The Celtics have been the NBA's most dominant team. Only a championship will make season complete
The Boston Celtics know that no one cares about everything they’ve accomplished during the regular season.
About Me
Sports writer based in Boston, Massachusetts. Juggling words at The Associated Press covering the Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins and all things New England.
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Hellen Obiri claims back-to-back Boston Marathon titles, leading Kenyan women's podium sweep
Hellen Obiri’s legs were carrying her closer to Boston, but her mind was thinking about Paris.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo says 'everything under consideration' as new era begins in New England
Jerod Mayo will be a first-time head coach, and the youngest in the NFL.
He’ll also be following one of the winningest coaches in NFL history in Bill Belichick, who built the New England Patriots into one of the league’s preeminent franchises.
And the former Patriots player and Belichick assistant is embracing all of it, promising first and foremost that the Patriots’ new era would be led by someone who is very much his own man.
He’ll also be following one of the winningest coaches in NFL history in Bill Belichick, who built the New England Patriots into one of the league’s preeminent franchises.
And the former Patriots player and Belichick assistant is embracing all of it, promising first and foremost that the Patriots’ new era would be led by someone who is very much his own man.
Patriots' 'partnership' with Bill Belichick comes to an end after 24 seasons, 6 Super Bowl titles
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Bill Belichick had a vision of building the kind of sustained championship football team that had rarely been seen before in the NFL when he was hired by the New England Patriots.
He walks away feeling like it was a job well done.
The six-time NFL champion agreed to depart as the coach of the Patriots, ending his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era.
He walks away feeling like it was a job well done.
The six-time NFL champion agreed to depart as the coach of the Patriots, ending his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era.
50 years of hip-hop: Beats and Basketball
Just as a movie sound track helps viewers follow the action of the narrative through each plot twist, hip-hop has done the same for basketball via the NBA. Over the past five decades, the genre has inserted lyrics, beats and culture into the sport’s DNA. Now, as hip-hop reaches its 50th anniversary, the two are intertwined like a colorful, crisscrossed ball of yarn.
Pro leagues balance profit, integrity risks in legal betting era
When Calvin Ridley was suspended for betting on NFL games in 2022, it was largely dismissed as an isolated incident among the four biggest North American professional leagues in the era of legalized sports gambling.
He served a yearlong suspension, penned a lengthy apology calling it “an isolated lapse in judgement,” and was reinstated in March.
But in April when three players were disciplined for betting on NFL games and two more for placing wagers on non-league games, followed this month by an investigation into another player, a spotlight shone not just on the NFL but U.S. sports betting as a whole.
He served a yearlong suspension, penned a lengthy apology calling it “an isolated lapse in judgement,” and was reinstated in March.
But in April when three players were disciplined for betting on NFL games and two more for placing wagers on non-league games, followed this month by an investigation into another player, a spotlight shone not just on the NFL but U.S. sports betting as a whole.
NBA's $300 million man, Jaylen Brown ready to step into leadership role for retooled Celtics
Early in his NBA career, Jaylen Brown was largely viewed as a player who would be a component of the Boston Celtics’ long-term success, rather than a pillar of its foundation.
When big-name stars would become available during free agency, Brown was often a potential trade chip.
As he prepares for his eighth season, his play has forced the narrative to be rewritten.
When big-name stars would become available during free agency, Brown was often a potential trade chip.
As he prepares for his eighth season, his play has forced the narrative to be rewritten.
Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum ready to confront championship expectations for new-look roster
After the summer the Boston Celtics have had, Jayson Tatum isn’t surprised they’re entering this season with a spotlight fixed on them.
“People expect us to get to the championship and win,” Tatum said Monday. “And if we don’t, we didn’t necessarily meet expectations.”
That’s because during an offseason full of movement around the NBA, the Celtics were among the league’s busiest teams.
In June, they parted ways with defensive stalwart and emotional leader Marcus Smart in a three
“People expect us to get to the championship and win,” Tatum said Monday. “And if we don’t, we didn’t necessarily meet expectations.”
That’s because during an offseason full of movement around the NBA, the Celtics were among the league’s busiest teams.
In June, they parted ways with defensive stalwart and emotional leader Marcus Smart in a three
Reluctant but resolute Popovich leads international-rich 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame class
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — For years, Gregg Popovich has eschewed the idea of him being worthy of inclusion in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
He felt others were more deserving and worthy of the sport’s highest honor.
On Friday, the man whose career has sprouted basketball tenacles that now span the globe was listed among a collection of basketball royalty that underscored his undeniable impact on the game.
He can no longer run from the inevitable.
He felt others were more deserving and worthy of the sport’s highest honor.
On Friday, the man whose career has sprouted basketball tenacles that now span the globe was listed among a collection of basketball royalty that underscored his undeniable impact on the game.
He can no longer run from the inevitable.
Trash talking and playful, Mac Jones makes having fun a priority this season
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — As a rookie Mac Jones was never short on smiles.
Practice, press conferences, games — he didn’t miss a chance to display the exuberance of a 23-year-old basking in the opportunity to live out his childhood dream of playing in the NFL.
Last season, he lost at least a smidge of that innocence during a grueling 2022 schedule.
Practice, press conferences, games — he didn’t miss a chance to display the exuberance of a 23-year-old basking in the opportunity to live out his childhood dream of playing in the NFL.
Last season, he lost at least a smidge of that innocence during a grueling 2022 schedule.
Celtics' Brown ready for expectations that come with new deal, wants to use it to impact community
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown wants to win more than championships after inking the richest deal in NBA history.
On Wednesday, minutes after he did a ceremonial signing of the contract that will keep him a Celtics uniform and pay him a record $304 million over five years, he made it clear the next stage of his basketball career is about more than money.
On Wednesday, minutes after he did a ceremonial signing of the contract that will keep him a Celtics uniform and pay him a record $304 million over five years, he made it clear the next stage of his basketball career is about more than money.
Future of Brown-Tatum tandem in spotlight as Celtics enter offseason
The Boston Celtics began their season in chaos. They ended it confronted with a decision that could shape the franchise for years to come.
Pain, disbelief and uncertainty hung with the Celtics as they walked off the court following their Eastern Conference finals Game 7 loss to Miami, ending their attempt to return to the NBA Finals.
Pain, disbelief and uncertainty hung with the Celtics as they walked off the court following their Eastern Conference finals Game 7 loss to Miami, ending their attempt to return to the NBA Finals.
Celtics thrive on 3s, beat Heat 110-97 in Game 5 to extend East finals
The Boston Celtics have looked elimination in the face four times this postseason and still haven’t blinked.
Derrick White had 24 points, including six 3-pointers, and the Celtics dominated the Miami Heat 110-97 on Thursday night in Game 5 to extend the Eastern Conference finals.
Marcus Smart had 23 points and five steals. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown finished with 21 points apiece as the Celtics won their second straight and trimmed Miami’s series lead to 3-2. The Celtics are halfway to becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series.
“We’ve got to do whatever it takes to get a win,” White said.
Boston also survived two elimination games in the second round against the 76ers. Teams that fell behind 3-0 are 0-150 all-time in series.
“It just says that our backs are against the wall and we’re sticking together and we’re competing at a high level to give ourselves a chance,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.
Derrick White had 24 points, including six 3-pointers, and the Celtics dominated the Miami Heat 110-97 on Thursday night in Game 5 to extend the Eastern Conference finals.
Marcus Smart had 23 points and five steals. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown finished with 21 points apiece as the Celtics won their second straight and trimmed Miami’s series lead to 3-2. The Celtics are halfway to becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series.
“We’ve got to do whatever it takes to get a win,” White said.
Boston also survived two elimination games in the second round against the 76ers. Teams that fell behind 3-0 are 0-150 all-time in series.
“It just says that our backs are against the wall and we’re sticking together and we’re competing at a high level to give ourselves a chance,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.
A look at sports gambling rules among Big 4 pro leagues
The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling in Murphy vs. NCAA ushered in a new era of legalized sports betting in the U.S., allowing states to establish their own sports wagering laws.
Despite opposition from the major sports leagues, the high court overturned a federal law – the 1992 Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act – that had barred betting on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states.
With the ruling came a new approach to how the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL associate with the industry.
Each league prohibits its employees and players from betting on their own games. But there are variations.
Despite opposition from the major sports leagues, the high court overturned a federal law – the 1992 Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act – that had barred betting on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states.
With the ruling came a new approach to how the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL associate with the industry.
Each league prohibits its employees and players from betting on their own games. But there are variations.
Young's long 3 lifts Hawks to 119-117 win over Celtics
His team trailing by a point and its season on the brink, Hawks star Trae Young got all the encouragement he needed in the huddle during his team’s timeout.
“I just had to trust in what I’ve done my whole life and shoot it with confidence,” Young said.
He did, and kept Atlanta’s season alive.
“I just had to trust in what I’ve done my whole life and shoot it with confidence,” Young said.
He did, and kept Atlanta’s season alive.
Celtics remove interim tag, name Joe Mazzulla head coach
Joe Mazzulla has been so steady guiding the Celtics through a franchise-shaking crisis that their turbulent offseason has taken a back seat to their championship aspirations.
The team rewarded him by turning a temporary opportunity of a lifetime into a permanent one.
The team rewarded him by turning a temporary opportunity of a lifetime into a permanent one.
Soul-searching offseason ahead for underachieving Patriots
Bill Belichick was truculent throughout the preseason whenever questions arose about his decision to put Matt Patricia, an assistant coach with a defensive pedigree, in charge of the Patriots’ offense.
Patriots navigating uncertainty as matchup with Bills looms
Bill Belichick doesn’t usually watch Monday night games on television.
But with the Patriots preparing to play the Bills, and with New England’s playoff hopes hinging on a victory, the longtime coach happened to have the Buffalo-Cincinnati game on.
That means Belichick was like millions of others watching live as Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field because his heart had stopped.
“Life is bigger than this game. And I think this is one of those humbling moments for all of us,” Belichick said Thursday.
That’s because what he saw took him back to 1997 and another game he’ll never forget.
But with the Patriots preparing to play the Bills, and with New England’s playoff hopes hinging on a victory, the longtime coach happened to have the Buffalo-Cincinnati game on.
That means Belichick was like millions of others watching live as Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field because his heart had stopped.
“Life is bigger than this game. And I think this is one of those humbling moments for all of us,” Belichick said Thursday.
That’s because what he saw took him back to 1997 and another game he’ll never forget.
Dugger INT return helps lift Pats over fading Dolphins 23-21
His team clutching a two-point lead, the ball on the 1-yard line and the season in the balance, Mac Jones decided to improvise.
Facing third-and-goal, the Patriots quarterback looked to his left and saw a Dolphins defense guarding against a run and linebacker Duke Riley spread out covering Jakobi Meyers. Jones made eye contact with his receiver, took the snap and tossed a short fade where only Meyers could reach it. He did, falling into the end zone for a touchdown.
It may prove to be the play that saved the Patriots’ season.
Facing third-and-goal, the Patriots quarterback looked to his left and saw a Dolphins defense guarding against a run and linebacker Duke Riley spread out covering Jakobi Meyers. Jones made eye contact with his receiver, took the snap and tossed a short fade where only Meyers could reach it. He did, falling into the end zone for a touchdown.
It may prove to be the play that saved the Patriots’ season.
Royal night: Tatum scores 49, Celtics hold off Heat 134-121
Camera phones throughout Boston’s TD Garden were fixed on the seats adjacent the Celtics’ bench as the Prince and Princess of Wales sat courtside in the city’s hallowed arena on Wednesday.
Yet it was the Celtics’ reigning basketball prince who ultimately owned the night.
Yet it was the Celtics’ reigning basketball prince who ultimately owned the night.
Brown scores 36, Tatum-less Celtics outlast Wizards 130-121
Marcus Smart laughs when he thinks about how far Jaylen Brown has come since he was a rookie.
There were moments during that 2016 season when he remembers a 19-year-old Brown at times recklessly driving 1-on-5 and throwing up wild shots at the rim.
“His excuse was: ‘When everybody is telling me to slow down, the defense hears that, so I’m going to speed up.’ We’d be like, ‘No, that doesn’t make any sense,’” Smart recalled. “He’s using more of his grace now, to where he’s understanding that sometimes just be patient and let the game come to you instead of going and get it yourself.”
There were moments during that 2016 season when he remembers a 19-year-old Brown at times recklessly driving 1-on-5 and throwing up wild shots at the rim.
“His excuse was: ‘When everybody is telling me to slow down, the defense hears that, so I’m going to speed up.’ We’d be like, ‘No, that doesn’t make any sense,’” Smart recalled. “He’s using more of his grace now, to where he’s understanding that sometimes just be patient and let the game come to you instead of going and get it yourself.”
Celtics have NBA's best record despite offseason strife
The Celtics entered the season with a built-in reason to underachieve.
Ime Udoka, the man who had changed so much about their culture and led them to the NBA Finals as a first-year coach last season, was given a yearlong suspension prior to training camp for having an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the organization.
But nearly a quarter into its schedule, Boston has emerged from that preseason cloud with an NBA-best 13-4 record and looks like a team that’s still capable of capitalizing on its championship window.
Ime Udoka, the man who had changed so much about their culture and led them to the NBA Finals as a first-year coach last season, was given a yearlong suspension prior to training camp for having an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the organization.
But nearly a quarter into its schedule, Boston has emerged from that preseason cloud with an NBA-best 13-4 record and looks like a team that’s still capable of capitalizing on its championship window.
Marcus Jones' late punt return lifts Patriots over Jets 10-3
The NFL went 10 weeks and hundreds of kicks without a player returning a punt for a touchdown. Marcus Jones made the first of the season one to remember.
The New England rookie returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown with 5 seconds remaining and the Patriots outlasted the stunned New York Jets 10-3 on Sunday.
The New England rookie returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown with 5 seconds remaining and the Patriots outlasted the stunned New York Jets 10-3 on Sunday.
Pats QB Jones believes he can salvage rough start to Year 2
As a rookie NFL quarterback, Mac Jones approached nearly everything he did last season like a sponge.
The formula was uncomplicated: Take in the information, concepts, plays, and instructions as presented, then execute as asked.
It helped him set the standard among the league’s first-year signal callers, as he led the 2021 QB class in both yards passing (3,801) and touchdowns (22). It earned him a Pro Bowl selection and raised expectations for him and a franchise hoping to have finally found the guy to build around post-Tom Brady.
If only it were that easy.
The formula was uncomplicated: Take in the information, concepts, plays, and instructions as presented, then execute as asked.
It helped him set the standard among the league’s first-year signal callers, as he led the 2021 QB class in both yards passing (3,801) and touchdowns (22). It earned him a Pro Bowl selection and raised expectations for him and a franchise hoping to have finally found the guy to build around post-Tom Brady.
If only it were that easy.
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