NBA

Pritchard making welcome strides to get 6MOTY consideration, in Boston no less

Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics drives against Craig Porter Jr. #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup...

Payton Pritchard’s long-term future looked uncertain as he grappled with the prospect of venturing elsewhere to establish his big breakthrough. Yet here in Year 5, coming off a championship year in Boston with a deep roster, the 26-year-old shooting guard is making his presence felt and people are taking note. Continue reading “Pritchard making welcome strides to get 6MOTY consideration, in Boston no less”

NBA

Deni Avdija is Portland-bound, as the volatile trade market focuses on future

Deni Avdija of the Washington Wizards and Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers in action during the first quarter of the game at the Moda...

It’s remarkable in isolation the Washington Wizards received more for small forward Deni Avdija than either newly-crowned NBA champion Kristaps Porzingis or longtime star shooting guard Bradley Beal, but the trade market is so unpredictable that quality players on good contracts are worth their weight in gold – something emphasised by their return haul from this latest trade. Continue reading “Deni Avdija is Portland-bound, as the volatile trade market focuses on future”

NBA

Vincent vanquishes Celtics as Miami join Denver with commanding 3-0 series lead

Erik Spoelstra’s Heat team joined the Denver Nuggets in earning a 3-0 Conference Finals series lead after blasting the Celtics into submission on their Miami return, having snatched the initiative in Boston. Point guard Gabe Vincent led the way with a new career-high 29 points, as their role players stepped up in style as they’re now one game away from another NBA Finals trip.
Continue reading “Vincent vanquishes Celtics as Miami join Denver with commanding 3-0 series lead”

NBA

Heat 123-116 Celtics: Jimmy Butler burns bright as Mazzulla’s men stumble late on

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat is defended by Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference...

Jimmy Butler had 35 points, seven assists, six steals and five rebounds – armed with clutch plays late on – as the Miami Heat swiftly erased a nine-point half-time deficit en route to a surging Game 1 East Finals victory on the road against Boston, who began well but finished with a whimper at TD Garden overnight.
Continue reading “Heat 123-116 Celtics: Jimmy Butler burns bright as Mazzulla’s men stumble late on”

NBA

Jayson Tatum hails winning plays, as Celtics eliminate Hawks in cagey Game 6

In Thursday’s lone playoff game, the Boston Celtics went on a 18-7 run in the final five minutes to eliminate a plucky but patchy Atlanta Hawks display on their home floor. How did they do it, Jayson Tatum was asked postgame. Consistently making winning plays in the fourth quarter, doing whatever it takes – with a well-rested Philadelphia 76ers side awaiting them this weekend.
Continue reading “Jayson Tatum hails winning plays, as Celtics eliminate Hawks in cagey Game 6”

NBA

After falling short in the Finals, Boston Celtics look to go one further as Udoka scandal looms

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 10:  Jayson Tatum #0 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics walk off the court against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals on June 10, 2022 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Having recovered from a sluggish start prompting fake trades aplenty, agitated fans and criticism, the Boston Celtics were two wins from their first NBA title in 14 years under first-year head coach Ime Udoka. He’s been given a year-long suspension after news of an inappropriate relationship broke last month, and now there are more doubts. How will they manage now?
Continue reading “After falling short in the Finals, Boston Celtics look to go one further as Udoka scandal looms”

Archives

Tyrese Haliburton is point guard of our future, says Pacers’ president Kevin Pritchard

Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February...

After being involved in a surprising Domantas Sabonis trade package which sent him to the Indiana Pacers midweek, surging young guard Tyrese Haliburton – who finished third in Rookie of the Year voting last term – has been hailed as their key franchise building block.
Continue reading “Tyrese Haliburton is point guard of our future, says Pacers’ president Kevin Pritchard”

Archives

NBA Playoff Previews: Thunder-Rockets, Heat-Pacers as First Round intensifies

OKC Thunder grinds past Rockets to take Game 3 in overtime - Grades

Two match previews as the Oklahoma City Thunder aim to level their intriguing matchup against the Houston Rockets after winning an overtime thriller in Game 3 this past weekend, before an impressive Miami Heat team target a record-breaking series sweep at Indiana Pacers’ expense later on tonight. Who will win? Continue reading “NBA Playoff Previews: Thunder-Rockets, Heat-Pacers as First Round intensifies”

Archives

Victor Oladipo believes Indiana Pacers can be special next season

Image result for victor oladipo

Indiana Pacers All-Star guard Oladipo has revealed his belief they can improve after an encouraging showing in 2018/19, especially once fully recovered from the torn quadriceps tendon he suffered in January with new faces as part of the roster. Continue reading “Victor Oladipo believes Indiana Pacers can be special next season”