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Post by Admin on Apr 17, 2022 20:46:34 GMT -5
Kevin Durant on Celtics fans booing Kyrie Irving in Boston: ‘It’s rooted in love’
By Brian Robb | brobb@masslive.com
Kevin Durant is no stranger to being the target of boos from former fanbases after leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder last decade after nine seasons with the team.
However, Durant had an intriguing perspective on Kyrie Irving’s actions in Game 1 at TD Garden that included him flipping off Boston fans and responding to taunts with expletive that drew a $50,000 fine from the NBA on Tuesday, the maximum allowed under league rules.
All the boos and heckling that Irving was experiencing from Boston fans at the Garden? Durant believes it comes from a place of admiration.
“I mean, it’s rooted in love,” Durant said of the reception. “They once loved you and cheered for you and bought your merchandise. Life altering experiences coming to the game watching you play. When that gets ripped from them from something like a trade or demanding a trade or wanting to leave, it feels like a piece of them is gone too. It’s an emotional attachment they have to pro sports and that’s a gift and curse of having a team in your city to grow up. It shows that people care and have emotions and people accept and admire who we are as individuals. Sometimes it gets dark and deep but that’s how the human brain works.”
Irving appeared to embrace the villain role in Game 1 given his back and forth with Boston fans along with a game-high 39 points. However, Durant does not necessarily believe Irving will take that mentality all series long at the TD Garden.
“Everybody has different moods,” Durant said. “Some days (Kyrie) might be up for it, some days he might not. He understands what his job entails and what his situation is. It’s just a feel thing. You never know what may trigger you in the moment. Somebody may say something to get you to react. NBA crowds in the playoffs tend to try to pick at players, especially ones that played for their team previously. We understand that stuff.
“Kyrie’s reaction was his reaction and we all stood behind that. I feel him. Exactly what he said, the same energy they were giving to him, he was going to give it right back. He played that way. It’s all in the game.”
How Irving reacts to what will surely be another hostile crowd awaiting him at TD Garden on Wednesday night will continue to be a main focus of the series as the Nets attempt to avoid a 0-2 series hole before heading back to Brooklyn.
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Post by Admin on Apr 19, 2022 13:51:12 GMT -5
Irving gets $50,000 fine after flipping Celtics fans off
By Souichi Terada | sterada@masslive.com
As expected, Nets guard Kyrie Irving was dinged with a fine after flipping off Celtics fans and other antics in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, the league announced Tuesday. Irving is officially out $50,000 because of “obscene gestures” he made last Sunday, along with “directing profane language toward the spectator stands.” While Irving said before the series started that he wanted to move on from his time in Boston, Celtics fans were still plenty eager last Sunday to rain Irving down with boos and jeers. Irving was more than willing to respond as he flipped off the crowd multiple times, and addressed his actions postgame.
PS: Irving was telling fans to "suck his dick" and grabbing his package while at the foul line ... He should have been fined for multiple offenses.
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Post by kyceltic on Apr 19, 2022 14:18:42 GMT -5
Irving gets $50,000 fine after flipping Celtics fans off
By Souichi Terada | sterada@masslive.com
As expected, Nets guard Kyrie Irving was dinged with a fine after flipping off Celtics fans and other antics in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, the league announced Tuesday. Irving is officially out $50,000 because of “obscene gestures” he made last Sunday, along with “directing profane language toward the spectator stands.” While Irving said before the series started that he wanted to move on from his time in Boston, Celtics fans were still plenty eager last Sunday to rain Irving down with boos and jeers. Irving was more than willing to respond as he flipped off the crowd multiple times, and addressed his actions postgame.
PS: Irving was telling fans to "suck his dick" and grabbing his package while at the foul line ... He should have been fined for multiple offenses.
Should have been suspended one game! He's an embarrassment to the NBA! |
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Post by kyceltic on Apr 19, 2022 14:42:20 GMT -5
I'm predicting a 30 point plus game from JB, they have no one who can guard him!! Especially when he takes it to the hole!!
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Post by puddin on Apr 19, 2022 16:06:47 GMT -5
Kyrie's antics don't bother me a bit. Actually they make me chuckle... and they make me thankful that KI no longer wears Celtic green.
Hard to believe that DA once signed him and anticipated building around KI.
With any luck, KI could have destroyed this franchise if he had stayed.
We have much to be thankful for.
Pud
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Post by DaCeltics on Apr 19, 2022 16:23:51 GMT -5
I'm predicting a 30 point plus game from JB, they have no one who can guard him!! Especially when he takes it to the hole!! He is the likely beneficiary all playoffs of the attention given to Tatum. |
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Post by elvissurfs on Apr 19, 2022 20:08:47 GMT -5
I'm predicting a 30 point plus game from JB, they have no one who can guard him!! Especially when he takes it to the hole!! He is the likely beneficiary all playoffs of the attention given to Tatum. Agreed, JB is a great talent, but honestly he is truly second fiddle...better than ever I played fiddle but he needs to play first... |
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Post by DaCeltics on Apr 20, 2022 10:15:15 GMT -5
Irving gets $50,000 fine after flipping Celtics fans off
By Souichi Terada | sterada@masslive.com
As expected, Nets guard Kyrie Irving was dinged with a fine after flipping off Celtics fans and other antics in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, the league announced Tuesday. Irving is officially out $50,000 because of “obscene gestures” he made last Sunday, along with “directing profane language toward the spectator stands.” While Irving said before the series started that he wanted to move on from his time in Boston, Celtics fans were still plenty eager last Sunday to rain Irving down with boos and jeers. Irving was more than willing to respond as he flipped off the crowd multiple times, and addressed his actions postgame.
PS: Irving was telling fans to "suck his dick" and grabbing his package while at the foul line ... He should have been fined for multiple offenses.
Should have been suspended one game! He's an embarrassment to the NBA! I think they're going to have Hawkeyes to T him up if they catch him this time. |
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Post by DaCeltics on Apr 20, 2022 10:15:54 GMT -5
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Post by cole on Apr 20, 2022 15:45:39 GMT -5
After reading this quote from Kevin Durant, I'm wondering if KD actually watched any of the KI games with Boston. To my recollection Irving only had about 5 good games where he really filled Thomas' shoes. To me Durant's describing the career of IT:
“[The anger] is rooted in love,” Durant said Tuesday. “They once loved you. They once cheered for you and bought your merchandise and had life-altering experiences coming to games watching you play. So when that kind of gets ripped from them, from just something like a trade or demanding a trade or wanting to leave, it feels like a piece of them is gone, too.
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Post by DaCeltics on Apr 20, 2022 16:26:18 GMT -5
Ben Simmons being a healthy scratch all year means the guy does not love the game.
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 16:53:23 GMT -5
After reading this quote from Kevin Durant, I'm wondering if KD actually watched any of the KI games with Boston. To my recollection Irving only had about 5 good games where he really filled Thomas' shoes. To me Durant's describing the career of IT: “[The anger] is rooted in love,” Durant said Tuesday. “They once loved you. They once cheered for you and bought your merchandise and had life-altering experiences coming to games watching you play. So when that kind of gets ripped from them, from just something like a trade or demanding a trade or wanting to leave, it feels like a piece of them is gone, too.
He must be talking about the Cavs ... I don't think anyone (other than DA) felt like that, especially after the playoffs and his calling out Hayward for not passing him the inbounds with a wide open corner three available.
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 17:01:06 GMT -5
Injury Update: Robert Williams progresses to 3-on-3 work
The Celtics still expect Williams to miss the full first round
By Keith P Smith
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka gave an encouraging update on Robert Williams prior to Game 2 against the Brooklyn Nets. While Williams isn’t ready to return to play yet, he’s on the right path.
Udoka said Williams has progressed to doing 3-on-3 work in practices. The team is monitoring any swelling Williams has in his surgically repaired left knee, but things look good so far.
Williams had surgery on his knee three weeks ago, to the day, on March 30. The Celtics gave him a timeline of 4-6 weeks, but have said that it’s possible Williams could return sooner or later, depending on his recovery.
As far Williams’ recent work, Udoka said the team is “happy with his progress”. Udoka also said that Williams “looks good at times” and that the young center is “doing more everyday”.
Despite things trending in the right direction, Udoka said Boston is still preparing as if Williams will miss the entirety of the first round series against the Nets. The team has not ruled Williams out for the series, and continues to take a game-by-game approach with his official injury status.
If Williams were to hit the four-week mark exactly for a return to play, he’d come back for a potential Game 5 back home in Boston. If the series is extended to seven games, the Celtics and Nets will play in Boston on Sunday, May 1, which would be approximately four-and-a-half weeks following Williams’ surgery.
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Post by kyceltic on Apr 20, 2022 17:06:35 GMT -5
After reading this quote from Kevin Durant, I'm wondering if KD actually watched any of the KI games with Boston. To my recollection Irving only had about 5 good games where he really filled Thomas' shoes. To me Durant's describing the career of IT: “[The anger] is rooted in love,” Durant said Tuesday. “They once loved you. They once cheered for you and bought your merchandise and had life-altering experiences coming to games watching you play. So when that kind of gets ripped from them, from just something like a trade or demanding a trade or wanting to leave, it feels like a piece of them is gone, too.
He must be talking about the Cavs ... I don't think anyone (other than DA) felt like that, especially after the playoffs and his calling out Hayward for not passing him the inbounds with a wide open corner three available.
Good memory! |
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Post by kyceltic on Apr 20, 2022 17:09:31 GMT -5
Kyrie made his own bed!
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 17:11:45 GMT -5
3 keys to victory in Game Two against the Brooklyn Nets
by Austin DeCouta
Boston Celtics key to victory No. 1) Al Horford
Game One was a true all-around masterpiece by veteran big man, Al Horford. The Florida product not only dropped in 20 points and fifteen boards, but provided some stellar defense down the stretch as well.
His ability to knock down 3-pointers, take it to the rack, and make smart passes helped the C’s function at a high level all season long.
Defensively, Al shined once again as he switched often and with great success. Horford’s ability to guard anyone from KD to Nic Claxton helped big time as the C’s slowed Brooklyn’s offense significantly at times.
The two-day break between games helps out the shamrocks more than Brooklyn, as Big Al gets a chance to recharge an extra day.
It is truly incredible to see the former All-Star shine in the playoffs and even statistically outperform Durant right off the bat.
From jumping ship for Philly in 2019 to being traded to, and then subsequently benched by OKC in 2020, Horford has been resurrected as the glue guy and veteran leader of this 2021-22 Boston Celtics squad.
He does not need another 20 and 15 performance in Game Two, but the 35-year-old is certainly a big-time key to a second consecutive victory. The jack of all trades big man will be called upon again to shut down Andre Drummond and harass KD.
Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2) Continue to dominate the paint
In the keys to a Game One win, we mentioned how the Boston Celtics needed to command the interior on both ends of the parquet. They did just that on Sunday afternoon, outscoring Steve Nash’s squad 56-32 in the paint.
That is nearly half of Boston’s points coming from the interior, a positive sign as the series progresses.
The Memphis Grizzlies finished the season leading the NBA when it came to points per game in the paint with 57.6. The shamrocks nearly outscored the team’s top paint offense in Game One and should look to do the same in Game Two.
Andre Drummond was pretty lackluster against Al and the C’s attacking the rim overall. Nic Claxton was a bit better than the former star, but still provided little resistance against the green and white’s attack.
Right out of the gates, Boston should continue their pursuit of the rim, facilitated by Smart, Brown, and Tatum.
Not only did Boston dominate the glass, but they also poured in one more 3-pointer than Brooklyn. The focus on attacking the rim has not sacrificed any scoring on the perimeter, so the C’s should not have trouble keeping up this pace with New York.
If Al Horford can bring the same defensive dominance on Wednesday, the momentum could stay in the C’s favor.
Boston Celtics key to victory No. 3) Get up early
As mentioned hundreds of times already, the Brooklyn Nets are the toughest first-round matchup that the Boston Celtics could have possibly faced.
The first half of Sunday’s showdown displayed just how competitive this series will be. The two teams entered the half deadlocked at 61 points apiece.
While Brooklyn won’t go down without a fight, which was made evident by their efforts of outscoring Boston 29-19 in the fourth, they aren’t the most resilient team in the association.
The C’s may not be getting to Kyrie as much as they had hoped, but his reactions to the crowd and in the pressers show it’s affecting him to at least some degree.
It would not be shocking to see Brooklyn roll over and let the atmosphere get to them if Boston jumps out to an early lead.
This starts with the team’s two stars, Brown and Tatum.
In order for the Boston Celtics to do so, they must be efficient in their shot selection. That means continuing the barrage of points in the paint and being selective with their deep ball attempts.
You have to expect that the Nets are going to come out swinging and the C’s could very well get a punch in the face early.
While Brooklyn is yet to falter and shut down, an early lead for Boston could help them maintain the electricity and lead to a 2-0 series lead.
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 18:11:54 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 18:16:06 GMT -5
Game 2:
Q1:
After a 3 by Nets bot teams turn it over ... Nets make a pair of FTs ... 5-0
C's being sloppy to open ... 9-0 Nets mostly from TOVs
TIME OUT CELTICS
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 18:22:40 GMT -5
Theis a fadeaway J ... 9-2 The war on Theis begins! KD capitalizes. 4 minutes in and 11-4 A steal ... Brown > Al > JT > Al for the +1 ...
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Post by cole on Apr 20, 2022 18:23:10 GMT -5
Make them run. They can't keep it up
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 18:24:21 GMT -5
Now Curry pulls Tatum down in midst of a layup/dunk ... under review for a flagrant!
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 18:27:27 GMT -5
F1 assessed ... 2 FTs and the ball ... JT makes 2-2 Irving TOV ... Nets aren't missing many ... Smart to Theis for the dunk!
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 18:30:02 GMT -5
16-8 Nets ... Brown has 12 of those
Grant blacks KD but called for contact ...
Al a baseline J ... 18-10
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 18:31:49 GMT -5
Curry a 3 ... White a missed corner 3
C's in penalty ... KD makes 2-2
JB to the rack ... 23-12
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2022 18:34:25 GMT -5
Backcourt violation (5th TOV) on Nets ...
JB fouled (Nets in penalty now too) ... makes 1-2 ... 23-13
KI miss ... 1-3 now
White fouled at the rim ... makes 1-2 ... 23-14
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