Garden Party: Celtics are in unfamiliar territory
It's been a while since the Celtics trailed in a playoff series.
Unless you were under a rock from April to June last year, you'll recall the Celtics lost just three games throughout the playoffs — one in each series except the Eastern Conference finals — and those losses never came in an opening game.
Now, one year later, trailing in a series for the first time since the 2023 Eastern Conference finals (
It's an unfamiliar position for these Celtics after last year's cake walk, but as the Globe's Chad Finn so adeptly put it:
Get Starting Point
A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday.
Enter Email
Sign Up
Perhaps it's important to note, however, that the Celtics lost Game 1 of the second round in two of the past three seasons and won both of those series (last year, of course, was the exception). Much to think about.
Advertisement
Let's get into it.
About last night and what's on deck
Holy cow, Tyrese Haliburton!
Tyrese Haliburton can't stop playing hero ball.
Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press
Here's what happened from around the NBA and NHL on Tuesday night:
🏀 Down three with 12.1 seconds left, Tyrese Haliburton made the first of two free throws. After missing the second, he wrestled down the offensive rebound, brought the ball out to the 3-point line, and
Advertisement
🏀 The No. 7 seed Warriors beat the No. 6 Timberwolves in Minnesota, 99-88. Interesting tidbit: Under Steve Kerr, Golden State has a 21-1 series record after winning Game 1, per ESPN. (The 1?
🏒 Jacob Slavin
🏒 The Oilers allowed two goals in the first 10 minutes of Game 1 against Vegas but scored three times in the third period to win, 4-2, and secure an NHL-record fifth straight comeback victory.
🏒 The PWHL playoffs begin tonight, with the Minnesota Frost traveling to face the Toronto Sceptres at 7 p.m.
🗓️ Up next:
Kristaps Porzingis is probable with an illness, and Sam Hauser is doubtful with a right ankle sprain. Game 2 will tip off at 7 p.m. on TNT.
In the know
Selling the Celtics
Wyc Grousbeck (left) and his family are selling the team to Bill Chisholm (center).
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
In March,
Almost immediately, details about how the sale would be funded began to trickle out. One name caught Globe business columnist Shirley Leung's eye: Sixth Street, a private-equity firm, is part of the backing group. And PE firms don't have a great reputation for spending money — it's usually the opposite.
Advertisement
What does this mean for the Celtics?
Katie McInerney checked in with Shirley to figure out just exactly why you should be paying attention.
Katie: Why should it matter to Celtics fans — or sports fans in general — that their favorite team isn't owned by a private equity firm?
Private equity firms don't have a great reputation. They're known for cutting costs, stripping companies for parts, and cashing out for a tidy profit.That seems to run counter to how the Celtics' current owners have built a championship team. If anything, they've done the opposite: shelled out the big bucks to keep star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, even if it means losing money.
Katie: Do Celtics fans have any reason to be concerned about private equity when it comes to Chisholm?
SL:
Chisholm himself comes from the PE world and presumably that's how he got to know Sixth Street, the San Francisco PE firm that is investing at least $1 billion to help him buy the Celtics for $6.1 billion.
The good news is that the NBA has strict rules about PE investments. For example, PE firms don't have governance rights, and they can't own more than 20 percent of a team or more than the controlling owner. So unlike other investments, these PE guys won't be calling the shots – like which players to trade or coaches to hire. The NBA started to allow PE investors in 2020, and so far they seem to be in the mix just to give owners more financial flexibility.
Sixth Street plans to be a silent partner in the Celtics deal and expects to hold its stake for many years to come. The firm also has a 20 percent stake in the San Antonio Spurs, along with investments in Real Madrid and Barcelona, two of Europe's most celebrated soccer clubs.
Advertisement
If approved by the NBA Board of Governors, the Celtics sale is expected to go through this summer.
What's good
Bring your appetite tonight
If you've got tickets to get into Wednesday's game, don't eat dinner beforehand.
The fine folks at TD Garden are stepping it up when it comes to gameday eats with a special pop-up concession stand called Lucky's All Stars, which you can find on Level 4 (JetBlue Runway) and Level 7 (Balcony on Causeway) and frankly … it makes me want to skip the media meal and place an order.
The highlights include jalapeño poppers, buffalo shrimp, a wagyu spicy hot dog (wow!) and even a stuffed brownie waffle (save me one).
Also being served up tonight around the venue:
The Nacho Average Rivalry at TD Garden.
Courtesy
🍟 Dueling fries:
A heaping pile of fresh french fries topped with North Shore beef and New York Reuben, which you can find at the Frito Lay Test Kitchen. The Garden says it's perfect for the Celtics fan who's married to a Knicks fan, but still wants to share 🤣
🧀 Nacho Average Rivalry:
How about nachos topped with Yankee pot roast and chopped cheese reminiscent of a NYC bodega? Grab that at the Taqueria.
🍪 The truce:
If you're seeking something sweet, get the best of both words — New York cheesecake gelato sandwiched between chocolate chip cookies, which were famously invented in Whitman, Mass. Why did the Garden come up with this? 'It's for the fans who think everything is sweeter when you can all just get along.' 💕
Advertisement
Think we should try one of these and report back? Let us know which one at
.
For the group chat
Wayne Gretzky once said ...
Boston, MA - 5/5/25 - 06CELTICS_KNICKS - Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) throws up a missed three pointer during the fourth quarter in game one of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinal against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. (Barry Chin/Globe Staff).
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
In light of Monday's hideous 3-point shooting performance from the Celtics, I propose a slight alteration to Wayne Gretzky's most famous one-liner: Sure, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take, but you
also
miss 75% of the 3-pointers you do.
It was a record-breakingly bad shooting performance for the Celtics, whose 45 missed 3-pointers were a playoff record. But it also wasn't the first time this season they've looked that bad from distance.
Prior to Monday's meltdown, the Celtics missed 40 or more 3-pointers five times this season: March 12 vs. Oklahoma City (43), December 7 vs. Memphis (42), December 19 vs. Chicago (42), March 31 vs. Memphis (41), and November 16 vs. Toronto (40).
Last season it happened just once: December 19 vs. Golden State (41).
What was Boston's worst 3-point shooting night this season by percentage, you ask? The
Go deeper
Three stories you shouldn't miss
😬 Their own fault:
A gentleman's sweep is still in play for the Cs, but Chad Finn says
💪 Too clutch:
Khari Thompson caught up with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges after Game 1 to figure out what they thought made the difference for the Knicks.
Advertisement
🤕 KP update:
Joe Mazzulla went deeper on what is plaguing Kristaps Porzingis, who exited Monday's game at halftime and never returned.
Emma Healy can be reached at
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Shawn Horcoff's Son Would Love To Play With Oilers' Star
EDMONTON – The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Or in the case of this former Edmonton Oilers' son, he would like to stay close to the tree. Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. William Horcoff, son of former Oilers forward (and captain) Shawn Horcoff, is one of the players eligible to be drafted in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Advertisement This past weekend, the Cup Final took a backseat to the Scouting Combine, where all the greatest prospects dreaming of their name being called on draft day gathered for interviews and testing. Trending Oilers Stories 'Everything At Once': Oilers' Leon Draisaitl On Strong Nugent-Hopkins Performance 'Everything At Once': Oilers' Leon Draisaitl On Strong Nugent-Hopkins Performance EDMONTON – 'We all know that he's capable of putting up numbers and scoring and making great plays.' 'We Are In The Final For A Reason': Corey Perry Keeps Oilers' Cup Final Loss In Perspective What Do Oilers Fans Chant? Playoffs Edition 'I Really Hope We Score': Oilers' Stuart Skinner And His Remarkable Talent Of Staying Ready Advertisement Oilers Secretive Of New Victory Song, "Pink Pony Club" EXCLUSIVE: Mark Messier On Oilers, Budweiser, His Future & More EXCLUSIVE: Mark Messier On Oilers, Budweiser, His Future & More EDMONTON – Mark Messier loves Edmonton. William's dad, Shawn, is now a member of the Detroit Red Wings management, operating as the GM for their AHL affiliate as well as Assistant GM to the Red Wings. But Shawn spent many years playing for the Oilers. He played with a current member of the Oilers when they were a rookie. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins entered the NHL in the 2011-12 season. Shawn and Nugent-Hopkins didn't spend much even-strength ice time together, but they did skate together on the powerplay for two years before Shawn was traded to the Dallas Stars. Advertisement When speaking to the press during the combine, William revealed a few Oilers-related tidbits. For starters, he's cheering for the Oilers to win the Cup Final. Additionally, William said that the one player he would love to play with, who his dad played with, is Nugent-Hopkins. The draft hopeful also revealed that he first met Nugent-Hopkins when he was five years old. William also commented that Nugent-Hopkins looks like he hasn't aged a day since he turned 18. William is a US-born player who spent this past season split between the USNTDP and the NCAA. He joined the University of Michigan mid-way through the season. Advertisement The 6-foot-5 and 199-pound centerman is ranked 24th among North American skaters according to NHL Central Scouting. That could increase his chances of being drafted by the Oilers, who's highest draft pick is a 3rd-round selection. If that happened, the apple would be pretty close to that tree. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.
Fox Sports
35 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
US Open '25: Hogan and Woods and other key anniversaries in the U.S. Open this year
Associated Press OAKMONT, Pa. (AP) — A look at some of the anniversaries this year at the U.S. Open: 100 years ago (1925) Site: Worcester Country Club Winner: Willie MacFarlane Runner-up: Bobby Jones Score: 74-67-72-78-291 Margin: Playoff (MacFarlane 147, Jones 148) Winner's share: $500 Noteworthy: Jones felt his club moved the ball in the rough on the 11th hole of the first round. Officials were unable to confirm this and left it to Jones to make a ruling. He called a one-shot penalty on himself. Praised for his sportsman ship, Jones famously replied, 'You might as well praise me for not robbing a bank.' AP story: Willie MacFarlane, 'finest of men and a great golfer,' in the words of America's greatest amateur, little Bobby Jones of Atlanta, tonight is the open champion of the United States, a victory by a single stroke today ending the greatest tournament in history. The final score was 72 to 73 at the end of the second 18 holes of a playoff to decide the deadlocked tourney. Jones' opinion of the victory is of weight, for he was was -- national amateur and former open champion -- who fell before the other's prowess in a history-making playoff. Only after a throng of several thousand had boiled in the terrific heat through 36 holes did the end come, and then it was at the final green. 75 years ago (1950) Site: Merion Golf Club Winner: Ben Hogan Runner-up: Lloyd Mangum and George Fazio Score: 72-69-72-74-287 Margin: Playoff (Hogan 69, Mangrum 73, Fazio 75) Winner's share: $4,000 Noteworthy: Hogan hit 1-iron to the 18th in the final round, leading to one of golf's most iconic photos. When he played the 18th during the third round earlier that morning, he hit 6-iron to the green. It was an example of how much fatigue he had from his battered legs. AP story: Ben Hogan's legs held out today like stanchions of steel, and the game little man from Texas smashed Lloyd Mangrum and George Fazio with strokes to spare in their 18-hole playoff for the National Open Golf Championship. In winning his second Open title within three years, Hogan climaxed gloriously the most remarkable comeback in the history of sports. This time a year ago, it was doubted that he ever would play golf again after barely escaping with his life from a head-on motor car collision near Van Horn, Texas. 50 years ago (1975) Site: Medinah Country Club Winner: Lou Graham Runner-up: John Mahaffey Score: 74-72-68-73-287 Margin: Playoff (Graham 71, Mahaffey 73) Winner's share: $40,000 Noteworthy: One year after Tom Watson had the 54-hole lead and shot 79, he had a 36-hole lead and shot 76-77. Watson won the first of his eight majors a month later at Carnoustie. AP story: Lou Graham, a 12-year-old tour veteran, wore down ambitious John Mahaffey and ended a career of golfing obscurity with a two-stroke victory Monday in the 18-hole payoff for the U.S. Open crown. 'It's the dream of a lifetime,' the 37-year-old Graham said in his soft, Tennessee drawl. He won it with a 71, even par on the 7,032 yards of gently rolling, heavily wooded countryside that makes up the Medinah Country Club course The bitterly disappointed Mahaffey, now a runner-up seven times since his lone tour title, didn't make a birdie in the hot and humid playoff and had a score of 73. 25 years ago (2000) Site: Pebble Beach Golf Links Winner: Tiger Woods Runners-up: Ernie Els, Miguel Angel Jimenez Score: 65-69-71-67-272 Margin: 15 shots Winner's share: $800,000 Noteworthy: Jack Nicklaus played in his final U.S. Open. In each of the four majors he played for the last time, Woods was the winner. AP story: Standing on the 18th fairway, Tiger Woods turned his back on Pebble Beach and looked out over Carmel Bay in the final moments of the most monumental U.S. Open victory ever. He was all alone, playing for himself — and for history. No one was close to catching him. No one is close in the game. 'We've been talking about him for two years. I guess we'll be talking about him for the next 20. When he's on, we don't have much of a chance,' Ernie Els said. While the rest of the field was playing for second, Woods took aim at the record books. When the final putt fell, Woods owned his third major championship, along with the kind of records no one imagined possible. 20 years ago (2005) Site: Pinehurst No. 2 Winner: Michael Campbell Runner-up: Tiger Woods Score: 71-69-71-69-280 Margin: 2 shots Winner's share: $1,170,000 Noteworthy: Retief Goosen and Jason Gore played in the final group and combined to take 165 strokes. Goosen shot 81, Gore shot 84. AP story: Michael Campbell answered every challenge Tiger Woods threw his way Sunday until a U.S. Open full of surprises got the biggest one of all. Woods blinked first. Ten years after being touted as a rising star, Campbell finally delivered a major championship no one expected with clutch par saves and a 20-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole that proved to be the knockout punch. The only drama at the end was whether Campbell would beat Pinehurst No. 2. He missed a 3-foot par putt on the final hole for a 1-under 69 to finish the tournament at even par. It was good enough for a two-shot victory over Woods, who charged along the back nine until missing an 8-foot par putt on the 16th hole, then three-putting from 25 feet on the par-3 17th, the same hole that doomed his chances at Pinehurst six years ago. 10 years ago (2015) Site: Chambers Bay Golf Club Winner: Jordan Spieth Runners-up: Dustin Johnson, Louis Oosthuizen Score: 68-67-71-69-275 Margin: 1 shot Winner's share: $1,800,000 Noteworthy: This was the first U.S. Open televised by Fox Sports in a 12-year deal. It gave up the rights after five years. AP story: Jordan Spieth is halfway home to the Grand Slam, a prize only three of the biggest names in modern golf have ever chased. And he still can't believe how he got there. Spieth won the U.S. Open in a heart-stopper Sunday with a turn of events even more wild than the terrain at Chambers Bay. He thought he had it won with a 25-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole. He threw away a three-shot lead one hole later. He made birdie on the final hole. And then he thought it was over as Dustin Johnson settled in over a 12-foot eagle putt for the victory. Three putts later, Spieth was the U.S. Open champion. Spieth joined Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in getting the first two legs of the modern slam that Palmer created on his way to St. Andrews in 1960. That's the next stop for the 21-year-old Texan whose two major championships could not be any more different. A wire-to-wire runaway at Augusta National. A nail-biter on the edge of Puget Sound. And another major heartache for Johnson. 5 years ago (2020) Site: Winged Foot Golf Club Winner: Bryson DeChambeau Runner-up: Matthew Wolff Score: 69-68-70-67-274 Margin: 6 shots Winner's share: $2,250,000 Noteworthy: It was the first U.S. Open in September since 1913. AP story: Call him a mad scientist in a tam o'shanter cap. Call him a game-changer in golf. Any description of Bryson DeChambeau now starts with U.S. Open champion. In a breathtaking performance Sunday at Winged Foot, on a course so demanding no one else broke par, DeChambeau blasted away with his driver and had short irons from the ankle-deep rough on his way to a 3-under 67. When his 7-foot par putt fell on the 18th, DeChambeau thrust those two powerful arms into the air. This was validation that his idea to add 40 pounds of mass, to produce an incredible amount of speed and power, would lead to moments like this. Two shots behind Matthew Wolff going into the final round, he passed him in five holes, pulled away to start the back nine and wound up winning by six shots. Wolff, trying to become the first player since Francis Ouimet in 1913 to win the U.S. Open in his debut, closed with a 75. ___ AP golf:
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Should The Canadiens Enter The Nikolaj Ehlers Derby?
No Discipline, No Problem: Sam Bennett's Playoff Edge Gets Results For The Panthers In the history of the NHL, there have always been players who push the envelope with their physical style of play. Players have understood that there's a line in the sand in terms of over-the-top play, but it's hardly a firm red line – more like a dotted line that moves from situation to situation. And in every Stanley Cup playoff tournament, those envelope-pushing players take it to a new level and don't stop testing the line until the league punishes them sufficiently. 2:53 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
