Tag Archives: Dwyane Wade

Jul 6 2012

Will The Celtics Re-Sign Ray Allen?

Do you think Ray Allen will join Miami for the 2012-13 season? (Photo Credit: CelticsTown.com)

By Matt Noonan 

It’s the summertime, which means news can be incredibly slow, which is why Noontime Sports has decided to pose a few questions pertaining toward the various professional sports teams in Boston.

In this particular post, we decided to ask the question: Will Ray Allen re-sign with the Boston Celtics? And below we’ve provided a thoughtful answer.

I doubt it, but I hope my gut is wrong.

Ray Allen is one of the greatest deep shooters in NBA history and it’s certainly possible that a three-year, $9.3 million contract would intrigue the shooting guard to join forces with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Yet, if he wants more money, and what professional athlete doesn’t these days, he’d re-sign with the Celtics, a squad that could offer him more than the Heat.

When Boston acquired Jason Terry this past week, many believed that particular acquisition marked the end of the Allen era in Massachusetts. However, if Allen really wants to win one more championship before retirement, then why wouldn’t he attempt to do it with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce? Wouldn’t that be the ideal storybook ending?

Allen, Garnett and Pierce most likely have one or two years remaining, so I personally believe it would be the wrong thing for him to leave Boston for the NBA’s “evil empire.”

Boston currently has enough cap room to not only re-sign him, but also add additional pieces that could help the veteran squad compete for Eastern Conference glory against Brooklyn, Indiana, Miami and New York.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Miami put on the full-court press on Thursday to persuade Allen to join the Red and Black. And as noted in Ethan J. Skolnick’s blog post, Allen could see more minutes in a Heat uniform, especially if Wade continues to be hampered by a knee injury. He also mentioned that LeBron posted a picture of the shooting guard in a Heat uniform on Twitter this past week, which obviously was designed through Photoshop, but stirred up excitement by the various South Beach supporters.

All in all, I think there is a good chance that Allen will indeed ink his name on a contract that’ll provide him with a Miami uniform. Although, anything is possible, especially in the world of sports, so don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Expect Boston to produce a counterattack that could possibly persuade Allen to re-join the Green and White for one last title run before he makes his decision.

What’re your thoughts? Do you think Ray Allen will sign with the Heat or return to the Celtics? Feel free to send your thoughts to NoontimeSports@gmail.com or respond to us on Twitter @NoontimeSports or @NoonSportsBlog. 

May 29 2012

Daily Noontime – May 29, 2012

Miami’s Dwyane Wade and LeBron stole the show in Game No. 1, as the Heat defeated the Boston Celtics, 93-79! (Photo Credit: WBUR.org)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Tuesday to everyone, and welcome into this Tuesday edition of the Daily Noontime! Let’s kickstart the four-day work week with some headlines and news from the city of Boston, and state of Massachusetts.

* Miami held Boston to 15 points in the third quarter and 18 in the fourth, as the Heat defeated the Celtics in Game No. 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 93-79. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 54 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and five blocks, while Kevin Garnett paced the Celtics with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

* Miami and Boston will return to the hardwood on Wednesday for Game No. 2 at 8:30pm. With Monday’s win, the Heat currently lead the series, 1-0.

* After Monday’s contest concluded – Ray Allen told the media that he’s battling with his inner self to work hard and overcome the bone spurs in his ankle. He told WEEI’s Paul Flannery, “There’s nothing really to talk about. It’s like a battle within myself that I have to try and win. You always talk, if it was the playoffs would you play? It’s the playoffs.”

* The Boston Red Sox concluded their Memorial Day Weekend with a 7-4 victory against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Felix Doubront earned his fifth win of the season on the bump, while Jarrod Saltalamacchia finished the contest 2-4 with two runs, a home run and an RBI.

* Boston is now 24-24, and will attempt to earn their 25th win of the season and 12th at home on Tuesday against Detroit – Daniel Bard opposes Justin Verlander – first pitch is scheduled for 7:10PM.

* Prior to Monday’s contests — the Red Sox continued their 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park by recognizing Trot Nixon. The original dirt dog sported his No. 7 home white jersey, and tossed the out the ceremonial first pitch.

Oct 26 2011

Air Jordan’s Latest Commercial

By NoontimeSports.com 

Indeed, the NBA remains locked out, but while players and owners continue to hash out their differences, the people at Air Jordan have recently unveiled a terrific commercial for basketball fanatics that make many want to lace up their sneakers and jam.

Here’s the commercial, enjoy.

 

 

Aug 23 2011

Daily Noontime – August 23, 2011

If you're the Silver and Black, what do you do with Mr. Pryor?

It’s Tuesday… Yep…. Not sure where we were headed with that statement, but in the meantime, here’s the Daily Noontime with news and headlines, so enjoy! 

Headlines: 

* The Oakland Raiders have indeed acquired their man, Terrelle Pryor through the NFL’s supplemental draft on Monday.

* Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt is expected to meet with NFL’s commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday to discuss his arrest during the lockout.

* C.J. Wilson earned his 13th win of the season on Monday, as he helped the Texas Rangers beat the Boston Red Sox, 4-0.

* Good news came for New England Patriots defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth on Monday in regards to his sexual assault trial. According to reports, Haynesworth pleaded “no contest to simple assault.”

* After Monday’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears, it’s seems more evident that New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning needs to prove that he can lead his team to victory.

* According to a few sources, Miami Heat’s LeBron James and Dwyane Wade could help the sport of basketball by playing overseas this season, as well as the global market too.

Games to Watch: 

* Oakland at New York Yankees (MLB) – 7:05pm eastern

* New York Mets at Philadelphia (MLB) – 7:05pm eastern 

* Boston at Texas (MLB) – 8:05pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

Welcome to the Silver and Black, Terrelle!

Jul 12 2011

Daily Noontime – July 12, 2011

With your Dad, victory tastes a little more sweeter, right?

Good Tuesday to everyone and welcome into yet another Daily Noontime! Here’s the headlines and news, so enjoy! 

Headlines: 

* New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano looked fantastic on Monday, as he beat Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez in the home run derby by a score of 12-11.

* Well, apparently former Boston Celtic guard Nate Robinson has admitted that he’d love to play in the NFL. Hmm… is this a good or bad move? Wouldn’t he be too small?

* If the NFL were to end the lockout on Tuesday, they’d save the “Hall of Fame Game,” but as of recently that particular exhibition contest looks like it won’t happen.

* It’s possible, but highly doubtful that the NFL will see Brett Favre un-retire again for yet another season, but again, who knows, right?

* According to police, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward failed his “field sobriety test,” which isn’t good news.

* Good news came on Monday for the Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, which is that he’ll be able to do a commercial while the NBA is locked out.

Games to Watch: 

* 82nd MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona – 8:00pm eastern

Video of the Day: 

There was nothing better than watching father and son, (Cano and his father) at the MLB All-Star Game, what a moment! 

Jun 13 2011

Yet Again, LeBron James Comes Up Short

Yet again, LeBron James suffered another sour ending to the NBA Playoffs!

By Matt Noonan 

Remember when the “Broad Street Bullies” saved the National Hockey League from the Soviet Union in 1976? Well, doesn’t that particular game have some parallels to Sunday’s Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks?

I’d say, yes!

In case you don’t know, LeBron James and his Heat teammates came up short in this year’s NBA Finals. Yep, despite promising, “not one, not two, not three…” championships, the Heat found themselves in a position they weren’t used to, which is second place.

They didn’t win a championship and now, every NBA fan has more reasons to insult the leagues most hated squad. Although, this is what the basketball die-hard’s wanted, right? They wanted Miami to lose and Dallas to win, correct?

I know this is true because everyone jumped aboard the Mavericks bandwagon and cheered for Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd and Tyson Chandler. In fact, some fans admitted that their blood was not red, but instead, blue and white. They also felt connected to the Mavericks because they wanted this group of “over the top” stars to beat Miami and well, that mission was accomplished.

Beating Miami was what everyone wanted. Seriously, did you want to watch James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh dance around the American Airlines Arena chanting, “We’re number one, we’re number one?” I doubt it.

Miami was labeled the “bad-boys” from day one of the ‘10-‘11 season, but now, they probably should receive a new name, “fakers.” They’re fake, non-believable and certainly, not that good. They may think that having a variety of talent on their side will result in championships galore, but really, it won’t. Instead, they need to improve mentally, physically and emotionally.

For starters, they may want to discover why James was star-struck in the Finals. Against the Mavericks, he averaged 17.8 points, 4.0 turnovers, 1.7 steals and 7.0 rebounds, as well as imploded in various fourth quarters. Yet, are those numbers that good? Seriously, besides 17-points, he failed offensively and defensively. So, if they do return to the Finals, James needs to stay focused.

Second, Miami needs more experience. Between James, Wade and Bosh, they need other experienced veterans who know how to win. Also, they need someone who can take the pressure off Wade, especially in the closing minutes. Players like Mike Bibby, Erik Dampier, Eddie House, Juwan Howard and Jamaal Magloire aren’t exactly true “studs.” Yes, all five of them have a boatload of NBA experience, but certainly, not enough. Had they been more vocal or stressed the importance of “team basketball,” they might have won this series, but again, that’s a thought.

Overall, these are just a few quick ideas on the Heat, but allow me to return to my original point, beating Miami and what exactly does that mean?

It’s a sweet feeling, especially as a basketball lover. I couldn’t be happier, but this also proves that James should never be in the same sentence with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird or Magic Johnson. Those guys all won championships, as well a persevered over the years.

Also, Dallas’s win helped the city of Cleveland, as well as the people of Ohio rejoice in song and dance. Hey, I doubt everyone held hands and sang, “kumbaya,” but I am sure the Cavaliers are elated.

All in all, this win is special because it proved the point, you can’t buy championships. It’s going to be a long off-season for the men dressed in black and red, but in the end, I think it’s fair to say that everyone across the country and world will sleep much better knowing that once again, James choked.

May 13 2011

NBA Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat

The "Stars" will be shinning brightly in the Eastern Conference Finals, but really, who has the edge in this series?

By Matt Noonan

So, it’s Chicago (1) vs. Miami (2), which I guess is what we all wanted, right?

Didn’t we want to see Derrick Rose challenge LeBron James and Dwyane Wade? I guess, but maybe, we all wanted to see Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen take on the Bulls?

Either way, this series features the best and second best in the Eastern Conference standings, so make sure to pay attention to this particular series, which should feature a great deal of fireworks, electricity and lots of highlight reel moments.

Continue reading →

May 11 2011

Miami Beats Celtics, Advances to Eastern Conference Finals

The Heat only needed five games, but beat Boston on Wednesday, 97-87.

By Matt Noonan

Remember Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angles Lakers in 2010? What happened during the final four minutes in regulation?

Well, in case you forgot, the Boston Celtics ran out of gas and allowed the Los Angles Lakers to comeback and win their 16th NBA Championship. Although, on Wednesday, it was as if Boston was reliving the nightmare, but this time, LeBron James was playing the role of Kobe Bryant.

The Miami Heat tore apart the aging Celtics in Game 5, as well as punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2006 with a convincing 97-87 win. James finished the game with 33 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while his partner in crime, Dwyane Wade added 34 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals.

As for Boston, they watched Ray Allen lead the Celtics with 18 points, while Kevin Garnett added 15 points and collected 11 rebounds. Also, the Celtics received some additional help from their bench during the third and fourth quarter, as Delonte West finished the game with 10 points and Jeff Green added an additional nine points.  

Although, while this loss is certainly painful, it’s pretty easy to state, we saw this coming.

Against the New York Knicks in the opening round of the NBA playoffs, the Celtics displayed their age and tired legs, but were able to sneak past a banged up squad that didn’t even have a healthy Amare Stoudemire. Boston got lucky by sweeping the Knickerbockers in four games, but knew that Miami wasn’t going to be an easy foe.

Miami immediately took control in Game 1, which set the tone for the entire series. The Heat ended up winning the first two games, but lost to Boston in Game 3 at the TD Garden. However, they bounced back two days later and then won again.

The Celtics also witnessed their major contributors, such as Rajon Rondo, Shaquille O’Neal, Paul Pierce, Allen and West either sustain injuries or re-aggravate their ailing bones and muscles.

Boston will now head into the off-season with a lot of questions, such as; will Doc Rivers return to the bench next season as the head coach? What should the Celtics do with Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal? What battled tested free agent veterans can the Celtics scoop up? Also, can the “Big-3” win one more championship?

There certainly is a lot that has to happen if Boston wants to return to the NBA Championship, but after losing to LeBron James and the Miami Heat, I’d say, it’s time to sit back and reflect on the past season.

Indeed, it was a fun run, but certainly not the finish the Celtics and their fans expected, but hey, this is what makes sports so enjoyable, right?

May 10 2011

Kilpatrick: Current Thoughts on the Celtics-Heat Series

Game 5 is Wednesday and Yes, this one could be epic!

By Stacey Kilpatrick 

Boston fans, we still have the Bruins, and the Red Sox.

Sure Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are out of the running to three-peat the NBA championship; but LeBron James and the Miami Heat ARE still sizzling up and down the courts in the Miami-Boston series.

The former Cleveland Cavaliers star has helped the Sunshine state improve to 3-1 against the struggling Boston Celtics and I’m not sure if he’s stoppable.

Not only that, but I don’t think Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen or one-armed Rajon Rondo, as well as the rest of the Green and White have anything left. So, once again, we’ll fail to make it to the NBA Finals and another year will pass since the team’s 2008 championship.

Yes, I said “we’ll” because in Boston, we, the population, are a part of the Celtics, Bruins and Sox – at least many of us like to believe we are.

Game 4 on Monday night was not a shocker. I certainly felt my heart palpitate a few times in frustration, but I’m starting to think that Boston just doesn’t have what it takes to win.

Ray Allen is 35-years old and has been a Milwaukee Buck (1996-2003), a Seattle SuperSonic (2003-2007) and a Celtic (2007-Present). Garnett is 34 and has been playing since 1995. He was first drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves and since 2007; he’s been in Boston. Pierce is 33 and has been a Celtic since he was taken in the first round out of Kansas in 1998. And the youngest star player, Rondo, 25, is currently dangling his left elbow out of its socket. Well, it was popped back in shortly after Saturday night’s game, but he’s injured.

The guys played awful in overtime while Miami’s James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh shined.

At the start of overtime, James made a 15-foot jump shot, which was the same that Pierce was trying to sink at the end of regulation, but missed. Then Bosh scored. Then Wade nailed a 23-foot jumper. Then Bosh made a tip shot. Then Wade netted both free throws. And finally Bosh secured Miami’s 98-90 victory with a pair of sunk free throws.

And what did Boston do in their five minutes of play?

The good: (that “word” doesn’t even suffice): Garnett nabbed two free throws and Pierce made a layup.

The bad: Allen missed a three-point jumper and committed a personal take against Wade. Delonte West missed a 25-foot jumper, threw a bad pass, missed another three-pointer and lost the ball on a Bosh steal. Garnett missed a jumper and caused a shooting foul on Wade and a personal foul on Bosh. Rondo and Jeff Green played musical chairs, as Green entered for Rondo, Rondo entered for Green and finally Green came back in for Rondo; neither of whom contributed. And Pierce drew an offensive charge on James, caused a turnover, and wouldn’t you know it, missed his second final shot attempt of the game.

Game 5, Miami’s potential clincher, is on the Heat’s home court. Will the Celtics be able to use those legs and arms of theirs to trip up the Heat and sling the ball down court for baskets? I don’t think so.

What does this mean for Boston fans? Another tragedy.

How will we survive? Like I said (with gritted teeth) we still have our Bruins and Sox, as well as the Patriots, but only if the NFL can get a new CBA soon.

May 10 2011

LeBron James is Officially One Win Away from beating Boston

James is officially one win away from actually beating Boston in the playoffs!

By Matt Noonan 

It maybe time to accept the fact that finally, yes finally, LeBron James will actually beat the Boston Celtics.

Monday’s Game 4 exhibited the fact that the Celtics are old, tired and washed up. They don’t have a true “sixth-man” and have relied way too much on Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, which leaves us to wonder, can this group of veterans comeback and win this series, despite trailing the Heat, 3-1? The task is a daunting one, but definitely something Doc Rivers and his team is ready to attempt, right?

Yet besides the ailing Celtics, the biggest question is will James actually beat the Celtics in the playoffs?

James has played in 80 playoff games since ‘06 and has won 49 of them, which includes Miami’s three most recent victories against Boston. Although against the Celtics, James has struggled immensely.

In ’08, James scored 45 points in 46 minutes in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals (practically a point a minute), but came up short in the closing seconds.

In ’10, James and the Cavaliers not only watched their exceptional season go down the drain, but also suffered another postseason loss to Boston in the semi-finals.

Now, one year removed from technically “quitting” against the Celtics, James is one win away from exercising all those demons that continuously haunt him at night. That’s right, he and his teammates, or should I say, the “modern day Big-3,” have the Celtics on the edge of the cliff and just need to push back at them, but, is James ready to actually knock off the Celtics? Can he finally do it?

He admitted prior to Game 1 that this series was “personal” and that he hated losing to Boston. Yes, the Celtics have had his number in the previous postseason meetings, but this year, James has been completely unstoppable and the reason for that is because he’s playing with another talented and possible first ballot hall of famer, Dwyane Wade. Between him and Wade, they have practically combined for roughly all of Miami’s points, as well as helped NBA fans understand that LeBron all along needed an additional “stud” to beat Boston in the playoffs.

James not only took his talents to Miami, but also his dunks too.

In Cleveland, James was always the focal point of the Cavaliers offense, which allowed coaches to draw up schemes that would force him to utilize his former teammates, such as Delonte West, Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison. Although, while James’s role players weren’t flashy, they did at times play a major part in scoring baskets and stealing the ball from their opponents, but again, they didn’t have the capability to compliment his efforts.

So, last July, James announced on national television that he was going to “take his talents to South Beach,” where he joined Wade and Chris Bosh to form the NBA’s newest “Big-3” tandem. Yet, while the three all-stars struggled out of the gates, they eventually worked out all the kinks and landed a second place spot in the Eastern Conference standings, as well as beat Philadelphia in round one of the playoffs, 4-1.

James knows deep down that Game 5 is his game. I’m sure, everyone in the Heat organization will say, “Go out there and make us proud,” but seriously, James wants this more than his teammates. Beating Boston could perhaps be what he needs to get over the hump and finally, yes finally, win a championship.

Game 5 will be exciting and while all Bostonians and New Englanders continue to keep their fingers crossed extra tightly for the Celtics to prevail with a win, they should at least honor the fact that they still have LeBron’s number. He may or may not beat Boston, but if he does, it might be time to possibly embrace the King himself and cheer him onto winning a championship. Although, if James does actually beat Boston, he’ll officially be added to that long list of sports stars who will never be embraced in the Hub.