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Baby would be grand

Gary Washburn — 2009-11-23T06:09:53Z

NEW YORK - The stunning and rather absurd injury to Glen “Big Baby’’ Davis a month ago was shrugged off as merely a speed bump for the Celtics on their road to reclaiming the NBA title. The organization believed it possessed enough depth to counter Davis’s broken thumb and it would allow an opportunity for others to flourish in his ...

Good look in OT has Celtics looking good

Julian Benbow, Globe Staff — 2009-11-23T05:00:00Z

NEW YORK - The plan all along was to put the ball in Paul Pierce’s hands. The problem was that the plan Celtics coach Doc Rivers drew up with his team tied with the Knicks with 9.3 seconds left in overtime yesterday was sort of complicated.

As far as woes at stripe, Rondo first in line

Julian Benbow, Globe Staff — 2009-11-23T06:12:50Z

NEW YORK - The difference was noticeable. Rajon Rondo would set up at the free throw line. He’d dribble the ball, spin it, eye the rim, and just before he let it go, he’d turn his hip slightly to the right, as if he were lining up a rifle.

Garnett's jumper gives Celtics OT win over Knicks

Brian Mahoney, AP Basketball Writer — 2009-11-22T21:19:27Z

Paul Pierce carried the Celtics all game while the rest of the Big Three struggled.

Celtics aren’t losing faith

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-22T06:39:44Z

WALTHAM - The Celtics went through some soul-searching yesterday, trying to find answers for their recent slump.

Finding combinations hasn’t been a lock

Julian Benbow, Globe Staff — 2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

It’s the curse of having too many options, too many players, too many possibilities. Before the season, when it seemed like Doc Rivers could pull a lineup out of a hat, Rasheed Wallace half-jokingly called the coach “The Mad Scientist.’’

Wallace is unable to zero in

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

Rasheed Wallace gave a strong performance on the boards in relief of foul-prone Kendrick Perkins in the Celtics’ 83-78 loss to Orlando last night. But Wallace continued to struggle with his 3-point shooting.

Out of synch

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

The Celtics had the Orlando Magic where they wanted them last night. Their big guns and newcomers were ready to go, not worn down by a long season, simply motivated to make up for last season’s Game 7 playoff loss - on their home court.

Disorganized from start, they need to regroup

Bob Ryan, Globe Columnist — 2009-11-21T05:00:00Z

Seventy wins? How about beating a good team? The Celtics do not have one signature win in this early season, and don’t even think of counting that Opening Night gift in Cleveland, whose own coach said he wished he could have had three more weeks of practice.

Magic win 4th straight, beating Boston 83-78

Jimmy Golen, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-21T04:00:29Z

Kevin Garnett missed last season's playoff series against Orlando with a knee injury. Rasheed Wallace signed with Boston after it was over.

Magic thumbnails

2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

■ When, where: Tonight, 8, at TD Garden. ■ TV, radio: CSN, ESPN, WEEI (850).

Consider this one a periodic credit report

Chad Finn, Globe Staff — 2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

On recent occasions in this space, we’ve made references to underrated, unsung, and unheralded media personalities, from ESPN’s Ryen Russillo to former Patriots tight end Christian Fauria, who is thriving on WEEI’s “NFL Sunday’’ program.

Tough for Celtics not to believe in Magic

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

Judging by the changes in personnel, advancing to the NBA Finals was not good enough for Orlando Magic management last season. Nor was getting to the second round of the playoffs nearly satisfactory for the Celtics.

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2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

A few more observations from Bird’s nest

Dan Shaughnessy, Globe Columnist — 2009-11-20T05:00:00Z

Larry Bird was not in the house when Bill Belichick decided to go for it on fourth and 2 from his 28. Even though Bird works just a few blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium, he has never been to a game there.

Celtics man up for win

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-19T05:00:00Z

This was a blowout that did not seem like a blowout. The score - the Celtics defeated the Golden State Warriors last night, 109-95 - indicates a comfortable margin of victory. But the Celtics never appeared to be completely certain of themselves, only briefly able to assert their dominance over a team that was concluding a five-game road trip with ...

In NBA lore, Nelson never comes up short

Bob Ryan, Globe Columnist — 2009-11-19T05:00:00Z

Mr. NBA was in town last night. Well, he is. This was career game No. 3,380 as a player and coach for Don Nelson, and that’s No. 1 on the all-time list. He has been a part of the NBA since 1962.

All in all, not a lot for Celtics owner to grouse about

Gary Washburn, Globe Staff — 2009-11-19T13:48:23Z

One of the NBA’s most involved owners is closely watching his team’s recent struggles, realizing that, though veteran-laden, it is experiencing growing pains. There is a sense of impatience but a higher level of trust, since the Celtics are only two years removed from reaching the pinnacle of NBA success.

Rivers assumes 3-point stance

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-19T05:00:00Z

The Celtics have become 3-point happy at the wrong times this season. Coach Doc Rivers finally stepped in, telling Rasheed Wallace to limit the threes, during the final quarter of last night’s 109-95 win over Golden State.

Celtics rebound with 109-95 win over Warriors

2009-11-19T03:19:31Z

Kevin Garnett needed just one name to explain what keyed Boston's strong third quarter. "Rondo," Garnett said, pausing for effect. "I thought he changed the momentum of the game. I thought he was a lot more solid. He was aggressive. He picked up the energy."

Time to look for some help?

Gary Washburn and Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-18T05:00:00Z

WALTHAM - With the Celtics having lost three of their past five games, and their lineup struggling with outside shooting, rumors are beginning to surface about potential trades.

Warriors thumbnails

2009-11-18T05:00:00Z

■ When, where: Tonight, 7:30, at TD Garden. ■ TV, radio: CSN, WEEI (850).

Perkins says sloppy practice isn’t helping

Gary Washburn, Globe Staff — 2009-11-18T05:00:00Z

Kendrick Perkins freely admits that the Celtics have not cured the ills caused by three losses in five games with just two practices. What’s more, the burly center and team conscience believes the Celtics are lacking the focus and concentration necessary for a dominant season.

Pierce, who hurt knee, returns to Celtics practice

2009-11-17T21:49:22Z

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce has returned to practice after missing a day with a sore left knee.

Rivers looks inward for answers to woes

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-17T05:00:00Z

Coach Doc Rivers is taking the blame for the Celtics’ recent downturn. He offered a mea culpa after practice yesterday, saying the team was not fresh in back-to-back defeats vs. Atlanta and at Indiana last weekend, and added that Paul Pierce (left knee sprain) should not have played against the Pacers.

It’s tough to defend Celtics’ play

Gary Washburn, Globe Staff — 2009-11-16T06:46:50Z

For the second consecutive night, the Celtics were soundly beaten by a team with younger, fresher legs, upstarts with something to prove, determined to push their aging foe to fatigue and frustration.

Celtics worn down by pace

Gary Washburn, Globe Staff — 2009-11-15T06:40:26Z

INDIANAPOLIS - The rest of the NBA has no regard for the Celtics’ lofty goals or the fact they may be a step slow and ailing in the second game in two nights. The rest of the NBA has no sympathy. They thirst to knock off a championship contender.

Approval comes from on high

Gary Washburn, Globe Staff — 2009-11-15T06:41:46Z

INDIANAPOLIS -Although he resides in his home state as president of the Indiana Pacers, Larry Bird keeps close tabs on the team he always will be identified with, and he lauded its revamped roster.

The Stubborn, Impatient, Self-Centered, and Absolutely Essential Rajon Rondo

Charles P. Pierce — 2009-11-13T14:47:10Z

Even on a team full of superstars, the 23-year-old point guard has quickly risen to the status of indispensable. But he still has a lot of growing up to do. Now that the Celtics have put their faith in him with a new contract extension, can he emerge as the player they need him to be?

Pacers deliver on promise, beat Celtics 113-104

Michael Marot, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-15T02:58:37Z

Danny Granger spoke his mind earlier this week. On Saturday night, he backed up the promise.

Boston's Pierce starts against Pacers

2009-11-15T00:18:51Z

Boston forward Paul Pierce appeared to have no lingering effects from a bruised left knee and was in the starting lineup Saturday against Indiana.

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2009-11-15T00:18:51Z

Slow burn

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-14T05:00:00Z

Celtics captain Paul Pierce expressed concern with the team’s slow starts. The Celtics also had a sluggish finish last night, falling to the Atlanta Hawks, 97-86.

Pierce’s status undetermined

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-14T05:00:00Z

Paul Pierce’s status for tonight’s game at Indiana had not been determined after he sustained a left knee bruise in a 97-86 loss to the Hawks last night.

Pacers thumbnails

2009-11-14T05:00:00Z

■ When, where: Tonight, 7, at Indianapolis. ■ TV, radio: CSN, WEEI (850).

Atlanta’s growth spurt was the biggest factor

Julian Benbow, Globe Staff — 2009-11-14T05:00:00Z

They had already mounted a few heads on the mantel. New Orleans.

For Celtics fans, waiting was plate of frustration

Sean Teehan, Globe Correspondent — 2009-11-14T03:05:38Z

After an excruciating three-year wait, diehard Celtics fans finally got their trophy. No, we’re not talking about another championship. It’s the specialty Celtics license plate, which the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles finally began producing last month, nearly three years since the basketball team’s charity, the Shamrock Foundation, first promoted it.

When Celts need a lift, this little guy rocks the house

Peter Schworm, Globe Staff — 2009-11-14T06:26:59Z

He jumps for joy when Kevin Garnett slams home a spectacular alley-oop. He exults when Rajon Rondo completes a breathtaking coast-to-coast buzzer-beater, letting out a spirited “yessss!’’ as he high-fives his mother.

Hawks soar past Celtics

2009-11-14T03:58:49Z

The youthful Atlanta Hawks are starting to grow up. Joe Johnson scored 24 points, Jamal Crawford had 18 and the Hawks pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 97-86 win over the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Williams: Onward, upward

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-13T05:00:00Z

Shelden Williams has definitely moved on. After an unsteady start to his professional career with Atlanta, he appears to have found his niche with his fourth NBA team, the Celtics.

Davis thinks inside the box

Julian Benbow, Globe Staff — 2009-11-12T05:00:00Z

With time on his hands as he recovers from a broken thumb, Glen Davis was cleaning up around the house a few days ago when he came across a little time capsule from his high school days.

Break helped them put it back together

Gary Washburn, Globe Staff — 2009-11-12T05:00:00Z

With 3.8 seconds remaining in the third quarter last night at TD Garden, Paul Pierce flipped a pass to Rajon Rondo, who with fierce determination drove the length of the floor, swerving around defenders like cones in a driver’s test, beating the buzzer with a layup.

Doing a number

Julian Benbow, Globe Staff — 2009-11-12T05:00:00Z

If there were two numbers that the Celtics focused on when they looked at the box score after losing at home to Phoenix last Friday, they were opponents’ field goal percentage and opponents’ scoring.

Celtics cruise to 105-86 victory over Jazz

Jimmy Golen, AP Sports Writer — 2009-11-12T03:10:12Z

The Utah Jazz might have been caught off-guard when Rajon Rondo took the ball coast-to-coast with 3.8 seconds left in the third quarter.

Bump in road hard to get over

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-11T05:00:00Z

In sports, teams often consider themselves only as good as they were in their last game. But the Celtics are not encouraged or motivated by their 86-76 victory over the New Jersey Nets last Saturday, their seventh win in eight games.

Jazz thumbnails

2009-11-11T05:00:00Z

■ When, where: Tonight, 7:30, at TD Garden, Boston. ■ TV, radio: CSN, WEEI (850).

Clicking on, off court

Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff — 2009-11-10T03:33:25Z

The Boston Celtics want fans to get their green on - online. With a championship-caliber squad on the floor, the team is stepping up its digital game for devotees who can’t get enough of Pierce, KG, Rondo, and Ray on television and can’t score tickets to TD Garden.

Rondo: A rested development

Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff — 2009-11-10T05:00:00Z

Rajon Rondo will seldom be on the Celtics’ bench in the final quarter with games on the line this season, although he sat out the final quarter of an 86-76 victory at New Jersey Saturday night.

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2009-11-10T05:00:00Z