednesday and not in a good way as the Wizards handed the C's their worst loss of the season.

The Wizards wasted no time in manhandling the Celtics when they scored 34 points in 12 minutes while holding the C's to eight points -- the second fewest points scored at the end of a first quarter in team history.

Addressing the Boston Celtics' Early Season Identity Crisis


This version of the Boston Celtics that we've seen so far through six games can be summed up in one word - unexpected.

The Celtics have a major identity crisis through the first six games of the year. So much so, it's making Jim Carey's performance in Me, Myself, and Irenelook some what sane (arguably the most underrated Jim Carey flick).

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Al Horford (concussion) ruled out for Wizards game, Kelly Olynyk is questionable



Celtics big man Al Horford will not be facing the Wizards on Wednesday, while his teammate Kelly Olynyk -- who is listed as questionable -- could be making his season debut in Washington.

Mall evacuated before Jaylen Brown & Rapper Desiigner event


So there's nothing like a few Celtics and rap fanatics gathering at a meet and greet in a mall, right?

Except when a 'few' turns into a crowd of a over a thousand impatient and rowdy fans that police have a hard time trying to control.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Report: 50-50 chance Kings trade DeMarcus Cousins


Well, that didn't take long.

It's only week two of the young NBA season and Kings' star center DeMarcus Cousins is already being mentioned in trade rumors.

CWS Podcast - Celtics Review, Jaylen Brown & Ray Allen


Celtics finish their second week 1-1 despite being without Al Horford (concussion) & Jae Crowder (ankle). We talk about the return of Marcus Smart and the possibility of Kelly Olynyk making his season debut sooner rather than later. Plus we discuss Jaylen Brown's recent task of guarding LeBron James in his first start of his career and what lies ahead for the rookie. We'll also take a trip around the NBA in our 'in case you missed it' segment where the seeds have been planted on a debate on why Ray Allen's number should or should not be retired at the TD Garden and much more. Take a listen below to Episode 58 of the Causeway Street Podcast

Brad Stevens on Celtics' defensive struggles: 'We play like a finesse team'


Following their 123-107 loss to the Nuggets on Sunday at TD Garden, Brad Stevens pointed to his team's physicality -- or lack thereof -- as the biggest reason why the Celtics have struggled defensively in their first six games of the season.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Nuggets 123 - Celtics 107: Mudiay, Denver stomp all over C's



From start to finish the Nuggets put on a scoring clinic against the Celtics and cruised to a 123-107 victory at TD Garden on Sunday.

Kelly Olynyk Could Make Debut Against the Nuggets


The Celtics could get a boost in their frontcourt as Kelly Olynyk could make his season debut on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets

According to CSNNE.com, Olynyk will be listed as questionable for Sunday's match-up at the TD Garden. The big man underwent shoulder surgery this past offseason and the timetable for his return was for the middle of November.

Paul Pierce says Golden State 'choked', Ray Allen 'betrayed' the Celtics


Paul Pierce was in the news again this past week speaking about the Los Angeles Clippers' division rivals; the Golden State Warriors. But this time the 10-time All-Star also spoke about his former Celtic teammate Ray Allen who recently announced his retirement from the NBA after a two-year absence.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Jaylen Brown makes strong impression on LeBron James: 'He's a really good talent'



In his first career start, Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown was phenomenal against the champion Cavaliers on a national televised stage -- impressing the likes of NBA Finals MVP LeBron James, who raved about the 3rd overall pick after his 128-122 win over the Celtics.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Cavaliers 128 - Celtics 122: Cavs' Big Three cut Celtics' fourth quarter comeback



An epic comeback was cut short in the winding minutes of the fourth quarter as the Cavaliers fended off the Celtics in a 128-122 win in Cleveland on Thursday.

The Celtics kicked off the fourth quarter on a 14-4 run, pulling them to within seven -- the smallest deficit the C's faced since the first half. Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue reinserted his starters with less than seven minutes left and the Cavs momentarily extended their lead before Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown rattled in a 3-pointer snipping the deficit down to six (113-107).

Former Celtic R.J. Hunter says playing with Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo is 'Surreal'


Former Celtic Rajon Rondo wasn't the only player from the Bulls visitor's locker room who was greeting reporters and TD Garden employees in the hallway before Wednesday night's game.

Bulls guard R.J. Hunter signed a one-year deal with the Bulls last Thursday after the Celtics waived the second-year guard in order to reach the 15-man limit in time for the start of the regular season.

Jae Crowder (sprained left ankle) Expected to miss at least One Week, according to Brad Stevens



The Celtics will look to build off their 3-1 record without Jae Crowder for at least a week, according to head coach Brad Stevens.

Crowder suffered a left ankle sprain in the second quarter of Wednesday night's 107-100 win over the Bulls at TD Garden. He is the second player in the front court to sustain an injury this week for the Celtics.

Marcus Smart Shines Defensively, Struggles on Offense in Season Debut



In his season debut, Marcus Smart reminded everyone why he's so important to the Celtics.

While his offense touch might have been off, his defensive prowess shined against the Bulls and thier brightest stars.

Smart rattled the Bulls' one-two punch in Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler. He forced them to take awkward shots from the perimeter, pressured them in the back court and was physical with both All-stars when they penetrated the paint.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Celtics 107 - Bulls 100: Amir Johnson, Isaiah Thomas score 23 a piece in Win over Chicago



In an offensive slugfest at TD Garden, the Celtics hit the Bulls with a knockout punch towards the end of the final period in a 107-100 win.

The Celtics couldn't keep the Bulls at bay as they managed to pull to within two points (100-98) with 2:02 left in the game. The Celtics' defensive rebounding struggles reared its ugly head against the Bulls as the Chicago took advantage of second-chance opportunities -- fifth chance opportunities in one sequence -- and stayed afloat towards the end of the final period.

Stevens Pregame vs Bulls: '[Rebounding] not going to be a one person thing'



The Celtics will look to avenge last week's loss to the Bulls and improve to 3-1 on the young season without their key player in their front court.

Celtics officials announced on Wednesday that Al Horford will not be in uniform against the Bulls due to the NBA's concussion protocol. Horford took a big hit in practice on Monday and had to leave practice early on Tuesday after experiencing nausea, Celtics coach Brad Stevens reiterated what happened to Horford this week and gave us an update on his condition.

Al Horford out (Concussion) for Bulls Game, expected to miss Cavaliers game



Al Horford has been placed in NBA's concussion protocol -- ruling him out for Wednesday night's game against the Bulls on at TD Garden and is expected to also miss Thursday night's matchup against the Cavaliers.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Former Celtic Ray Allen Announces Retirement



The comeback is off.

Ray Allen is retiring.

After talks about making a possible comeback, the former Celtic announced his retirement in a letter on the Players' Tribune on Tuesday -- ending an 18-year NBA career as arguably the game's greatest shooter of all-time.

Could This Be The Year Of Marcus Smart?


For the Celtics to live up to the lofty projections in 2016, there is no question that Marcus Smart will have to make "The Leap."