Saturday, April 29, 2017

Friday, April 28, 2017

Celtics 105 - Bulls 83: C's rout Bulls in Game 6 series-clinching win [BOS wins series, 4-2]


Only three teams in NBA history have comeback to win a playoff series after losing the first two games at home, the 1969 Lakers, 1994 Rockets and the 2017 Celtics.

The C's dusted the Bulls, 105-83, in Game 6 on Friday night in Chicago, beating their opponent for the fourth straight game and winning their best-of-7 series, 3-2.

Rajon Rondo out for Game 6, Jimmy Butler dealing with knee soreness


On Thursday, the Bulls ruled out Rajon Rondo for Game 6 against the Celtics, as he continues to recover from a fractured right thumb and torn ligaments in his right wrist.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Fred Hoiberg shows frustration during postgame presser, storms off when asked about Isaiah Thomas


Just when Fred Hoiberg couldn't look any more petty than he did after Game 4, he goes and walks off in the middle of his postgame press conferance after the Celtics beat the Bulls in Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Celtics 108 - Bulls 97: Isaiah Thomas, Al Horford & Avery Bradley lead C's to commanding 3-2 lead against Chicago


Another group effort, another big fourth quarter performance from Isaiah Thomas and another critical win for the Celtics.

The Celtics topped the Bulls for the third straight game in their best-of-seven series -- 108-97 -- grabbing a commanding 3-2 lead and have pushed Chicago to the brink of elimination.

Celtics Pregame: Al Horford says Gerald Green is the biggest reason the Celtics won in Chicago



After facing a 2-0 hole in the best-of-7 series, Celtics coach Brad Stevens knew a change had to be made to the starting lineup.

Stevens' decision to start Gerald Green over Amir Johnson was a surprising one, to say the least, but certainly made a difference in Chicago -- where the Celtics won two straight against the Bulls to tie the series, 2-2.

Kevin Garnett reveals details about his message to the Celtics


Once a Celtic, always a Celtic, especially if you're name is Kevin Garnett. That wasn't more evident than last week when 'The Big Ticket' left an inspirational message for the Celtics prior to their Game 3 win in Chicago last week

How Gerald Green played a big part in Celtics winning Game 4


Gerald Green's professional career has certainly had its fair share of ups and downs.

From a promising teenage phenom turned-pro to an overseas journeyman who returned to the NBA with more than enough veteran experience to bestow on a young promising roster, it's been a wild ride for Green.

Rajon Rondo holds a night practice, out for Game 5


Rajon Rondo will not play in Game 5, despite reports of a clandestine workout Tuesday night in Boston. The veteran guard wanted to test out his injured right thumb and wrist to determine if he was healthy enough to return to the court for the Bulls in Wednesday's pivotal game against the Celtics, according to multiple sources.

Marcus Smart responds to Jimmy Butler questioning his toughness: 'I laugh at that'


For the first time since Jimmy Butler labeled him an "actor," Marcus Smart spoke to the media Tuesday.

Of course the first line of questioning had everything to do with what Butler said on Sunday -- when he questioned Smart's toughness after the two got into a brief scuffle in Game 4.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Rajon Rondo out of arm cast, could return after Game 5


Rajon Rondo has been ruled out for Game 5 in Boston on Wednesday, but Games 6 and 7 still remain open.

Rondo, who injured his right thumb in Game 2, had his hard cast removed this week and was taking jump shots on Tuesday before team practice.

Brad Stevens on Isaiah Thomas' Game 4 performance: 'I can't believe it'


Brad Stevens still can't believe it.

Isaiah Thomas has posted not one but two 30-plus point performances one week after the untimely death of his younger sister, Chyna Thomas and wielded his team to victory in a pivotal, momentum-turning game.

Jimmy Butler questions Marcus Smart's toughness: 'He's not about that life'


Jimmy Butler isn't backing down from Marcus Smart. In fact, he's fed up.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Isaiah Thomas speaks with the media for the first time since the death of his sister, responds to Fred Hoiberg


It has been just over a week since Isaiah Thomas received the worst news of his life, when he learned that his 22-year-old sister Chyna Thomas was killed in a one-car accident.

Fred Hoiberg says Isaiah Thomas is 'impossible to guard' because he travels


After witnessing Isaiah Thomas score 33 points for the second time in four games, Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg expressed his frustration after Game 4 by claiming the Celtics All-Star point guard has been getting away a dribble violation.

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Celtics 104 - Bulls 95: Isaiah Thomas, Gerald Green lead C's in pivotal Game 4 victory in Chicago [series tied, 2-2]


The Celtics have stolen home court advantage away from the Bulls, and are now in control of their best-of-7 series.

With plenty of help from Gerald Green, who put on the playoff performance of his career, Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics to their second win of the postseason, 104-95.

Causeway Street Podcast - How the Celtics can beat the Bulls to win this series


Celtics finally make it a series picking up their first win of the postseason by beating the Bulls on the road. We discuss what made the difference in Game 3 outside of Rajon Rondo being out. Plus what Boston needs to do moving forward to comeback and to advance past Chicago. We'll also look at headlines around the NBA and more on Episode 80 of the Causeway Street Podcast, click below:

Celtics Pregame: C's offense showed life in Game 3, Bulls will look to refine theirs in Game 4


The Celtics rediscovered their offense in Game 3.

For two consecutive games, the Celtics struggled to find consistency on the offensive end of the floor but came out drilling shots from the perimeter and sustained their efficiency in the second half, where they grabbed a big lead and eventually closed out their first win of the series.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Celtics 104 - Bulls 87: Al Horford, exceptional shooting push C's past Bulls [CHI leads series, 2-1]


Behind an efficient offense and stellar shooting, the Celtics won their first game of the opening round series.

The Celtics shot close to 50 percent (47.7) -- they got out to a quick start and led the Bulls early and often en route to a 104-87 Game 3 victory.

Celtics Pregame: Gerald Green to start in Game 3


After a poor start to the series, very few expected Amir Johnson to be in Brad Stevens' starting lineup for Game 3 against the Bulls, but this is certainly a surprise to say the least.

Celtics need to do a better job of controlling the pace against Bulls in Game 3


The Celtics undoubtedly like to run their fast break offense.

It's a style of play that helped them win 53 games during the regular season but throughout their first two games in the playoffs, the C's have suffered from poor offensive possessions and will have to change their ways if they want to change the complexion of the series.

Tom Brady supports Isaiah Thomas, Celtics on Instagram



Patriots quarterback Tom Brady took to Instagram to send Isaiah Thomas and the Celtics good vibes on Friday.

As the Celtics look to avoid a 3-0 hole in their best-of-seven series against the Bulls, Brady posted words of encouragement for Thomas and the C's as they will look to grab a Game 3 win in Chicago.

Rajon Rondo out indefinitely with thumb injury


On Friday morning, the Chicago Bulls announced that point guard Rajon Rondo has a right thumb fracture, and will miss Game 3 of their first-round matchup against the Celtics, he's out indefinitely per team officials.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Back to Basics: Why the Celtics are struggling & what can be done to reverse it


Through two games, it’s been a one sided affair to say the least. The Celtics now stand just two games shy of a third consecutive exit from the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, causing many to wonder if the national media was correct in predicting an early fall from grace for Boston in this postseason.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Causeway Street Podcast - NBA Playoffs Roundtable Discussion


We're breaking down the first round of the NBA Playoffs in both the Eastern and Western Conferance, while making predictions with our fourth-man in Zach Peloquin, who joins us of Off The Wagon Sports Radio. Don't miss our roundtable discussion of all things postseason, including some headline talk, by clicking below to enjoy Episode 79 of the Causeway Street Podcast

Fred Hoiberg is giving Rajon Rondo the green light, and it's paying off


The 2016-17 season hasn't been the smoothest one for Rajon Rondo, Fred Hoiberg and the Chicago Bulls.

After being suspended for "conduct detrimental to the team" back in December and benched one month before the trading deadline, it looked like Rondo had already overstayed his welcome in the Windy City, only months into the regular season.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Bulls 111 - Celtics 97: C's in serious trouble after dropping first two in Boston [CHI leads series, 2-0]


The Celtics are in trouble.

With old friend Rajon Rondo turning back the clock and falling a rebound shy of a triple-double, and the Bulls teammates playing free and easy, Chicago romped to a 111-97 victory in Boston to open a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Celtics Pregame: Isaiah Thomas plans on heading to Seattle after Game 2, will meet team in Chicago on Friday


According to Brad Stevens, Isaiah Thomas still plans on heading to Seattle immediately after Game 2 to be with his family as they continue to mourn the death of his younger sister, Chyna Thomas.

Stevens updated the media before Tuesday night's game against the Bulls -- stating that Thomas will definitely play and rejoin the team in Chicago for Game 3.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Isaiah Thomas to play in Game 2, according to Brad Stevens


After a gutsy emotional performance from Isaiah Thomas in Sunday's 106-102 loss to the Bulls, Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Thomas will play in Game 2 on Tuesday before traveling to Tacoma, Washington to be with his family.

Charles Barkley on seeing an emotional Isaiah Thomas: 'That makes me uncomfortable'


Before deciding to play in Game 1 one day after losing his younger sister in a car crash, TNT aired footage of Isaiah Thomas crying on the sideline next to teammate Avery Bradley.

Brad Stevens will refocus on containing Robin Lopez, Bulls' rebounding for Game 2


It's no surprise that the Celtics came up short in the rebounding battle against the Bulls in Game 1 of their opening round series. The C's have been a terrible rebounding team all year long -- however, their deficiency in cleaning the glass was alarming as Chicago annihilated the Celtics and now it's up to Brad Stevens to come up with a new game plan to correct his team's shortcomings.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Bulls 106 - Celtics 102: Jimmy Butler (30 points), Bulls top C's in Isaiah Thomas' emotional night [CHI leads series, 1-0]


With a heavy heart, Isaiah Thomas took the floor and delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career. Unfortunately, the majority of his teammates fell short on offense, cleaning the glass and on defensive assignments down the stretch.

Jimmy Butler's offense, along with gritty defense by him and his teammates topped the Celtics, 106-102, giving them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Chicago out-rebounded the Celtics, 53-36 and rallied behind Butler's 23 second-half points.

Brad Stevens on the status of Isaiah Thomas: 'I think his intention is to play'



Instead of talking x's and o's and his game plan for the Bulls, Celtics coach Brad Stevens spent time before Game 1 updating the media on the status of Isaiah Thomas.

In the wake of the tragic passing of Thomas' sister Chyna J. Thomas, Stevens couldn't confirm if Thomas will play in the opening matchup of the Celtics' seven-game series against the Bulls but did say Thomas' initial intention is to take the floor.

Causeway Street Podcast - Celtics playoff preview versus the Bulls


The No. 1 seeded Celtics are set to begin their playoff run and we're breaking down this opening round series against the Chicago Bulls as we make our predictions. We'll also talking with our special guest Anna Horford (Al Horford's sister) about all things from the NBA MVP, to Mike Felger and how was life growing up with her big brother Al. You don't want to miss this special playoff edition, Episode 78 of the Causeway Street Podcast below:

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Isaiah Thomas' sister killed in a one-car accident


The sister of Celtics All-Star Isaiah Thomas was killed in a one-car accident early Saturday morning, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.

2016-17 Celtics: The Little Green Team That Could


Everyone who has read my articles or has heard my commentary via the Causeway Street Podcast or any other media outlet knows I am as realistic as I can possibly be about my beloved Celtics.

I have been a diehard since 1998 when a young kid from Kansas named Paul Pierce burst on to the scene scoring from everywhere on the floor and displaying one of the most poetic shooting touches I've ever seen.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Celtics Playoffs: Three Keys to Beating the Chicago Bulls


I think any Celtics fan would agree that this season has been a complete success as the regular season rolled to an outstanding close with an emphatic win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett reminisce about the Celtics & how they met


On the same day that the Celtics officially clinched the No. 1 seed in their finale at the TD Garden, and Paul Piece played in his last NBA regular season game out in Los Angeles, 'The Truth' released another chapter to his Player's Tribune multimedia series project: "I Called Game"

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Celtics 112 - Bucks 94: C's outlast Milwaukee, clinch No. 1 seed


The Celtics clinched the No. 1 seed on Wednesday, beating the Bucks in their season finale while raising the level of expectations as they head towards their opening round series.

Celtics Pregame: Brad Stevens still believes 'Cleveland is the team to beat'


Although the Celtics are only one win away from grabbing the No. 1 seed in their final game of the season, Brad Stevens isn't letting that get to him or his team's head.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Celtics can clinch the No. 1 seed with a win or Cavaliers' loss in season finale


It has come down to Game 82 of the 2016-17 regular season for the Celtics, who currently at 52-29 can officially clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conferance with a win over the Milwaukee Bucks or a Cleveland Cavaliers' loss to the Toronto Raptors in their respective finales.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Celtics 114 - Nets 105: Isaiah Thomas, Al Horford, C's fend off Nets, hold sole possession of No. 1 seed


The Celtics are one win away from entering the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

After Boston cruised to a 114-105 win over the Nets, the Heat did their part in beating the Cavaliers in overtime -- giving the Celtics a one-game lead for first place in the East.

Celtics Pregame: Brad Stevens does not plan on resting players in last two games


Don't expect to see Brad Stevens rest his guys in the final games of the regular season. Celtics head coach has no plans of sitting his players if they're healthy and it could pay dividends depending on what happens Monday.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Celtics tied for first place again after Cleveland's loss in ATL


Celtics find themselves tied with Cleveland once again for the best record in the Eastern Conferance after the Cavaliers loss back-to-back home and home matchups with the Atlanta Hawks in the last 48-hours.

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Celtics 121 - Hornets 114: C's snap two games skid, remain in contention for first place


The Celtics still remain hopeful of grabbing first place after a much needed 121-114 win over the Hornets at the Spectrum Center on Saturday night.

Celtics clinch the best odds in landing No. 1 pick


The Celtics officially have the best odds of landing the number one pick in this year's NBA Draft Lottery.

Thanks to the Suns, who beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-99 on Friday night, the Brooklyn Nets clinched the NBA's worst record at 19-60, while Phoenix is now 23-57 with three games remaining in the regular season.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Hawks 123 - Celtics 116: Paul Millsap, Hawks fend off C's in ATL


After a blowout loss to the Cavaliers, the Celtics brought the same lethargic defensive effort with them to Atlanta. Only this time, the Celtics came close to completing a 20-point comeback but came up short in the final minute of a 123-116 loss.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Cavaliers 114 - Celtics 91: LeBron James, Cavs rout C's, secure No. 1 seed in Eastern Conference


In a race for No. 1, the Cavaliers took an early lead, ran with it and left the Celtics in the dust.

Cleveland reminded the Celtics who the kings of the Eastern Conference is on Wednesday in a 114-91 blowout statement win at TD Garden. With the win, the Cavaliers (51-27) now hold a one-game lead for first in the Eastern Conference