Latest news with #Celtics
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Kevin was so calm" - Larry Bird knew Kevin McHale would bounce back from missing two clutch free throws in the 1984 Finals against Boston
"Kevin was so calm" - Larry Bird knew Kevin McHale would bounce back from missing two clutch free throws in the 1984 Finals against Boston originally appeared on Basketball Network. As the alpha of the Boston Celtics in the 1980s, it was only natural that Larry Bird was looked upon to lead the team through high-stakes moments. But there was another player that the entire team wholeheartedly trusted; someone they knew would go above and beyond to ensure the team never faltered. That player, as Bird himself once acknowledged, was Kevin McHale. Bird had so much faith in McHale that, whether it was a regular-season battle or a crucial NBA Finals showdown, he knew McHale would rise to the occasion if given the opportunity. Tensions was already running high when the Celtics faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1984 NBA Finals, primarily because it was the first time in the Bird vs. Magic rivalry days that these two teams were against one another on the biggest stage. Moreover, after the Purple and Gold stole an on-road win in the series opener, the pressure was on. Game 2 seemed no different, as with less than a minute remaining, the Celtics found themselves trailing by two. McHale had the chance to tie the game at the free-throw line with under 30 seconds remaining on the clock. Unfortunately for Boston, he missed both his shots. But for Bird, the story wasn't about those missed free throws. In fact, he knew McHale well enough to believe that he wouldn't shy away from the moment the next time around. "No question about it," Bird said on McHale's composure under pressure. "Kevin was so calm. You always hear Kevin talk about (how) after the game, he goes and he forgets about that game, he goes with his family which he does and that game is history, let's go onto the next game. But in Game 2 in 1984, we lost the first game… Kevin's at the free throw line and we're down by two and he's so calm and I couldn't believe what happened after that," Bird McHale was not yet the polished force he would later become in his prime, he showed glimpses of that growth throughout that Finals series. After the Celtics fought hard to tie the series at 2-2, McHale came alive in Game 5. He dropped 19 points (more than every other Laker other than James Worthy) and did so on an efficient 62.5 percent shooting from the field, along with 9-for-10 free throws and 10 rebounds. His all-around effort helped Boston seize a pivotal 3-2 lead in the series. Even more impressively, in Game 7, McHale was equally composed and efficient, shooting 66.7 percent from the floor and consistently capitalizing on scoring opportunities to keep the pressure off his teammates. Just as Bird had predicted, McHale proved that his early mistake didn't define him. Instead, it was his ability to rebound, stay composed and deliver under the brightest lights that truly mattered. Thus, while most conveniently overlooked the value that McHale added to the Celtics team, Bird knew from the beginning that the team had a real champ coming off the bench since his early story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Have the Boston Celtics found the big man they need for next season in Charles Bassey?
Have the Boston Celtics found the big man they need for next season in Charles Bassey? It is almost unheard of for a player to make as strong of a case as Bassey has for a spot on the Celtics roster in the NBA's 2025 Las Vegas Summer League to date, the Nigerian big man dominating on the boards for the Sin City Celtics. Whether it be a two way deal to later be converted to a full one or a full roster spot outright, fans of Boston are already starting to clamor for the Celtics' front office to hang on to Bassey based on his strong play in Vegas. The Western Kentucky alum has been the story of summer league for the Celtics so far, putting up 18.0 points, 12 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game for Boston while shooting 75.0% from the floor overall and remaining perfect from the free throw line. Advertisement The hosts of the CLNS Media "How Bout Them Celtics!" podcast, Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance, took a closer look at Bassey's potential with Boston based on his play with the Summer Celtics. Check it out below! If you enjoy this pod, check out the "How Bout Them Celtics," "First to the Floor," and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network: This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Has Boston found the big they need next season in Charles Bassey?
USA Today
9 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Have the Boston Celtics found the big man they need for next season in Charles Bassey?
Have the Boston Celtics found the big man they need for next season in Charles Bassey? It is almost unheard of for a player to make as strong of a case as Bassey has for a spot on the Celtics roster in the NBA's 2025 Las Vegas Summer League to date, the Nigerian big man dominating on the boards for the Sin City Celtics. Whether it be a two way deal to later be converted to a full one or a full roster spot outright, fans of Boston are already starting to clamor for the Celtics' front office to hang on to Bassey based on his strong play in Vegas. The Western Kentucky alum has been the story of summer league for the Celtics so far, putting up 18.0 points, 12 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game for Boston while shooting 75.0% from the floor overall and remaining perfect from the free throw line. The hosts of the CLNS Media "How Bout Them Celtics!" podcast, Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance, took a closer look at Bassey's potential with Boston based on his play with the Summer Celtics. Check it out below! If you enjoy this pod, check out the "How Bout Them Celtics," "First to the Floor," and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network:
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Celtics' Jayson Tatum reportedly recruiting 9-Time All-Star to Boston
Damian Lillard continues to be linked with the Boston Celtics. The 9-time All-Star is currently a free agent, having seen his contract get waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard, who is currently recovering from an Achilles tendon tear, is likely to have multiple suitors around the NBA, as teams look to secure his services despite him likely being out for the season. According to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, Jayson Tatum is playing a significant role in recruiting Lillard to the TD Garden. Tatum is also out due to an Achilles tear, but it would appear that he's already planning for his return to the rotation, either toward the end of the 25-26 season or at the start of the 26-27 campaign. 'Damian Lillard remains a free agent but is considering his options, and the Celtics are indeed one of them,' Washburn wrote. 'According to NBA sources, Tatum has been active in recruiting Lillard to Boston, and the market for the point guard is limited because his injury will prevent him from likely playing most of next season. Lillard sustained his injury on April 27, 15 days prior to Tatum's injury.' Lillard, 34, spent two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, but was unable to taste the success he craves. During his tenure with the franchise, he averaged 24.6 points, 7 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game, shooting 43.4% from the field and 36.4% from deep. Despite his undoubted talent, Lillard would need to adjust his play style in order to fit with the Celtics. He wouldn't be able to dominate touches and usage rate, as he would likely be the third option behind Tatum and Jaylen Brown. As such, it would be interesting to see whether he could sacrifice some of his own offense if it meant contending for a championship. Celtics fans will undoubtedly be hoping they can find out the answer to that question. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Baylor Scheierman, Charles Bassey shine in Celtics 94-81 Summer League win over Knicks
The Summer League Celtics are now 2-0 after an impressive win over the New York Knicks in Las Vegas on Sunday, July 13. Baylor Scheierman set the tone, with the sophomore forward registering 13 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals. However, Scheierman's perimeter struggles limited his overall impact, as he went 1-of-7 from deep. Scheierman wasn't the only member of the Celtics to impress, as Charles Bassey continued his push for an NBA contract with another impactful outing. The former Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs big man put up 22 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, registered 2 steals and swatted away three shots. If he keeps this up, he could force himself into Boston's frontcourt rotation for next season. Interestingly, first-round pick Hugo Gonzalez didn't take part in the game, after impressing against the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the week. In his absence, Jalen Bridges took the opportunity to shine, going 6-for-10 from the field for 16 points and 5 rebounds. Jordan Walsh's performance left a lot to be desired, as for the second game running, he didn't display his defensive upside and struggled when shooting the ball, going 2-for-10 from the field and 1-for-6 from deep. Rookie big man Amari Williams looks good, but not great, and failed to make much of an impact on the box score. However, Kenny Lofton Jr. was making his presence felt off the bench with 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. He almost had a 3-point shot, too, if only for his foot being on the line. Of course, all eyes were likely on Max Shulga as the late second-round pick continues to try and prove himself at the next level. He certainly brings a ton of energy, but needs to slow down in order to better pick his spots and passes. Overall, the Summer League Celtics were impressive on both sides of the floor and played with hustle, effort and intensity. Now, they will look to make it three games unbeaten when they face the Miami Heat on Monday, July 14 at 8:00 PM ET.
