A Meeting with Former Celtics, A Rivalry Resumed, Plus a Tatum Update

Week’s Results:

121 – 110 W @ Warriors

111 – 89 W @ Lakers

A Meeting with Al, KP and the Golden State Warriors

The Celtics began the post All-Star break segment of the season on the road against familiar foes. Golden State have struggled thus far, largely due to injuries to star players such as Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry but will be hoping the addition of former Celtics 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis can help their cause. The Latvian has had a turbulent time since departing Boston this summer, having originally been delt to Atlanta. KP featured just 17 times in a Hawks jersey before being sent to the Warriors at this month’s trade deadline. Despite suffering from numerous injuries and an autonomic disorder known as POTS, Porzingis was available on Thursday night for his Warriors debut. He joined a frontcourt that already featured former running mate Al Horford – who elected to join the Bay area side this summer in free agency. In spite of all the history between these two sides there was only one clear winner this time. Jaylen Brown continued his MVP level form dropping a smooth 23-point triple-double to lead his side to the victory.

A Rivalry for The Ages Resumed

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have held a fierce rivalry that is as old as the NBA itself, and another chapter was written on Sunday night. The Celtics strolled into the Crypto Arena having won seven of their last eight games and that excellent form would not stop here. A couple of weeks ago I doubted Payton Pritchard, but I have to admit since moving back to his favoured sixth man role he has been nothing short of excellent. Pritchard score a highly efficient 30 points and 8 assists as well as a number of deep threes to bail out the Celtics offense. Brown also contributed 32 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists but it was the Celtics’ defence that stole the show. At times especially in the second half, they looked impenetrable, especially with Neemias Queta out there. Boston held the Lakers to just 89 points on their way to a resounding 22-point win.

A Jayson Tatum Update

As many of you will know by now Jayson Tatum participated in his first practice with the G-League’s Maine Celtics on February 10^th which has since sparked a lot of speculation surrounding his potential return to play. Since then, Tatum has continued to travel with the team and was photographed working out before Boston’s meeting with the Lakers on Sunday. Tatum insisted to Jay King of the Athletic that “there is nothing set in stone” in terms of an expected date he will return. However, Boston’s March 1^st home game vs the 76ers has been moved to a nationally televised spot and many are speculating this will be the game we have waited all season for.