Cameras caught Irving knocking out fans after firing a shot in the third quarter during Boston's Game 1 win of the best-of-seven series. (Author: Gardener)

BOSTON — Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving has been fined $50,000 for making obscene gestures and directing profane language at the crowd in Boston during Brooklyn's Game 1 playoff loss to the Celtics . Cameras caught Irving pointing his middle finger in the direction of fans as he ran across the pitch after a shot in the third quarter. Irving said after the game that his actions were in response to taunts from fans who he said crossed the line. "Where I'm from, I'm used to all these antics and the people around," Irving said after the game. “There is nothing new coming into this building as it will be. But it's the same energy they have for me, I'll have the same energy for them. "And it's not every fan, I don't want to attack every Boston fan. We're the ones expected to be docile and humble, take a humble approach...it's the playoffs. Irving spent two seasons in Boston before leaving during free agency in 2019 to join the Nets. In Sunday's Game 1, he was booed loudly every time he touched the ball, but led Brooklyn with 39 points in the Nets' last-second 115-114 loss. Fans have given him similar receptions during his recent visits to Boston. But it reached its most volatile point last season during the playoff matchup between the Nets and Celtics, when a fan was arrested after allegedly throwing a bottle at Irving that nearly hit him. In light of this story, Irving said before the series started that he expected a certain level of ridicule from Celtics fans. The Celtics host Brooklyn in Game 2 of their series on Wednesday night. BOSTON COACH IME Ime Udoka saw firsthand how Irving dealt with a fiery Boston crowd last postseason as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets. He's now watching from across the court as Celtics head coach this postseason as bad blood spills from Irving and the Boston fan base. "I didn't hear all the post-game comments," Udoka said of Irving's remarks. Obviously it's a deal he has with the team he was with. We're not worried about what's going on with him and the fans.” Udoka doesn't think Irving is using the vitriol of the Boston fans to improve his game. "I think he's already a self-motivated guy," Udoka said. "Obviously he has a history here with the organization and the players on this team and so some things happened last year as well but I wouldn't say he got over it, it's still an issue that's coming our way , but he's a very motivated, talented individual player who hasn't played a lot of games this year and I think the bigger picture is more looking at how he can be successful in the postseason than against the Celtics. Several other Boston players still count Irving among his off-court friends and have tried to stay out of the back-and-forth between Irving and the Celtics fans. "I wasn't aware," Brown said of the exchange during Game 1. "All my energy went into our team and what we have to do to win games. KEVIN DURANT is no stranger to being the target of boos from former fan bases after leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder after nine seasons with the team last decade. However, Durant had an intriguing perspective on Irving's actions in Game 1, which resulted in a $50,000 fine, the maximum allowed by league rules. "I mean, it's rooted in love," Durant said of the reception. Life-changing experiences that come into play by watching you play. "It's an emotional bond they have with professional sports and that's a gift and a curse of having a team in your city to grow up. Sometimes it gets dark and deep, but that's how the human brain works.” IMAGE OF A battered Jaylen Brown, with both nostrils plugged up to stop bleeding, seemed lost in the mix as just another part of Boston's win. Brown received a few punches in the face last Sunday, resulting in a leaky nose. It went on all night, Brown said, as his nose bled about every 45 minutes that night. But he had the greatest impact during the game as he ran up and down the pitch. "At one point I had both [nostrils] blocked up and couldn't breathe," Brown said Tuesday after practice. “But this is playoff basketball.

Coach Ime Udoka went to a small lineup at the end of the stretch to create a comeback win for the Boston Celtics. (Author: Gardener)

Coach Ime Udoka went to a small lineup at the end of the stretch to create a comeback win for the Boston Celtics. BOSTON — The Boston Celtics trailed in the first 40 minutes of Wednesday night's Game 2 against the Brooklyn Nets in what was mostly a sluggish offensive affair by the Boston stars in the first three quarters. The Nets had upped their intensity and physicality in the matchup, leading to more difficult finishing opportunities for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics had slashed a 17-point lead in the second half and brought it into single digits, but the Nets again extended it to seven early in the fourth quarter. With Boston heading back to Brooklyn in a 1-1 series with a potential boost for the Nets in Ben Simmons, Coach Ime Udoka was under pressure to push the right buttons and see the Celtics' comeback across the finish line. At this point, Udoka went to a point where Boston's back five would normally be ready in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter with a unique lineup choice. Grant Williams was an obvious pick to get a chance against Daniel Theis at power forward considering how hot a shooting night he's had. The obvious choice was Marcus Smart or Derrick White based on the story by Udoka. These guys were veterans that Udoka trusted in big spots all year long. However, their lack of reliable 3-point shooting makes them potential weak points on Boston's offense when it comes to maximizing distance. Smart had struggled all night with his 3-point shot (1 of 6) and White had only gone 1 of 5 from deep in that series. Knowing this, Udoka proceeded with a more detached approach. He turned to his top bencher Payton Pritchard for his usual minutes early in the fourth quarter, but stayed with him well beyond after hitting a clutch jumper earlier in the quarter to pull Boston back to five points. Williams/Horford lineup had only played six minutes together in three games for Boston all season. But in one of the biggest moments of the Celtics season so far, Udoka turned to unity to defeat the NBA's biggest stars. In five minutes together, this five-man unit launched a 21-4 run to end the game for Boston. Pritchard not only helped with his shot from inside the arc and timely rebound, but his presence on the ground as the perimeter threat helped create easier opportunities for Brown and Tatum, who combined for 17 fourth-quarter points. "The distance was different," said Udoka after the win. "We obviously like our big lineups and didn't feel like we were going to hurt them on the offensive glass and we had some issues defensively with the big ones, especially tonight with Dragic, so we decided to go small , and we're obviously confident in Derrick and Payton and these guys, and Payton had a hot hand, had it going but they're guarding him differently. “The distance, he can handle that and be a shot maker as well as set screens, that worked well for us, we stuck to that and then obviously brought him back in, sort of an attacking-defence substitution with him and Theis. When Udoka brought Marcus Smart back on with four minutes remaining, the Celtics were comfortably five ahead, allowing the team to rely on their defense to carry them to the finish line. It takes a lot of guts for any head coach, especially a rookie, to make a move like this in the fourth quarter of a playoff game rather than sticking to reliable veteran guns. However, Udoka has earned the trust of this group and his sense of staff continued to improve in the team's second half. "We all trust each other," Tatum said. "We trust the coaching staff, they trust us and you just understand it's a long game." "Ime showed his attitude," said Jaylen Brown. It might have been like that in years past, but Ime didn't panic. Grant was great too, D-White, Theis – we came together as a team and we won.” The former Nets assistant gets plenty of praise from his ex-players, and Boston's defenses against Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant limited the star's impact -Duos throughout Boston's Game 2 win. "Ime knows us really well," Irving said. "You know he coached our staff last year so I think he has some keys in the treasure chest that he's telling these guys." The end result is Boston leading 2-0 in a series that could easily have faced a 2-0 deficit based on the numbers. Between the lineup adjustments and the decision not to take a timeout at the end of Game 1, Udoka's feel for the game stands out well under the postseason lights. ROBERT WILLIAMS will be on the Celtics' bench when they travel against the Nets and his return from meniscus surgery looks close. Udoka said Thursday they want Williams to travel so he can be with the team but also experience the playoff atmosphere on the road. Williams hasn't played since March 27, when he tore the meniscus in his left knee in what initially looked like a major blow to Boston's postseason hopes. However, it has been around three weeks since his surgery and the Celtics said he should be back within 4 to 6 weeks. Williams is still on course to return, which should set him up for a return for a potential second-round series. "He's making good progress," said Udoka. "He hasn't had any setbacks and that benchmark from what we said, the 4-6 weeks, looks good. Williams has yet to practice but he's worked on the pitch and been on the team. Udoka said he does other work on the side since he doesn't have to attend walkthroughs where they talk about game plans. BEN SIMMONS plans his season debut in Game 4 vs. Nets Coach Steve Nash recently said it was up to Simmons to give the green light. Simmons is rehabilitating from a herniated disc in his back and it's up to him whether he plays the Boston Celtics in the first round playoff series, Nash said. Simmons, who was traded to the Nets at the NBA close, was sent to Brooklyn with a kick in the pants by Sixers center Joel Embiid. "It's unfortunate that the win wasn't the biggest factor," Embiid said of Simmons, his former Philadelphia 76ers teammate. "It's unfortunate that having his own team and being a star was more of a priority for him, I think." KYRIE IRVING threw in the towel early during his final postseason streak as a member of the Boston Celtics in 2019. It's too early to say if he'll do so again with the Nets after falling into a 2-0 hole on Wednesday night's TD garden. However, the Nets point guard at least sounded jealous of the foundation his former team had built without him. "I'm not surprised at all," Irving said of Boston's success under Udoka. "I just think the timing is right. Your window is now for these young people who are on this team and have matured. They've been through streaks together, they've been through seasons together, they've been through battles together.” Irving struggled through his worst performance of the postseason in Game 2, amassing just 10 points on 4-of-13 shots from the field. The Nets repeatedly showed a lack of cohesion in big moments for the second straight game after a season of turmoil and trades. The Nets have a chance to return to the first-round series Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. However, Irving is sure it sounds like the Celtics are the battle-hardened roster, despite having much of the same talent that rolled over Brooklyn in the first round just a year ago. "Our identity is what it is," Irving said. "I just think even coming out tonight and only shot 13 times, I felt like we were in a great position as a team coming from halftime. There is no time for me to look at my individual stats and what I need to do. So late in the season, although I've addressed team cohesion, it is what it is. "We've been competing against a team for four or five years. And I don't want us on this series to worry about that and make excuses for why things aren't going right for us.

A negative chorus says more about those singing it than about the insufferable jerk it's aimed at. (Author: Gardener)

In the early spring, when the greenery is here and summer is beckoning, a good run by the Celtics in the playoffs will make those in-between weeks pass quickly and pleasantly. In the early spring, when the greenery is here and summer is beckoning, a good run by the Celtics in the playoffs will make those in-between weeks pass quickly and pleasantly. It only gets better when the Bruins start their playoff run. It only gets better when the Bruins start their playoff run. In Game 1, the Celtics won with a buzzer beater. In Game 1, the Celtics won with a buzzer beater. In Game 2, the Celtics overcame a 17-point deficit and placed a defensive blanket around the Nets' best players, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. In Game 2, the Celtics overcame a 17-point deficit and placed a defensive blanket around the Nets' best players, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The first two games at TD Garden as the Celtics took on the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference NBA playoffs were brilliant. The first two games at TD Garden as the Celtics took on the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference NBA playoffs were brilliant. But what of the unhealthy obsession some Celtics fans have with Kyrie Irving, the Nets guard and former Celtic? Game 2 had barely begun when the "Kyrie sucks" chant rose to a fevered crescendo. Undoubtedly, the excitement was influenced by the fact that Irving had responded to the taunting of Celtics fans in Game 1 by repeatedly pointing the middle finger at the crowd. The NBA fined Irving $50,000 for tricking Celtics fans. Irving responded to the taunts like a 12-year-old. Irving's verbal taunts are admittedly an improvement on last year when a dimwitted Celtics fan threw a water bottle at him. It took a generation to greatly reduce the frequency of the lame, awkward "Yankees suck" chant when a certain New York baseball team visits Fenway Park. But it seems a whole new generation with limited imaginations is determined to make "Kyrie sucks" a permanent fixture in the local lexicon. Celtics fans have reason not to like Irving. Arriving in Boston with great promise, he left the team in a shambolic retreat after giving all indications he intended to re-sign with the team, then effectively left in the middle of a playoff series. He went to the Nets and convinced Durant to join him in a quest for an NBA championship. Last year, after scoring 39 points and guiding the Nets to a win over the Celtics in a playoff game at the Garden, Irving made it a point to stomp like a stubborn kid on the Celtics logo on center court again. His selfishness and odd extrajudicial beliefs — he believes the earth is flat but doesn't believe in COVID vaccines — make him hard to like or understand. But for all his flaws, Kyrie Irving is a great basketball player. He is fun to watch as he has the ability to change his body position in mid-air to capture shots that seem physically impossible. But he is human. He can be brilliant one night like he was in Game 1 and totally nonchalant the next like he was in Game 2. He's clearly not a basketball player, but presumably that's not what those who say "Kyrie sucks" mean. That singing and whistling every time he touches the ball seems to be exactly what Kyrie Irving does wants. Stomping on Lucky the Leprechaun meant getting a reaction. Instead of chanting "Kyrie sucks," why not salute the smothering defense that Celtics guard Marcus Smart threw at Irving and took him out of his game? Smart inspires the same." Intensity with which he plays, a team first guy if there ever was one, the best way to react to someone like Kyrie Irving is to ignore him, like anyone who thinks he's the smartest Guy in the room It doesn't hurt for guys like him to be despised Kevin Cullen is a Globe columnist He can be reached at [email protected]

BOSTON — The Celtics were fortunate to be just 10 points behind at halftime against the Nets on Wednesday. But the Celtics were strong at the end of both quarters. That's why Boston coach Ime Udoka... (Author: Gardener)

BOSTON — The Celtics were fortunate to be just 10 points behind at halftime against the Nets on Wednesday. Brooklyn had dominated the first 24 minutes and built a 17-point lead. What could have been a blowout turned into a manageable deficit, and the C's had yet to play an efficient ball. That's why Boston coach Ime Udoka calmly went into the locker room. And the team responded to that cool confidence in the second half. That's how Udoka acted in his freshman year as the Celtics' top guy - he didn't balk at the face of adversity or pressure. All he has done instead is put his stamp on the organization since the Celtics played his ball mark. Wednesday's approach worked: the Celtics rallied to beat the Nets and take the series' 2-0 lead. He just stuck with our game plan and made some minor adjustments, but not really. At half-time there were no wild adjustments to the game plan, said Udoka, but instead made minor adjustments. The Nets improved their physicality significantly compared to Game 1, but it was clear that the Celtics were knocked out for most of the first half. Udoka pointed out how battle-hardened the Celtics were after the regular season. Too often the Celtics missed a big lead early on and lost. Or the Celtics lost a huge lead and collapsed in the fourth quarter. But experience hardened the Celtics and they recovered in the second half. "Just keep maintaining that composure and balance and let's figure things out," Udoka said. "At the same time, you want to play right from the start and not put yourself in such situations. That's our point, let's play right and we always know that we can really step in defensively if it's necessary to get back into the game.” The Celtics' second half was also a reflection of Udoka's mark on the team. The defense choked as the Nets had just 47 points in the second half. The Celtics were frantic early on, but they made better decisions and shots in the second half. Udoka came to Boston to build a culture — that was on display in full on Wednesday. The Nets looked more like the Celtics of old, with droves of isolation plays against a strong defense. While Brooklyn was picking up points on Wednesday, those chances dried up the longer the game went on. "He understands the bigger picture and just came in and told us to stay the course," Al Horford said of Udoka. He just stays calm.” Udoka pushed almost all the right buttons in the first two games of his first playoff series as head coach. The Celtics' defensive game plan was spot on against the nets. Udoka stayed the course as the Celtics limped out with an 18-21 record earlier in the season. Confidence has not wavered, he said, and that has allowed the Cs to weather the mounting pains playing under a new coach. The end result was – so far at least – the 2-0 lead against the 7th-seeded Nets. The Celtics are hoping their playoff run is far from over, and with Udoka at the helm, he's been pushing the right buttons so far. "We went through the whole range of possibilities this year to win or lose," said Udoka. We felt like we were determined to come back from behind and understand how Brooklyn would continue and how we can get back into the game.

Ime Udoka's in-depth knowledge of the nets has given the Celtics an advantage when scheduling games for Brooklyn's stars. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics were knocked out of the first round last postseason after failing to solve the superstar-laden Brooklyn jigsaw puzzle. Little did the C's know at the time that one of the main solutions to their problem had been sitting right on the Nets touchline. A year later, Boston and Brooklyn find themselves in a first-round rematch. Only this time, the Celtics are in the driver's seat and have a 2-0 lead in the series. While both teams face different circumstances when it comes to health and roster building, one of the series' main catalysts has been the man who switched sides from Brooklyn's bench to head Boston's coaching staff: Ime Udoka. Despite only serving as a Brooklyn assistant for one season, Udoka brings a wealth of Nets information to the Celtics locker room that Brooklyn players are fully aware of. "Ime knows us really well," said Kyrie Irving after a 10-point performance in Brooklyn's Game 2 loss -- his lowest postseason performance since a nine-point loss in Game 2 of the 2019 Boston Eastern Conference semifinals series with the Milwaukee bucks "You know he coached our staff last year so I think he has some keys in the treasure chest that he's telling these guys." From the Celtics locker room, Al Horford can confirm Irving's claim. "It's definitely an advantage for our group because he just has a good sense of what they want to do and how they want to play," Horford said Thursday afternoon between games 2 and 3. We've played the same way all season defensively, but yeah, that definitely helps.” Game 2 was a prime example of Udoka's outstanding game planning for the Nets, as none of Brooklyn's superstars could find a rhythm against Boston's physical defense. For the first time in their 55 games as teammates, both Irving and Kevin Durant were kept below 33 percent shooting from the field. Irving shot 4 of 13 from the field while Durant shot just 4 of 17 in their 114-107 loss. "If you've only been in the league for a while, you get to know these guys, but you get to know them a little bit better by coaching them and being with them for a season," Udoka said. "Being the defensive type I think it's beneficial to be around these guys and see some of the things that other teams have done against them - ideas I've got my head. One of the tidbits he picked up in Brooklyn was figuring out what type of defense works best against Durant. "Starting your defense doesn't allow him to get it," Udoka said of Durant, who has 13 field goals and 12 turnovers in his first two games. Trying to find that balance, showing him a body, showing him physicality but not letting others get too loose... Last year on the Milwaukee series, PJ Tucker really got into his body, was physical, refused touch, refused catches. Udoka's defensive mindset coupled with his inside information on the opponent proved a crucial solution to Brooklyn's explosive offense early in the series. By turning the touchline, Udoka has helped the Celtics turn the script as they are now two wins away from paying back.

Seeing their end of the season in the first round Monday night, the Nets recognized the impact of injuries, issues they were dealing with off the floor and distractions as they failed to reach the high ceiling that many thought was possible held. (Author: Gardener)

NEW YORK -- Following their season-ending defeat against the Boston Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets officially acknowledged Monday night what has been evident throughout their season: Any issues they dealt with off the court had a major impact on how they played it. "I think it's been really tough emotionally this season," said Nets guard Kyrie Irving after their 116-112 loss in Game 4. I felt like I let the team down at one point where I couldn't play anymore. We tried to exhaust every game option for me, but I never wanted it to be just me. And I think it became a distraction at times. Irving's admission was notable as his decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 hung above everything the Nets did all season. They began the season under a cloud of uncertainty as a New York City immunization order mandated that all workers be vaccinated in order to return to the workplace. The Nets declined to let Irving participate as a part-time player before reversing course in December following a team-wide COVID-19 outbreak. Irving returned to the floor on January 5, but was only able to attend street games before New York City Mayor Eric Adams withdrew the athletes' and performers' mandate in late March. Aside from Irving's in-and-out status, the Nets have struggled with an ankle injury guarding Joe Harris that has forced him to miss all but 14 games this season. an MCL injury to star forward Kevin Durant that forced him to miss six weeks; and a February deadline trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks. The trade was a move Harden later admitted was made in part because of Irving's part-time status -- and a deal that brought Simmons, who requested a trade from Philadelphia last summer, to a Nets team he joined after a Herniated disc derailed the final two months of his season. "I think a big reason why we were in this position is a lack of continuity," said coach Steve Nash of the distractions from the ground. All of these things off the ground also play a role in what happens on the ground. As the season progressed, there were just too many, too many things that held us back for moments and bags. Just when it looked like they were poised to turn a corner, one more event would change the course of their season. The Nets , voted by many to win the NBA championship before the season, they finished with a 44-38 record, good for seventh place in the Eastern Conference -- and a playoff spot that goes through April 12 a win in the play-in game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite everything, the Nets could never find the rhythm that every great team needs to succeed in the playoffs. "No regrets," Durant said after being swept for the first time in his career. Everyone in the organization knows what we've been through. So no time to feel sorry or be too pissed. "Even the great teams do it not." They don't think about what they're doing, they're just trying to get ahead g better. So we know what our mistakes were, just try to turn them into strengths. While the Nets were frustrated by the season and the way the series was going against the Celtics, there was almost a sense of relief that things finally came to an end on Monday night. All the pressure the nets were subjected to on and off the ground proved too much for a group that never reached the high ceiling many thought was possible. "We lost a franchise player [in Harden] and got a franchise player back [in Simmons]," Irving said. There was also no pressure for [Simmons] to hit the floor with us. Ben is fine. For next year he will be good. But for now we're just turning the page and looking forward to what we're building as a franchise and getting really tough. "That's why I said it's an extra motivation when you get carried away like that. I haven't necessarily played as well as I would have liked, but now we're just looking to the future as a team and what we can achieve in the years to come and I'm excited about that." So much of that future is spinning now to Simmons, who was not at the Barclays Center on Monday night as he continues to deal with old issues, according to the Nets.For his part, Irving said "I don't really plan on going anywhere" when asked if he would have one this summer possible long-term extension. He has a player option worth over $36.5 million this summer. "There's no question about where I'm going and how that's going to happen," Irving said. "I'm here with [Durant], but I'm also here to build a great team. I've averaged so many points, done so many things. Individually, I've been recognized for my greatness, but at this point in my career, I really just want to be part ei be a great team. And just dominating and not really concentrating on individual awards and successes. Just really building something special - that's my focus going into the summer, just building with my teammates. Durant also made it clear that he'd like to see Nash coach the Nets next season. "Steve's been dealt a crazy hand over the last two years," Durant said , injuries, COVID dealing with so many things, it's just a lot of things that he's had to deal with. We're all evolving over the summer and we'll see what happens." As the Nets head into what could be an interesting summer, both Irving and Durant made it clear that they think better days lie ahead for the organization. "When I say I'm here with Kev, it really means we manage this franchise together," Irving said. “Aside from [owner] Joe [Tsai] and [General Manager] Sean [Marks], just our group of family members in our dressing room, in our organization. I think we just need to take a few steps this off-season, really talk about it, and be really aware of what we're building and have some fun with it, make it enjoyable. Sometimes I feel like the noise of the outside world, the noise from outside, can intrude. I'm not that type of guy. I think we need to be mentally tougher and be more honest about what we want to achieve.

Jayson Tatum fouled about three minutes from time and the Nets, who had never led, cut a 15-point deficit to one point in the third quarter, but Marcus Smart was all over the place as the Celtics beat Brooklyn in four straights. (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, despite spending much of the fourth quarter on the bench due to foul problems (and eventually fouling). NEW YORK -- With a sweep on the horizon and an opponent who seemed to be losing confidence by the minute, the Celtics seemed poised to take down the Nets and send them into the summer without much trouble. But there was a brief twist in the story when star Jayson fouled Tatum with 2 minutes and 48 seconds left, leading his team by six points. Emboldened, the Nets quickly scored five goals to draw within 1 and gave a jolt to a relatively sleepy playoff crowd at Barclays Center. Then, while Tatum watched from the bench, his teammates picked him up as they once again made big plays in big spots and secured a 116-112 wire-to-wire win that ended that streak much sooner than most experts believed. The Celtics advance to the conference semifinals, where they go up against the winner of the first-round series between the Bucks and Bulls, led by Milwaukee, 3-1. Tatum finished with 29 points, Jaylen Brown had 22, and Marcus Smart added 20 points and 11 assists. Kevin Durant had 39 points on 31 shots to lead Brooklyn. Tatum appeared poised to pound the nets early in game four when he dunk and then kicked in a 3-pointer from the top of the button that made it 95-86 with less than nine minutes left. The Nets drew within 102-99 with Tatum on the bench after Goran Dragic banked a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 5:23 left, but Jaylen Brown responded with a three-point play. Tatum came back but fouled on an offensive foul 2:48 left and Boston lead, 109-103. Kyrie Irving hit a 3-pointer and Durant added a 14-footer with 1:28 left, pulling Brooklyn within 109-108. When the shot clock ran out, Brown momentarily lost the ball down the baseline but regained possession and was open to a layup. Durant missed a potential tie of 3, then a possession later was fouled with 22.2 seconds left but only made 1 of 2 free throws. The Celtics' counterattack came quickly, and Smart charged up to miss a layup. Durant ironed back another 3-pointer and the celebration began. ⋅ There are rarely significant moments in the opening minutes of NBA play, but this one felt like one: With an 8-5 lead, Boston, Curry Tatum pulled out and came up with the free ball with a clear path. But a late whistle on Curry stopped the break and also gave him his third foul, sending him to the bench for the rest of the quarter. Fouls have been an issue this series and the Nets have been held back by their own hoeing as they committed 10 fouls in the first quarter. ⋅ In the first quarter, the Celtics made just 39.1 percent of their shots, allowed the Nets to connect on 55.6 percent of their shots, made five turnovers and were uncorked by Tatum. The backup center was 0 for 6 from the foul line in the first half and missed his first 10 of the game, extending his miserable streak of free throw shooting. The Celtics eventually employed a hack-a-clax strategy when Payton Pritchard came on to foul the big man midway through the third quarter, but he made his eleventh and final try of the day, drawing a roar from the crowd. ⋅ Celtics fans have seen this before, but Irving certainly didn't seem very engaged in the first half. ⋅ Grant Williams provided a tremendous offensive boost for the Celtics in the first half. He was 4-5 from the 3-point line, with Brooklyn leaving him as open as teams had earlier this season before believing his solid shooting was a real thing. But his best moment of the first half came in defence. After drilling a corner 3-pointer, Williams was matched against Durant along the left baseline. He then pulled the ball away and it sped off Durant wide. ⋅ Robert Williams, playing in his second game after almost a month due to surgery on his left knee, seemed a bit hesitant in the first half. He then had a chance for an easy putback that he would normally hit home, but instead he caught the ball, came down with it and missed a pair of layups. He only played 14 minutes and finished with 3 points, five rebounds and four fouls. ⋅ The Nets have one of the more apathetic fan bases in the NBA, in part because most New Yorkers are lifelong Knicks fans and it's difficult to easily switch allegiances when another team is arriving in town. The crowd was unusually loud and engaged in Game 3 on Saturday, but much of that energy seemed to be drained on Monday. The 3-0 deficit washed away some of the excitement and probably also made it easier for Celtics fans to find their way into the arena. In the final game, Tatum received scattered "MVP" chants in the final minutes as the outcome of the game was decided. On Monday they arrived in the first quarter.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Jayson Tatum was stunned but still reassured. He was not happy with his sixth foul, but had no doubts that the Boston Celtics, with their rock-solid defense, would endure without their top scorer. (Author: Gardener)

He was not happy with his sixth foul, but had no doubts that the Boston Celtics, with their rock-solid defense, would endure without their top scorer. "Couldn't believe it at all, but I think that's what we were built for," Tatum said. Tatum had 29 points, Jaylen Brown had 22 and the Celtics wrapped up a four-game win over the Brooklyn Nets to become the first team to advance to the second round of the playoffs with a 116-112 win Monday night. Marcus Smart added 20 points and 11 assists for the No. 2-seeded Celtics that made what was perceived as a difficult streak easy to pull off. Boston awaits the winner of the series between Milwaukee and Chicago, where defending champion Bucks leads 3-1. The Celtics didn't shy away from the Nets, who didn't have the typical low seed profile in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Boston won rather than lose on the final day of the regular season to fall in the standings and avoid the matchup. Durant had 39 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and was able to break free after the Celtics defended him well in the first three games. But he failed to give the Nets the win they needed to extend what is instead considered a massive failure of a season. The Nets, expected to be an NBA Finals contender, needed a strong finish to grab the No. 7 pick. Seth Curry scored 23 points for the Nets. Irving, whose unavailability for home games for much of the season because he is not vaccinated against the coronavirus has helped the Nets perform below expectations so far, had 20 points. "A lot of things that can contribute to why we lose, but they were just a better team," Durant said. The Celtics were under .500 halfway through their season but went 31-10 from there, with Tatum proving to be a potent scorer on one of the NBA's top defensive teams. That defense limited Durant to just 19-for-52 shots with 17 turnovers in the first three games and gave him a hard time even when he finally got more shots on Monday. He lost in the first round for the first time since 2010 with Oklahoma City, the first playoff series of his career. Tatum had 12 points in the third quarter and the Celtics took a 90-75 lead in the final seconds of the quarter. But he benched with a fifth foul at 8:17 and the Nets made a push that put them on three points about three minutes later. Tatum fouled the Celtics, who led 2:48 at six, to play. Irving made a 3-pointer and Durant scored to cut it to 109-108, leaving 1:28. But after a Brown basket, Durant was only able to grab a free throw and the Celtics charged down the floor, with Al Horford resetting Smart's miss to make it 113-109 by 13 seconds. With Durant, Irving and James Harden, the Nets started the season as a team looking strong enough to win their first NBA title. But Irving didn't play at all early in the season, and not long after he came back to only play road games, Harden became unhappy and the Nets brought him to Philadelphia in a trade for Ben Simmons. The Nets were hoping Simmons could make his debut for them in Game 4, but he was ruled out Sunday with more back pain worrying him not long after arriving in a midseason trade with Philadelphia. Irving said his feelings were "disappointment, a little sadness because we didn't play as well as we wanted as a team". The Nets were only 45-44 down with 3:29 to play in the second quarter. Celtics: Boston has swept its first-round streak for the third time in four years. The Celtics defeated Indiana in four games in 2019 and Philadelphia in 2020 at Walt Disney World. They lost 4-1 in the first round to the Nets last season. ... Williams scored 14 points and Horford had 13. Nets: Bruce Brown scored just two points after scoring 26 and 23 in the previous two games, the first time in his career that he had consecutive 20-point games. He was 6-6 off the field but 1-11 at the free-throw line, missing his first 10 before scoring the last when the Celtics deliberately fouled him. Coach Steve Nash said he does not want to speak for Simmons but acknowledged there is a mental side to the physical issues he is facing. Simmons cited mental health issues as the reason he wanted to leave Philadelphia and not line up for the 76ers this season. "I think Ben addressed that there's a mental component to what he's going through, but how much and where he is with that I can't speak to," Nash said.

Just as the decision not to avoid playing the Nets in the first round showed the Celtics' character, so too did their season end after Jayson fouled Tatum. (Author: Gardener)

As the regular season drew to a close, the Celtics reiterated that their focus was on playing their best basketball and doing their best to speed up the players so they stay healthy for the playoffs. That decision forced Boston to lock down and play at their best to beat Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and co. and got the best of them. That was evident throughout this series, including when the Celtics had to fend off the nets after Jayson fouled Tatum 2:49 left and Boston led 109-103. Jaylen Brown got the Celtics to a 4-0 start by knocking down a 12-foot jumper and then burying an 18-foot pullup; Marcus Smart assisted with both buckets. The Nets responded, including Kevin Durant, who tied the game on ten with a three from left wing. Less than a minute later, Jayson Tatum got caught in the teeth of the Nets defense and kicked the ball to Al Horford for a corner that gave Boston the lead back and went 15-12 with a 6:40 lead to play in the quarter. After Daniel Theis hit a layup from Kyrie Irving, on the Celtics' next possession, White attacked a Kevin Durant closeout, then an upfake from Nic Claxton, absorbing the contact and ending the glass soft. The Celtics continued to get into the gaps and then sprayed the ball to the shooters when Smart Grant Williams found a three from the left corner to put them a nine lead at the 3:13 mark. Irving responded with a pull-up triple of his own, a shot aided by a vicious screen from Durant on Grant Williams. And as the period drew to a close, Durant drove past Robert Williams and dropped a bounce pass for Claxton for two points on the edge to make it a 30-26 game in favor of the visitors entering the second quarter. Durant finished the frame with a game-high 11 points, but Boston's offense generated ten points in the suit and went 10/11 at the charity streak. It also helped that Claxton went 0-6 from the free throw line. Also, Curry and Goran Dragic committed three fouls in the opening quarter and Durant committed two. Neither team scores 30 points in a hard-fought second quarter. On the first possession of the third, Horford conceded his third foul of the game on offense and sent it off for Theis. At the 9:25 mark, Tatum used a three from the left corner to give the Celtics a 33:30 lead. Shortly after, he missed another and then conceded with a 20-foot pull-up jumper, earning him 12 points on 3/5 shooting; the other four came at the free-throw line. More than halfway through the quarter, with Boston leading 45-39, Durant drilled a three, Irving potted a 14-foot floater and Durant found Curry for a right corner three in transition to make it a 45-44 game with 3 to do: 29 to play in the first half. Coming off the break, Tatum found Grant Williams for a three from the left corner that extended Boston's lead to 48-44. In the final minute, Brown made a strong two in the basket and Tatum quickly swung the ball from the catch to Grant Williams for a left corner three with 1.4 seconds left, giving the Celtics a 58-50 advantage at halftime. Durant went into the break with a game-high 20-point shooting 7/15, and the Nets put down 51.4 percent of their shots, including a 6/15 (40 percent) from three. They assisted on 15 of 20 field goals and produced 18 points in the paint. Tatum, Brown and Grant Williams each had a team high of 12 points. The team smartly approached this department and handed out seven. Boston also got a boost off the bench from Derrick White, who contributed seven points and six rebounds. Celtics score 32 points in third quarter and go into fourth with a double-digit lead While it was a quiet night for Robert Williams, with 6:26 in the third quarter, Smart attacked the dribbling in a familiar sighting and threw the time lord a lob for a finish over the edge. After missing his first ten free throws, Claxton eventually made one, drawing a loud ovation from the crowd at the Barclays Center. At the 5:23 mark, Tatum used a three to give the Celtics a 78:69 lead. On her ensuing possession, White didn't force a three, instead driving and scooping the ball to Smart for a layup that gave Boston an 80-69 lead. Then came a fadeaway from Tatum over Bruce Brown, giving him 23 points and the Celtics an 82-71 lead with a 3:56 lead. The Nets tried to go small but Smart drove and conceded a foul. Then, emerging from under the basket, Smart found a diving Grant Williams for an easy two points on the edge. Tatum then showed off his footwork and picked up two deft points at the basket to extend Boston's lead to 85-73 with 2:40 by the end of the period. After a time-out, Ime Udoka set up another effective ATO and generated a three for Horford from the right wing that gave the visitors an 88-75 lead. The Celtics took two more points from White on a layup that followed a missed three by Curry and sent Boston 90-78 into the final frame. Tatum fouls out, Celtics still deflect nets to sweep series Curry scored the first four points of the fourth quarter and cut Boston's lead to 90-82. Durant then hit a hard-fought jumper over Grant Williams to make it a 90-84 game at 10-08, prompting coach Udoka to call a time-out. Tatum came on after the break and two possessions from the Celtics later, he threw down a two-handed jam and then buried a three to put Boston 95-86 ahead with 8:54 minutes left. But on Boston's next possession, Blake Griffin stepped up and drew a charge on Tatum, his fifth foul. That put Horford 8-17 ahead of Tatum. The two teams traded blows as a three from Horford was followed by one from Curry, and after Smart made one, Dragic answered from beyond the arc, making it a 101-94 game with a 6:37 to play. After a Horford miss near the edge, Dragic attacked the dribbling, beating Horford and making a reverse layup to put the Nets to five at 6:12 on the clock. Dragic then got a bit lucky as he brought in a three from over the break and reduced Brooklyn's lead to three, 102-99 with 5:24 remaining. Luckily for Boston, Jaylen Brown responded with a 16-foot pull-up jump while being fouled by Irving. He then pinned the extra point to extend the Celtics' lead to 105-99 with 5:07 to go. Smart then produced a critical extra effort play, tapping in a miss from Grant Williams, after Tatum drove, kicked the ball to Williams in the right corner and he attacked a closeout to get a shot at the basket. Durant and Irving generated the next two field goals, putting Brooklyn within four, 107-103 with 3:42 to play. Smart countered with a layup after almost losing the ball to give the Celtics a 109-103 lead with 3:22 left. After an ill-advised three-point miss from Griffin, Tatum fell short on a call this writer disagreed with as he and Dragic went down while the former struggled for position to get the ball onto a sideline. Irving then drilled a deep three from above the break to make it a 109-106 game, with 2:31 remaining. Irving had a chance to cut Boston's lead to one, but Brown stayed ahead of him and put up a great fight without fouling to stop it. Grant Williams had less success as Durant attacked him from the dribble after catching the ball off the post and shot over Williams to make it a 109-108 game at 1:28 on the clock. But Jaylen Brown answered, driving the baseline for a layup that extended the Celtics' advantage to 111-108. With 22.2 seconds left, Durant went for 1/2 at the free throw line, and after Smart missed a layup, Horford cleaned up to put Boston 113-109 ahead with 13.7 seconds left. The Nets picked a play to give Durant a three from above, but he missed, and Smart tracked down the long rebound and Patty Mills fouled him with seven seconds on the clock. Smart made both free throws and extended Boston's lead to 115-109 as loud chants of "Let's go, Celtics!" was heard from the fans who had arrived. Durant then hit a three to make it a 115-112 game by 2.8 seconds. But after being fouled on the subsequent inbounds pass, Smart went 1/2 at the line, made the front end and missed the second shot. The clock ticked off and the Celtics advanced to the second round, sweeping the nets. Despite fouling, Tatum finished the team with 29 points on 9/16 shooting, including 4/6 from beyond the arc. The three-time All-Star also went 7/8 at the free throw line. Brown recorded 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds and also performed well defensively; most notably in the game where he denied Irving two points on the margins that held Boston by three by less than 2:30. Brown dealt with hamstring problems in the second half but told NBC Sports Boston's Abby Chin after the game, "I'm fine. Smart scored 20 points on 7/16 shooting and went for threes at 3/7. Attacking Boston's bottom general was most effective as a moderator, dishing out 11 assists that was a game high. Proof of this is the Celtics held Irving to 20 points, and while he made some big shots, he never led the Nets that way von Lauf that was possible changed the result of tonight. As a team, the Celtics assisted 26 of 42 field goals. Their ball motion and aggressiveness, relentlessly attacking mismatches as they do in all series, saw them shoot 47.2 percent from the field, including 14/35 (40 percent) from beyond the arc. Boston also scored 44 points in the paint, scoring 18 on the free throw line and scoring 17 on second chance opportunities. Durant went off for 39 points that game, often attacking faster and at times running the show from above rather than working towards get the ball from catch around the elbow or wing. But as was shown after Game 1, the Celtics defended him throughout that entire series as well as this author has ever seen a team guard him. Last year, without Jaylen Brown, the Celtics still managed to win a game from a Brooklyn team that had James Harden and looked like they were headed for the Finals before he and Irving got injured. This time around, the Celtics not only swept the nets, but performed as a collective to make up for Tatum's absence from the track. The Celtics are getting a well-deserved break to recover ahead of the second round of the playoffs. As a reward for not dodging the nets and then dispatching them, the Celtics have home play in the next round. the Nets: Tatum and Brown lead the way as the Celtics defense shines as they sideline Brooklyn Ben Simmons awaits his season debut in Game 4, a return the Celtics could benefit more from than the Nets Nets in Game 2 : Boston Recaptures Offensive Identity, Rallies for 2-0 Series Lead [Movie Room] How the Celtics held Kevin Durant to 23 points, an approach that can't change as ROI diminishes

The Nets -- preseason favorites to win it all -- haven't even won a single playoff game (Author: Gardener)

All season, the Eastern Conference No. 2 seemed to be the one no one wanted, with the Nets likely waiting as the No. 7 seed. But the Celtics never feared that spot, and now we know why. Boston ended an impressive win over Brooklyn last night with a 116-112 win in Game 4. Boston is really, really good and we should have seen it coming. After the all-star break, the Celtics had the NBA's best record, best offensive rating, and third-best defensive rating. The Celtics are great defensively and have no weak spots on that end of the floor. What I like most about the Celtics is that they don't deviate from who they are and play to their strengths. In the four games, the Celtics won the points in the paint battle with 54 and in the rebounding battle with 22 points. It was only fitting that last night each of Boston's bottom four buckets were layups and two came off offensive rebounds. The Celtics have had many blowout wins in the regular season. So far this postseason, they've shown they can win by a close margin, writes our NBA reporter Sam Quinn. * Quinn: "If anything, sweeping this particular Nets team in four tight games is perhaps more impressive than doing it in four blowouts. The overall benefit of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving is that your team should always be able to pull off a good result. It's one of the best goal-scoring duos in NBA history, and with the crunch time that so relies heavily on halffield shot formation, beating her four times in the clutch is insanely impressive. * It looks like the NFL is coming to Black Friday sooner rather than later. The Nets came out as favorites to win the NBA title this season. Since then, very little has gone right. * Kyrie Irving's vaccination status made him a part-time player for much of the season. * James Harden rose from third Superstar to midseason exit. You name it, the networks probably suffered. When it came down to it, yes, the sweep was surprising and embarrassing, but the Nets just weren't a championship-caliber team, and the Celtics exposed that. The silver lining is next year should see the return of a healthy Simmons and Harris, Irving said last night he would return (he has a player option) and Durant is going nowhere. The Mavericks have their star back and they look dangerous. Dallas dominated Utah, 102-77, in a crucial Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead. * Luka Doncic had 33 points (in 33 minutes!) and added 13 rebounds and five assists. * Jalen Brunson added 24 points, his fifth straight game with 20+. It's the worst 3-point shooting performance in NBA postseason history (min. If I told you the Mavericks hadn't won a playoff series since winning the 2011 NBA title, you probably wouldn't believe me. You'll Have a Chance Meanwhile, if you thought the Raptors would quietly pull away after losing three games to no one against the 76ers, think again Toronto again fended off elimination and reduced the series deficit with one 103- 88 win in Philadelphia * Pascal Siakam had 23 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists * Precious Achiuwa had 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench * Joel Embiid had 20 points but James Harden struggled again and only managed 15 points to 4 -for-11 shooting.* It was the 76ers' fewest points in a playoff game since 2012. Remember, teams are always 144-0 after leading a 3-0 series. A On the other hand, Doc Rivers is the only coach to fail three 3-1 leads, and Harden hasn't done much to shake his reputation as someone who's stubbornly glittering in the playoffs. I don't think the '76ers are in serious trouble anymore, but they're certainly not taking it easy. This NFL draft is just days away and has a chance to get very interesting very quickly. * There is no clear No. 1 pick, and the odds of who will hear their name first have changed a lot in the past few days. So expect the unexpected Thursday night. To set you up for the madness, NFL draft expert Chris Trapasso has six surprising scenarios that could completely change the first round, including... If the Saints pack their extra first-round picks with others to get into the top-10- Entering group and picking a quarterback, it would throw a wrench in the top half of the first round, although many teams outside of that would celebrate in their respective war room as it shifted an offensive tackle on the board as well as another non-quarterback prospect would .'” Another factor playing into the draft intrigue is Deebo Samuel, who the 49ers say will cost two first-round picks. Do you know who has two first-round picks? The Chiefs and the Packers, two receiver-heavy teams in win-now mode. Could we see Samuel transition between now and Thursday night? Could Kansas City or Green Bay trade to draft a top wide receiver instead? Check out all the surprising scenarios of Trapasso here. The Champions League is back and we have a great game things off with Manchester r City host Real Madrid at 15:00 today. on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. The game will feature player #1 and #3 of our top 50 Champions League players Karim Benzema from Madrid and Kevin de Bruyne from City. But in his bold predictions, our football reporter James Benge says another Madrid attacker will steal the spotlight this afternoon. * Benge: "This could well be a game for Vinicius Junior who will almost certainly attack a player who isn't up to the task. Joao Cancelo's suspension has given Pep Guardiola enough headaches but both Kyle Walker and emergency right-back option John Stones are struggling with injuries. If City don't have their best defender at this level then it could be Vinicius rather than Benzema doing the damage." We look at the NBA playoffs. ⚽ UEFA Champions League semi-finals: Manchester City – Real Madrid, 15: 12 am on CBS and Paramount+ 🏒 Oilers at Penguins, 7 pm on ESPN 🏒 Blues at Avalanche, 9:30 pm on ESPN

The Celtics could go as far as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and after watching the Celtics sweep the postseason nets, our Chris Forsberg thinks it could go a very, very long way. (Author: Gardener)

Ime Udoka is who so many fans - and members of the media - desperately wanted Brad Stevens to be. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics finished the nets in Game 4 for the sweep. (Author: Gardener)

For three years, Celtics fans have given it to Kyrie Irving at every turn. But as John Tomase writes after Boston's win over Brooklyn, we should thank him for setting the Cs on the road to success. (Author: Gardener)

Their title aspirations are based on reality and the Celtics are stronger than Kyrie Irving ever imagined when he left them three years ago. (Author: Gardener)

Their title aspirations are based on reality and the Celtics are stronger than Kyrie Irving ever imagined when he left them three years ago. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics, who have won 17 NBA championships, are next for the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. Get to know the Celtics here. (Author: Gardener)

The Bucks indulged in Boston's mistakes, and then Golden State edged out Memphis on the margins (Author: Gardener)

The Bucks indulged in Boston's mistakes, and then Golden State edged out Memphis on the margins (Author: Gardener)

BOSTON (AP) - Giannis Antetokounmpo had already started his dribbling and half of the... (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics lost Game 1 at home to the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. What did we learn on Sunday? (Author: Gardener)

Giannis Antetokounmpo presents the Celtics with a new challenge, Jayson Tatum crashes to earth and the Bucks close it in Boston. (Author: Gardener)

The Bucks rolled over the Celtics in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday thanks to an aggressive defensive game plan. Read more at Boston.com. (Author: Gardener)

After rolling through the opening round, Boston struggled offensively and had little response to Giannis Antetokounmpo (24 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists) and Milwaukee. (Author: Gardener)

The determined Bucks sent a strong message by defeating the Celtics in Game 1 (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics weren't perfect on Sunday, but they can find some building blocks from that performance. (Author: Gardener)

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics know they have a golden opportunity to reach the 2022 NBA Finals with injury luck on their side for the first time in nearly a decade. A battered Heat or 76ers roster could also be waiting for you in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics need to find their first to find out and that's a long way off... (Author: Gardener)

Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a 24-point triple-double performance to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a lopsided win over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Playoff series on Sunday night. (Author: Gardener)

Celtics fans may recognize the defensive game plan the Bucks used to corner Jayson Tatum and his teammates during Boston's ugly 101-89 loss at TD Garden on Sunday. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics got a dose of their own medicine — suffocating defense — early in the series, but they're a resilient team. (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had a 10-for-31 combined shooting and 3-of-13 from 2-pointers in Game 1 against Milwaukee. (Author: Gardener)

The Bucks may not have walked on the logo on purpose, but they did walk over the Celtics in Game 1 on Sunday. (Author: Gardener)

Boston put on its worst offensive performance of the postseason in Sunday's 101-89 loss. Learn more at Boston.com. (Author: Gardener)

Marcus Smart is dealing with a right quadriceps bruise and is expected to be questionable for Game 2, Celtics coach Ime Udoka said. (Author: Gardener)

BOSTON — The Celtics couldn't have asked for much more when it came to their half-court defense. The Bucks shot just 41.1% from the field and were limited to 101 points on Sunday. Boston's problems came from his offense - and that spread to his defense. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics were up-22 with White on the floor as he stepped in with 5 assists and 4 rebounds and helped steady the defense in place of Marcus Smart. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics have a lot of work to do against the defending champion, but Boston wouldn't have gotten this far without an identity overhaul. (Author: Gardener)

If the Celtics win Flag 18, in years when big stories are told, it could be the night people talk about the most after Boston made an amazing 16 of 19 shots from the floor in the fourth quarter. (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum and Al Horford each had 30 points, and the Celtics outplayed the Bucks 43-28 in the final frame for a 116-108 win to tie the series by two points. (Author: Gardener)

Al Horford gave perhaps his best performance in a Celtics uniform and one of the best of his career. The 35-year veteran, playing in his 15th season, had a playoff career-high 30 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, helping Boston level that streak by two points. And after Jason... (Author: Gardener)

Al Horford was crucial in keeping the Celtics' season alive as they rallied in Game 4 to win Game 4 and even the series. (Author: Gardener)

The series will now move to Boston for a crucial Game 5 on Wednesday night (Author: Gardener)

Al Horford scored 16 points in the last quarter, going 6-of-6 from the field with two 3-pointers and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. (Author: Gardener)

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Al Horford and Jayson Tatum each scored 30 points and led the Boston Celtics' comeback in the fourth quarter in a 116-108 win over the Milwaukee Bucks Monday night that put their Eastern Conference semifinals at two games apiece Association. Horford scored 16 points and Tatum 12 in the fourth quarter alone to... (Author: Gardener)

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Al Horford has appeared in more than two dozen postseason series in a... (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics fired reigning champion Bucks by 43 points in the fourth while the Warriros didn't take the lead until there was less than a minute into the game (Author: Gardener)

35-year veteran Al Horford is a big reason the Boston Celtics are going home 2-2 with their playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics fired reigning champion Bucks by 43 points in the fourth while the Warriros didn't take the lead until there was less than a minute into the game (Author: Gardener)

Al Horford defied Father Time on Monday night and delivered the playoff game of his life when the Celtics needed it most. Chris Forsberg reflects on 'The Al Horford Game' and the performance that may have saved Boston's season. (Author: Gardener)

With the Celtics season at stake, Ime Udoka turned Game 4 with a lineup that had never played together. (Author: Gardener)

Boston won Game 4 because they had more in the tank, but also because they can beat the Bucks at their own game with an unabashed style of play. (Author: Gardener)

Boston picked up a raucous Game 4 win over Milwaukee. What were the most important take-aways? (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics outplayed the Bucks 43-28 in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 116-108 win over Milwaukee. Learn more at Boston.com. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 116-108 away in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series on Monday to level that series 2-2 before heading back to Boston. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics once again found a way to overcome adversity, this time against the NBA's top player, with a crucial rally that made the series a best-of-3. (Author: Gardener)

MILWAUKEE — THE highlight of the Celtics' fourth quarter in Game 4 on Monday was undeniable. That was Al Horford dipping all over Giannis Antetokounmpo, a play the Celtics said would keep them energized for the rest of the game. It was still anyone's game as the result was 81-81. (Author: Gardener)

Al Horford reached a level of his game during the playoffs that many thought he lost at the age of 35. It reached a new high in Game 4 during the Celtics' 116-108 win over the Bucks on Monday night. The five-time All-Star scored 16 of his playoff career-best 30 points in the fourth quarter to help Boston tie the Eastern Conference semifinals series with the defending NBA champion in two games apiece. (Author: Gardener)

Al Horford's career night put the Celtics in a position to win Game 4 in Milwaukee. But as our John Tomase writes, Jayson Tatum has come the distance in a way that has shown he can really get closer to a championship-level team. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 116-108 away in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series on Monday to level that series 2-2 before heading back to Boston. (Author: Gardener)

This team knows how to handle adversity, self-inflicted and otherwise, and now they face their toughest challenge yet. (Author: Gardener)

Bucks 110, Celtics 107: Holiday, Portis combine for incredible finish as Milwaukee completes comeback (Author: Gardener)

After a devastating loss at home, the Celtics must regroup and take out the defending champions in Milwaukee to salvage their season. (Author: Gardener)

Marcus Smart's heroic tendencies backfired at the Celtics during a heartbreaking Game 5 loss to Bucks. (Author: Gardener)

The 110-107 loss here was one of the worst in recent memory for a team that played superbly for 3½ quarters. (Author: Gardener)

Did the Boston Celtics just squander their best shot at knocking out the Milwaukee Bucks and making it to the Eastern Conference Finals and, by extension, the NBA Finals? Forgive the rude start of this discussion... (Author: Gardener)

Winning defensive plays and clutch shots helped Milwaukee recover from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter and take a 3-2 straight lead. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics fell apart in the fourth quarter of Game 5 and lost costly to the Bucks, falling 3-2 behind in their series. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics are a resilient team, but they need to win their next two games or they will go into the offseason. (Author: Gardener)

It was a wild night in the NBA playoffs, but probably not in the way you expected (Author: Gardener)

Milwaukee was 14 points behind, 10:16 in the game. (Author: Gardener)

The Bucks also trailed the Nets 3-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season before winning the NBA Finals. (Author: Gardener)

While the Celtics' situation may seem bleak, they are actually just 1.5 point underdogs in Game 6. (Author: Gardener)

Will Tatum, Brown and the Celtics force a Game 7? (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart all had a lot to say about how they let the game slip through their fingers — and what's next. (Author: Gardener)

The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics 110-107 away in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series on Wednesday and took a 3-2 lead in Game 6. (Author: Gardener)

Vacation was all the Bucks needed since Khris Middleton's injury (Author: Gardener)

I stand by it. The Celtics are devastated and they are devastated. (Author: Gardener)

Vacation was all the Bucks needed since Khris Middleton's injury (Author: Gardener)

Road teams have won three of the five games, including the final two, as Milwaukee and Boston go head-to-head at the Fiserv Forum on Friday. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics now have two competitive games to keep their season alive after wasting a solid performance for three and a half quarters in Game 5. (Author: Gardener)

Game 6 between the Bucks and Celtics in their Eastern Conference first round playoff series is on Wednesday. Here's who the odds makers like. (Author: Gardener)

It turns out green hair isn't the only thing connecting Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills and Celtics starguard Marcus Smart. (Author: Gardener)

Here's how social media reacted to the Bucks' comeback win over the Celtics, including Jrue Holiday's two big defensive plays in the final seconds. (Author: Gardener)

Clutch moments have defined a streak separated by only a few key moments in the five games so far. (Author: Gardener)

The Milwaukee Bucks play the Boston Celtics in a 2022 Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series. (Author: Gardener)

Game 6 on Friday offered the defending NBA champions a chance to wrap up their second-round streak in front of their audience. It also provided another opportunity for the Celtics to show their character and, in particular, to give Jayson Tatum a performance that will be engraved in his legacy. ... (Author: Gardener)

Tatum had his superstar moment, and Milwaukee's limited offensive versatility means there are many questions to be answered in the series' deciding game. (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum had his superstar moment, and Milwaukee's limited offensive versatility means there are many questions to be answered in the series' deciding game. (Author: Gardener)

Before the exit, Jayson Tatum rises with 46 points for the Celtics who withstand another brilliant performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. (Author: Gardener)

With Celtics fans hoping for a legacy game from Jayson Tatum, he delivered with 46 points and Boston held the Bucks to 95 and forced a Game 7 on the TD Garden floor. (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum scored 46 points in a great Game 6 performance, helping the Celtics avoid elimination against the Bucks and forcing a Game 7. (Author: Gardener)

Tatum is 24. One idolized Magic and KG, the other Kobe. We are witnessing a duel between two stars that could define the NBA for a generation. (Author: Gardener)

Tatum scored a game-high 46 points, passing goal after goal to the magnificent Giannis Antetokounmpo. (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum scored 46 points and the Celtics withstood a brilliant display from Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo to win 108-95 Friday night. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics' Jayson Tatum scored 46 points, surpassing the Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 44 points. (Author: Gardener)

For the third time this postseason, the Miami Heat are in an extended wait. At the beginning of the playoffs we had to wait until the Atlanta Hawks emerged from the play-in round as first-round opponents. Before the second half, Erik Spoelstra's team had to wait until the Philadelphia 76ers emerged from their series against the Toronto Raptors. (Author: Gardener)

The Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics will face off in Game 7 of their NBA playoff series on Sunday at TD Garden in Boston. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics core has a tough postseason track record. Ime Udoka did many things to change that in Game 6. (Author: Gardener)

Giannis is reaching his limits, Grant Williams is breaking out and Jayson Tatum's maturity is evident as the Celtics progress past the Bucks. (Author: Gardener)

The power forward broke a record previously held by Steph Curry while Boston smothered Milwaukee's offense. (Author: Gardener)

How did the Celtics get from 11th place in the East to the Eastern Conference Finals? Our Chris Forsberg looks back on a special squad that has developed into one of the most likeable teams in recent times. (Author: Gardener)

The only certainty in the Eastern Conference Finals is going under. Which makes sense to some extent considering how Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo believes the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, won by Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, should be his. It starts on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.... (Author: Gardener)

The No. 2 Boston Celtics and No. 1 Miami Heat will face off in the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. (Author: Gardener)

The conference's top seeds are played great by Jimmy Butler, but point guard Kyle Lowry is struggling with a hamstring injury. (Author: Gardener)

We're in the bottom four of the 2022 playoffs; Who will make it to the NBA Finals? (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 109-81 on Sunday, winning that Eastern Conference Semifinals series in seven games and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. (Author: Gardener)

"It's just going to be exciting to be able to play them in the arenas with fans," said Celtics forward Grant Williams. But a packed arena won't be the only thing different about it... (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat will start their battle for the Eastern Conference Finals Tuesday night in Miami, and here's what to expect from this matchup. (Author: Gardener)

MIAMI (AP) - He grew up in Portland with basketball in his blood. And last summer he was part of the Brain Trust that helped USA Basketball win Olympic gold. This is the story of Erik Spoelstra. This is also the story of Ime Udoka. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics were stuck in a neutral position, and there were widespread calls to dismantle the core of the team before heading to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Red Sox hope they can do the same. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat will start their battle for the Eastern Conference Finals Tuesday night in Miami, and here's what to expect from this matchup. (Author: Gardener)

Action Network's Roberto Arguello breaks up Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. (Author: Gardener)

There is a tremendous respect between these men, who have known each other for decades and are deeply connected. (Author: Gardener)

After an impressive first-half performance that saw Jayson Tatum score 21 points and the Celtics 62, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals took a dramatic turn in the third quarter. The Heat upped their efforts and played far more physically as they came out of halftime and took control... (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics need to increase their toughness, stop yelling at the officials and stay focused through these types of attacks. (Author: Gardener)

Led by another standout performance from Jimmy Butler, the Heat beat the Celtics 39-14 in the third quarter on Tuesday night and took a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. (Author: Gardener)

The Heat started the second half with a stunning 22-2 run that left Boston dazed and eventually led to a 118-107 win that put them in control of that series early on. (Author: Gardener)

Ime Udoka on the third quarter: "We were above average and physically overwhelmed. They looked like they were trying to increase their physicality and aggression, and we looked like we didn't want to compete." (Author: Gardener)

MIAMI (AP) -- His team was behind by eight at halftime, and Miami coach Erik Spoelstra... (Author: Gardener)

The undermanned Boston Celtics fell after Jimmy Butler scored 41 points to lead the Heat in Game 1 to a 118-107 win. (Author: Gardener)

Tatum looked set for another memorable postseason night in Game 1, but his night ended unforgivingly for all the wrong reasons. (Author: Gardener)

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals was an ugly one for Boston. Some key stats underscore what went wrong at the Celtics. (Author: Gardener)

The Patriots aren't the only team in town facing a crucial weekend. Chris Forsberg explains why it's a bit of a wildcard weekend for the Celtics with two games against quality opponents. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 127-102 away in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday to level that series 1-1 before heading to Boston. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 127-102 away in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday to level that series 1-1 before heading to Boston. (Author: Gardener)

Boston-Miami has so far featured more blowouts than actual drama, which Charlotte Wilder is fine with — as long as her Celtics win. (Author: Gardener)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Jayson Tatum was stunned but still reassured. He disagreed with his sixth foul... (Author: Gardener)

There are few names on the Celtics roster who have been featured in trade rumors as often as Dennis Schroder in recent weeks. Boston is underperforming at a 25-24 record, leading many to question whether the team will sell some veteran role players ahead of next month's trading deadline. Schroeder has a... (Author: Gardener)

Perhaps the Celtics have become too comfortable playing on their home ground. After all, they topped the heat three of four quarters in the Game 1 loss despite missing two starters, then beat them 127-102 in the next matchup. But on Saturday, the heat came out with far more urgency, heightened... (Author: Gardener)

Playing without star Jimmy Butler in the second half, the Heat earned a brave 109-103 away win over the Celtics and a 2-1 lead in series. (Author: Gardener)

Despite a game-high 40 points from Jaylen Brown, 24 turnovers and a failure to match the Heat's physicality, Miami led to a 2-1 lead. (Author: Gardener)

The injuries that overshadowed the Eastern Conference Finals can turn your stomach and stir your spirit. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics lost a winnable Game 3 to the Heat on Sunday, losing 109-103 despite a series of advantages. Read more at Boston.com. (Author: Gardener)

Despite an injury to Jimmy Butler, Miami took the series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals thanks to a career night out of its Star Center in Boston. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics' veterans advised the team to be wary of a Heat counterattack early in Game 3, and the Cs still weren't ready for the Heat's first shot. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics lost two disastrous quarters 2-1, making Game 4 a must before the series returns to Miami. Boston can't approach Monday's matchup like they did Saturday for this to happen. (Author: Gardener)

What steps should the Celtics take before February 10? What's the road back to the title fight? Our Chris Forsberg tackles the big questions in an NBA Trade Deadline edition of his Celtics mailbag. (Author: Gardener)

The SportsLine model today revealed his NBA picks for the Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics (Author: Gardener)

Knee pain temporarily derailed Jimmy Butler's glorious playoff run on Saturday night. But it didn't derail a determined and tenacious Heat team, which drove a big night from Bam Adebayo and timely contributions from several others to thwart several furious Boston comebacks and beat the Celtics, 109-103, on Saturday night to a 2- 1 lead in these Eastern Conference Finals. With butler... (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were cold Wednesday, but the Celtics still beat the Hornets. Here are five takeaways of a big win. (Author: Gardener)

Analyzing Wednesday's Charlotte Hornets odds and lines at the Boston Celtics, with tips, predictions and best bets from NBA experts. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics will look to continue their recent winning streak when they host the Charlotte Hornets for the second time this season on Wednesday night. Boston earned its second straight win in dominant fashion on Monday, rolling past visiting Miami 122-92. (Author: Gardener)

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Bill Fitch, who led the Boston Celtics to one of their championships during a three-decade Hall of Fame coaching career, has died. Fitch, two-time NBA Coach of the Year, died Wednesday in Lake Conroe, Texas. Fitch coached 25 seasons in the... (Author: Gardener)

Without two terrible quarters, the Celtics could lead 3-0 against Miami. As Chris Forsberg writes after Crazy Game 3, the Cs are running out of time to even out their wild swings in the game. (Author: Gardener)

Both sides have lost key players to injuries and while the Celtics are down, they're nowhere near out. (Author: Gardener)

Coach Ime Udoka and the Boston Celtics trailed the Miami Heat 2-1 in that second-round series and spent Sunday looking for ways to "fight some of their aggressiveness" after failing in Game 3 on Saturday were defeated at TD Garden. (Author: Gardener)

The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 109-103 on the road in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday to retake home court and take a 2-1 lead ahead of Game 4 on Monday. (Author: Gardener)

Erik Spoelstra doesn't like Jimmy Butler playing for steals, but it paid off in a dominant Game 1 win over the Celtics. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics can still win the series after dropping Game 3, but they need to stay sane and fix their attitude, writes Chad Finn. Read more at Boston.com. (Author: Gardener)

Robert Williams III will feel pressure -- much of it from himself -- to get back on the court for Game 4 against the Miami Heat. The Boston Celtics lost at home on Saturday and certainly don't want to go down 3-1 on the way back to Miami. (Author: Gardener)

Health remains a factor at these Eastern Conference Finals, with two key Heat players and two Celtics starters hoping to be healed enough to play Monday's Game 4 in Boston. The Heat listed Jimmy Butler (knee infection) and Tyler Herro (groin strain) both as questionable for Game 4. The team had a meeting, but no... (Author: Gardener)

Here's the deal, Celtics, and I'm not talking real or imagined trade rumors. I'm talking about what it takes to believe in the players and the team without hesitation […] The Post Taking Stock of the Streaking Celtics, Player by Player, appeared first on Boston.com. (Author: Gardener)

(AP) -- Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and the Boston Celtics played solid defense for their best fifth straight win of the season in a 116-83 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. Boston limited Orlando to 35.8% shots from the ground and 5 of 25 from 3-point range. It was similar to their November matchup when the Celtics defeated the Magic by holding them to 79 points and 32.1% shooting -- both season lows. (Author: Gardener)

According to The Action Network's Matt Moore, there could be one fewer contender for veteran Boston Celtics reserve guard Dennis Schroder by the 2022 NBA deadline than previously reported. Moore had previously reported (Author: Gardener)

It was again one of those nights when the Celtics didn't make many 3-pointers early, allowing the Magic to at least flirt with the idea of ​​an upset. But it didn't matter as the Celtics' defense was bolstered, they went on a run and defeated the Magic 116-83 on Sunday at the Amway Center. Boston continued its season-high five-game winning streak, including seven of the last eight that will continue... (Author: Gardener)

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has heard the message loud and clear after the NBA denied him another All-Star opportunity. On Monday, the league announced substitutes for Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant and Golden State Warriors defensive guru Draymond Green for the All-Star Game. Unfortunately for Brown, he heard his […] (Author: Gardener)

Boston Celtics fans have watched with a little envy as the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers trade solid players for affordable deals, and wondered when (or if) the Celtics will get into the fra (Author: Gardener)

James Harden is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game between the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center. (Author: Gardener)

The SportsLine model today revealed his NBA picks for the Celtics vs. Nets (Author: Gardener)

While the Celtics haven't lost consecutive playoff games, they've lost focus when they think they've established their dominance. (Author: Gardener)

While getting under the luxury tax is a priority for the Celtics, they also want to build into the future. That's a tricky path to navigate ahead of Thursday's close, but the Cs at least have some assets to allow for a small upgrade. One guy Boston has shown an interest in is the Bucks' Donte DiVincenzo, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. (Author: Gardener)

BOSTON (AP) -- Embarrassed in Game 2, The Heat gave up home field advantage in their blowout loss to the Celtics in their Eastern Conference Finals. Tyler Herro didn't play the last eight minutes of the fourth quarter either... (Author: Gardener)

From Jayson Tatum's third sidestep as the first half wound down, to Marcus Smart rousing the TD Garden crowd, and a trio of plays from Jaylen Brown in his fourth-quarter takeover, here are the top five plays from Game 3 between the Celtics and Heat. (Author: Gardener)

Coach Ime Udoka and the Boston Celtics, trailing 2-1 in their second-round streak against the Miami Heat, spent Sunday looking for ways to "fight some of their aggression" after falling in the loss in Game 3 on Saturday at TD Garden lost muscle. (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics have again listed at least a couple of rotation players on the injury report as postseason bruises and bruises continue to affect the team. The good news is that Jayson Tatum is likely suffering from right cervical nerve impingement. His problem doesn't seem serious... (Author: Gardener)

Boston center Robert Williams III is also listed as a question (Author: Gardener)

The Red Sox won their fifth straight Sunday at Fenway and left for Chicago to show their full support for the Celtics. Marcus Smart returned the favor. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics must treat their Game 4 match with the Miami Heat in their 2022 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals series as a must-win, even though it technically isn't one. With the need to avoid returning to Florida in an elimination scenario (Author: Gardener)

The Heat listed six players on their injury report ahead of Game 4 against the Celtics on Sunday, but it appears they will have their best player available. Jimmy Butler "intends" to play at 8:30 p.m. Monday for Game 4 at TD Garden, according to Yahoo! Butler only played 20 minutes in Game 3 and sat out the second half due to an infection in his right knee. (Author: Gardener)

The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have released their Game 4 Eastern Conference Finals injury reports. The series is currently 2-1 for the Heat after beating the Celtics in Game 3. (Author: Gardener)

While the Celtics haven't lost consecutive playoff games, they've lost focus when they think they've established their dominance. (Author: Gardener)

Many sports bars, including the best in America, have never recovered from COVID (Author: Gardener)

SportsLine's Zack Cimini has announced his 2022 NBA playoff picks for Game 4 of the Celtics vs. Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals (Author: Gardener)

The 24-year-old Celtics All-Star makes his case for being the best player of the postseason. (Author: Gardener)

The wild swings continue as Boston is never behind, leading by as much as 32 to smash Miami and tie the series 2-2. (Author: Gardener)

The Heat starters collectively scored 18 points in a dismal outing (Author: Gardener)

The Eastern Conference Finals is a series of haymakers, and the Celtics finished last (Author: Gardener)

The Heat starters collectively scored 18 points in a dismal outing (Author: Gardener)

Al Horford and Robert Williams were very effective at both ends of the court, particularly in neutralizing Game 3 star Bam Adebayo. (Author: Gardener)

After White's contributions in place of Marcus Smart, we should also give credit to Brad Stevens for smart deadline to win him. (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and the Celtics destroyed the Heat in Game 4, sending the series back to Boston at two games apiece. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 102-82 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday to level that streak 2-2 before returning to Miami for Game 5. (Author: Gardener)

Game 4 marked White's final contribution, making admirable use of Marcus Smart and emphasizing the cleverness of Stevens' move. (Author: Gardener)

Game 4 marked White's final contribution, making admirable use of Marcus Smart and emphasizing the cleverness of Stevens' move. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 102-82 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday to level that streak 2-2 before returning to Miami for Game 5. (Author: Gardener)

MIAMI (AP) - Back. The Miami Heat want this pattern to continue. The Boston Celtics are hoping to break that trend. And the team that prevails Wednesday night is a game away from the NBA Finals. The Eastern Conference Finals was nothing more than a series of mood swings set to continue with Game 5 in Miami on Wednesday. The top-seeded Heat and second-seeded Celtics are tied at two games apiece; that... (Author: Gardener)

Boston's seemingly unlikely run to the No. 18 banner isn't necessarily about beating Miami or even Golden State, it's about getting a leap ahead of those damn Lakers, writes our John Tomase. (Author: Gardener)

The big men of the Celtics don't have a cool name like Heat's Edrice Femi "Bam" Adebayo. Al Horford and Robert Williams usually only reply to Al and Rob, which […] (Author: Gardener)

BOSTON (AP) - Huge leads. Outbreaks. (Author: Gardener)

Bucks-Celtics Game 5 had it all. (Author: Gardener)

Can the Celtics put Tuesday's disastrous third quarter behind them? Chris Forsberg takes stock of the C's after watching the Heat get their way in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. (Author: Gardener)

The\u00a0No. Boston Celtics, No. 1, and Miami Heat, No. 1 face off in Game 2 of their NBA playoff series on Thursday at the FTX Arena in Miami. (Author: Gardener)

MIAMI (AP) -- Jimmy Butler doesn't like being the top scorer. No matter that the nickname seems appropriate. He's averaging nearly 30 points per game this postseason, has hit the 40-point mark three times in his last 10 games after not having those regular-season games since 2017, and has the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern worn over the Boston Celtics finals of the conference. (Author: Gardener)

Marcus Smart is looking to return against Miami in Game 2 but the Celtics don't expect Al Horford to be released for the game. (Author: Gardener)

The Heat lead 1-0 in the best-of-7 series in the Eastern Conference Finals (Author: Gardener)

For those who thought Miami was a No. 1 fluke, or at least a weaker one, Game 1 was a wake-up call, delivered with unabashed power in the third quarter. (Author: Gardener)

It's absurd to take solace in the fact that the Celtics "won" three-quarters on Tuesday night. Read the story at Boston.com. (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum has become a true superstar in these playoffs, but if the Celtics are to get past the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, they need to change his personality on the court, writes John Tomase. (Author: Gardener)

Miami took advantage of the undermanned Celtics in the third quarter and now Boston needs a plan to come back strong in Game 2. (Author: Gardener)

Jayson Tatum on the Heat taking control of Game 1 in the third quarter: "I need to lead better, I need to play better in those moments and I'm just looking forward to responding to that." (Author: Gardener)

The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 118-107 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night. Learn more at Boston.com. (Author: Gardener)

MIAMI — The specter of COVID and illness continues to be a factor in the Eastern Conference Finals series between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. A day after Celtics big man Al Horford entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, Boston coach Ime Udoka was unavailable for his team's media session Wednesday as the Celtics said it was a non -COVID disease. But lingering concerns... (Author: Gardener)

The Celtics have responded well to losses during the 2022 NBA playoffs. Will that streak continue in Game 2 against the Heat on Thursday night. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics, including Robert Williams III, take on the Miami Heat in the 2022 NBA Playoffs Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET. With the prop bets available for Williams in this matchup, let's break down the stats and trends to help you find the best bets for this competition. (Author: Gardener)

Grant Williams and his Boston Celtics teammates take on the Miami Heat in the 2022 NBA Playoffs on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET. In this article, we're going to dive into Williams' stats and trends to help you spot the top picks among his prop bets for this matchup. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics lost Game 1 of the Eastern Conference to the Miami Heat in Florida Tuesday night, and the Celtics fell apart in the third quarter of the game. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics have released their Game 2 injury report against the Miami Heat. (Author: Gardener)

And while we're at it, what do we know about the health of some key players? (Author: Gardener)

Tatum looked set for another memorable postseason night in Game 1, but his night ended unforgivingly for all the wrong reasons. (Author: Gardener)

New Celtics coach Ime Udoka has had a mixed track record in the first 14 games of his tenure, but real positive signs are emerging. (Author: Gardener)

Boston has faced adversity all season, and Monday's comeback win over Milwaukee was the latest example of its resilience. (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics do not expect Al Horford to be removed from health and safety protocols before Game 2 of Thursday's Eastern Conference Finals, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Smart is targeting a return in Game 2, sources said, but... (Author: Gardener)

Boston has beaten Milwaukee twice so far this season (Author: Gardener)

It wasn't for efficiency, but Jayson Tatum's 30 points was huge for the Celtics in Game 4 (Author: Gardener)

The Boston Celtics started their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Miami Heat with a stellar first half, only to be hit hard in the mouth by the Heat's increased physicality in the third quarter of the game. The team collapsed like one (Author: Gardener)

The Miami Heat take on the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday. This preview contains our best bet. (Author: Gardener)

SportsLine's Mike Barner has announced his 2022 NBA playoff picks for Game 2 of the Celtics vs. Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals (Author: Gardener)

Here are the takeaways as Marcus Smart helped lead the Celtics over the Heat in his last outstanding game since returning to the lineup. (Author: Gardener)

BOSTON -- While the Celtics keep winning in blowout fashion, the stats show a team that has yet to realize their full potential. Sentiment is certainly brighter for the C's, whose 122-92 win over Monday's Shorthanded Heat marked their ninth win in their last 13 games. The statistics prove it... (Author: Gardener)

With the trade deadline approaching, they'll have to decide if he'll remain part of their plans for the rest of this season. (Author: Gardener)

While the Celtics' recent winning streak and improved game have lifted the team's spirits, overall it's been a rocky season in Boston. This sets the course for the February 10 trading deadline, although earth-shattering steps are not expected until the off-season. The Celtics have committed to building around their under-25 stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. (Author: Gardener)

BOSTON (AP) -- Jaylen Brown had 29 points, Jayson Tatum added 20 points and 12 rebounds and the Boston Celtics rolled past the Miami Heat 122-92 Monday night. Boston led by as many as 32 points en route to their fourth win in five games. (Author: Gardener)

With the 2022 NBA trade deadline less than two weeks away, Silly Season -- that time of year when you can't trust a trade rumor further than you can throw it -- has arrived. And with it new reports that Jaylen Brown might want out of the Boston (Author: Gardener)

He's a lot more valuable as a starter than off the bench but the latter is where he's been used the most lately. (Author: Gardener)

Everything you need to know for Wednesday's home game against the Hornets. (Author: Gardener)

Can the Hornets cover the spread? (Author: Gardener)

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Tuesday's Nets vs. Celtics game. (Author: Gardener)

The club is working on a package to acquire Orlando swingman Terrence Ross for Schroeder, another player and likely draft pick, according to an NBA source. (Author: Gardener)

Boston Celtics 'hopeful for the best' regarding Robert Williams III's knee for Game 5 vs. Miami Heat

The presence of big man Robert Williams III has been palpable on the court in the Boston Celtics' East finals series with the Miami Heat so far, the Celtics looking like a much better version of themselves when he has been able to play

Are there any adjustments left? Exploring the Boston-Miami Heat East finals with Kyle Russell

The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat appear to be trading haymakers in their Eastern Conference finals series as each team adjusts to how the other played in the game prior, and bodies are turning up with the sort of damage one might expect in a match b

Celtics earn Game 7 vs. Bucks in Boston, but win is no guarantee as road teams have won in series

The Celtics get Game 7 back on their home court at TD Garden.

Celtics alumnus Rajon Rondo allegedly pulls gun in domestic incident

Disturbing allegations surrounding former Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo have begun to percolate through the NBA media sphere after a TMZ report describing the former Boston point guard as having verbally abused

Celtics' Marcus Smart questionable for Game 1 vs. Heat with foot sprain

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart is considered questionable for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat because of a right midfoot sprain.

'We're all going to remember the Celtics-Nets finish FOREVER,' says ESPN's Zach Lowe

The very first game of the first round of the NBA's 2022 Eastern Conference playoff series between the Boston Celtics was an instant classic by all accounts, with the punch-for-punch tilt close from wire to wire. Decided by a buzzer-be

Kevin Durant gave the most rational response to why Celtics fans hate Kyrie Irving

KD understands what Kyrie Irving is going through vs. Boston.

Could Nets star Kevin Durant's diminished performances vs. the Boston Celtics simply be due to exhaustion?

Could one of the biggest reasons why the Boston Celtics are currently up two games to none in their first-round playoff series to the Brooklyn Nets have one of the most simple explanations that exist in the world of sport? Per ESPN senior writer Bria

Celtics displaying championship mettle to start playoffs

The Celtics have had stretches -- particularly early in games -- where it hasn't looked pretty. But as Chris Forsberg writes in the wake of Boston taking a 2-0 series lead, the C's are finding ways to win games they wouldn't have earlier this season.

Shaq on Kevin Durant’s mindset entering Game 3 vs. Celtics

Kevin Durant has been limited by the Celtics, but NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal says Durant still has the mentality that he can take over.

ESPN's Mike Wilbon compares Celtics defense to 'Bad Boys Era' Pistons

ESPN's Mike Wilbon used an interesting comparison to praise the Boston Celtics defense, which so far has succeeded in shutting down Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant.

Kyrie Irving praised former Celtics teammates, Brad Stevens

Kyrie Irving discussed his former Celtics teammates, as well as coach Ime Udoka and Brad Stevens following the Nets' Game 2 loss in Boston.

Jayson Tatum's Viral Tweet After The Celtics Beat The Nets

Jayson Tatum sent out a tweet on Thursday morning after the Boston Celtics beat the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.

Latest Robert Williams update should excite Celtics fans ahead of Game 3

Celtics head coach Ime Udoka's latest update on big man Robert Williams is encouraging.

Why the Boston Celtics' plan to stop Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving was a masterpiece of defense

The first half of the Boston Celtics' Game 2 matchup with the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday was an ugly affair for fans of the Celtics watching all the elements of the style of play Boston ran with in their mediocre start to the 2021-22 NBA s

Shaq on Kevin Durant’s mindset entering Game 3 vs. Celtics

Kevin Durant has been limited by the Celtics, but NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal says Durant still has the mentality that he can take over.

Celtics' Early 2022 Free-Agent Targets

The Boston Celtics could sleep through the 2022 NBA offseason if they want. Consider that one of the perks of being the Association's most efficient team for the final four months of the campaign...