News Celtics Team Notes

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 12/3/25

Herald ‘Grown man’ and a ‘dog’: Youngest Celtics make key plays to beat Knicks

Jaylen Brown drops 42 as Celtics knock off Knicks in statement win

Globe Celtics players and coaches praise rookie Hugo González for defensive efforts

Jordan Walsh earns ‘grown man’ compliment from Jaylen Brown after recent surge

Jaylen Brown’s 42-point outburst leads Celtics over Knicks in thrilling win: 7 takeaways

Celtics’ resilient win over Knicks a sign that they have learned lessons from last postseason

Behind Jaylen Brown and his 42 points, Celtics beat back another rally, dispatching Knicks 123-117

Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side – Knicks 12/2/25

CelticsBlog 10 takeaways from the Celtics finding answers against the Knicks

“What they do matters”: statement win over Knicks proves Celtics’ depth is taking form

Jaylen Brown revealed how 1 simple adjustment changed everything

How Celtics reserve became one of team’s most important leaders — even through DNPs

Celtics .com Photos: Knicks vs. Celtics – Dec. 2, 2025

Keys to the Game: Celtics 123, Knicks 117

NBC Sports Boston Forsberg: It’s time to re-evaluate expectations for the 2025-26 Celtics

Celtics-Knicks recap: Jaylen Brown drops 42 in thrilling C’s win

NESN Elite Shot-Blocker Projected As Celtics’ Top Trade Target

Former Celtics All-Star Isaiah Thomas Opens Up On Potential NBA Comeback

Jaylen Brown Taunts Knicks After 42-Point Performance For Celtics

Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Impressed With Teammate Playing Like ‘Grown Man’

Joe Mazzulla’s Admission After Celtics’ Latest Win Will Get Fans Hyped

Joe Mazzulla Shouts Out Unsung Hero From Celtics’ Win Over Knicks

Jaylen Brown Reveals Motivating Factor In 42-Point Explosion Vs. Knicks

Mass Live New Celtics owner almost didn’t win bid to buy team (report)

Clippers shockingly cut ties with 12-time All-Star Chris Paul in overnight move (report)

A strategic tweak changed everything for Celtics rookie in Knicks win

Celtics are leading Brad Stevens into a fascinating trade season conundrum

Knicks coach explains dilemma with Celtics’ intentional fouls

Jaylen Brown praises young Celtics starter: ‘Playing like a grown man’

Jaylen Brown is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in Tuesday’s win over Knicks

4 takeaways as Celtics beat Knicks, Jaylen Brown goes off in big win

Celtics Wire The game has slowed down for Jordan Walsh with the Celtics – and it shows

Mike Brown weighs in on how Celtics dominated the paint vs. Knicks

All those guys made plays tonight: Jaylen Brown on how trust got Celtics win vs. Knicks

Boston Celtics join Sun Life US to raise $125k to fight diabetes with dunks

Celtics outlast Knicks to win 123-117 at home (PHOTOS)

Mazzulla on how Celtics turned their size into a weapon vs. Knicks

Jaylen Brown was impressed by Jordan Walsh’s late heroics vs. the Knicks

Celtics jersey history No. 44 – Chris Wilcox (2011-12)

Celtics history: Boston honors Johnny Most; Rondo triple-double vs. Pacers

The Athletic Inside the Knicks’ most bizarre loss of the season

Jaylen Brown: Celtics showing ‘huge amounts of growth’

Boston Sports Journal ‘Grown man’ Jordan Walsh earned his team’s trust, and he used that to close out the Knicks

Completed Q&A: Karalis on Celtics/NBA, Wednesday 12.03.25

BSJ Game Report: Celtics 123, Knicks 117 – Brown’s 42 leads C’s with support from Gonzalez, Walsh

Hardwood Houdini Celtics may have Giannis trade chance to set up future after latest rumor

Celtics’ play is making trade deadline decision even more impossible

Celtics finally gave fans what they’ve been begging for (just 7 months late)

Celtics rookie is quietly becoming a problem NBA stars will soon hate

Celtics made new discovery that could haunt the Knicks for years

Jaylen Brown just avenged a grudge he’s been holding for 7 months

Payton Pritchard has made stunning transformation with the Celtics

CLNS Media/YouTube Garden Report: Celtics vs Knicks Postgame Show on CLNS Media – Jaylen Brown GOES OFF for 42

Jordan Walsh Postgame Interview | Celtics vs Knicks 12-2

Hugo Gonzalez Postgame Interview Celtics vs Knicks 12 2

Jaylen Brown Postgame Interview | Celtics Knicks

Joe Mazzulla Postgame Interview | Celtics Knicks

Clutch Points NBA players eligible to be traded on Dec. 15, 2025

Celtics Chronicle Sweet Revenge

NBC 10/YouTube Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown showed immaculate leadership against Knicks

SNY/YouTube Breaking down Jalen Brunson’s struggles against Celtics

CLNS Press Room/YouTube Amari Williams Reacts to Getting Celtics CALL UP | Exclusive Interview

Soaring Down South Hawks finally learn why Celtics felt fine letting Kristaps Porzingis go

SI .com Knicks’ Fourth-Quarter Comeback vs. Celtics Ends in Heartbreak

Bleacher Report Jaylen Brown Scores 42, Hailed By NBA Fans as Celtics Beat Jalen Brunson, KAT, Knicks

The Daily Campus The Locker Room – Boston at a crossroads

Hoop Habit Celtics vindicated for dismissing aging starter struggling on new team

Total Pro Sports NBA Fans Slam Clippers For Ruining Chris Paul’s Farewell Tour After His Emotional IG Story

Karl-Anthony Towns Caught In Bizarre On-Court Moment During Celtics Game [VIDEO]

KESQ 3 Achilles tendon injuries are on the rise. Experts explain the reasons why

Posting and Toasting Celtics 123, Knicks 117: Scenes from the 500th game between two rivals

Heavy Celtics Could Reunite With Former DPOY Candidate

Talkbasket Joe Mazzulla highlights depth and execution as Celtics outlast Knicks

Mike Brown on Knicks’ loss to Celtics: “We didn’t defend the paint well enough”

Sporty TV Mazzulla thrilled with impactful Celtics youngsters

Audacy Joe Mazzulla deserves his due credit for Celtics’ start

Two young guys turn tide for Celtics in upset over Knicks

Aurora News Register Scheierman’s defense earns himself big game moment

Locked on Celtics Jordan Walsh DELIVERS BEST Game Ever, Jaylen Brown DROPS 42, Celtics BEAT Knicks

NBA/YouTube KNICKS at CELTICS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | December 2, 2025

The Lead Jayson Tatum’s Return This Season Is Inevitable

CBS Sports How Jaylen Brown is having the best season of his career and making the Celtics more dangerous than expected

Hartford Courant ‘Grown man’ and a ‘dog’: Youngest Celtics make key plays to beat Knicks

Babson Thought and Action Big Man on Campus: Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Visits Babson

SSB Crack Jordan Walsh Emerges as Key Role Player for Celtics in Recent Win

Hardwood Heroics Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Gets Trolled After Scoring Season Low 15 Points in Loss to Celtics; Anfernee Simons Drops Game Plan to Stop All-Star

Yahoo Sports/YouTube Can the Celtics Win Playing Like THIS?

Basketnews Joe Mazzula’s bold move that pushed Celtics to beat the Knicks

Essentially Sports NBA Fans Make Feelings Clear on Joe Mazzulla’s Antics During Knicks-Celtics

The Sports Hub 5 takeaways: Celtics continue to stack signature wins

Celtics earn prime-time win over Knicks, 123-117

‘It’s maniacal:’ Jayson Tatum continues rigorous rehab process

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/126071/boston-celtics-daily-links-12-3-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

Should the Celtics trade for Nic Claxton?

A couple of weeks ago, Jeff Clark explored the possibility of the C’s trading for former All-Star Domantas Sabonis. His box score stuffing brand of basketball was enticing, but ultimately both he and the CelticsBlog comment section weren’t super enthused at the idea of adding the Sacramento Kings five-man.

That doesn’t mean that the Celtics shouldn’t look to improve the frontcourt though. Neemias Queta has exceeded most people’s expectations, NikNBA aside, to start the season and should be thought of as a long term piece for Boston. Behind him, the front court isn’t the most inspiring. Rather than remind you of Luka Garza’s struggles, let’s jump straight to the subject of today’s “Should we trade for?”: Nic Claxton.

The overview​

A 2019 draftee, Nic Claxton has had somewhat of a reemergent year for a god-awful Brooklyn Nets team this season. He’s 26 years old and is putting up a respectable statline of 13.3 PPG, 7.3 REB, and 3.9 AST on 55.5% from the field. Many C’s fans would have been reminded of Claxton’s value during our NBA Cup loss to the Nets back on the 21st of November. Clax posted his first ever NBA triple double and was a +18 in an eight-point win over the Celtics. If you want a breakdown of that game, check out Lucas Kaplan’s breakdown below. Absolutely worth a watch if you’re looking to become a Clax acolyte:

never thought i'd say these words but

Nic Claxton triple-double baby, favorite Nets game I've watched in a while: pic.twitter.com/h936l0M23l

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) November 23, 2025

The Deal​

Pour one out for Anfernee Simons. He’s always going to be involved in fake trades on Celtics sites and this article is no different.

Why Boston does it​

While Neemias Queta has been a brilliant surprise thus far for Boston this season, I cannot help but feel that they are still short in the frontcourt. Claxton possesses a number of the qualities that Boston bigs have exhibited in the past, and he could make for a fun fit next to Tatum in the front court next season. The Brooklyn big man is one of the more mobile bigs in the NBA, and he could fit into a switching scheme that suits Tatum and Brown well. Think 2022 Rob Williams with a little less bulk. I almost view Claxton as an amalgamation of Horford and Williams on the defensive end, albeit not a Frankensteinian mismatch of all their best traits.

Claxton is a good rim protector. Claxton is a good man defender. Claxton is a good passer. He is not an outlier in any one facet of defense, but that ability to play many roles is arguably his greatest strength. I can envision a run through the East where Claxton has to switch out onto the Jalen Brunsons of this world in one round, and battle down low with a Jalen Duren in the next.

On the offensive end, Claxton played the low-usage, high-efficiency rim runner role earlier in his career to great effect. In two seasons flanked by Durant, Harden, and Kyrie, Clax regularly posted seasons touching a true shooting percentage of 70 percent. Claxton’s career year came in 22/23, and that season he recorded 1.7 drives, shot 71 percent from the field, and recorded a BPM of 3.1, largely owing to his titanic impact on the defensive end.

In more recent seasons, Jordi Fernandez has enabled Claxton to drive and act as a handoff hub. In 25/26, Clax’s drives have more than tripled since the 22/23 season. He is recording 5.5 a game. Coupled with a career-best 4 assists per game, you can see that on both sides of the court he can wear different hats depending on team context and matchup.

There is a career deficiency on the glass in comparison with fellow big men, but you would assume that sharing the court with one of Tatum, Walsh, Minott, or even Payton Pritchard, all position plus rebounders, his shortcomings on the glass could be masked.

Overall, there is a compelling case that he could be an asset on both sides of the court. He is a player who doesn’t demand touches but can soak them up if needed. He is a player who does not need a defensive scheme built around him. He is a player whose versatility could port well to the postseason if he is flanked by a talented roster. I can’t help but profile Claxton as Timelord. Rob Williams had a similar playstyle to Claxton back in his C’s days but had a little more ex-factor than our prospective trade target does. A Williams/Walton comparison piece may be lurking in the drafts…

Why Brooklyn does it​

You will notice I do not have any first round picks or even young pieces going back to Barclays in this scenario. Nets fans have all commented in disgust by now, but Brooklyn could have reason to consider a salary dump and second round picks. The Nets currently project to have 44 million dollars in cap space next season, which is good enough for fifth in the Association. To me, Brooklyn feel far enough away from contention that opening up a further 23 million dollars in space, Nic’s salary for 26/27, and repeating this cap-space plan next offseason could be beneficial long term.

At 26 years old, Claxton is in his prime, but the Nets are two years away from being two years away. Even if the franchise views this as a neutral contract, it should be understood that by the time that matters, they would have to sign a Claxton in his late twenties to an extension. The six-year Net vet deserves a chance to compete in a playoff setting, and Brooklyn could gain more assets than the three seconds they have coming their way in this deal by using the additional salary space opened up by a move to get off the Claxton deal. Oh, and Anfernee Simons would be fun under Jordi Fernandez.

The verdict​

I hope I have made a compelling argument for a Claxton trade. Believe me, if he arrived in February, I would be excited for the next 18 months or so, but I do have some doubts around this deal. Versatility is a postseason buzzword, but there is something to be said for special skills. Claxton is so good at so many facets of the game, but I would argue we have not seen him be truly great at any one aspect since 22/23.

The offensive ability to handle and facilitate from the elbows is more valuable to a team like Brooklyn, short on perimeter talent and short on shot creation, than it would be to a stacked Celtics roster in 2026. I expect that in closing lineups we would be watching Clax fulfill a lower-usage role akin to the start of his career, as opposed to making decisions when it matters most.

On the other end of the court, I would worry about the rebounding shortcomings in a league becoming increasingly focused on fighting for second chances off the glass. Is he strong enough to battle down low with true post powerhouses? Are his rim-protection chops at risk of being left behind in an outer-space race that more frequently than ever sees unicorn seven footers manning the paint with wingspans that dwarf the Georgia alumnus?

Claxton would no doubt make for an upgrade to the front court. Despite Neemias’ breakout, he would man the starting spot at a true starter level. However, to me, it feels like the kind of move that limits the Celtics ceiling. His contract is fine, but that is all it will ever be. Given the gluttony of salary on the books, I think that the 20-plus million dollar salary slot would be better spent on a player with a standout quality. Claxton would provide an upgrade over Queta, but he is not ten times the player Q is. It is the kind of move that makes sense on paper. It reads nicely. Instant trade reactions may even feature the words “Nets” and “fleeced” in the headlines.

All that being said, Boston does not want to be good, very good, or really really good. They want to be great. In TD Garden we hang banners, and Claxton ultimately does not fill me with the belief that we would be favorites to hang #19 any time soon.

Let me know your thoughts down below. Is Claxton the man for the five spot, or should Boston keep their powder dry if Sean Marks starts calling?

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/125856/should-the-celtics-trade-for-nic-claxton

 

[Boston Celtics]

Jordan Walsh is different — and Celtics win over Wizards showed why

WASHINGTON D.C. — For the vast majority of basketball players, nothing is more energizing than scoring. The sound of the ball swishing through the net. The points on the scoreboard. The dejected look on the opponent’s face. The rousing cheers.

It’s no secret; how many times have you heard coaches lament how missed shots impacted their team’s energy and effort in a defeat?

But for 21-year-old Jordan Walsh, it’s exactly the opposite.

It’s big defensive plays that get him up, that fill him with adrenaline.

The offense? He hardly even notices it.

“Honestly, I be forgetting what happened on offense,” Walsh said with a smile after the Celtics’ 146-101 win over the Washington Wizards. “Like, when I score, I lowkey forget what happened. I’m so focused on getting back on defense, so then it leaves my mind. But whenever I get a steal and a dunk, or like a steal and a rebound, that stays with me. I don’t know why.”

Asked Jordan Walsh about what energizes him most on the court:

“Honestly, I be forgetting what happens on offense. When I score, I lowkey forget what happened, I’m so focused on getting back on defense… defense always sticks with me.”

“If I hit a shot, I never celebrate.” pic.twitter.com/sMdwz8NIpy

— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) December 5, 2025

That defense-first mindset propelled Walsh toward the most pivotal month of his basketball career. In early November, the Arkansas product was accruing DNPs, and seemed to be on the cusp of a third-straight season completely out of the Celtics’ rotation.

Then, he broke through. First, it was productive garbage time minutes against the Houston Rockets. Then playing big-time minutes off the bench in back-to-back games in Orlando.

Since November 12th, Walsh has started 10 consecutive games. And, the Celtics are 8-2 in that span, best of any team in the Eastern Conference.

Walsh’s defensive impact has been almost revolutionary for Boston; whether the assignment was Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Paolo Banchero, or Jaren Jackson Jr, he’s excelled.

Joe Mazzulla credited Walsh for the tone he set on the defensive end in the victory over the Wizards, in which he was largely tasked with guarding Khris Middleton. He racked up two steals and a block.

JORDAN WALSH STEAL & DUNK pic.twitter.com/Z0Hsrw03HO

— CELTICS BANNER 19 (@BiggLynch) December 5, 2025

“He was unscreenable,” said the Celtics head coach. “He did a great job making plays defensively.”

But there was another noteworthy element to Walsh’s big night. Alongside his defense, Walsh managed to do the one thing he’s been least focused on so far as a pro: score in bunches.

The third-year Celtic finished the game with a career-best 22 points, pouring in 13 points on a perfect 5-5 shooting in the second quarter. He followed that up with 7 points in the third quarter, before sitting for the entire fourth, the game out of reach. When he checked out for good, Walsh received a raucous ovation from a Capital One Arena crowd inundated with Celtics fans.

Fittingly, he was hardly aware of his own scoring throughout the game.

“In the game, I didn’t feel like I was scoring that much, which is weird,” he said. “But I looked up and saw it, and was like, ‘Oh my goodness.’”

When Walsh was drafted in 2023, the Celtics hoped he could blossom into a defensive specialist. But now, he’s beginning to show some offensive flashes; in his last 10 games, he’s averaging 8.2 points, shooting 60% from the field.

On the season, he’s shooting a very respectable 37% from three.

But when Walsh thinks about momentum, he doesn’t think about how one three-pointer leads to the next, or how a handful of buckets can turn into a 20+ point night.

Instead, he considers how one defensive stop leads to the next, how a steal might rattle an opponent.

“If I press up, and press up on you and get a steal, then the next three possessions I’m going to do the same thing, and I’m going to try and get another steal,” Walsh said. “If I get another one, it’s another three more possessions — I’m just going to keep doing it until it stops working. I’m gonna eat off of it. The team feels the energy off of it.”

For those on the outside, it may feel like Walsh’s leap came out of nowhere​

But in the eyes of Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics, it’s long been brewing behind the scenes. Walsh’s work ethic, professionalism, and attention to detail have long stood out.

“The games are the most important, and that’s what you guys cover the most,” Mazzulla said. “But if we shoot around at 10:30, the workout that starts at 9:45 is just as important as the game. The 30 minutes before practice are just as important. The way you do a shootaround is as important, [or] a film session. He’s chipped away at just taking advantage of every possible moment that he knows he has to get better. And so it hasn’t come as a surprise at all. He takes it very seriously. If it’s a 15-minute workout, a 30-minute workout, he takes that seriously.”

Derrick White said that Walsh has consistently improved, and that is the first time he’s had a real on-court chance.

“This league’s all about opportunity,” White said. “And I wouldn’t really say he’s had much of an opportunity his first two years. And so, he’s got it now — and he’s definitely making the most of it.”

For Walsh, on-court success as an NBA starter is becoming a new normal. His offensive ceiling remains to be seen; it seems that right now, he’s outdoing himself every week.

But, irrespective of a career-scoring night, Walsh remains most energized by his own defense. It’s the stops, the deflections, the blocks, and the steals that make him tick:

“If I just hit a shot, I never celebrate. I always just immediately run back,” Walsh said.

“It’s weird for me, but that’s how it happens. I just kind of forget and then move on to defense. And then defense always sticks with me.”

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/article...erent-and-celtics-win-over-wizards-showed-why

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 12/5/25

Herald Lakers rule out Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart for Celtics matchup; LeBron James doubtful

Celtics roll into Lakers matchup by routing Wizards without Jaylen Brown

Globe Breaking down Celtics forward Jordan Walsh’s off-court fashion glow-up

Celtics F Josh Minott calls out NBA refereeing this season

Report: Former Celtics owner drops $58 million on Hamptons mansion

‘I be forgetting what happened on offense’: Even on career night, Jordan Walsh only remembers his defensive plays

White scores 30 points, Celtics send Wizards to worst loss of season with 146-101 rout

Here’s one vote that the hot Celtics should still tank this season. But it’s evident they’re much too prideful to do so.

Lakers at Celtics: Boston and Los Angeles renew rivalry at TD Garden Friday

No Jaylen Brown? No problem for Derrick White and the Celtics in a 45-point rout of the host Wizards.

LeBron James’ 1,297-game double-digit scoring streak ends, but he gets winning assist vs. Raptors

Josh Minott accepts how NBA officials might regard him, so the Celtics forward is careful not to run afoul of them

Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side – Wizards 12/4/25

CelticsBlog Celtics game against Lakers will lack several stars

10 takeaways from a ball movement night in D.C.

Jordan Walsh is different — and Celtics win over Wizards showed why

Don’t turn your back on this Celtics defense

In blowout over Wizards, Celtics continue to take a smaller approach

“He’s always believed in me”: How Jayson Tatum has assisted Derrick White — even from the sidelines

NBA power rankings: Updated championship chances for all 30 teams

Derrick White and Jordan Walsh propel Celtics in 146-101 win over Wizards

Celtics .com The White House and the Walshington Monument: Derrick and Jordan Lead Landmark Win in D.C.

Keys to the Game: Celtics 146, Wizards 101

NBC Sports Boston Celtics-Wizards recap: Derrick White leads the way in lopsided win

NESN Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Appears On Newest NBA MVP Ladder

Unexpected Breakout Star Fueling Celtics’ Stunning Turnaround

Jayson Tatum Reveals What Separates Celtics From Other NBA Teams

Short-Handed Celtics Demolish Wizards, Reach New Heights In Standings

Mass Live NFL All-Pro safety raves about meeting Jayson Tatum at Ravens practice

Celtics Mailbag: Why can’t former starter get minutes for Boston?

The emergence of a new Celtics starter is changing everything for Joe Mazzulla

Wizards coach calls out team after blowout Celtics loss

Boston Celtics rookie’s stellar play giving look into promising future

Derrick White is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in Thursday’s win over Wizards

4 takeaways as Celtics crush Wizards as new starter erupts for career night

Celtics Wire Celtics vs. Lakers: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (12/05)

The Celtics have dominated the Wizards in historic fashion

Jayson Tatum on how Boston Celtics history cemented his desire to stay with the team

He’s carried us for a while: Joe Mazzulla on Derrick White’s role with the Boston Celtics

Celtics jersey history No. 44 – Robert Williams (2018-23)

How do the Celtics work as a business?

Derrick White on Blake Griffin’s praise while with Celtics

Boston Sports Journal Karalis: Jordan Walsh is becoming the Celtics’ new defensive stopper

BSJ Game Report: Celtics 146, Wizards 101 – White, Walsh shine as C’s get NBA’s largest win this season

Hardwood Houdini Knicks head coach has made final Neemias Queta realization

Celtics’ turnaround has a quietly devastating theme the East should fear

Celtics could face two Anfernee Simons trade paths (both would be blockbusters)

Celtics changed everything in one summer – it’s turning the NBA on its head

Celtics forward taking leap that could completely alter the team’s future

Celtics just got Derrick White confirmation at best possible moment

Celtics put the East on notice and Jaylen Brown wasn’t even there

CLNS Media/YouTube LIVE Garden Report: Celtics vs Wizards Postgame Show on CLNS Media – Jordan Walsh has Career Night

Celtics win over Wizards another reminder tanking wasn’t the move | You Got Boston w/ Noa Dalzell

Derrick White Postgame Interview | Celtics Wizards

Joe Mazzulla Postgame Interview | Celtics Wizards

Jordan Walsh on Career High, Says He FORGETS What Happens on Offense | Celtics Postgame Interview

Heavy Celtics May Have Found a New Rotation Gem

The Boston Celtics May Be Eyeing Their Next Big Trade Move

NBA Maniacs Boston overwhelms Washington without Jaylen Brown

Talkbasket White drops 30 as Celtics dominate Wizards in 45-point rout

Bullets Forever Wizards Get Drubbed by Boston’s Backups in a 45-Point Debacle

NBC Boston/YouTube HUGO GONZALEZ WITH THE INSANE CHASE DOWN BLOCK

Locked on Celtics Depleted Washington Wizards EMBARASSED by Celtics | Is This the Worst Defense Ever?

DESTRUCTION: Boston Celtics DOMINATE Wizards, Derrick White and Jordan Walsh SHINE in Blowout

Sportskeeda LA Lakers Injury Report: Nervous LeBron James Worry and Massive Marcus Smart Decision vs Celtics (Dec. 5)

Audacy The Jordan Walsh breakout is real

Jaylen Brown is currently a top-5 NBA scorer and just cracking MVP race

Basketball Network “He turned 8, I’m 27” – Jayson Tatum hints he wants to chase LeBron James’ most meaningful record with his son

“How the f—- does LeBron got 42,000?” – Jaylen Brown had an epic reaction after reaching 12.000 points in his career

“I know I’m going to get a Finals MVP” – Jayson Tatum thinks he can replicate Larry Bird’s path

Hoops Wire Celtics and Lakers meet again, with both teams rolling

Barstool Sports The Way Jordan Walsh Has Exploded Onto The Scene Is One Of The Best Stories In The Entire NBA This Season

Sportscasting Celtics Are 8–2 Since Joe Mazzulla Made Jordan Walsh A Starter

Clutch Points Many thought Celtics would tank without Jayson Tatum. Are they actually East contenders?

Silver Screen and Roll Lakers vs. Celtics preview: Rivalry clash

The Sports Hub Celtics dominate Wizards in wire-to-wire win, 146-101

5 takeaways: Celtics with historic offensive performance in blowout win

Celtics update Jaylen Brown’s status ahead of Lakers matchup

NBA/YouTube CELTICS at WIZARDS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | December 4, 2025

Ravens Forevermore Final Drive: Inside NBA Superstar Jayson Tatum’s Visit With Ravens

Last Word on Sports The Boston Celtics’ Top 3 Performances From November

WEEI/YouTube Does Jayson Tatum have an early-February return date in mind? Drew Carter joins Jones & Keefe

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/126336/boston-celtics-daily-links-12-5-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

Celtics cruise past shorthanded Lakers, 126-105, to win 4th straight

With Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart all sidelined, this watered-down version of Celtics-Lakers didn’t carry quite the same weight as many others over the years.

But, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jordan Walsh and Payton Pritchard ensured Celtics fans still got their money’s worth. Brown led the way with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. White added 19 points, Walsh 18 and Pritchard 15 to highlight a convincing all-around effort.

The Celtics, who have now won nine of 11, kept it rolling with a resounding, 126-105, triumph Friday night at TD Garden.

Marcus Smart is back in Boston.
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/FlD1kALCtf

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) December 5, 2025

After throttling the lowly Wizards by 45 in Washington the night prior, Boston maintained its status as one of the best teams in basketball in recent weeks. The Lakers still had Austin Reaves (36 points) and Deandre Ayton, and they’re currently the No. 2 seed in the West, so this was no cakewalk on paper.

The Celtics (14-9) jumped out to an early 19-7 lead, as White splashed three 3-pointers and Brown found Jordan Walsh inside for an and-one. Anfernee Simons and Josh Minott kept it rolling, helping Boston take a commanding 39-17 edge through 1.

Boston shot 64 percent and racked up 13 assists on 14 field goals. The Lakers (16-6) shot just 23 percent and had three assists. Brown, who finished the quarter with four assists, breezed past defenders and made the extra pass for layups and 3’s.

Sliiiiiiiiiiiiiide to the left pic.twitter.com/mXp3mwboDm

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 6, 2025

With James (sciatica/arthritis), Doncic (birth of child) and Smart (back) all sidelined, the Lakers looked lost on both ends. The Celtics took advantage, spraying the ball around and consistently turning down good shots for great ones.

Rui Hachimura and the Lakers made a bit of noise late in the half, but Walsh and Sam Hauser finished strong as Boston preserved a 69-46 edge heading to the break. The Celtics didn’t take their shorthanded opponent lightly and played with hunger, poise and energy.

Jordan Walsh has made FIFTEEN shots in a row pic.twitter.com/DeKaeYGNLr

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 6, 2025

Brown caught fire early in the third, matching White’s mark in the first half with three straight triples. Lakers coach JJ Redick mixed and matched, searching for answers, yet the Lakers remained overmatched no matter which buttons he pressed.

The Lakers made a mini run to cut it to 17 midway through the quarter before the Celtics answered with a deep Pritchard 3 and Brown layup to reclaim momentum. After a 36-28 Los Angeles third quarter, Boston led, 97-82, through three. Brown paced the Celtics with 15 in the third, scoring more than half their points.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla went small to start the fourth, with Josh Minott and Walsh out there together, and the Celtics extended the margin to 103-82 with 9:55 remaining. White got an extremely fortuitous role on another 3, as the ball soared high in the air, hit the rim twice, then fell through the hoop.

D-White from ANYWHERE pic.twitter.com/5Con2g8tcB

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 6, 2025

Austin Reaves continued to try to will the Lakers back, but Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez provided the finishing touches on a smooth Celtics win.

Next up is a matchup with the Raptors, this Sunday at 3:30 p.m., in Toronto.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics...horthanded-lakers-126-105-to-win-4th-straight

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 12/6/25

Herald Celtics’ Jordan Walsh can be one of NBA’s best defenders, Lakers guard says

Jaylen Brown, Celtics blow out Lakers while LeBron James, Luka Doncic sit

Globe After nine years with Celtics, Marcus Smart is ‘excited and proud’ to be a Laker

Without LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Celtics-Lakers somehow felt like ‘just another game’

Jaylen Brown scores 30 as Celtics blow out Lakers for fourth straight win: 8 takeaways

Finn: These Celtics are much too prideful to tank

Time to alter expectations for this Celtics team ever growing in confidence, and getting results

Chris Paul dismissal just the latest in a long line of blunders by the Clippers

Celtics spread the joy as they blow out shorthanded Lakers

Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side – Lakers 12/5/25

CelticsBlog 10 takeaways as Jaylen Brown, Jordan Walsh power Celtics past Lakers

“That’s a great sign”: Celtics’ revival of Mazzulla-ball signals turning point after LA blowout

Celtics .com Celtics Blow Past Lakers, Jordan Walsh Makes NBA History

Keys to the Game: Celtics 126, Lakers 105

NBC Sports Boston Celtics emerge from tough 15-game stretch looking like a much better team

Celtics-Lakers recap: Brown, Walsh lead C’s to fourth straight win

NESN Giannis-To-Celtics Trade Idea Revisited By Kevin O’Connor

Lakers’ Austin Reaves Makes Stance On Jordan Walsh Clear

Jaylen Brown Sends Celtics Media Clear Message About Jordan Walsh

Ex-Celtics Star Has Kind Words For Former Team, Jayson Tatum

Celtics Forward Explains Why He Loves When Joe Mazzulla Yells At Him

Jaylen Brown Reflects On Celtics’ Stunning Growth After Huge Win Vs. Lakers

Lakers Coach Reveals What Makes Celtics Such A Tough Matchup

Mass Live Former Celtics center reacts to unexpected bench shift with new team

JJ Redick gives surprising reaction to Celtics rout of Lakers

Boston Celtics underlying metrics soar after blowout Lakers win

Austin Reaves says Celtics starter has potential to be top NBA defender

Jaylen Brown is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in Friday’s win over Lakers

4 takeaways as Celtics dominate Lakers to win 4th straight game

Celtics Wire He plays a tough role: Mazzulla on how Josh Minott helps Boston success

Celtics keep the wins coming, beat Lakers at home 126-105 (PHOTOS)

Boston Celtics jersey history No. 44 – Jaden Springer (2024-25)

Today in Boston Celtics history: Gene Englund, Tom Kelly debut; Hoot Gibson born

Jeff Twiss on impact of Kevin Garnett, Larry Bird on Boston Celtics

Jordan Walsh impressed vs. the Lakers, but Jaylen Brown doesn’t want it to go to his head

The Celtics crushed their undermanned rivals on Friday night

Boston Sports Journal Picks ‘n Pops: Minott and Mazzulla’s perfect match, ‘federal’ questions, and fashion rules

BSJ Game Report: Celtics 126, Lakers 105 – C’s pounce early, Brown scores 30, for fourth straight win

Hardwood Houdini Celtics forward has slowly transformed into exactly what the team needs

Lakers are making Marcus Smart realization Celtics know too well

Celtics just proved NBA history is eternal (and didn’t even need LeBron)

Celtics just embarrassed Lakers on national TV (and one thing made it easy)

Celtics learning new Jordan Walsh reality that could lead to wild heights

NBA may have stolen LeBron James’s final night in Boston

CLNS Media/YouTube LIVE Garden Report: Celtics vs Lakers Postgame Show on CLNS Media – Jaylen Brown Makes MVP Case

Are the Celtics Better Than We Thought? | You Got Boston w/ Noa Dalzell

Marcus Smart Exclusive: “Weird” Signing with Lakers After Celtics Years | Full Interview

Payton Pritchard Postgame Interview | Celtics Lakers

Sam Hauser Postgame Interview | Celtics Lakers

Jaylen Brown Postgame Interview | Celtics Lakers

Joe Mazzulla Postgame Interview | Celtics Lakers

LA Times With Luka Doncic and LeBron James out, Lakers lose in blowout to Celtics

Talkbasket Celtics rout Lakers in absence of James and Doncic

Jaylen Brown on Celtics’ rout of Lakers: “Just another game

Joe Mazzulla praises Celtics’ execution in win over Lakers

Heavy Warriors Urged to Pursue Celtics Star in Trade Talks

Celtics Floated as Landing Spot for Rising Young Center

Essentially Sports JJ Redick Makes Bold Joe Mazzulla Claim After Lakers-Celtics

Boston Celtics/YouTube With LeBron and Doncic Sidelined, Celtics Crush Lakers by 21 | SOUND OFF

Sole Retriever Jordan’s Latest Tatum 4 is a Bruce Lee Blend of Yellow and Black

NBA/YouTube LAKERS at CELTICS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | December 5, 2025

Jaylen Brown Was HOOPING vs Lakers | December 5, 2025

Celtics Recap Knicks Coach Makes Bold Neemias Queta Decision After Key Revelation

Silver Screen and Roll Shorthanded Lakers blown out by Celtics

SI .com Analyst Shares Wild Reason Why Knicks Can’t Win Championship

Jaylen Brown Unveils 3D-Printed Basketball Shoe Before Lakers Game

Clutch Points Celtics trade proposal lands Ivica Zubac from crumbling Clippers

The Sports Hub ‘We were all figuring it out’: Celtics growing into offensive identity

Audacy How Derrick White has turned his season around

The Jordan Walsh breakout is real

Locked on Celtics BLOWOUT: Boston Celtics DESTROY Lakers | Jaylen Brown and Derrick White SHINE

The Sporting News Celtics’ Jordan Walsh makes basketball history never done ever before in NBA

Lakers Nation Recap: Shorthanded Lakers Blown Out By Celtics In Second Night Of Back-To-Back

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/126427/boston-celtics-daily-links-12-6-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

10 takeaways as Jaylen Brown, Jordan Walsh power Celtics past Lakers

Back in mid-November, the Celtics found themselves sitting with a 5-7 record – still searching for consistency, struggling to close out tight games and trying to find their identity.

Since that point, they’ve looked like a mature and battle-tested team that has the answers to the test. The Celtics are playing inspired basketball and have been one of the league’s most dangerous teams in recent weeks.

11th to 4th in three weeks…

Celtics can leapfrog the Raptors Sunday afternoon in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/9Oql0AQ0Mm

— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) December 6, 2025

After Friday’s 126-105 win over the shorthanded Lakers, they’re now 14-9 and showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Here are 10 takeaways, as Boston took care of business once again to secure its fourth straight victory.

1) Easy to see JB​

Jaylen Brown was once again the best player of the floor. He racked up 30 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, highlighted by a 15-point third quarter that prevented the Lakers from coming back.

Brown got just about wherever he wanted and made the game look easy. He’s now scored 30-plus in five of Boston’s last six games and is playing with a first-team All-NBA swagger.

He lets the game come to him, sizes up the opposition then picks the perfect moment to strike.

2) No Laker trio​

LeBron James (sciatica/arthritis), Luka Doncic (birth of child) and Marcus Smart (back) all missed Friday’s game.

Smart, perhaps as a subtle nod to his original NBA home, sported a black jacket with green spots. He posed for pictures with fans and genuinely looked delighted to be back in Boston.

The Lakers were shorthanded, yes, but the Celtics deserve credit for not taking their opponent lightly and leaving no doubt.

3) Assist-ematic wear-down​

The Celtics sizzled to start, shooting 64 percent in the first quarter and building a commanding 69-46 halftime advantage.

The ball movement was pristine, and having Brown on their side certainly didn’t hurt. They’ve now scored a combined 271 points in their last two games and haven’t finished with fewer than 115 since Nov. 21.

Boston ended up with 31 assists, and it honestly seemed like even more.

4) Jumping for Jordan​

Jordan Walsh, who shot 4 for 4 on Tuesday and 8 for 8 on Thursday, kept it rolling with a 6-for-7 performance Friday night. Yes, that’s 18 for his last 19. Yes, that’s very, very good.

Walsh (17 points) is playing with supreme confidence and continues to carry himself like one of the better wing defenders in the league. His shot has come a long way, and shot selection has also played a critical role.

He also displayed his passing ability, letting a defender fly by and delivering a pinpoint wrap-around pass to Neemias Queta. Walsh deserves a great deal of credit for actualizing the potential he’s always had. Now, it’s about sustaining it.

Jordan Walsh's last 2 games:

39 PTS
14-15 FG
5-6 3PT
11 REB
3 BLK
3 STL

Celtics are 9-2 since putting Walsh in the starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/gDsKhEI6jS

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 6, 2025

5) Pritch, please​

Payton Pritchard’s balance and body control have always been elite, but it feels like he’s taken it to the next level lately. His ability to create off the dribble when nothing else materializes separates him from the pack. Pritchard’s step-backs are money, his feel for the game is terrific and his touch is elite.

He hit three tough mid-range jumpers and rattled home a corner 3 in the first half, to go along with four assists. Pritchard contributed 15 points and six assists overall and served as a stabilizer all night.

6) Simple math​

The Celtics shot 53 percent from 3-point range, connecting on 24 of their 45 attempts in a truly lights-out showing.

Derrick White (19 points, six assists) led the way with five, Sam Hauser and Walsh were right behind him at four and Brown and Pritchard added three each.

Eight Celtics hit a 3, and every player who attempted at least one shot at least 42.9 percent. That’s a product of great shooting, yes, but it also speaks to the ball movement and overall flow of the offense.

Lakers coach JJ Redick seemed to have an idea what was coming. Before the game, he put it well, noting: “I feel like with them, it’s a lot of math.”

The math was mathing on this particular night, as it has during most of this stretch.

7) Defending home court​

It wasn’t just the offense, as the Celtics defense also executed at a high level in the win. The Lakers shot 23 percent from the floor in the first quarter and looked lost.

They started to figure it out in the third, but once they did, the Celtics responded to stop the threat almost immediately.

Having Walsh, Josh Minott and Hugo Gonzalez is a luxury, and Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla knows it. The Celtics went small early in the fourth and played the game on their terms, as they did the bulk of the game.

8) Leave it to Reaves​

The only Laker who had his way most of the night was Austin Reaves, who is, in fact, as good as advertised.

He started off slowly, but ended up dropping 36 on 9-of-18 shooting. He racked up 15 free throws to go with eight assists and displayed why he’s now regarded as one of the premier offensive players in the league.

9) Jaylen’s starting 5​

In a video on the Jumbotron, Brown named his all-time Celtics starting five: Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett and Bill Russell.

No qualms here. It’s a matter of opinion, but that’s a pretty solid list.

Jaylen's all time Celtics starting 5 … Hard to argue. Might go Jo Jo or Cousy over Rondo but peak Rondo a great choice pic.twitter.com/8su6L0y3A8

— John Karalis (@John_Karalis) December 6, 2025

10) On the rise​

For a while, the Celtics looked like a team destined to finish around .500.

Now, they look like a team that could make some noise in the playoffs.

If they do, this stretch will likely be viewed as the turning point, when they turned potential into production and found a winning formula.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/article...-brown-jordan-walsh-power-celtics-past-lakers

 

[Boston Celtics]

Celtics hold off Raptors rally to extend win streak to 5, beat Toronto 121-113

Riding a four-game win streak into a mid-Sunday affair with the Toronto Raptors (15-10), the Boston Celtics (15-9) continued building momentum with their fifth straight win, holding off a Raptors comeback attempt that led to four fourth quarter lead changes before Boston pulled away, 121-113.

With a clean bill of health outside of Jayson Tatum, the Celtics ran with a starting five of Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, Jordan Walsh and Neemias Queta. The Raptors started Immanuel Quickley, Ja’Kobe Walter, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Jakob Poeltl. Toronto was without starting forward RJ Barrett, who has been sidelined since Nov. 23.

Leading Boston in scoring was Jaylen Brown, who scored 30+ for a 13th time this season with 30 on 9-of-19 shooting, while the Raptors were paced by Brandon Ingram’s own 30-piece on 11-of-20 shooting. Derrick White also added 27 points with 3 blocks, knocking down 6 3-pointers.

Nearly two minutes went by with turnovers from both teams before Derrick White hit jumpers inside and beyond the 3-point arc for the game’s first five points. The Celtics took a 10-3 lead into the game’s first break, with Jaylen Brown kicking out to the corner for a Jordan Walsh 3-pointer, and following up a missed Walsh transition layup after Walsh pickpocketed Quickley.

The Celtics shot 54% from the field with 6 made threes in the first quarter, led by a hot start from White, who had 14 points and 3-of-5 shooting from three in the opening period.

Off to a HOT start pic.twitter.com/MhRLBpt6HM

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 7, 2025

After Anfernee Simons beat Scottie Barnes off the dribble for a runner with 14 seconds left, the Celtics took a 34-26 lead into the second quarter. Walsh had three steals in the game’s first four minutes, while Brown added an early 7 points on 3-of-4 shooting.

The Celtics went with a unique smallball lineup early in the second quarter, utilizing Hugo Gonzalez alongside Sam Hauser, Simons, Pritchard and Brown. Gonzalez immediately made an impact, drilling a 3-pointer for his first shot, and driving the baseline into a two-handed dunk for a 55-45 Celtics lead halfway through the quarter.

Sundays are for the slams pic.twitter.com/RdCVXalaOg

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 7, 2025

In the second quarter, Boston got its lead up to as many as 22 points, continuing to fire on all cylinders with 57% shooting in the half while scoring 14 fast break points and forcing Toronto into committing eight turnovers.

They took a 77-59 lead into halftime, with Brown catching fire in the second quarter, scoring 10 of his 17 points, while Hauser drilled three of his six 3-point attempts for 9 points off the bench. Walsh added 9 points in the half, highlighted by an impressive putback dunk.

WOAHHH pic.twitter.com/HptfGcQ84q

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 7, 2025

Boston continued to dominate in the opening minutes of the second half, starting with a quick 4 points and a steal from Queta, along with Brown stepping back for a top-of-the-arc triple in the face of Poeltl while assisting on a Pritchard three for an 87-64 lead nearly four minutes into the third quarter.

Dawgpic.twitter.com/eclsEzHvBu

— Robby Fletcher (@RFletcher_VT) December 7, 2025

The Raptors ramped up their on-ball pressure in response, whittling down the Celtics lead to as low as four behind a combined 25 points from Ingram, Quickley and Ochai Agbaji. The Raptors used a 23-4 run to cut the lead down, though late-quarter threes from White and Simons settled things down and kept Boston in front 97-91 heading into the fourth quarter.

An A.J Lawson three cut the Celtics lead down to just one point 44 seconds into the fourth quarter, and a Jamal Shead steal-and-finish gave them their first lead of the game with just over 10:30 left. The Celtics missed their first seven shots of the quarter, until White hit a late shot-clock three to tie the game as 102-102.

Right after, White found Pritchard for another three, lifting Boston back up to a 105-102 lead for the fourth lead change of the quarter’s first five minutes. White found Pritchard again to push the lead to six with 6:30 remaining, making a cross-court pass in transition to find an open Pritchard for his second 3-pointer of the quarter.

White made another huge play out of a timeout, drilling a 32-foot pull-up bomb for a 113-104 lead. He continued to make an impact with another pull-up jumper, this time near the elbow to bring the Celtics lead back up to 10. White had 8 points in the quarter on 3-of-7 shooting.

LOGO DERRICK WHITE

6 threes vs. the Raptors pic.twitter.com/iJ7k5Dq5rj

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 7, 2025

The Raptors got the deficit down to six in the final minute, but Boston’s defense got the necessary stops, and their shooters converted from the free throw line to hold off Toronto’s comeback.

The Celtics will remain on the road on Thursday, when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks (10-15) at 8 p.m.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics...o-extend-win-streak-to-5-beat-toronto-121-113

 

[Boston Celtics]

Jaylen Brown generates so much offense

The Boston Celtics have surged into third place in the Eastern Conference after holding off the Toronto Raptors on the road, winning 121-113. Boston has now won 10 of its last 12 games and boasts the league’s best offensive rating over that span.

Jaylen Brown has continued to set the tone for the Celtics, and Sunday evening was no exception. He delivered 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists against the Raptors, once again showcasing his all-around impact. We’ve always known Brown to be an elite scorer, but his playmaking has stood out especially in this latest performance.

Brown only had five assists, but that was not indicative of how many shots he created though four of those were for three-pointers. He had seven potential assists, and he continued to make the correct read when he saw help.

The first play highlights one of Toronto’s central defensive principles in this matchup: loading help at or near the nail to discourage drives from the top of the key. On this possession, Brown attacks and runs straight into Jakobe Walter, who steps over to provide help and, in doing so, leaves Derrick White wide open on the perimeter for a clean three-point look.

View Link

Brown in this one starts the offense with some defense. Jordan Walsh plays dodgeball with Neemias Queta for a second, but the ball eventually finds Brown. What’s important is that Brown is always in attack mode. Even on plays where someone is slightly open, he elects to drive away from them to create an even cleaner look. He took one dribble to the paint away from Payton Pritchard and that shifted Walter and Jakob Poeltl, opening the behind the back pass even more.

View Link

Here, the Celtics run a Spain pick-and-roll (backscreen on ball screener’s man).

As Queta sets the ball screen on the left side, you can see Poeltl go to that side preparing for Brown. Brown sees that and spins the other way rejecting the screen. This allows him to get a step on Scottie Barnes and drive downhill. The drives forces help from the corner, and JB delivers the ball to Walsh for the three.

View Link

On this play, the Celtics run “77”, which is two consecutive on-ball screens. The Celtics call this “Double.” They create two switches this play, but a theme with Barnes you’ll see is that he never wanted to switch off Brown. Here he does everything but switch onto Brown to stay close to him and give Hugo Gonzalez and open three.

View Link

Celtics go to Spain PnR again on this one, but Pritchard sees that Poeltl, the player he’s supposed to screen, is hedging on Brown so he spaces to the wing. What this does is make Immanuel Quickley the tagger. “Tagging” on defense in the pick and roll is when someone bumps the roller or gets in their way momentarily, so they don’t give up an open layup and give time for their teammate to get back. The problem is Quickley is a guard, and the roller is usually a big who can finish.

Barnes and Poeltl stay on Brown for a second, and he gets the pass on time to Queta. I felt Queta had an opportunity to go up over Quickley or hit Walsh on the cut. He does end up making a solid enough play getting it to Pritchard for a three, but this all starts with Brown getting two on him and hitting the roll.

View Link

Celtics run a simple pick and roll here, and the same thing happens. Poeltl hedges making Brown take a step back, but since this is only for Barnes to get back on to Brown, that means Queta has an opening. Brown gets it to him on the short roll, and he scores.

View Link

Brown just takes advantage of the strength difference and moves Walter into the paint with his shoulder. This causes Quickley to help off Pritchard, and Brown sprays it out to him.

View Link

Yet another spray out to a shooter because Brown is a relentless attacker.

View Link

Lastly, the Celtics Killer Whale offense targeting Quickley and Poeltl settled them down when the Raptors stormed back. Some plays it took more than one time to get Barnes to get off Brown, but here Pritchard does a nice job forcing the separation. But again, Barnes doesn’t switch onto someone else. He decides to linger around Brown, and now the Celtics have a numerical advantage. They just play basketball after that.

View Link

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/126504/jaylen-brown-generates-so-much-offense

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 12/8/25

Herald Five reasons why Celtics have become surprise Eastern Conference contenders

Celtics vault to third place in East by beating Raptors for fifth straight win

Even without Jayson Tatum, Celtics’ offense has been one of NBA’s best

Globe Derrick White, Celtics knock off Raptors for fifth straight win: 8 takeaways

Celtics extend win streak to five against Raptors, but they had to battle to do it

Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side – Raptors 12/7/15

CelticsBlog Jaylen Brown earns big-time honor as monster season continues

10 takeaways from Boston breaking Toronto’s defensive shell

Jaylen Brown generates so much offense

“It doesn’t mean anything”: Celtics staying level-headed amid win streak against East’s best

Celtics hold off Raptors rally to extend win streak to 5, beat Toronto 121-113

Celtics .com Celtics Hold Off Raptors Behind Derrick White’s Late-Game Heroics

Keys to the Game: Celtics 121, Raptors 113

NBC Sports Boston Derrick White is so back: Celtics star’s hot shooting has sparked turnaround

Four key trends fueling Celtics’ rapid rise up East standings

Celtics-Raptors recap: C’s survive late run, win fifth straight

NESN Jaylen Brown Having Historic Scoring Season For Celtics

Celtics Fans Horrified By New Giannis-Heat Trade Possibilities

Former Celtics Coach Goes Viral For NSFW Rant During Jazz’s Latest Loss

Jaylen Brown Joins Impressive Celtics Company After Latest 30-Point Game

Celtics’ Staggering Leap In Standings Highlighted After Win Over Raptors

Why Celtics’ Surprisingly Hot Start Isn’t A Fluke

Celtics Rookie Notches Impressive Triple-Double In G League

Mass Live Celtics star makes candid admission amid unexpected winning streak

Joe Mazzulla saves Celtics winning streak with savvy adjustment vs. Raptors

Derrick White is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in Sunday’s win over Raptors

4 takeaways as Celtics rally past Raptors for 5th straight win

Celtics Wire These last dozen games may have changed the Celtics 2025-26 NBA season

Celtics fend off late push from Raps, win 121-113 on the road (PHOTOS)

Brandon Ingram on the Boston Celtics holding off the Toronto Raptors in the second half

Boston Celtics jersey history No. 45 – Frankie Sanders (1979)

Celtics history: 2nd-lowest score team history; Bird, Walker triple-double

The red-hot Celtics continued their winning ways vs. the Raptors

Special people in so many ways: What Bill Chisholm thinks of his Celtics

Finding your pockets: Jordan Walsh on what’s behind leap with Celtics

The Athletic The Bounce: Let’s grade the Eastern Conference teams

NBA Power Rankings: It’s time to hand out first-quarter grades

Celtics’ Jordan Walsh building defensive reputation but says he hasn’t done anything yet

Boston Sports Journal NBA Notebook: Marcus Smart talks move to the Lakers in return to Boston

Karalis: Celtics rise in the standings doesn’t matter yet, but it shows how much is going right

BSJ Game Report: Celtics 121, Raptors 113 – C’s win 5th straight after fourth quarter rally in Toronto

Hardwood Houdini Celtics will soon be able to restart trade chase for summer target

Celtics’ former coach could regret leaving based on latest rant

Celtics’ biggest problem is actually what could help them win the East

Celtics forward says quiet part out loud about team’s secret sauce

CLNS Media/YouTube Garden Report: Celtics vs Raptors Postgame on CLNS Media – C’s Move to 3RD PLACE in East!

You Got Boston w/ Noa Dalzell: Celtics Move to 3RD PLACE in East with Win Over Raptors

Joe Mazzulla: Celtics Moving to 3rd Seed Means NOTHING | Postgame Interview 12-7

ESPN Five wild-card players who could impact the wide-open East race

NBA/YouTube CELTICS at RAPTORS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | December 7, 2025

SI .com Raptors fall to Celtics as losing streak continues

Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla gives Scottie Barnes his flowers after Raptors game

Celtics Force Brad Stevens to Reimagine Vision For 2025-26 Season Before Trade Deadline

Sportsnet Brown scores 30, Celtics hold off Raptors comeback attempt in win

Globe and Mail Celtics survive Raptors comeback attempt for fifth consecutive win

Our Sports Central Amari Williams’ Triple-Double Lifts Maine to 8th Straight

NBA on ESPN/YouTube Jaylen Brown lauds Derrick White on halting Raptors’ rally ‘WE WEATHERED THE STORM’ | NBA on ESPN

Locked on Celtics CLUTCH: Celtics recover, RALLY to beat Toronto, win FIFTH STRAIGHT game

The Sports Hub Celtics hold off Raptors for 5th straight victory

Audacy In what could have been a harsh reality check, the Celtics delivered a resounding statement

NBA Analysis Joe Mazzulla pinpoints the reason Derrick White is so good for the Boston Celtics in crunch time

Raptors Republic/YouTube 5 Key Moments That Lost The Raptors The Game Versus The Celtics

Sneaker Files Jordan Tatum 4 “Black Pinksicle” Releases December 2025

Last Word on Sports Celtics Poised To Double Down To Solve Big Problem

NBA .com Power Rankings, Week 8: Lakers, Celtics make their presence felt

Barstool Sports In The Blink Of An Eye, The Entire Celtics Season Has Been Flipped On Its Head In All The Best Ways Possible

Fadeaway World Boston Celtics Have A Perfect Package For Anthony Davis, But They Should Avoid This Trap

The Ringer Fake NBA League Pass Awards at the Quarter Mark

Raptors Nation Celtics Survive Raptors’ Furious Rally, Win 121–113 Behind Brown’s 30

Sportskeeda NBA Coach of the Year 2025–26 Season: Celtics’ Resurgence Puts Joe Mazzulla Firmly in the Conversation (Dec. 8)

Sporting News Celtics wing makes basketball history as team continues to win without Jayson Tatum

Clutch Points ClutchPoints’ 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings Week 7: Thunder continue historic pace, Celtics leap into top 10

Sportscasting How The Boston Celtics Are Managing To Stay Relevant

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/126497/boston-celtics-daily-links-12-8-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

Derrick White is surging

Since arriving in Boston, Derrick White has ascended through the ranks of NBA role players and become something much more substantial. He’s a star — not defined by championship hardware and subjective accolades, but by impact and how essential he is to winning basketball.

This season has thrown new challenges his way, and he’s hit a few bumps, but White is a quick study.

For years he’s shown a rare ability to slide in and out of the spotlight, lifting or supporting teammates depending on the game. That skill is invaluable on a roster stacked with talent.

Without Jayson Tatum in the lineup — and with several stars departed — White was asked to take on a more visible role in Boston’s offense and in opponent scouting reports. He opened with an encouraging 25 points against Philadelphia, only to follow it with a few weeks of cold shooting.

As the Celtics searched for their identity, so did Derrick White. Some saw it as an exposure of his limitations or an overreliance on star teammates. But this adjustment was always going to take time.

And history says you can’t keep a good shooter down. White has left the struggles behind and become a catalyst for a red-hot Celtics offense.

Check your pockets. pic.twitter.com/9iuuLZ8Ron

— Pull up shoot (@NElGHT_) December 7, 2025

Over the first 12 games, he averaged 15.2 points on 34% from the field and 28% from three. In the next 11 games, he’s jumped to 20.0 points on 45.2% shooting and 40% from deep. In that same stretch, the Celtics own the league’s No. 1 offense with a 127.9 offensive rating.

He’s been a major reason behind some of Boston’s biggest wins of the year:
— 27 efficient points to snap Detroit’s 13-game win streak.
— 22 points — with 7 in the fourth — to outduel Mikal Bridges and the Knicks.
— Another 27-point outing to put away a Toronto comeback.

Those performances came against the top three teams in the East — a group Boston has now joined. They’re just 2.5 games back of the No. 2 seed and, somehow, only four behind the 19–5 Pistons.

White’s turnaround isn’t happening in a vacuum. It tracks with the Celtics settling into who they want to be. Early in the year everything felt a bit scattered — roles, rotations, shot diets, even the nightly energy. As things stabilized, White was one of the first to snap back into form. That’s not a coincidence.

Others have fueled the surge, too. Jordan Walsh and Josh Minott have burst onto the scene as dynamic wings. Neemias Queta is steadying the center rotation. Jaylen Brown is in a continual state of sizzle. With White finding his footing, he provided clarity and allowed for everyone else to settle into their ideal roles.

The most exciting part: even with a bigger offensive workload, his defense hasn’t slipped. He’s averaging 1.3 blocks and 1.5 steals — both career highs — and his help-side rim protection is essential for a team without a traditional shot-blocking anchor.

Lately, White has been a 20-point scorer who brings elite defense. Without the slow start, that’s an All-Star résumé. If he maintains this level, he’s going to be in that conversation.

When White is aggressive, the Celtics feel sharper. Their spacing looks cleaner, the ball moves faster, and he gets them organized. You can feel the shift when he’s locked in, and it usually leads to cleaner basketball across the board.

If this is the level he’s settling into, it reshapes what Boston can be this year. They don’t need him to drop 20 every night, but having that gear in his pocket changes the math for opponents and adds a hierarchy the offense was missing. White is more than qualified for this role, and he looks increasingly comfortable in it each night.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/126563/derrick-white-is-surging

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 12/9/25

Globe Jaylen Brown takes shot at ‘flopping’ MVPs

NBA analysts intrigued by Celtics’ odds to win the East, Jayson Tatum return ‘more interesting by the day’

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier pleads not guilty to sports betting charges

Celtics forward Jordan Walsh has taken his game to another level, and opponents have noticed

CelticsBlog Derrick White is surging

Celtics .com Jaylen Brown Earns 5th Player of the Week Recognition

NESN Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Has Emotional Response To Winning Big Award

Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Takes Thinly Veiled Shot At NBA MVP

NBA Analyst Breaks Down Key Improvements From Celtics’ Jaylen Brown

Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Sends 1-Word Message On Potential Return

Mass Live Former Celtics guard nearing return with new team

3 Celtics rivals in East expected to pursue Anthony Davis trade

Celtics Wire Jordan Walsh is blossoming into everything the Celtics hoped he would

Does Jayson Tatum have a return date in mind for the Celtics?

Now OK with the whistle he’s getting, Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown takes aim at flopping

Should the Boston Celtics explore a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade?

The Celtics are proving their doubters wrong

Celtics jersey history No. 45 – Eric Fernsten (1979-82)

The Celtics are proving their doubters wrong

Celtics jersey history No. 45 – Eric Fernsten (1979-82)

Celtics history: Ainge debut; Birdsong born; Dooling trade; Stiemsma signs

Celtics alum Rozier reportedly pleads not guilty to gambling-related charges

Celtics star Jaylen Brown named NBA East Player of the Week

Boston Sports Journal NBA Notebook: Marcus Smart talks move to the Lakers in return to Boston

Hardwood Houdini Celtics poised for season-altering run after mini-break

Celtics’ face harsh Luka Garza reality as major date approaches

Jaylen Brown is proving exactly what Celtics fans knew for years

Celtics free agency flop could be solved as early as next week

The Athletic NBA teams are crashing boards like never before. A call to New Zealand got things started

The Lead Anfernee Simons Will Never Fit On the Celtics’ Roster

Yahoo Israeli star Yam Madar shines as Hapoel Tel Aviv wins in Israeli basketball action

Globe/YouTube Jaylen Brown or Derrick White, who is the best Celtics player?

Barstool Sports Things Are Getting Even Better For The Celtics As Jayson Tatum Continues To Hint At A Potential Return This Season

Athlon Sports Celtics React to NBA’s Jaylen Brown Announcement on Monday

Clutch Points ClutchPoints’ NBA MVP Mondays: Celtics’ surge has Jaylen Brown joining top 5

Jaylen Brown compares Raptors’ Scottie Barnes to Ninja Turtle in bizarre compliment

SI .com Jayson Tatum Injury Return Could Be Similar Timeline to Miami Heat Player

Blazers Nearing Decision on Trade Piece From First Jrue Holiday Deal

Jaylen Brown’s Performance Positions Celtics For Greatness if Jayson Tatum Returns

HITC This unsung hero on the Boston Celtics is a huge part of their rise in the East

Sportskeeda Celtics Reporter Leaves Jayson Tatum Fans Crashing Out With Bold Jaylen Brown Comment

NBA Power Rankings 2025-26 Season: Top 10 Teams After Week 7 as Scorching Celtics Make Their Debut (Dec. 9)

OKC Thunder Wire Paul Pierce believes Celtics are the only team that can stop Thunder

Talkbasket Joe Mazzulla: “You’re not going to play a perfect game all the time”

Jaylen Brown says MVP path requires “selling your soul”

The Sporting News Celtics linked to 4-time champion in massive trade talks surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo

Fansided Jaylen Brown explains the impossible choice NBA rules have set up for their stars

Jaylen Brown for MVP, and more red-hot NBA takes to melt your snowmen

The Ringer Should You Go All In for Giannis? History Screams No.

Basketball Network Blake Griffin recalls finding Joe Mazzulla and his Sensei training martial arts inside the Celtics facility: “Joe’s back there, practicing karate”

Locked on Celtics Jaylen Brown ALL-NBA? | Joe Mazzulla COACH OF THE YEAR? | Jordan Walsh ELITE CEILING?

Fadeaway World Jayson Tatum On Being Successful In The NBA: “Accept That It’s Not Going To Be A Straight Path”

Audacy 25 Years, 25 Moments: Boston Celtics

Heavy Celtics Look Different, and the Reason Might Surprise You

Jaylen Brown’s Remark on Scottie Barnes Sends Fans Into a Frenzy

Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Gets Strong Warning Amid Comeback Chatter

Sports Illustrated/YouTube The Celtics Are Too Good To Tank…And So Are the Mavs? | Rachel Nichols & Evan Turner

Fan Recap Hawks Struggle With Porzingis in Ways Celtics Thankfully Never Faced

ABC 7 Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier pleads not guilty to sports betting charges

Basketnews Paul Pierce details why Celtics is the biggest obstacle to OKC dynasty

Daily Mail NBA star Jaylen Brown sparks fury after appearing to make Down’s Syndrome joke on live stream

Newsweek Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Calls Out NBA’s ‘Soul-Selling, Flopping Stars’

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/126564/boston-celtics-daily-links-12-9-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

Trade season primer: should the Boston Celtics be buyers?

‘Tis the season for cheesy, feel-good, family friendly movies. You know, the kind where the main characters are introduced, some kind of crisis occurs, they have to overcome obstacles and trials, and somehow it all works out in the end for a happily ever after. Technically, the Celtics have already gone through all those stages and the credits rolled after the 2024 championship. But like any good IP, there’s always a sequel to look forward to!

The cast of characters is familiar, with a few re-castings along the way. The challenges are familiar but with a new twist. Jayson Tatum’s injury was the needle-scratch moment, and the whole fanbase has been coming to grips with that plot twist for the past 5 months.

But you know what comes next, right? The good guys band together, develop a plan, and work tirelessly throughout the montage backed by an inspiring soundtrack. That’s the part of the movie we’re in right now. I can’t wait for the moment when the missing character that was assumed lost, makes a triumphant return to help the cast of characters to another happy ending.

Of course that’s assuming this is one of those feel good movies. Real life doesn’t always play out like that. Just a few weeks ago, there was a reasonable path towards “tanking” this season as a “Gap year.” I use quote-marks because those are trigger words and may have different definitions depending on who you are talking to. However, things are turning out right and the Celtics are winning at a higher clip than just about anyone had expected. (Ok, for you die-hards that always believed, feel free to take your victory lap now.)

But what now? Where do we go from here? When the training montage ends, what is the needle-drop plot twist that’s coming next? I’m glad you asked (and even more glad that you made it through that too-long lead-in to get to the meat of the article).

The question of the hour is this: Should Brad Stevens look to be a buyer and make the team better this season? Or should he “keep the powder dry” and wait to make significant moves next summer? The answer is (annoyingly) almost always “it depends” but for the sake of discussion we’ll look at some of the options.

As most of you are aware, December 15th is the date that most players signed as free agents this past summer are eligible to be traded. This marks the unofficial start of trade rumor season which runs through the deadline (Feb 5th at 3PM). So if you’ve been playing with the Spotrac Trade Machine, you’ve probably noticed that some players are greyed out as being ineligible to be traded. (Hint: You can adjust the settings to either remove restrictions or put it in “trade deadline mode.”)

Last summer Stevens slashed salaries and focused on bringing in cheaper rotation players. That opened up opportunities for players to step forward and grow into larger roles. Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh in particular have stepped up considerably and newcomers Josh Minott and Hugo Gonzalez have stepped up as well. It hasn’t worked out (thus far) as positively for Chris Boucher or Luka Garza, but there’s still time. Those positive developments have set the stage for Stevens to potentially make a move or two at the deadline and take advantage of a wide open Eastern Conference.

Looming over everything is the eventual return of Jayson Tatum. The team has been wisely cautious and tight lipped about everything. The training videos paint an optimistic view of Jayson’s progress and all reports indicate that he wants to return this year. Of course the team won’t let him on the court until he’s 100% cleared to play and even then they might take some extra time to ramp him up. What he looks like after the injury is anyone’s guess, but even an 80% version of Tatum is a high impact addition.

So how many chips should Brad Stevens push into the middle of the table? We’ve gone over the assets the team has at their disposal (including most of their own draft picks and Anfernee Simons’ expiring salary). Many have assumed the team would make a move to dip under the 1st apron and avoid the luxury tax this season. That would probably be wise since they are so close to doing so. But only if it makes sense and positions them for success later.

Warning: Cap nerd stuff ahead. If the Celtics want to get out of the repeater tax penalties, not only do they have to reduce salary by about $4M this season (before the end of the season – basically by the trade deadline), but they would also have to stay under the 1st apron next season as well (the tax is triggered when you are above the apron for 3 out of 4 years). That wouldn’t be too hard considering that the Celtics are currently projected to be $29.7M under the apron next season. So there’s still room to add pieces for next year and duck the tax if possible.

For example, if you were to put Anfernee Simons into a trade for Ivica Zubac, you also need Brook Lopez’s salary to make it work. That deal actually saves the Celtics $800K this season but it adds $28.7M of salary for next season. Still under the 1st apron, but with a lot fewer options to improve after that. In theory, they could re-route Lopez to another team or move him in the offseason, but that might cost a pick or another asset to make happen. Also, you’d still need to dump some salary to slip under the 1st apron this year. You can see how hard this is because of the ripple effects of any deal.

The other course they could take is finding a smaller deal to dip below the tax this year and then letting the Simons contract expire this offseason. They have a $22.5M TPE they could use to trade for another high salary player – effectively replacing Simons on the books.

Of course the tax might not be that big of a deal if the ownership group is willing to pay it. They just invested big in the team and could be motivated to keep a good thing going once Tatum is back and healthy.

The key thing is getting impactful players. If they are worth the salaries both now and into the future and they are worth the cost it takes to acquire them (draft picks, players, etc.) then you roll the dice and try to get better this year. If the right deal isn’t out there, you wait for the summer. Sometimes you get more deals done in the summer because teams are more flexible. On the other hand, some deals happen in season because teams are more desperate or running out of time.

The other factor to keep an eye on is the rest of the league’s moves. With potential blockbusters out there for the likes of Giannis, Trae Young, and others, there could be some massive deals that would require 3rd and 4th teams to make happen. Stevens could use Simons or a TPE to take back useful players to help facilitate another deal.

There’s still a lot of time between now and the deadline. A lot of things can change in a short amount of time. But it is encouraging that the Celtics have shown such progress in the early part of the season. Will that lead to Brad Stevens being a buyer on the market? It will be very interesting to see how that plays out. Get your popcorn ready, I love this movie.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics...-boston-celtics-be-buyers-trade-season-primer

 

[Boston Celtics]

Joe Mazzulla, Payton Pritchard weigh in on Jayson Tatum’s looming return

BOSTON — Jayson Tatum practically lit the internet on fire when he posted more than three minutes of workout videos on his Instagram story on Tuesday, revealing that he’s been cleared to play 1-on-1 basketball — and that he’s continuing to progress nicely after rupturing his Achilles tendon last May.

Jayson Tatum playing some 1v1’s at the practice facility.
–
Via @jaytatum0 /IG pic.twitter.com/hXo9TPlGXn

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) December 9, 2025

Now, the Celtics is just a few days away from the seven-month anniversary of his injury (suffered May 12th), and Mazzulla stressed that his recovery timeline is in his hands and that the team won’t be putting pressure on him in any direction. Achilles injuries recoveries can span anywhere from 7 to 15 months, and it’s unclear if that broad window has been narrowed down for Tatum at this point.

“It’s all up to him,” Mazzulla said. “At the end of the day, his health is the most important thing, his process is the most important thing. You trust him, trust the team that’s around him — he’s got a great team — and you just kind of go from there. So kind of just all starts about where he and his team think he’s at.”

Tatum has been traveling with the Celtics since preseason, attending shootarounds, film sessions, and practices, and meticulously working through his rehab. That’s what Mazzulla has been most focused on.

“To me, the only thing I care about is his presence and his leadership, and he’s given that in different ways — on the floor in games, communicating with guys, in film sessions, traveling with us,” Mazzulla said. “At the end of the day, he’s on our team. He’s a part of our team. He’s helping us get better, and then everything else just comes down to him and the people around him, and you just trust that.”

Mazzulla also made clear he won’t be weighing in on Tatum’s recovery timeline: “There’s people above me that are responsible for that. It’s not my job. My job is to just support him, be there for them, listen to them, and at the end of the day, you trust the people that are around him.”

At Wednesday’s Celtics practice, Payton Pritchard was asked about whether he’s thought about how Jayson Tatum could return and fit into the team — and, like Mazzulla, he stressed that team is focused on Tatum’s recovery, first and foremost.

“If he comes back, and if he comes back healthy and ready to play, we know how to play with him,” Pritchard said. “It’s not like we’re bringing him in to guys he’s never played with. So it’ll be an easy transition. But right now, we’re just focusing on the guys that are playing right now, getting better and putting ourselves in the best position possible.”

While Jayson Tatum shot in the background of the scrum, Mazzulla credited Tatum for his diligence throughout the process.

Jayson Tatum getting some work in here at Celtics practice, while the rest of the team gets in work ahead of a trip to Milwaukee pic.twitter.com/8AdrVuTNWS

— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) December 10, 2025

“I think it’s harder to rehab than it is to be in the season sometimes because you have to do things at a higher intensity, at a higher pace,” Mazzulla said. “So he’s doing that. But I care more about [the fact that] he’s on the team, he’s helping us get better. That’s the most important thing.”

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/126612/jayson-tatum-injury-recovery-joe-mazzulla

 

[Boston Celtics]

CelticsBlog film room: Jordan Walsh

Tis the season. The season of Jordan Walsh. What still feels like a fever dream, Jordan Walsh continues to establish himself as one of the driving forces behind the Celtics’ surge over the past month. There’s a lot to love about what Walsh is doing on the basketball court, so let’s dive into all the different ways he is impacting winning.

We’ll start on the defensive end. Celtics fans have had the pleasure of enjoying elite screen navigation going all the way back to the beginning of the Marcus Smart tenure. Then the Celtics acquired Derrick White and then Jrue Holiday. Now, Jordan Walsh appears to be next in line to take the baton for the screen navigation mastery relay.

View Link

Andre Drummond is a beast of a man to navigate. Walsh does a great job of taking the bump, staying on balance, flipping his hips, and sliding his feet to get back in front of Tyrese Maxey. Walsh keeps his extendo-arm up to dissuade Maxey from taking his patented floater, which forces Maxey to pull the ball back out. Walsh then executes some fantastic isolation defense on one of the league’s leading scorers.

View Link

Here, Walsh shows off his willingness to make life hell for opposing ball handlers. The NBA has evolved into a heavy pick-and-roll league. Navigating screens has become a premium skill. And Walsh has it. Austin Reaves actually gets an OK look at the end of the possession; however, his radar is malfunctioning after dealing with Walsh for 15 seconds. I’m exhausted after watching this possession, too.

No matter how good a player is at screen navigation, they will get stuck on a screen from time to time. When you get beat, can you still impact the shooter?

View Link

Ivaca Zubac is an elite screen setter and getting stuck on the humungous Croatian’s screens is going to happen. Walsh is not deterred. He lowers his hips, explodes, and get back into the play with ease, eventually blocking one of the best pick-and-roll operators in history in James Harden.

View Link

The defense that Jordan Walsh played on Austin Reaves in the first quarter of the Lakers game was some of the best defense I’ve seen anyone play all season. Reaves takes this three-point attempt with no urgency; he thinks there’s no chance Walsh can get back into the play after being screened by DeAndre Ayton, but again Walsh doesn’t just get a finger on the ball — he gets his entire hand on the ball for the block. When Walsh does get screened, he uses his Gogo Gadget arms to block shots from behind. It doesn’t hurt that he has spent his career watching the GOAT rearview contester, Derrick White, show him how it’s done.

We’ve covered how good Walsh has been when defending the ball. Let’s have a look at his help defense.

View Link

Firstly, it speaks to Walsh’s versatility that he’s matched up on Evan Mobley. Walsh reads the pass to Jaylen Tyson perfectly and then swallows the shot attempt, igniting a Celtics transition possession.

View Link

Walsh is guarding PJ Hall who looks to be setting a flare screen, but really Hall is stuck in no-man’s land as GG Jackson drives into the lane, this allows Walsh to slide over and reject the shot without having to gamble, allowing Walsh to collect the block.

The ability to provide effective help defense and weakside rim protection from the wing position has been a huge factor in how the Celtics have been able to get away with their small-ball lineups on defense.

This category I am calling The Great Wall of Holiday. Jrue Holiday perfected the art of taking the bump from an offensive player, while simultaneously, getting into their handle for a steal.

View Link

Never a bad time to remember one of the iconic moments of the 2024 title run. Walsh has started implementing the Great Wall of Holiday technique in his game.

View Link

While Walsh isn’t as sturdy as Jrue, he makes up for it with his length, the 7”2 wingspan is a problem for opposing ball handlers. Being able to take the bumps from the significantly bigger and stronger Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, not get knocked too far back, and then come away with clean steals is impressive.

The success of the Cetlics this season has largely been driven by dominating the shot margin. Walsh becoming a turnover-generating machine only amplifies that identity.

Let’s move to the offensive side of the ball.

Jordan Walsh looks like he is developing into a legitimate dribble, pass, and shoot guy. Now that the three-point shots have started to fall, teams are starting to close out on Walsh, and he is capitalizing. Walsh is generating 1.30 points per possession on spot-up opportunities (87th percentile).

View Link

Karl-Anthony Towns closes out way too hard on Walsh in the corner. As Towns is prone to do. Walsh reads it, lets Towns fly by, and then attacks the rim with his explosiveness and length and finishes through traffic. Walsh is shooting 76.1% in the restricted area. For context, Neemias Queta is shooting 76.2% in the restricted area. Walsh is not a seven-foot center.

View Link

Walsh isn’t just looking to drive with reckless abandon. Here, Walsh does a great job of driving the closeout, drawing the help defender, and delivering an on-target pass to Neemias Queta for an easy two points. That’s great poise and decision-making from Walsh.

A staple of the Celtics offense in the Mazzulla era has been utilizing perimeter players in the short roll. Whether it has been Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, or Jrue Holiday, it has been an effective method for the Celtics to get opposing defense in rotation.

View Link

Teams often try to switch this type of action given the perimeter players are similarly sized. This allows the screener to slip behind the defense, creating an advantage for the offense. Derrick White delivers the pass to Walsh, who swings a pass right into Jaylen Brown’s shooting pocket, which results in a huge three points for the Celtics.

View Link

If the defense doesn’t collapse, Walsh is capable of exploding to the rim to either finish through contact, or in this case, throw down a loud two-hand slam.

It is clear that Jordan Walsh has a good understanding of floor balance and how to be effective with cuts, especially along the baseline.

View Link

Defenses are going to give Jaylen Brown (and eventually Jayson Tatum) a lot of defensive attention. When Jaylen Brown has two feet in the paint, alarm bells start to go off for opposing defenses. Walsh does a great job of reading when that attention turns to Jaylen, and slides into the dunker spot for an easy two.

We covered how Walsh is helping the Celtics dominate the shot margin on defense. On offense, he has been putting on a possession-generating clinic. Walsh is up to an 8% offensive rebounding rate. This ranks him 19th in the league for players under six-foot-ten.

View Link

Teams will often put their weakest or smallest defender on Walsh. This allows Walsh to leverage his size, length, and athleticism on the offensive glass. In this case, it is Jalen Brunson. Brunson offers close to zero resistance en route to a Walsh putback.

View Link

I love this play from Walsh. The offensive board is already another possession secure. Walsh stays poised, gets Evan Mobley off his feet with a pump-fake, and dumps off a pass to Xavier Tillman for a short-range floater — that’s high level poise from the 21-year-old.

Lastly, the shooting. Walsh is shooting 45.6% from three-point range this season. An absurd number. The vast majority of the shots have been on wide-open looks. Which is great, but to really be a playoff level offensive player, Walsh needs to take, and make, more tightly contested shots. As Walsh’s confidence grows, we are seeing signs of this developing.

View Link

It’s hard to find a flaw in Walsh’ game right now. Of course, if Walsh is asked to be an initial creator for this team, the Celtics will find some flaws. But when it comes to the role Walsh is being asked to play, he is executing it close to flawlessly. The Joran Walsh era is upon us.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/126644/celticsblog-film-room-jordan-walsh

 

[Boston Celtics]

Celtics go cold in 2nd half, lose 116-101 to Bucks

It had been a while since the Celtics had played a game and they looked rusty on Thursday night, especially in the 2nd half. Kyle Kuzma’s 31 points and Bobby Portis’ 27 led the way for the Bucks in their 116-101 win over Boston. For the C’s, Jaylen Brown scored 30 points and Jordan Walsh added 20 of his own as his leap continued.

The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum, Chris Boucher, Amari Williams and Ron Harper Jr. They started their usual starters of Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jordan Walsh and Neemias Queta. Meanwhile, the Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo, A.J. Green and Taurean Prince. They started Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner.

Joe Mazzulla quickly removed Queta from the game, just 2:09 in, after he picked up his first foul. Josh Minott check in and hit his first three.

The Celtics got out on the Bucks quickly, hitting 5 of their first 6 threes and going on a 16-2 run to take a 21-8 lead.

It is a game of runs, however, as the Bucks cut into the Celtics lead by going on a 21-9 run of their own, making the score 30-29.

The Celtics ended the quarter with two Jaylen Brown baskets and the Celtics led 35-29 after the first quarter. Brown led the team with 13 points going 5-5 from the field, Jordan Walsh and Payton Pritchard also had 8 points each.

The Bucks continued to hang around in the half even though it felt like the Celtics were significantly out playing them.

The Celtics led the Bucks 67-60 at halftime. They were led by Jordan Walsh who scored 18 points while going 7-7 from the field and 3-3 from three. He also had 3 steals and 3 rebounds in the first half.

The Jordan Walsh ascension has broken my brain. For him to go from a guy who couldn’t get off the bench to what he has become this quickly is shocking and so much fun to watch.

HE CANNOT MISS pic.twitter.com/o2sDo6eo8R

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 12, 2025

Kyle Kuzma kept the Bucks attached for much of the game, he had 27 points with 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter as he capped off an 11-0 run to tie the game.

The Celtics went ice cold in the third quarter scoring 11 points in the first 10 minutes of the quarter while going 0-10 from three as the Bucks took 5-point lead.

It was one of the most frustrating quarters of the season for the Celtics. They did not heat up in the final two minutes and finished the period with 13 points, missing every three they took and a pair of free throws at the end of the quarter. They lost the quarter 27-13 and trailed the Bucks 87-80 at the end of the third.

Brown led the team with 25 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

As the 4th quarter began both Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis reached their season high in scoring. Kuzma had 31 points and Portis had 22 points.

13/16 for kuzma and 9/10 for portis. whatever man.

— jack (@janderson22_) December 12, 2025

This is 2023 Eastern Conference Finals levels of fake shooting

— Sam LaFrance (@SamLaFranceNBA) December 12, 2025

Jaylen Brown finally made the Celtics first three of the half with 7:38 to go in the 4th quarter. Of course, Cole Anthony hit a three the very next possession.

It was not Sam Hauser’s night as he went 0-10 from the field and 0-9 from three.

The game got away from the Celtics in the 2nd half and the shooting percentages for each team will tell you how they did. Milwaukee shot 63% in the half and the Celtics shot 26%.

For the game the Celtics shot 39% from the field and 29% from three while the Bucks shot 58% from the field and 45% from three. Boston’s next game is Monday at TD Garden against the Pistons at 7:00 EST.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics...rick-white-joe-mazzulla-kyle-kuzma-doc-rivers

 

[Boston Celtics]

10 Takeaways from the Celtics meltdown in Milwaukee

1. Worst Trap Game Ever​

After playing 6 games in 9 days and winning 5 games in a row, the Celtics had three days off before their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. This game had every making of becoming a trap game for the Celtics to lose and that came to fruition sadly as Boston lost to a Giannis-less Milwaukee team 116-101. It was a frustrating game to watch all around but the Celtics just absolutely lost control of the game in the second half. Between awful shot selection and no ability to get stops, Boston lost to a team led by Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis in 2025, which was kind of embarrassing.

Final Score pic.twitter.com/mdCSpuf6Hv

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 12, 2025

2. Awful second half shot selection​

At the end of the first half the Celtics finished with a 67-60 lead and as a team shot 22/42 (52%) from the field and 11/23 (48%) from three point range. Then in the third quarter, Boston completely forgot how to play offense as they scored only 13 points on 4-22 FG (18%) and 0-12 from three and the fourth quarter wasn’t much better as they shot 8-24 (33%) FG and 3-14 from three. The Bucks were not playing smothering defense or anything either, the Celtics were just missing wide open shots. Looking at the shot chart, Boston really started to get three point heavy and none of them were falling. This is what really led to their downfall as Milwaukee on the other end was hitting everything they put up.

A lot of the Celtics second half possessions were a lot like this where Payton Pritchard put up a three after one pass normally from Jaylen Brown, then after the miss someone would rebound the ball by Boston as they had 13 offensive rebounds in the game, then the next person like Derrick White would chuck up the first shot they got out of the rebound. As you can see, they are wide open shots, Boston just could not capitalize on any opportunity that Milwaukee was giving them and it led to the loss.

View Link

3. No ability to get stops​

You would think since the Celtics had an inability to make shots on offense, surely their defense would be able to step up on the other end right? The answer was no. The Milwaukee Bucks shot 58% from the field and 45% from three as a team in this game and shot 63% from the field and 58% from three in the second half alone. Their shot chart looked crazy as everything they put up, went in. The players that were killing them the most was Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis who combined for 58 points.

Bobby Portis had a season high 27 points today on ridiculous efficiency, 11-13 FG and 5-6 3PM. Portis was living on the block as he had multiple shots where he backed down the smaller defender and hit a fadeaway jumper. This one was over Jaylen Brown and was an example of the insane shots he was hitting.

View Link

Another Portis shot that killed the Celtics were two quarter threes to begin the fourth quarter. These were both over Neemias Queta who had a solid closeout but it wasn’t enough to stop Bobby Portis’ hot shooting.

View Link

Kyle Kuzma did a lot of damage to Boston starting in the first half where he had 18 of his 31 points. He did a lot of driving downhill on the Celtics and his momentum was not enough for Boston to stop. This play where he barreled over Brown to get an and-1 layup is an example of his style of play in this game as a whole.

View Link

4. Rebounding battle​

Going into this game the Bucks were statistically the worst rebounding team in the NBA as they average 39.1 rebounds per game as a team and they out-rebounded the Celtics 40-39. Now this isn’t a huge disparity or anything as Boston was actually pretty great on the offensive glass with 13 offensive rebounds (mostly because they kept missing shots), but allowing the worst rebounding team in the NBA beat you on the boards is a tough seen.

5. At least Celtics got free throws?​

Coming into this game the Celtics had the lowest free throws attempted per game in the NBA at 18.8 FTA. However, Boston did a pretty good job at getting to the free throw line in this game as they were able to get 25 free throw attempts and made 19 of them. If you look at every teams cumulative FTA differential this season the Celtics rank dead last and are behind almost every team in the NBA, except the Bucks ironically. This is one of the few positives I can take away from this game for Boston as the results of the second half didn’t give me a lot to choose from.

Every team's cumulative FTA differential this season pic.twitter.com/DPskNfgcnk

— ALL NBA Podcast (@ALLCITY_NBA) December 11, 2025

6. Another 30-point game for Jaylen Brown

For the 7th time in his last 8 games, Jaylen Brown has scored 30+ points in a game. Although the Celtics lost, Brown played pretty well as he finished with 30 points on 10-17 FG and 2-4 3PM. The Bucks did their best to double Brown as much as they could but when he got a chance one-on-one, he was able to take advantage of it.

Brown had an incredible first quarter as he finished with 13 points on 5-5 shooting and he was getting anywhere he wanted on the court. This shot to end the first quarter was beautiful as he was able to shake off Jericho Sims with a nasty cross over into a midrange jumper at the buzzer.

View Link

After a scoreless second quarter, Brown tried his best to end the Celtics slow shooting in the second half with a few baskets. His best attempt came in the 4th quarter when Boston was still technically in striking distance. Brown had Kuzma on an island and hit a nasty step back three to give him his 30th points of the night.

View Link

7. Jordan Walsh is still awesome​

Although it was a nightmare game for the Celtics as a whole, Jordan Walsh continued to play great basketball. Walsh finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals while shooting 8-10 FG and 3-4 3PM. Walsh had an incredible first half as he was a perfect 7-7 shooting on an insane 121% TS%. This was a great sign to see from Walsh as he was aggressive when it came to taking the wide open shots the defense was giving him.

The best example of this aggressiveness came in the first quarter where Brown drove into the lane and Walsh called for the ball in the corner. Brown made the pass and Walsh splashed his second three of the game to that point.

View Link

Another one of my favorite baskets of the night from Walsh came on this play where Derrick White missed a three. Hugo Gonzalez was able to tip the ball back up into the air for Walsh who was able to muscle his way inside and all in one motion was able to finish the layup for an and-1.

View Link

Walsh has continued to impress everyone in Celtics nation and he is really shaping into a legitimate all around piece for Boston that they can use for years to come.

8. Sam Hauser Nightmare Game​

In what was supposed to be a homecoming game for Sam Hauser, it quickly turned into a nightmare as he had maybe the worst game of his entire career. Hauser finished with 0 points and 7 rebounds on 0-10 FG and 0-9 3PM. I have never seen Hauser play this badly in my life as almost every shot he took was wide open and for some reason wasn’t going in.

There isn’t a better way to represent his game tonight than with this 20 second sequence where he missed a wide open three that was rebounded by Queta at the 9:50 mark of the 4th quarter. Then he got a second chance to redeem himself with another wide open three at the 9:41 mark that was rebounded again by the Celtics. Finally this nightmare possession ended but it was with Hauser cutting from the corner and completely whiffing on a wide open layup at the 9:30 mark.

A microcosm of Sam Hauser's performance tonight pic.twitter.com/BBby7iQNFc

— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) December 12, 2025

This was a rough game all around from Hauser who is having his worst three point shooting season of his career right now at 34%. He has never shot below 40% from three in a season since high school so I have faith he is going to bounce back, but it is tough to see him struggle like this.

9. Reminiscing on the old days​

Watching this game really made me miss when Boston vs Milwaukee was a real rivalry around 2018-2023. Every game felt like a playoff game and it felt like there were legitimate stakes in the standings in every matchup. Now the Bucks might be trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. Tonight made me miss the peak of the rivalry in the 2022 playoffs. Jayson Tatum dropped 46 points in Game 6 to force a Game 7 back in Boston where Grant Williams had the game of his life hitting 7 threes to advance the to the Eastern Conference Finals. Who knows if the heights of this rivalry will ever be reached again but its fun to reminisce on the good times after an awful performance.

10. Bounce Back​

Overall, this is a game that you just have to throw away the film of if you’re the Celtics. A classic trap game that nobody could really take any positives away from. They had three days off in between their last game and they play the Pistons back home in their next game. This is a great matchup against a good team that they beat earilier in the season so it would be a great time to have a bounce back game.

Sadly, it is on another three days rest as the game will be played on Monday December 15th at 7pm. This long break in the schedule is due to the NBA Cup this weekend. Hopefully this time the Celtics can play better coming off of three days rest vs the Pistons but I guess only time will tell.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/126735/10-takeaways-from-the-celtics-meltdown-in-milwaukee

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 12/12/25

Herald How Celtics’ offseason additions, departures have fared through 25 games

Celtics go ice cold in Milwaukee as Bucks halt Boston’s win streak

Globe Celtics star Jaylen Brown jumps up in NBA.com’s latest MVP rankings

Celtics go ice-cold as Bobby Portis, Bucks snap winning streak: 7 takeaways

Jayson Tatum’s return checklist, Jordan Walsh’s admirers, and other nuggets about the Celtics

Celtics go ice cold from 3-point range in second half, fall to shorthanded Bucks

Former Celtic, NBA big man Jason Collins announces he is battling brain cancer

Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side – Bucks 12/11/25

CelticsBlog 10 Takeaways from the Celtics meltdown in Milwaukee

What is the best trade idea you can come up with that doesn’t include Anfernee Simons?

“Not our night”: Streak-ending loss to Giannis-less Bucks left Celtics looking in the mirror

CLNS Media How Jayson Tatum Became Extra Celtics Coach 7 Months After Achilles Surgery

Celtics .com Keys to the Game: Bucks 116, Celtics 101

NBC Sports Boston Celtics-Bucks recap: Nightmare second half dooms C’s in Milwaukee

NESN Celtics’ Ugly Loss To Bucks Exposes Alarming Shooting Trends

Jordan Walsh Only Second Celtics Player Ever To Accomplish This Feat

Celtics’ Win Streak Snapped In Worst Shooting Performance Of Season

Mass Live Bucks reserve explains technical foul talking trash to Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics star makes huge leap up NBA MVP ladder: ‘He’s riding a rocket’

Joe Mazzulla reveals why he removed Celtics starters early in Bucks loss

Celtics Mailbag: How would Jayson Tatum returning impact Boston trade possibilities?

Jaylen Brown compares Bucks trio to ‘Wade, Bosh and LeBron’ after loss

Bucks veteran praises young Celtics starter, wants to trade jerseys

Jordan Walsh is the Celtics ‘Name to Know’ Player of the Game in Thursday’s loss to Bucks

4 takeaways as Celtics lose to Bucks after confounding 2nd half

Celtics Wire Mazzulla points to tendency awareness in the Celtics loss to Bucks

Celtics jersey history No. 45 – Andrew DeClercq (1997-99)

Today in Boston Celtics history: Boston trades Davis, Wafer for Bass; deals Kappen for Becker

Should the Boston Celtics make a bold trade to go all in this season?

Bucks use big second half to end Celtics’ five-game winning streak

Would the Celtics be able to beat the Thunder in the NBA Finals?

What we think about the Celtics early-season success and what Boston ought to do next

The Athletic When will Jayson Tatum return? ‘It’s all up to him’ Joe Mazzulla says

Boston Sports Journal Karalis: The out-of-character loss in Milwaukee is both a compliment and a disappointment

BSJ Game Report: Bucks 116. Celtics 101 – Second half disaster ends Boston’s win streak

Completed Q&A: Karalis on Celtics/NBA, Friday 12.12.25

Hardwood Houdini Celtics vindicated for Al Horford’s brutal offseason decision

Celtics’ potential Ivica Zubac trade chase could be affected if latest continues

Celtics latest Sam Hauser lesson should lead to only one answer

Celtics suffered from painfully obvious truths in latest mess

Celtics just got awful Bucks reminder thanks to an Antetokounmpo

Celtics’ newest disaster was NBA classic (in the worst way possible)

Celtics just got another ugly reminder of gut-wrenching loss

Chowder and Champions Neemias Queta Must Be in Celtics’ Long-Term Plans as 2025-26 Breakout Continues

CLNS Media/YouTube LIVE Garden Report: Celtics vs Bucks Postgame Show on CLNS Media – C’s Go COLD in Milwaukee

Joe Mazzulla Explains Celtics Loss to Bucks | FULL Postgame Interview 12-11

There’s 1 BIG takeaway from a bad Celtics loss to the Bucks | You Got Boston w/ Noa Dalzell

Yahoo Gap year? Behind the Celtics’ surge in the East with Jaylen Brown playing quarterback

Basketnews Key reasons behind the Boston Celtics’ season turnaround

The Lead Jaylen Brown Is Having His ‘94 Scottie Pippen Season

NBC Sports Bay Area Celtics owner seemingly disses Warriors fans in odd comparison to Boston fanbase

NBA Analysis Brian Windhorst responds when asked if Boston Celtics could trade with LA Clippers for Ivica Zubac

SI .com How the Atlantic Division’s Young Cores Stack up Against the Nets

Celtics Owner Describes Pressure Boston Fans Put Him Under

Bucks upset Celtics behind near-perfect shooting from slumping forwards

Old Bucks shine in upset over Boston

Newsweek Ex-NBA Star Makes Bold Celtics Claim After Jayson Tatum Update

Clutch Points Exclusive: How Blake Griffin has aided Celtics star Jayson Tatum in his Achilles rehab

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo slammed as a “coward” by Kendrick Perkins in wild tirade

WI Sports Heroics “This is not a stream”: Kyle Kuzma taunts Jaylen Brown in Bucks win

Hoops Habit This ‘no-brainer’ Celtics trade is too perfect for Boston to ignore

Brew Hoop Rapid Recap: Bucks 116, Celtics 101

CBS Sports NBA trade candidates: Who can get traded on Dec. 15? Who has to wait? And who can’t be moved at all?

The Sports Hub 5 takeaways: Horrific second half spells doom for Celtics in Milwaukee

Talkbasket Joe Mazzulla reflects on Celtics’ struggles in loss to Bucks

Essentially Sports Joe Mazzulla Addresses Kyle Kuzma’s 31-Point Celtics-Bucks Game After Viral Trash-Talk With Jaylen Brown

Audacy Celtics’ five-game win streak ends after brutal second half vs. Bucks

Celtics Chronicle The Night Nothing Dropped

WEEI/YouTube Could Jayson Tatum Be Back “Soon”? Jaylen Brown MVP? ||The Greg Hill Show

Locked on Celtics REALITY CHECK: Boston Celtics go ICE-COLD, lose MENTAL game in loss to Bucks

Heavy Celtics Predicted to Reach NBA Finals Under One Condition

Celtics’ Jordan Walsh Gets Surprising Review From Bucks Villain

The Big Lead NBA star Kyle Kuzma takes hilarious shot at Jaylen Brown

Awful Announcing The NBA goes to great lengths to dispute John Hollinger article about NBA Cup scheduling

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/126729/boston-celtics-daily-links-12-12-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

Boston Celtics Daily Links 12/13/25

Globe As always, Spike Lee hopes this is the Knicks’ year. Incredibly, he might be onto something.

Jayson Tatum’s return checklist, Jordan Walsh’s admirers, and other nuggets about the Celtics

CelticsBlog Celtics Film Round-Up: Weeks 6, 7, and 8

The Jordan Walsh breakout has been beautiful

NESN Celtics Insider Pumps The Brakes On Potential Jayson Tatum Injury Return

Jaylen Brown Does Not Hold Back On Celtics’ Strong Start To 2025-26 Season

Brian Windhorst Pours Cold Water Over Potential Celtics Trade For Elite Big Man

NBA Champion Shares Praise For Celtics’ Breakout Forward

Blake Griffin Casts Doubt On Whether Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Should Return This Season

Former Celtics Forward Has Been Keeping Tabs On Jayson Tatum

Jaylen Brown Leaps Into Top Five In Latest NBA MVP Power Rankings

Mass Live Boston Celtics big man vows to improve weakness: ‘That’s unacceptable’

Bucks reserve explains technical foul talking trash to Jaylen Brown

Celtics Wire Doing great things for us: Cassell on Celtics star Jaylen Brown

Blake Griffin knows Celtics fans can recognize and appreciate hustle

Think Jayson Tatum is returning to the Boston Celtics soon? You might want to think again

Could a Jayson Tatum return push the Celtics to the top of the East?

The Celtics are the East’s surprise team this season

Celtics jersey history No. 45 – Ruben Wolkowyski (2002-03)

Celtics history: DJ jersey retired; Perkins debut; Claxton born

Boston Sports Journal Picks ‘n Pops: Tatum trending, buy-in, and a must-have shirt

Hardwood Houdini Achilles expert shares Jayson Tatum update that will excite Celtics fans

Celtics’ painfully obvious trade deadline plan got more real with latest rumor

Celtics’ latest trade rumor could create Neemias Queta questions

The one defensive tweak that quietly resurrected the Celtics’ season

Piston Powered Shocking Celtics development is forcing the Pistons to regret forgotten departure

Central Maine Maine Celtics’ 9-game winning streak snapped

WI Sports Heroics “We basically took away their threes”: Doc Rivers praises Bucks defense in win over the Celtics

Sporting News Celtics ownership reveals hateful details regarding Warriors franchisee, fanbase

Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell ties Celtics’ Jayson Tatum on historic NBA record list

SI .com Celtics Perfect Opportunity to Trade for Draymond Green Just Opened Up

Basketball Network Paul Pierce opens up about the epic fight Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen had: “The punches that were getting thrown so crazy, I had to stop it”

Heavy Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Gets Important Injury Advice

Deadspin Why a Jayson Tatum–Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Actually Makes Sense

Sportscasting Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Could Return Later In The Season

Newsweek Celtics Receive Frustrating News Amid Star Trade Pursuit

NBA .c0m Kia MVP Ladder: Jaylen Brown makes big move up in latest chase

Sportsnaut DeMar DeRozan Traded to Celtics, and 4 Other Landing Spots As Rumors Swirl About Kings Star

The Ringer Jaylen Brown’s Pippen Moment, Beef Stew Hype, Christmas Cards, and Are the Thunder Chasing History?

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/boston-celtics-daily-links/126812/boston-celtics-daily-links-12-13-25

 

[Boston Celtics]

Celtics Film Round-Up: Weeks 6, 7, and 8

Boy, it’s been quite the hiatus. Like many others, I spent my holidays wondering when I could sneak away from the turkey to watch my hoops. I crammed and crammed to get up to speed on my Celtics games. For the first time, I found myself thankful for the Emirates NBA Cup, allowing me to chop up more film and focus on some real journalism. So, here we are, ready to distill almost ten games’ worth of tape into some noticing.

Small Ball in Overdrive​

The lack of quality play from Luka Garza has put a real strain on this Celtics’ rotation. Now, Garza is seemingly out of the rotation, picking up three DNP-CDs in his last five games. Neemias Queta’s excellence (more on this later) keeps the main lineups afloat, and Joe Mazzulla is trying to graft together some backup groups. That has meant heavy experimenting with true small-ball lineups.

If you take Queta, Garza, Xavier Tillman, Chris Boucher, and Amari Williams off the floor, you’re left with 406 possessions. Boston has a +12.6 net rating in those minutes off the strength of the offense. These lineups have blistering shooting numbers, fueled by their ability to screen with any two players at any time.

The Celtics' small-ball lineups are scoring 141.1 points per 100 possessions on the season with a 66.6% eFG. Part of that success is the "anyone can be a screener" mentality; everyone can shoot, many of them have great size and strength. It's a nightmare to guard pic.twitter.com/arlOnYNENA

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

Schematically, it’s simple. If all five players can shoot and screen, then no opposing defender is safe from being thrown into the action. Hey, Donovan Mitchell, come here. Tyus Jones, you busy? Jalen Brunson, may we have this dance? Julius Randle, how do you feel about pick-and-pops?

The skeleton key that unlocks the lineups is Josh Minott. He’s there for his defense, first and foremost, but they needed to find a way to make him work offensively. Screening and crashing the glass is fine enough, but the shot had to come around for everything to click. And boy has it come around; the former Timberwolf is hitting 45.6% of the 2.8 threes he takes per game.

Being the guy other teams will leave open is a mental game. They don’t believe in you, so you have to find a way to believe in yourself. Josh Minott sure as hell isn’t skeptical about his shot. He radiates confidence when he has a sliver of space, and does not hesitate to pull the trigger anymore.

Josh Minott is shooting 44.6% on 2.8 3PA per game. Confidence emanates from these shots. The Celtics believe in him, and he's translating that belief into real results pic.twitter.com/9EJ6VfHndo

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

He’s not just finishing what others create for him. Alongside his energetic cohort Jordan Walsh, Minott has been driving with confidence, and the two often find one another with their passes off the drive. Creating from a standstill in addition to their drives off the catch brings an extra element of dynamism to the small-ball looks. Both players look like great advantage extenders in addition to their play-finishing capabilities.

Jordan Walsh and Josh Minott becoming legitimate advantage extenders changes the outlook for the Celtics significantly. They need guys who can keep pressing the buttons after Jaylen/PP/Derrick start it off pic.twitter.com/gYtabWZO1S

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

Now, some of you may have a question here. These small-ball looks are putting up an offensive rating of 138.2, but only have a net rating of +12.6? That’s right: the defense is tremendously bad.

These small-ball lineups, shockingly, have a size problem. I have found a fork in the kitchen; you can all clap now. First and foremost is the problem on the glass.

The Celtics' small-ball lineups are incredible offensively, but there's no escaping the rebounding issues. In 372 total small-ball possessions, Boston is allowing a 33.9% offensive rebounding rate.

Last year's Rockets collected 35.4% of their misses, for frame of reference pic.twitter.com/vJbP4EYAMp

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

Any team running a four-out one-in alignment automatically has an advantage. The Rudy Goberts and Jalen Durens of the world can just play volleyball off the glass until the tip-in finally gets home. With no Jayson Tatum around, they don’t have a wing who can credibly match opposing bigs with size and physicality. It’s not for a lack of trying; this is a problem they have no way around at the moment.

Direct actions are a problem as well. A lot of bigs get clean rolls and looks in the paint, often necessitating fouls before they can go up with it. It’s part of the reason why these lineups allow a 26.5 free-throw rate. On top of that, they are conceding a 72.7% mark at the rim.

Besides the rebounding, the Celtics' small-ball lineups struggle against post-up bigs and roll men. Without Jayson Tatum, there's nobody with the size and leaping ability needed to affect these guys without fouling pic.twitter.com/kBKvfmJnFB

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

Another problem presented itself in their last game against the Toronto Raptors. If there’s one thing the Raptors have, it’s physical wings who can get a bucket on the drive and in the post. Scottie Barnes and Sandro Mamukelashvili took turns bullying Boston’s wings in that game.

Toronto's big, physical, and skilled wings gave Boston's small-ball lineups problems as well. They sure do miss Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/4tPL2MfE6A

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

The extremes of good and bad in these lineups fascinate me. Can they keep shooting like prime Steph Curry as a group? Will they continue to defend like prime Jordan Clarkson? You’d better believe I will have my eye on these quintets.

All Flare, No Ric​

In our last edition of the film round-up, I focused on Boston’s Horns sets. They were a great way of attacking the Los Angeles Clippers in their November matchup. Over the past few weeks, they’ve been leaning on one set against teams with switching difficulties: Horns Flare.

Boston Celtics – Horns Flare pic.twitter.com/5q6cqowjpI

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

The concept is simple. You have a shooter/driver like Jaylen Brown or Derrick White set up for a ball screen, then go over a flare screen. If the switch is not communicated well, there’s a window for the open three-point shot. Chasing over the screen brings up drive opportunities. It’s a tough set to communicate and navigate, and Boston has the versatile personnel needed to mix up all three components of the action.

Adding the layers of complexity adds to that communication pressure. I present to you a truly diabolical layering of sets.

Boston Celtics – Horns Out Flip Flare (h/t @GrizzliesFilm and @JoeHulbertNBA for naming help) pic.twitter.com/09Sb8IK8ny

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

You have the Horns setup and flare component, both times with a shooter setting the flare screen for Josh Minott. But instead of pressing the advantage from there, Minott hands off back to the ballhandler before receiving *another* flare. If you did your homework, you think you’ve contained the action after getting in front of the first flare. Then bam, it’s flipped on its head, and you have another screen to navigate or switch to communicate. Simple and lethal.

Need More Neem​

The revelation of Neemias Queta has arguably been the story of the season for the Boston Celtics. All offseason, the refrain of “where has the frontcourt gone?” echoed irritatingly, ringing in your ears like Christmas music in a department store. Neemias Queta arrived to turn off the noise and give the Celtics a legitimate frontcourt stud.

Let’s talk about the defense first. Boston’s defense allows 106.9 points per 100 possessions with Neem on the floor, and 126.2 per 100 with Queta riding the pine. That +19.3 net defensive rating is the second-best mark of any player in the NBA, behind only Zach Edey, who has played half as many minutes.

Neem’s impact comes first and foremost from his rim protection. Queta contests 9.0 two-pointers per game and allows only 47% of those shots to go in. Here’s the list of the other players who contest at least 9.0 twos per game and can match Queta’s mark of 47 dFG%: Zach Edey, Isaiah Hartenstein, Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, and Kristaps Porzingis. That’s some excellent defensive company.

He’s taken leaps and bounds as a drop coverage defender. With his footwork improved, Queta can flash higher on the screen before recovering to contest at the rim. No wonder his numbers are so astounding.

Neemias Queta's improved footwork in the backpedal has transformed his drop coverage reps. He's allowing only 45.2% of the 8.9 two-pointers he contests per game to be converted. That mark is only beaten by Zach Edey and Isaiah Hartenstein pic.twitter.com/sV1KSDmreh

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

Queta isn’t just affecting shots in the action. If you run action away from him, he has excellent timing to rotate over and blow up the play.

I'm a sucker for some Neemias Queta help blocks pic.twitter.com/hQXdrejTnb

— Charlie Cummings (@klaytheist11) December 11, 2025

It goes without saying that Neem can’t do it all by himself. As I mentioned earlier, Luka Garza’s rotation spot is gone, and the small-ball groups have their own defensive issues. But it’s better to have one capable big than none. And Queta has proven himself more than capable.

See You, Space Cowboys​

That’s all for this edition of my Celtics film round-up. We’ll check in next week to see what’s shaking with the C’s.

Source: https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics-videos/126723/celtics-film-round-up-weeks-6-7-and-8