SOUND OFF with the Boston Celtics

It's time to react to a Game 7 for the ages between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. Joe Mazzulla was using Jedi mind tricks throughout the game and that helped to make it feel like the Celtics were just a shot away from pulling off the comeback, upset win. Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Neemias Queta delivered for Boston, but so too did Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey for Philadelphia. Let's break it all down, including just how magical and unexpected this season was for the Celtics.

Philadelphia has forced a winner-take-all Game 7 after rattling off consecutive wins with its back against the wall. What’s our first reaction to a looming Game 7? What stood out in Game 6 that needs to change Saturday? We dive into it all here.

Joel Embiid looked like MVP-Embiid during Game 5, but he had plenty of help as Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Quentin Grimes all delivered great games for the 76ers as well. Meanwhile, after Boston led 78-70 late in the third quarter, its offense went ice cold down the stretch. You won’t believe how long the team went without scoring a field goal during the fourth quarter.

A week ago Philly fans were chanting, “We want Boston!” Just tonight they thought they had a chance to even the series up now that their former MVP, Joel Embiid, was back in the lineup. Well Payton Pritchard, Jayson Tatum and the rest of the Celtics ripped the heart out of those fans during Game 4 by demolishing the Sixers by 32 points. What was the game plan? How did this happen? Let’s discuss.

The Celtics needed to come through in the clutch in order to pull off a win on the road Friday night in Philly. They delivered on that need, as Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White and Jayson Tatum all gave Boston huge moments during a critical Game 3 win. We dive into the importance of the win – which might be more significant than meets the eye – plus dive into all of the clutch play that has teed the Celtics up nicely for Sunday’s Game 4.

They were counted out and overlooked – again. Sunday was supposed to be a blowout. The Orlando Magic had everything to play for. The Boston Celtics had nothing to play for (at least seeding-wise). Nearly all of Boston’s top players were out. Orlando was completely healthy. And what did the Celtics do? They shocked the NBA world with an incredible victory on the final night of the season to throw a wrench into the play-in tournament. Show some love for Baylor Scheierman, Ron Harper Jr., Luka Garza and John Tonje, who all had career nights in the perfect exclamation point to end a magical regular season.

Think about what the Boston Celtics were perceived to be before training camp. Now recognize what they are today: the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Friday’s blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans, which featured not one, but TWO historic NBA achievements, locked in the Celtics’ playoff position. Their offense was unstoppable. And Nikola Vucevic? He’s baaaack!

Baylor Scheierman was as impressive as ever Thursday night in New York, coming off the bench for 20 points that gave the Celtics a chance to win on a night when Jaylen Brown was out with injury. We dive into Scheierman’s performance, the importance of Jayson Tatum’s emotional return to MSG, and what went wrong for Boston down the stretch.

It’s that time of year folks! Joe Mazzulla used Tuesday night’s matchup with the Charlotte Hornets as an opportunity to stretch out the minutes of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick white, all of whom played the entire fourth quarter to spur a game-changing run. It’s another win by the Celtics against another red-hot team – which seems to be the norm of late - even while LaMelo Ball went off for a game-high 36 points. We discuss, plus dive into the dynamic of Nikola Vucevic and Luka Garza and their roles in the rotation right now.

Boston played its first fully-healthy game of the season Sunday afternoon, and the team looked damn good while doing so. With Nikola Vucevic back after missing a month, along with Jayson Tatum and the rest of the crew, the Celtics controlled the Toronto Raptors for a 14-point win while scoring at a record pace from inside the paint. We discuss the offense, Tatum’s minutes being stretched in a way that preps him for the playoffs, and much more.

The Celtics have been making history all season. They did it again Friday night. Listen to find out the multiple historical achievements Boston notched while crushing the Milwaukee Bucks by 32 points. We also discuss the top-to-bottom, high-level play of the rotation right now, which featured a huge night Friday from Neemias Queta – which was exactly what the Celtics planned to happen.

Jaylen Brown (43 points) and Jayson Tatum (25 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists) were EXCEPTIONAL Wednesday night. Some might even say they’re heading toward “the most dangerous they’ve ever been as a duo” territory. We discuss! Plus, recapping Boston’s incredible offensive performance that featured a historic first quarter, and why there was never a reason to think that Miami had a chance to pull off a dramatic comeback.

On a night in which the Celtics were missing both Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta, they struggled to put the ball through the basket - particularly during the second half. That being said, Luka Garza shined in a spot start and is a big reason why the Celtics were tied up heading into the half. We spotlight his performance and what caused the Celtics to fade during the second half against a surging Atlanta Hawks team.

The Celtics played the hottest team in the NBA for the second time in three nights, and came away with yet another win. Tonight, they did it without Jaylen Brown, thanks to a shooting clinic from Payton Pritchard, a monster game from Jayson Tatum, and a foursome off the bench of Pritchard, Luka Garza, Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez who ignited Boston’s competitive juices in a primetime matchup against the red-hot Atlanta Hawks.

Was that not a statement, folks?! 🔥Jaylen Brown outperformed reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Boston Celtics outperformed the reigning-champion Oklahoma City Thunder during a 119-109 win. Boston dominated the second half while dropping 70 points on the best defense in the NBA.

Jaylen Brown scored 29 points, and Jayson Tatum scored all 16 of his during the second half, but somehow, Boston’s offense still went silent during the decisive fourth quarter. What happened? It’s time to discuss after the Celtics went nearly six minutes without a basket of the final period.

Luka Garza was AN ANIMAL Friday night. He and Derrick White combined for 22 points during the fourth quarter to inspire a comeback on a night in which the Celtics just didn’t have their A-game. Those two, plus another 30-point game from Jaylen Brown, gave the Celtics their fourth straight win.

The Celtics had never completed an 8-0 season against the four California teams – until now. Wednesday’s win over the Warriors completed the California Sweep, all while Jaylen Brown dominated again to enter the franchise’s top 10 scoring list, and while Kristaps Porzingis was given a hero’s welcome home in his emotional return to TD Garden.

Jaylen Brown went OFF against the Phoenix Suns, piling up 41 points while setting new career highs of 19 free throw makes and 21 free throw attempts. His performance pushed the Boston Celtics past the Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns on a night when Booker scored 40 of his own. Let’s discuss the unstoppable nature of Brown’s performance, plus the lockdown defense the Celtics played during crunch time.  

The Celtics had a monster game around the basket against the Washington Wizards – something that hasn’t necessarily been their strong suit this season. But thanks to strong performances from big men Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, the Celtics wound up dominating the paint against the Wizards and cruised to a win. We discuss that emphasis on the paint, while also talking about the shooting slide the Celtics have been on from 3-point range.  

We don’t do moral victories here in Boston, but… those last two losses were pretty impressive. How can that statement be true? Let’s discuss that, plus the battle between two of the leading MVP candidates in the NBA.

Another Celtics-Spurs game, another high-level competition that went down to the final minutes. Thanks to Derrick White and Ron Harper Jr. - yes, Ron Harper Jr.! - the Celtics took the Spurs down to the wire despite missing Payton Pritchard (injury) and Jaylen Brown (2Q ejection). This is all while Victor Wembanyama raised eyebrows with his elite 3-point shooting, causing Marc to think about Wemby's potential to become the GOAT.

Boston finished the regular season with a 3-0 record against the Cleveland Cavaliers, including two wins on the road, to sweep the season series. Sunday’s win featured multiple 26-point advantages, but Boston still needed Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard to snap waves of momentum from Cleveland with clutch baskets. And Baylor Scheierman earns some love, even though apparently Shaq doesn’t know who he is, and the opponent glazed over the scouting report on his 3-point shot.

After nearly 10 months of rehab, Jayson Tatum made his return Friday night for the Boston Celtics – and he looked like himself for some major stretches while piling up a monster double-double. He and Jaylen Brown fueled the Celtics to a dominant win over the visiting Dallas Mavericks, who watched rookie and Maine native Cooper Flagg return to New England for the very first time as an NBA player. On the unfortunate end of things, Nikola Vucevic suffered a fractured right ring finger, and he will now be out for the foreseeable future. Let’s discuss the impact of it all!

The Charlotte Hornets are on a run that’s reminiscent of the one the 2022 Celtics rode all the way to the NBA Finals. Charlotte continued its hot streak by downing the Celtics by 29 points Wednesday night at TD Garden behind a balanced offensive attack led by rookie star Kon Knueppel. Boston, meanwhile, struggled at both ends despite Derrick White going off for a game-high 29 points.

The list of challenges the Celtics faced Monday night was as long as a book. Yet none if it mattered. They came out and demolished the Milwaukee Bucks on the night of Giannis Antetnokounmpo’s return to continue their magical run this season. Who was the key to it all? None other than the 20-year-old rookie, Hugo Gonzalez, who got a spot start with Jaylen Brown missing the game due to illness. You won’t believe whose company Hugo now holds.

What did we just watch!?The Celtics just put on an offensive clinic against the Brooklyn Nets, finishing what may be the greatest offensive performance in team or league history. It was all thanks to monster performances from Nikola Vucevic, Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard. Come dive in!

The absence of Jaylen Brown didn’t drag the Celtics down Tuesday night in Phoenix. Instead, Boston found a way to maintain its incredibly high level play at both ends of the court to blow out the Suns. We discuss how the Celtics continue to play at the same level every night, regardless of the circumstances, and what led to tonight’s win, including Derrick White’s all-around game, more stifling defense, and the combo of Neemias Queta and Baylor Scheierman in the starting lineup.

Payton Pritchard (30 points, 8 assists) and Jaylen Brown (32 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) fueled the Celtics to a blowout win over the fully-loaded Lakers on a night in which a long list of Lakers Legends were in the house to honor former Lakers head coach Pat Riley after his statue was unveiled. The Celtics dominated the game from start to finish, picking the Lakers apart at both end while logging a second win by at least 20 points over Los Angeles this season.

Jaylen Brown dazzled in his first game out of the All-Star break with his third triple-double of the season. Wait until you hear some of the stats. Payton Pritchard also continued to sizzle off the bench as the Celtics offense picked the Warriors apart for the majority of the contest. Let’s dive into the good and the bad of the first game – and win – after the All-Star break.

Payton Pritchard and Nikola Vucevic are becoming a deadly duo for the Celtics off the bench, as they combined for 45 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists Wednesday night to lead the Celtics to a blowout win over the Chicago Bulls. We react to their impact, plus shine light on Jordan Walsh for his big performance off the bench as the Celtics head into the NBA All-Star break as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics made just seven 3-pointers Sunday afternoon against the Knicks, setting a new season low and tying for their lowest total in the past two seasons. The one positive from the day was Baylor Scheierman, who recorded his second double-double in the past three games that featured his new career high in rebounds.

The Celtics were on the road for the second night of a back-to-back and missing three major pieces while facing one off with one of the top teams in the NBA. None of it mattered. Joe Mazzulla and his coaching staff had the available players ready to roll, and roll they did. Let’s dive into how the Celtics frustrated the Rockets so badly that their coach and one of their top players were both ejected.

Amid trade rumors across the NBA, the Celtics took the court Tuesday in Dallas and smothered the Mavericks to the tune of 110-100 behind an unlikely Big Three. Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard and Luka Garza combined to score 75 of Boston’s 110 points to deal Maine product and 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg a loss in his first matchup against his childhood team.

It was a perfect match: The inaugural Pioneers Classic played in Boston, and the Celtics taking it home in blowout fashion. Jaylen Brown addressed the crowd before the game, asking who the Pioneers will be of this generation, then he dropped a 30-point double-double to earn the Celtics the Pioneers Classic trophy. Anfernee Simons also sizzled off the bench with 27 points that totally changed the game.

Payton Pritchard dazzled with his elite handles and shot-making ability Friday night against the Sacramento Kings. He scored a game-high 29 points, including a season-best 22 during the first half. Neemias Queta and Baylor Scheierman also shined on a night in which the Boston Celtics were without superstar wing Jaylen Brown.

The Celtics have had one of the top offenses in the NBA all season long, but on Wednesday night, it just wasn’t clicking. Boston struggled to score throughout its matchup with the Hawks and could never turn the corner to get back into the game. Baylor Scheierman and Anfernee Simons, however, did everything they could to try to give the Celtics a shot at a dramatic comeback.

What was your favorite Jrue Holiday moment in Boston?  Celtics fans battled blizzard conditions to pack TD Garden and thank Jrue Holiday for his role in helping the Celtics to win the 2024 NBA championship. They serenaded him with a standing ovation following an emotional tribute video. The Celtics then went on to capture a win thanks in large part to Amari Williams outperforming former Celtics big man Robert Williams. We recap it all in tonight’s episode of SOUND OFF.

THE most improbable moment of the season happened to the Celtics on Saturday in Brooklyn. From Joe Mazzulla's genius decision to Hugo Gonzalez's clutch moment, we detail everything that went into the Celtics pulling off an absurd double-overtime win over the Nets.

You won’t believe the Celtics’ record when Sam Hauser is hot from long range. We dive into his performance Wednesday night, and how key his shooting is to the Boston Celtics’ success. We also go deep on Neemias Queta’s incredible consistency this month that has put him square in the race for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. Oh, and let’s not forget that Jaylen Brown did Jaylen Brown things yet again during a total team effort from the C’s.

The Celtics and Pistons went down to the wire for the fourth time in four matchups this season. This time, Jaylen Brown, who was announced as an All-Star starter for the first time earlier in the day, had a chance to win it at the buzzer but misfired off the back of the rim. We dive into the final play, Brown’s overall game, and the clunkiness of this physical matchup in tonight’s episode of SOUND OFF.

Sam Hauser tied his career high with 10 made 3-pointers, and let us tell you, he did everything he could to tie the Celtics franchise record for most threes in a game (it was actually kinda funny). We dive into that, plus Jaylen Brown going crazy in front of his family and hometown to rack up 41 points in the first three quarters before he kicked his feet up and enjoyed the blowout from the bench during the fourth quarter. Let's just say the Celtics' offense is back in action.

Anfernee Simons saved the Celtics by scoring a franchise-record 39 points off the bench during an away game Thursday night to propel a comeback from 19 points down. We break down his performance and touch on Joe Mazzulla's brilliant coaching decisions, plus dive into how the Celtics pulled off this win despite Derrick White and Payton Pritchard combining for only 10 points. Hint: It has to do with dominating the glass.

The Celtics battled back from 13 points down and tied the game during the final minute before Pascal Siakam's game-winning shot with 6.1 seconds left. This was the fourth straight game that went down to the final minutes for Boston. We explain what went down during those final moments, touch on a few individual performances, and take a look ahead at what's to come for the C's for the rest of their road trip.

Victor Wembanyama is often referred to as ‘Alien,’ and he looked like one during crunch time Saturday night. He drained two shots, first over Neemias Queta and next over Baylor Scheierman, that were utterly unstoppable to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a win over the Boston Celtics. Let’s examine those moments, plus Boston’s narrow loss, which included strong moments from Scheierman, an inability to get to the free-throw line, and one of its lowest scoring nights of the season.

Sure sounds like the Boston Celtics knew that the Toronto Raptors would apply as much pressure as possible to the 3-point line Friday night. The Celtics said go ahead, and took advantage of Toronto’s defense by producing 39 layups, 62 points in the paint, and 19 free throw attempts. The keys to it all were Payton Pritchard and Jaylen Brown, who became the first Celtics duo in nearly 40 years to put up at least 25 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds on the same night.

Neemias Queta grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds Wednesday night, but the undermanned Denver Nuggets found a way to overcome him and the Boston Celtics for a 114-110 win. Denver, of course, is playing without three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. We break down what went wrong for the Celtics, and who stood out individually, during the loss.

The Boston Celtics have passed the New York Knicks in the standings and are now the No. 2 seed in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. Boston returned from a West Coast trip that just ended in Los Angeles and crushed the Chicago Bulls, 115-101. Anfernee Simons was the offensive engine, as he scored 27 points during the second half alone. We discuss his emergence as a dangerous weapon off of Boston’s bench, and why this was such an impressive win for the red-hot Celtics.

The Celtics grabbed their third double-digit win of the road trip Friday night with a 120-106 win over the Kings in Sacramento. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown combined for 22 points during the fourth quarter, and seven Celtics scored at least 11 points. It was a total team effort, and we’re detailing how it all went down.

The Celtics were sluggish Tuesday night. No way around it. But they found a way to grab a win on the road, in altitude, thanks to a full team effort that saw players deliver exactly what the team needed at different stages of the game. In particular tonight, we highlight Luka Garza, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons.