Boston Celtics News (2023-2024)

Bobh That is an amazing stat for D White.

Gotta love Derrick, he does whatever is asked of him on any given night.  This is the sign of a true team player who wants to win, big time.

Won’t open Bob

Bill Russell said he'd pick ex-Celtics teammate "over any player who's ever walked on a court" in crucial playoff moments
By Julian Eschenbach

Throughout the league's history, there have been many players known for their clutch performances. With such a diverse pool to pick from, choosing the standout performer in critical moments, particularly during the playoffs, can be quite the challenge. However, for NBA icon Bill Russell, the choice was crystal clear: his longtime Boston Celtics teammate, Sam Jones .

"His presence gave me comfort in key games. In the seventh game of a championship series, I'll take Sam over any player who's ever walked on a court," Russell wrote in his autobiography, ' Second Wind .'

Unsung hero of the C's dynasty

The poster boys of the dominant 1960s Celtics era included iconic Hall of Famers like Russell himself, head coach Red Auerbach, Bob Cousy, and later John Havlicek. However, Bill also acknowledged Jones' significant contributions to their historic run.

Being praised in such a manner by one of the greatest players ever certainly spoke volumes about Jones' clutch gene and his status in the league back then. However, it wasn't just 'Whiskers' who lauded the shooting guard, drafted by the C's in 1957.

Sam earned the league-wide nickname 'Mr. Clutch' throughout his 12-year career (similar to Lakers legend Jerry West). Those clutch abilities were not only a result of his outstanding on-court talents but also his exceptional mental strength.

The 6'4" guard embodied a steadfast resolve and tireless quest for success, with Auerbach once saying, "All he wanted to do was win."


Jones was the ultimate clutch player

Upon closer examination, Russell's choice to designate Jones as the premier clutch player wasn't surprising, and it certainly didn't come solely from the fact that they were teammates.

A blueprint for a future great shooting guard, the athletic Jones stood out as a very good rebounder and defender, enhancing his clutch performances on the defensive end. On offense, he showcased a great first step and a smooth-looking outside shot. His legendary bank shot was particularly efficient, earning him another moniker, 'The Shooter.'

Sam led the Celtics in scoring for three seasons. He usually shot above the league's average and earned All-NBA second team honors three times and the All-Star team five times.

Numerous clutch moments exemplified his greatness in that regard. One of the most memorable instances came during Game 7 of the 1962 NBA Finals against the Lakers. In the dying seconds, Jones, using a screen set by Russell, went up for the jump shot. The towering opponent Wilt Chamberlain stretched to block the attempt by 'Mr. Clutch'. However, true to his nickname, Sam confidently sank the shot over Wilt's outstretched arms.

This iconic basket clinched the series victory for the C's and added another championship title to Jones' impressive career tally. Thus, Sam, who passed away in 2021, currently stands as the second-most decorated player in NBA history, trailing Russell by just one ring.

Thanks Will, great read!!

Having lived thru that era, being a season ticket holder back then, and watching and listening to every game Celtics played, there is no doubt about the value of Sam Jones. Besides being a terrific all around player, he was one of the greatest pure shooters I ever watched. Give all the accolades to Curry, Allen, Miller, i would take Sam on my team any day. You could always tell how much Russell loved Jones as a teammate, it was so obvious on and off the floor. Havlicek was not too far behind though, there is nothing that guy couldn’t do and never looked for the accolades. Knowing he was on the floor brought a calmness to that team, he worked his ass off night in and night out,, as did Sam. I will forever be grateful that i lived and was a fan during this era, they won my heart so easily.

This younger generation of players may be more athletic (although I dare them to try and outrun Havlicek). They have the advantage of this three point shot, so their stats are padded higher but in my hear of hearts that was a time to love pure basketball. They trusted each other, worked together and Russ was the head of the dragon, what more could you want.

Just an old time Celtic fan giving my two cents

My line would be,

Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results

is

just

insane.

gyso wrote:My line would be,

Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results

is

just

insane.

Can a team win and go all the way when its best player is so prone to dumb plays and NOT coming thru in the clutch? I heard on another site Tatum set a record for most turnovers in a playoff run in 22 with over 100 turnovers.

RosalieTCeltics wrote:Having lived thru that era, being a season ticket holder back then, and watching and listening to every game Celtics played, there is no doubt about the value of Sam Jones.  Besides being a terrific all around player,  he was one of the greatest pure shooters I ever watched.  Give all the accolades to Curry, Allen, Miller, i would take Sam on my team any day.  You could always tell how much Russell loved Jones as a teammate, it was so obvious on and off the floor.  Havlicek was not too far behind though, there is nothing that guy couldn’t do and never looked for the accolades.  Knowing he was on the floor brought a calmness to that team, he worked his ass off night in and night out,, as did Sam.  I will forever be grateful that i lived and was a fan during this era, they won my heart so easily.  

This younger generation of players may be more athletic (although I dare them to try and outrun Havlicek). They have the advantage of this three point shot, so their stats are padded higher but in my hear of hearts that was a time to love pure basketball.  They trusted each other, worked together and Russ was the head of the dragon, what more could you want.  

Just an old time Celtic fan giving my two cents

Rosalie,

Here’s another generational change; ticket prices.

We have been looking for finals tickets, which you almost have to buy now, risking your team will make it. For game one at home in Boston the going price is $2,400. Apiece. And that’s about 2/3 of the way up in a corner. You can find them behind the basket, back to the wall up in the nosebleeds, for $1,200. Inflation is one thing but paying salaries and arena costs contributes in a major way. So for 3 tickets that’s $7,200, before adding in taxes and fees that take it to over $8,000. For one game. We can rent a waterfront house on the Cape for a week in the summer for that, or a little less. Seven days versus a couple of hours.

Should they end up playing Cleveland along the way in the playoffs, going to Cleveland might be the better bet. Even then, especially if it’s a conference finals, it still means 4 figures per ticket. Miami or Orlando, you have to add in air fare and ticket prices are no better. Philly, they find out you’re a Celtic fan and the game is a survival challenge.

There’s another modern day NBA difference. And then if the game ends with the Celtics down by 2 and Tatum putting up a brick…

I know what you are talking about. I tried to buy tickets for my son and i for the Laker game, $1200. We always sit in the Loge section, Balcony not great for me these days. For years and years i always got tickets for christmas as a gift from my son and my husband, Way out of whack now. My question is, were are those kids getting the $$$ for the tickets that you see game after game. I guess a lot of Daddy’s with season tickets!!! Oh well, even though I always tell people, being there is twice the fun, I am relegated to television these days. No freebee’s coming this way these days!!!!!

RosalieTCeltics wrote:Having lived thru that era, being a season ticket holder back then, and watching and listening to every game Celtics played, there is no doubt about the value of Sam Jones.  Besides being a terrific all around player,  he was one of the greatest pure shooters I ever watched.  Give all the accolades to Curry, Allen, Miller, i would take Sam on my team any day.  You could always tell how much Russell loved Jones as a teammate, it was so obvious on and off the floor.  Havlicek was not too far behind though, there is nothing that guy couldn’t do and never looked for the accolades.  Knowing he was on the floor brought a calmness to that team, he worked his ass off night in and night out,, as did Sam.  I will forever be grateful that i lived and was a fan during this era, they won my heart so easily.  

This younger generation of players may be more athletic (although I dare them to try and outrun Havlicek). They have the advantage of this three point shot, so their stats are padded higher but in my hear of hearts that was a time to love pure basketball.  They trusted each other, worked together and Russ was the head of the dragon, what more could you want.  

Just an old time Celtic fan giving my two cents

I was trying to think of current players who matched Havlicek's non-stop energy. Curry maybe? He's always in motion.

NYCelt wrote:

RosalieTCeltics wrote:Having lived thru that era, being a season ticket holder back then, and watching and listening to every game Celtics played, there is no doubt about the value of Sam Jones.  Besides being a terrific all around player,  he was one of the greatest pure shooters I ever watched.  Give all the accolades to Curry, Allen, Miller, i would take Sam on my team any day.  You could always tell how much Russell loved Jones as a teammate, it was so obvious on and off the floor.  Havlicek was not too far behind though, there is nothing that guy couldn’t do and never looked for the accolades.  Knowing he was on the floor brought a calmness to that team, he worked his ass off night in and night out,, as did Sam.  I will forever be grateful that i lived and was a fan during this era, they won my heart so easily.  

This younger generation of players may be more athletic (although I dare them to try and outrun Havlicek). They have the advantage of this three point shot, so their stats are padded higher but in my hear of hearts that was a time to love pure basketball.  They trusted each other, worked together and Russ was the head of the dragon, what more could you want.  

Just an old time Celtic fan giving my two cents

Rosalie,

Here’s another generational change; ticket prices.

We have been looking for finals tickets, which you almost have to buy now, risking your team will make it. For game one at home in Boston the going price is $2,400. Apiece. And that’s about 2/3 of the way up in a corner. You can find them behind the basket, back to the wall up in the nosebleeds, for $1,200. Inflation is one thing but paying salaries and arena costs contributes in a major way. So for 3 tickets that’s $7,200, before adding in taxes and fees that take it to over $8,000. For one game. We can rent a waterfront house on the Cape for a week in the summer for that, or a little less. Seven days versus a couple of hours.

Should they end up playing Cleveland along the way in the playoffs, going to Cleveland might be the better bet. Even then, especially if it’s a conference finals, it still means 4 figures per ticket. Miami or Orlando, you have to add in air fare and ticket prices are no better. Philly, they find out you’re a Celtic fan and the game is a survival challenge.

There’s another modern day NBA difference. And then if the game ends with the Celtics down by 2 and Tatum putting up a brick…

Wow! That IS very steep. I had gone to Game 1 of the Warriors-Celtics final. It was less than that for decent seats. This is more expensive than Chase Center.

KP is out and several starters are listed as day to day.   (JT, JB, DH and DW)

It sounds like the Celtics are going to take this game off.  Too bad that they blew 2 games on this trip.  The Celtics have games in the bank so maybe they will spend one tonight.  Roll out the unused portion of the rotation and let's see what they can do.

Portland has nothing of value to play for except improving their lottery odds. (by losing)

Banton has scored 55 points over the last 2 games

Doesn’t it figure, guy does nothing for two teams, gets traded and plays like a hero

prakash wrote:

NYCelt wrote:

RosalieTCeltics wrote:Having lived thru that era, being a season ticket holder back then, and watching and listening to every game Celtics played, there is no doubt about the value of Sam Jones.  Besides being a terrific all around player,  he was one of the greatest pure shooters I ever watched.  Give all the accolades to Curry, Allen, Miller, i would take Sam on my team any day.  You could always tell how much Russell loved Jones as a teammate, it was so obvious on and off the floor.  Havlicek was not too far behind though, there is nothing that guy couldn’t do and never looked for the accolades.  Knowing he was on the floor brought a calmness to that team, he worked his ass off night in and night out,, as did Sam.  I will forever be grateful that i lived and was a fan during this era, they won my heart so easily.  

This younger generation of players may be more athletic (although I dare them to try and outrun Havlicek). They have the advantage of this three point shot, so their stats are padded higher but in my hear of hearts that was a time to love pure basketball.  They trusted each other, worked together and Russ was the head of the dragon, what more could you want.  

Just an old time Celtic fan giving my two cents

Rosalie,

Here’s another generational change; ticket prices.

We have been looking for finals tickets, which you almost have to buy now, risking your team will make it. For game one at home in Boston the going price is $2,400. Apiece. And that’s about 2/3 of the way up in a corner. You can find them behind the basket, back to the wall up in the nosebleeds, for $1,200. Inflation is one thing but paying salaries and arena costs contributes in a major way. So for 3 tickets that’s $7,200, before adding in taxes and fees that take it to over $8,000. For one game. We can rent a waterfront house on the Cape for a week in the summer for that, or a little less. Seven days versus a couple of hours.

Should they end up playing Cleveland along the way in the playoffs, going to Cleveland might be the better bet. Even then, especially if it’s a conference finals, it still means 4 figures per ticket. Miami or Orlando, you have to add in air fare and ticket prices are no better. Philly, they find out you’re a Celtic fan and the game is a survival challenge.

There’s another modern day NBA difference. And then if the game ends with the Celtics down by 2 and Tatum putting up a brick…

Wow!  That IS very steep.  I had gone to Game 1 of the Warriors-Celtics final.  It was less than that for decent seats.  This is more expensive than Chase Center.

Prakash, Iwent to that same game with my grandson.We had decent seats too. If you don't mind, please tell me what you paid.I'm curious

RosalieTCeltics wrote:Doesn’t it figure, guy does nothing for two teams, gets traded and plays like a hero

       steroids-- lol, just kidding

I have such torn feelings about this. I love that kid, he loved Boston, Boston loved him, is he ready to not be the most valuable player on a team, is he ready to take a back seat to the J’s, Holiday, White? What does this do to PP and Sam? It would be a great story, to see him succeed here were he had his glory days, and did get a raw deal in a way. I just wonder?????????

There is a seat available.  It would be the feel good story of the century for Boston.  Can you imagine how that would go down?  I don't even think an agent would be involved.  Brad just calls up IT on the phone.  You could just imagine him breaking down and sobbing tears of joy for several minutes, literally unable to control himself.  Heck, the whole city of Boston would be balling!  Pun intended.    

It makes you wonder.  Why in Hells Bathroom would CJ be watching THAT game and THAT team in his spare time?!  Oh well, time will tell.  I'm pretty sure all CJ has to do is text Brad..."I've found that 15th player.  You know it and I know it.  It's the right thing to do."  Just in case we need to go small ball on MIA and put the nail in that coffin. While I think we've solved the zone problem from last year's ECF playoff debacle, it certainly won't hurt to have IT in the line up. Our bench is going to tighten up in the playoffs, and I mean that in the bad way. Having PP/Eddie House, Jr. (or Sr. some may argue) come off the bench like the Celtic no-name from the 60's in the 4th/OT (BTW, who was that?!). No one will have a scouting report on IT. He can come out and fill it up....   

db