Tag Archives: NBA Eastern Conference

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. 

Apr 18 2012

Celtics Clinch Atlantic Division

By Matt Noonan 

The Boston Celtics earned their 30th division crown on Wednesday, as they defeated the Orlando Magic, 102-98 at the TD Garden.

Boston is now 37-26 overall, and will most likely enter the upcoming NBA playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, their potential first round opponent, Atlanta, defeated Detroit on Wednesday, and currently is a 1/2 game up on Boston with a 37-25 record. Both teams will square-off on Friday when Boston travels to Atlanta.

The Celtics have three regular season contests remaining against Atlanta, Miami and Milwaukee, and would certainly like to conclude their abbreviated schedule with 40 wins.

For a rapid reaction on Wednesday’s clash — CLICK HERE.

Apr 2 2012

Daily Noontime – April 2, 2012

Rajon Rondo recorded his fifth triple-double of the season on Sunday, as Boston beat Miami, 91-72! (Photo Credit: RajonRondo.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Monday to everyone. Also, Happy April, too. It’s time to unveil some headlines and news from the Boston sports scene!

* The Boston Celtics won their fifth consecutive game on Sunday, as they defeated the Miami Heat, 91-72. Rajon Rondo finished the contest with his 16 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds, while Paul Pierce paced the Celtics with 23 points. Boston has now won 15 of their last 20 contests, and will return to the hardwood on Wednesday when they host the San Antonio Spurs.

* As of Monday, Apr. 2 – Boston owns a one game lead over Philadelphia in the Atlantic Division, and currently resides in the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. So, if the playoffs were to start this week, they’d face the Indiana Pacers.

* The Boston Bruins picked up two critical wins this past weekend, as they defeated the New York Islanders on Saturday and New York Rangers on Sunday. The Black and Gold also clinched the Northeast Division crown, and will most likely be the No. 2 seed in the 2012 NHL Playoffs.

* The Bruins will conclude their regular season slate this week with two home contests against Pittsburgh (Apr. 3) and Buffalo (Apr. 7), as well as a trip to Ottawa (Apr. 5).

Mar 29 2012

Rivers: “Before The Season [Started], I Thought We Could Go Deep”

Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers seems to think that his team could make a deep playoff run! (Photo Credit: Zimbio.com)

By Matt Noonan 

The Boston Celtics earned their third consecutive win on Wednesday when they defeated the Utah Jazz, 94-82. And while the victory didn’t exactly catapult them to the NBA Finals, it certainly was a critical momentum builder for the Green and White, who’re currently locked in a two-way tie atop the Atlantic Division with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Yet, while there is still a lot of basketball left on the docket before the abbreviated 66-game season concludes, Doc Rivers believes that despite all the trials and tribulations his team has experienced over the past few months, they’ll be ready to make a “deep run” once the postseason begins.

“Well, before the season [started], I thought we could [go deep] – beginning of the season I wasn’t so sure, and now I do,” Rivers said during his Boston sports radio appearance on WEEI on Thursday.

“You have to be healthy – you just have to be healthy, [and] the one thing that is good is that we rest more in the playoffs. The playoffs – the games are harder, but the rest is more, and you have a great opportunity to play, rest, you don’t travel, so that’s the best you’re going to be during the playoffs,” he added.

Boston will conclude their March schedule on Friday against the Timberwolves in Minnesota before returning to the TD Garden for two critical back-to-back contests against Miami and San Antonio.

Mar 27 2012

Daily Noontime – March 27, 2012

Paul Pierce (36 points) and Kevin Garnett (24 points) paced the Celtics against the Bobcats on Monday! (Photo Credit: Providence Journal)

By NoontimeSports.com 

What happened to this so-called warm weather? It’s freezing in the city! Well, let’s warm things up with a grand edition of the Daily Noontime!

* The Boston Celtics earned their second win in a row on Monday, as they defeated the Charlotte Bobcats, 102-95. Paul Pierce recorded a season high 36 points in the win, while Kevin Garnett poured in 24 points. Monday’s victory marks a tie in the Atlantic standings, as now Boston and Philadelphia are locked in first place with identical 27-22 records. Boston will return to the hardwood on Wednesday when they host Utah.

* Despite beating the Bobcats, and tying the 76ers – Boston remains the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, and would most likely face Miami in the first round of the NBA playoffs. However, there is still roughly four weeks of regular season basketball remaining, so we’ll see if the Celtics can earn a higher seed.

* The Boston Bruins will look to earn their third consecutive win on Tuesday when they welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning to the TD Garden for a 7:30pm face-off. The Black and Gold remain one of five teams that hasn’t clinched a playoff spot, but it’s likely that a few more wins would secure them the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Feb 22 2012

Noonan: The Ups And Downs Of Boston Sports

Bobby Valentine has spiced things up in Florida! (Photo Credit: Boston Herald)

By Matt Noonan 

It’s been a while since a dark, stormy cloud drifted over the city of Boston.

For the past few weeks, Bostonians and New Englanders have appeared aggravated and disgusted with their four major professional sports teams because they’ve either struggled or disengaged.

Yet, let’s take a step back and realize that these particular days will pass because Boston is still technically the “City of Champions,” especially since all four major sports teams have won at least one championship in the past 11-years, right?

So, without further ado, let’s take a stroll downtown and check in with the Bruins, Celtics and Red Sox, who’re currently stealing the spotlight from the New England Patriots, who ended their season a few weeks ago in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Thoughts on the Sox: It’s way too early to deem the upcoming Boston Red Sox season a failure, especially since it’s only been two days of pitchers and catchers.

Manager Bobby Valentine has done a rather decent job with the club over the past few days, and appears eager to help everyone improve, especially Daisuke Matsuzaka, who according to the Boston Globe, played catch with his skipper on Monday. However, the highly touted pitcher isn’t expected to return the Fenway Park bump until midseason, as he’s currently recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Carl Crawford seems focused and determined to improve his performance from last season, despite ending the year with 129 hits, 29 doubles, seven triples, 56 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. Also, he struck out 104 times at the plate, too. Yet, similar to Matsuzaka, Valentine doesn’t want to push his leftfielder back into the lineup because he’s currently recovering from surgery on his left wrist.

Finally, a majority of the Sox position players have already arrived in Fort Myers, which is a hopeful sign that they’ve moved on from their chicken and beer rituals from last season. Boston is expected to conduct their first full team workouts on Thursday, and I’m sure after it concludes, we’ll have plenty to discuss around the water cooler in regards to David Ortiz to Cody Ross to Jason Varitek.

The aging Boston Celtics: Literally two weeks ago, I was sitting in the TD Garden watching the Green and White face a Memphis Grizzlies squad that probably should have won this particular clash, especially because they’re younger, quicker, stronger and faster. Although, Kevin Garnett denied the Grizzlies of a much needed win by turning in 22 points and nine rebounds, which helped Boston escape with a 98-80 victory.

Although, ever since that particular day, Boston has endued a 2-6 slump, which includes two losses to a struggling Detroit Pistons team that’ll most likely miss the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Can Danny Ainge salvage the Boston Celtics season? (Photo Credit: Flickr)

The Celtics are a complete mess, and need something or someone to spark their offense and defense, but what exactly should they do?

Should team president Danny Ainge create a blockbuster move or keep the roster intact?

What would Red Auerbach do? OK, that maybe the wrong thing to ask, but really, what would the former coach do in this particular situation?

It’s hard to determine what will happen over the next few weeks, but it’s pretty certain that a change is needed, especially if Boston plans to contend for some hardware in June.

The Bruins need to score goals: Similar to the Celtics, the Bruins are struggling.

They’ve lost two of their last three contests, and registered a goose egg (zero) on the scoreboard for the sixth time this season this past Sunday when the Minnesota Wild blanked them, 2-0 on national television.

However, Boston can salvage their current six-game road trip with wins in St. Louis, Buffalo and Ottawa, which might turn some frowns upside down.

Various reports on Tuesday and Wednesday confirmed that Nathan Horton is expected to remain sidelined, while Rich Peverley continues to be hampered by a knee injury. Also, Shawn Thornton has been battling an illness, which could prevent him from playing against the Blues on Wednesday.

Although, despite the various injuries, as well as bumps and bruises I think, Patrice Bergeron summed it up perfectly when he told the media that his teammates aren’t expecting the front office to locate a “savior” to assist the Bruins, who’re currently on par to snag the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

I don’t think a drastic change is necessary for this particular squad. What Boston needs to do is focus on scoring the first goal, and capitalizing on it. They also need Tim Thomas to keep his mind on hockey, not politics or social media.

The Bruins will be fine, but I’m not ruling out a potential trade that could help Boston in May and June.

May 12 2011

Lindberg: Overall Thoughts on the Boston Celtics

Despite a promising start, the Celtics stumbled to the finish line and lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals!

By Andy Lindberg 

I hope everyone enjoyed that NBA Championship the Boston Celtics won in 2008, because most likely, you’re not going to see another one for a while.

I don’t mean to sound hateful or rude, but facts are facts and it’s time to face the facts that the last real chance Boston had to win the Finals was with their 13-point lead against the Los Angles Lakers in Game 7 of last year’s Finals.

Unfortunately, they don’t have a bench and will most likely lose Glen “Big Baby” Davis, as he wants to be a starter. Although, most importantly, the Celtics possess no real center depth after two horrific trades buried the closing ability and mean streak of the Green and White.

The Kendrick Perkins trade has been beaten to death. Say what you will about it, but the trade that killed me and the one trade I cannot justify to any degree was sending Semih Erden and Luke Harangody, both excellent of the bench and provided considerable depth, to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second round draft choice.

Apparently the move was done to open roster spots and reduce luxury tax payments. Although, all of their trades from this past season have reduced the Celtics chances of winning a title at some point within the next decade and opened up the door for the Miami Heat and New York Knicks to “curb-stomp” the Celtics at will in the very near future

The one position the Celtics lacked this past season was a center. Usually, teams would drive into the paint and fetch a beating by Perkins or other “big-men”. Yet, finding that kind of presence on the Celtic team is like finding a virgin in a maternity ward, it’s just not there.

Jeff Green is a solid player and can fill in admirably at small forward or, if needed, power forward, which was what he played in Oklahoma City.

Nenad Krstic was a nice addition, but nice additions don’t make up for mean streaks and power basketball.

Everyone talks about how sports are a business, and we heard that talk float about repeatedly when Perkins was traded. “Basketball is a business.”

Guess what? The world of professional sports is a business that revolves around winning. By making stupid trades and personnel decisions, you’re going against what your business stands for.

However, maybe the Celtics wanted to bring back only their most dedicated and heartbroken fans from the ‘90’s. It would make sense, because the Red Sox and Patriots are both trying to do the same thing, get rid of the “pink-hats.”

The Celtics got their “Big-3” and won a title. They found a formula that worked with complementary players and a solid bench. Now they’ve given it away, and the result is clear.

This doesn’t mean I will stop supporting the Celtics, but instead, it just means that come NBA playoff time, I won’t have to be as invested in Boston because they won’t go far in the future.

So, after all that rambling, here is another poll question for ye fair-weather fans:

May 11 2011

Daily Noontime – May 11, 2011

Good day to everyone and welcome to the Daily Noontime for Wednesday May 11, 2011. How’s everyone doing? Well, while you answer that question, enjoy today’s headlines, news and much more! 

Headlines: 

* The Carolina Panthers selected Cam Newton as their first overall draft pick, but now an Auburn coach has some things to say about the gunslinger.

* Game 5 between the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks was played on Tuesday. The series was tied, 2-2, but once the buzzer sounded, the Bulls escaped with an important 95-83 victory.

* According to sources, NBA commissioner David Stern and league executive director Billy Hunter have met face-to-face in regards to negotiating a new CBA-contract.

* It’s been a few days since the Los Angles Lakers were eliminated, but now the question remains, what will happen to the team next season?

* Apparently the Houston Astros are in the process of selling their team to a businessman named Jim Crane.

* Los Angles Lakers forward/center Andrew Bynum will officially be suspended for five games next season due fouling J.J. Barea in Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals.

Games to Watch: 

* Oakland at Texas (MLB) – 2:05pm eastern

* Boston at Miami (NBA Playoffs) – 7:00pm eastern

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

* Memphis at Oklahoma City (NBA Playoffs) – 9:30pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

This is something you rarely see in the NBA, a player following their own shot, securing a rebound and attempting a second shot!


Apr 17 2011

Ray Allen Leads Boston Past New York In Game 1, 87-85

Ray Allen was clutch Sunday, as he helped the Celtics take a 1-0 series lead against the New York Knicks!

By Matt Noonan

This wasn’t a textbook win, but the Green and White, also known as the Boston Celtics pulled out an important win against the New York Knicks at the TD Garden on Sunday, 87-85.

Ray Allen was clutch, especially during the final few seconds, as he sank the game winner, which gave Boston the series lead, 1-0.

Allen struggled at times during the first quarter, but completely bounced back during the second quarter, as he finished the game with 24 points, six rebounds and one assist, but again, despite his slow start, he certainly made up for it during the final seconds in regulation.

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were effective, as both players connected on 11 field goals, which added up to 33-points. Garnett led the team with 13 rebounds, while Pierce added four rebounds, four assists, as well as one steal.

So, it is fair to say that the “Big-3” is back, right?

Hard to answer that question, but after watching a somewhat “decent” effort to beat the Knicks, it is fair to say that the Celtics maybe able to keep the Bruins two back-to-back losses off everyone’s mind in Massachusetts or New England.

Their entire bench complimented the “Big-3,” as they finished the game with eight points, two assists, six defensive rebounds and one block.  Yes, these aren’t great numbers, especially in the post-season, but the efforts of Delonte West, Nenad Kristic, Jeff Green and Glen Davis did not go unnoticed.

Sunday’s game also belonged to the starting-five, which featured Allen, Pierce and Garnett, along with Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O’Neal. Rondo finished the game with 10-points and nine assists, while O’Neal ramped up his play and blocked four New York shots. He also finished with 12-points and four rebounds.

Yet, while the Celtics may want to jump up and down and celebrate in their locker room, this is just one of sixteen wins. That’s right, one of sixteen wins. If the Celtics can win three more against the New York Knicks, they’ll be one step closer to returning to the NBA Finals for the third time in four years.

The NBA post-season is often described as a “journey,” but after the Celtics first win on Sunday, it is fair to say that their quest has started on the right foot and can only get better.

As for New York, Amare Stoudemire led the team with 28-points and 11 rebounds, while Carmelo Anthony added 15-points, four assists and two steals.

Game two between Boston and New York will take place Tuesday April 19, tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm eastern.

Apr 16 2011

NBA Playoffs: First Round Predictions

By Matt Noonan

The NBA playoffs begin Saturday, so with that being said, here are Matt Noonan’s  predictions for the first round. 

Eastern Conference – First Round Predictions: 

(1) Chicago Bulls  vs. (8) Indiana Pacers – It is a great story to see the Indiana Pacers back in the NBA playoffs, but the Chicago Bulls are too talented of a team to lose this series. The Bulls finished with the best record in basketball, so expect their winning ways to continue. Chicago win the series, 4-1. 

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers – Finally, the “Big-3″ will get to play in their first playoff game together, but hopefully there won’t be any tears in the locker room, but who knows? Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra should have no problem leading his team past an up and coming 76ers squad coached by the great Doug Collins. Also, expect LeBron James to say to his teammates prior to tip-off, “give me the ball if you want to win at least one series.” James and the Heat will win this series. Miami wins the series, 4-2. 

(3) Boston Celtics vs. (6) New York Knicks – No Kendrick Perkins, no problem. The Celtics will hopefully find themselves in this series, but expect this matchup to possibly go six or seven games. Amare Stoudemire told the New York media last summer that the Knicks were beginning a “new era.” Sadly, this “new era” should end with a playoff loss, but at least the Knicks are headed in the right direction. Boston wins the series, 4-2. 

(4) Orlando Magic vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks – Why does it seem that every year these two teams always meet in the playoffs? How much do you want to bet that both the Hawks and Magic have dinner, practice and hang out together too? Would Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy even allow that to happen? I doubt it!  Orlando wins the series, 4-2. 

Western Conference – First Round Predictions: 

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies – San Antonio has clearly been one of the better teams all season, but now the age factor is catching up with them, but against the Grizzlies, consider this an easy first round series. San Antonio wins the series, 4-0. 

(2) Los Angles Lakers vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets – After winning the 2010 NBA Championship, the Lakers were picked to repeat and face the Boston Celtics again.Boring! However, both teams have struggled, but with Andrew Bynum somewhat banged up and Los Angles’s age becoming a factor, expect the Hornets to challenge the old men, but in the end, the men who wear the purple and gold jerseys should win. Los Angles wins the series, 4-2. 

(3) Dallas Mavericks vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers – Talk about a true toss-up, either team could win this series. The Trail Blazers have had their moments all season, while the Mavericks looked like a pretty good team at times. However, after watching Dirk Nowitzki dance on YouTube, I may have to go with the underdog to win this series. Portland wins the series, 4-3. 

(4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (5) Denver Nuggets – Denver is an absolute mess these days and after trading away half their team to New York, it seems they imitated the Boston Celtics of 2010, who see-sawed their way to the finish line last year. Kevin Durant will shine in this series, as well as lead Oklahoma past Denver, so get excited Thunder fans. Maybe Denver should focus on the Colorado Rockies, who are playing quite well these days. Oklahoma wins the series, 4-2.