<![CDATA[Sports news from metro.us/boston]]> en-us <![CDATA[Celtics-Sixers: 3 story lines to watch in Game 5]]>
Ticket Needed
In order for the Celtics to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals, they’ll need a ticket. The Big Ticket, to be exact.

Kevin Garnett is the C’s most important player going forth, and look no further than the last four games for proof. In the two games that the Celtics have won, Garnett combined for 56 points (24-of-37), 24 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 turnovers. In the two losses, KG has tallied just 24 points (10-of-24), 23 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 11 turnovers.

Game 4 was by far his worst performance yet, and for the C’s to win tonight, he’ll have to be a bigger part of the offense.
 
Rebounds, rebounds, rebounds
What’s one barometer for success in this Celtics-Sixers series?

Well, the headline probably gave it away – rebounds. In each of the four games, the team that won the rebound battle ended up winning the game.

A quick breakdown: Game 1 – Celtics 45, Sixers 41. Game 2 – Sixers 47, Celtics 36. Game 3 – Celtics 44, Sixers 37. Game 4, Sixers 52, Celtics 38.

It’s also important to note that the Sixers grabbed 17 offensive rebounds in Game 4. Being active and aggressive on the glass is a necessity for either team tonight. Rebounding is largely effort and positioning. If the C’s want it bad enough, Elton Brand and Spencer Hawes shouldn’t be able to prevent them from having it.
 
A must-win
Had the Celtics taken care of business on Friday, they’d be set to clinch the series Monday in Boston.

As we’re all well aware, they flopped in the second half, and here we are now, all tied up. It’s now a three-game series, but with tonight’s game in Boston, the Celtics must come out and protect their home.

Going back to Philadelphia down 2-3, against a Philly team that will be full of confidence and four quarters away from a huge upset, is not a look the C’s want. A win Monday would likely be the last push the C’s need to put Philly away for good in six games. ]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143622--celtics-sixers-3-story-lines-to-watch-in-game-5 Sun, 20 May 2012 21:04:48 -0400 JIMMY TOSCANO, BOSTON http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143622--celtics-sixers-3-story-lines-to-watch-in-game-5 <![CDATA[Ryan Hollins a pleasant surprise for Celtics]]>
His job, quite simply, is to eat up minutes and provide some length for the Celtics especially when Kevin Garnett needs a breather.

 Garnett, the C's best player in the postseason and arguably their MVP throughout the regular season, can't play the entire game, although as we wish he could.

That leaves minutes for Hollins and Greg Stiemsma. Stiemsma was the team's go-to backup big for the first half of the year, but Hollins, signed off waivers on March 23, has taken that spot on the depth chart.

 Averaging 1.7 rebounds, 0.7 blocks, and 2.0 points in 12.7 minutes per game in the postseason, it's clear that Hollins is nowhere near the top of the C's production chart. But he doesn't have to be. He can contribute in a variety of different ways.

Back on May 11, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers told the press one reason as to why Hollins gets the playing time he does:

"Honestly, he's an irritant. He pisses guys off in practice. He does. He irritates people."

And on Friday, you saw that. In the first quarter, Hollins got tangled up with Sixers youngster Evan Turner after the whistle, refusing to move his elbow away from the neck of Turner. It wasn't dirty, it was just Hollins being Hollins.

It got under Turner's skin, and may have contributed to his atrocious first half of shooting, 2-of-14 from the field.

So, don't expect Hollins to drain jumpers and rip down boards at a rapid pace. But if he can play some head games and help the C's compete without KG, his success will continue. ]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143614--ryan-hollins-a-pleasant-surprise-for-celtics Sun, 20 May 2012 20:30:48 -0400 JIMMY TOSCANO, BOSTON http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143614--ryan-hollins-a-pleasant-surprise-for-celtics <![CDATA[‘Heated’ players-only meeting may be turning Red Sox season around]]>

The reason for the recent hot streak may now just be coming to light. According to FOX Sports, David Ortiz called a players-only meeting the day after Beckett’s implosion and the discussions inside the clubhouse turned “heated,” according to one anonymous player.


Position players reportedly called out the team’s pitching staff, which has been blamed for much of the team’s woeful start to the 2012 season. The pitching staff was told to “step it up” by the hitters.


Shockingly enough, Beckett has been one of the catalysts of the team’s recent turnaround. He worked 7.2 innings against the Phillies in the Red Sox 5-1 win Sunday, allowing just one earned run on seven hits. He struck out five while walking just two.


Mike Aviles homered in the first inning and had an RBI single in the second. Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s three-run blast in the third gave the Red Sox the separation they needed to take two of three games in Philly. 


Boston faces an important stretch this week with three road games at division-leading Baltimore (27-14) starting Monday (7 p.m., NESN). The Sox will also host Tampa Bay (25-17) this weekend.

]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143564--heated-players-only-meeting-may-be-turning-red-sox-season-around Sun, 20 May 2012 16:31:22 -0400 MATT BURKE, BOSTON http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143564--heated-players-only-meeting-may-be-turning-red-sox-season-around <![CDATA[Playing the Field: Kyrie Irving is a hustler, Megatron plays baseball]]>
There's nothing more annoying than a good advertising campaign. They sucker you in and I have to post the video because it is so damn cool. But I've got to give credit where credit is due. Cavaliers guard and NBA Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving partnered up with Pepsi MAX to create what has turned into a viral video sensation.

Irving dresses up as a very convincing old man and hits up a local pick-up game in his native New Jersey where he proceeds to hustle a bunch of local ballers.

The best part may actually be how well Irving sells it as the old man at the beginning. His "Uncle Drew" voice is classic. He is going to be a superstar on the court, but he might be the next great NBA pitchman as well. Get this guy in more commercials.




Meanwhile, in Miami ...

There is very little more enjoyable in sports than watching a heavy favorite crumble at the hands of an underdog. The Patriots' 18-1 season comes to mind.

Well, maybe the 2012 Miami Heat are up next. They trail 2-1 to the Pacers and Game 3 saw a slow melting down on the bench. Check out Dwyane Wade ripping into head coach Erik Spoelstra during a timeout.



Spoelstra has spent a lot of time as a punching bag for Wade and, last year, LeBron James. Then the Heat canceled practice and media availability on Friday. In other words, they let the rumors of a collapse run on unabated.

My favorite part of the whole incident -- the media ran to Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen to get his take. Sure, why not? And of course Ozzie abided by providing an all-time quote. What would you do if a player chewed you out on the bench during a game, Ozzie?

"I will kick [my player's] ass," Guillen told reporters Friday. "Well, I won't say I'll kick his ass. They'll kick my ass because they're bigger than me, and I'm older. But I will take my chances. Some people have to understand our job."

Guillen apparently went to the Billy Martin school of managing. Not necessarily a bad thing.


Calvin Johnson is a beast ... at baseball

Anybody in need of a rangy, 6-foot-5 centerfielder with some pop?

Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson took batting practice this weekend with the Tigers at Comerica Park and looked every bit the part of a major leaguer.



Sometimes you see an athlete step into the box and take some hacks and they look awful. I remember watching LeBron James, maybe the best pure athlete in all of sports, take some swings when he was taking a tour of the Nike campus in Oregon very early in his NBA career. He looked horribly uncoordinated.

Apparently, Johnson played baseball at Sandy Creek High School (Tyrone, Ga.). He was being scouted, but he always planned to go to Georgia Tech to play football. You can tell just by his swing that he used to play. He was apparently a pitcher in high school too, though no word on his velocity.


Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports. He was a second baseman in Little League and once batted .064 in a season. He was, uh, a defensive specialist. ]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143534--playing-the-field-kyrie-irving-is-a-hustler-megatron-plays-baseball Sun, 20 May 2012 09:02:04 -0400 MARK OSBORNE, MARK OSBORNE http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143534--playing-the-field-kyrie-irving-is-a-hustler-megatron-plays-baseball <![CDATA[Sixers top Celtics with dramatic comeback]]>
“I thought they just came out and became more physical,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “I thought we lost our composure and once we did, we really never returned to playing basketball the way we played in the first half.”

The Sixers, who trailed by 15 at the half on 23.1-percent (9-for-39) shooting, suddenly were back in Game 4. Evan Turner was jawing with officials and taking on double teams. Lou Williams was completing and-ones effortlessly. And Lavoy Allen continued his shutdown defense on Kevin Garnett. And Thaddeus Young was asserting his will in the low post. The Sixers shot 52.6-percent in the third while outscoring the Celtics, 28-17.

“We pretty much said at halftime that they’re pushing us around and we have to impose our will on the game,” Young said. “If we have to knock somebody down, then we have to knock somebody down and take the foul, get the ball out of bounds and let’s go at it again.”

The end of the third quarter proved to be the pivotal moment in an improbable 92-83 Sixers’ win Friday night over the Boston Celtics which tied the Eastern Conference semifinals at 2-2. The two teams will head to Boston Monday night for Game 5.

“It was pretty much a must-win for us,” Andre Iguodala said. “If it’s 3-1, it’s whole different mentality.”

If the tide started turning in the third, it crashed into the shore in the fourth. Young’s lay-in with 10:05 showing in the frame tied the game at 63-63. Then, Jodie Meeks stroked a 3-pointer to give the Sixers their first lead.

“Keep fighting. Keep fighting. Keep pushing. Keep pushing,” Iguodala said. “We’ve been down before and got back.”

True. But they haven’t always closed them out. But the order for red, white and blue confetti was placed after Lou Williams penetrated and dished to Iguodala, who promptly stroked a three-ball from the corner, with 36.9 ticks remaining. The much-criticized All-Star ate it up, pumping his chest emphatically to a “Beat the Celts” chant as the Sixers took an 88-83 edge.

“Pass and kick and he got the shot up,” Williams said. “If I wasn’t going to make shots — I had two points at halftime — I was going to play with a lot of excitement and activity.”

Iguodala called Williams the player of the game.

“We’ve played together for seven years, so we’ve done that before," Iguodala said. "Obviously not as big as that one, but I’ve gotten that shot before.”

And the Sixers nnow have a shot to take a 3-2 stranglehold on this series.

“Our psyche is a little different, but we still have to stay humble,” Iguodala said. “We’re going to keep getting their best shot, and we have to keep them from getting in a good rhythm to start games.”

Garnett’s kryptonite



Rookie Lavoy Allen is earning himself a starting spot on the Sixers.

Maybe he gets it in Game 5. Maybe it’s next season. But it’s coming.

His defensive work on Kevin Garnett has been stifling. One of the reasons the Celtics big man was able to get into a good flow in Game 3 was because Allen got into early foul trouble. Allen is humble. He doesn’t want to credit himself too much. However, the newspaper clipping pasted on his locker, the one of him and Garnett face-to-face, literally cheek-to-cheek, says it all.

“Lavoy once again, defensively, just did a tremendous job,” Sixers coach Doug Collins said.

Allen held Garnett to 3-of-12 shooting in Game 4, which matched the Big Ticket’s lowest percentage in a playoff game. His swat on Garnett in the paint late in the third brought a smile to boxer Bernard Hopkins’ face, who was sitting courtside.

“He’s been huge for us all season,” said Thaddeus Young. “He’s definitely not shaken. Lavoy’s not even listening to him [Garnett]. He’s just playing.”

Garnett, of course, loves to chirp during games and throw elbows when he can. It’s not bothering Allen. The rookie might be getting into Garnett’s head.

“I’m not sure he’s frustrated,” said Allen. “I think we’re doing a good job, being physical. You know he had a good game two nights ago, so we just tried to keep him under wraps.” ]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143525--sixers-top-celtics-with-dramatic-comeback Sat, 19 May 2012 00:39:30 -0400 MIKE GREGER, PHILADELPHIA http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143525--sixers-top-celtics-with-dramatic-comeback <![CDATA[Celtics stunned: 3 things we learned in Game 4]]>
Hot start, cold finish
The Celtics jumped out to an early 14-0 lead over the Sixers, and you had every reason to believe that this one was o-v-e-r.

The Sixers actually scored eventually, which at the time was a surprise, and kept things about even the rest of the half. The C’s led by 15 points at halftime, more than enough to be able to put a young Sixers team away . . one would think.

Boston held Philly to just 23.1 percent from the field in the first half, but that defense was nowhere to be found in the second half. And Philly made them pay.

Who was THAT guy?
Here’s the answer you don’t want to hear if you’re a Celtics fan: nobody.

Seriously, nobody stepped up for the Celtics on Friday night. It’s been Kevin Garnett so often, but old reliable looked more the former (old) than the latter (reliable). Garnett finished just 3-of-12 from the field for nine points and 11 rebounds. To make matters worse, he finished with seven turnovers. Not pretty.

Paul Pierce had an okay night (24 points, six rebounds), but his missed layup in the closing minutes of the game proved bigger than anything else. Ray Allen? Just five points.

Rajon Rondo finished with 15 points and 15 assists.

There will be six games
The Celtics had way too many chances to go up 3-1 in the series, and give themselves a chance to close the door in Boston on Monday night. Instead, they suffered maybe their worst loss of the season, completely collapsing in the second half, and allowing Philadelphia to once again believe in itself. A 2-2 series heading back to Boston is a fine situation for the 76ers.

It’s disappointing as heck for a Celtics team that really could have used some extra rest seeing as the Heat-Pacers series could go long as well.

Game 5 is now a must-win for either side. Who wants it more? ]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143524--celtics-stunned-3-things-we-learned-in-game-4 Sat, 19 May 2012 00:26:52 -0400 JIMMY TOSCANO, BOSTON http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143524--celtics-stunned-3-things-we-learned-in-game-4 <![CDATA[Playing the Field: Dwyane Wade erupts, ranking best third wheels]]>
But when you’re making $15.5 million and are considered one of the faces of professional basketball, it’s pretty hard to send that kid to his room.

For years, we had pegged LeBron James as the Miami Heat’s designated spoiled brat. Now, we have a new contender: Dwyane Wade. D-Wade had a heated exchange with his head coach, Erik Spoelstra, Thursday night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. At one point, it looked like Wade was going to cold cock Spoelstra, or roundhouse him, Shawn Michaels style.





After the game, predictably, Wade blew it off.

“I don't even remember what y'all talking about,” Wade told reporters.

This comes on the heels of comments Wade made earlier this season, when he lobbied to be paid to play in the Olympics. And then, there’s the whole Gabrielle Union thing. There was also a report that Wade had told James that the Heat were LeBron’s team now.

Lost in all this is the fact that the Heat’s MVP isn’t Wade or James. No, it’s Chris Bosh. They are now 0-2 in these playoffs without him. Interestingly, Bosh and LeBron earn the same salary.

With that in mind, we present the three best third wheels:

1. Horace Grant: Ho-Grant was rocking the Kanye glasses before Kanye, and boy did he intimidate on the boards. He racked up 9,443 rebounds in his career, while quietly holding Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s jock straps on the original three-peat.

2. Robert Parish: The Chief gets lost on the championship depth chart behind Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, but it was more than his fashion sense that relegated Bill Walton to the bench. Did you know he won his fourth ring with Jordan in Chicago? We totally forgot that.

3. Neve Campbell: Yes, we’re going off the sports grid with our last pick. Campbell’s contributions to the movie “Wild Things” is off the charts. You know the scene we’re talking about. If not, Google it immediately.

As for the Heat’s dwindling championship chances, we’ll let Lance Stephenson take it away.




ESPN has a ‘no drive-by’ policy



The Worldwide Leader might be the only thing lamer than a presidential election. So naturally, ESPN felt a need to send a memo to its employees detailing what to avoid during the upcoming White House run. In it, they specifically outline that only “approved commentaries on sports-specific issues, or seeking responses from both candidates on relevant news issues, are appropriate.”

OK, so this means we won’t be subjected to Stu Scott shouting out, “Cole Hamels getting his Obama Care on,” the next time he beans Bryce Harper. Or Chris Berman announcing Mitt “Get That Dog Off My Roof” Romney.  

The Hot One



By now you have seen and heard of Wayne Gretzky’s extremely attractive daughter, Paulina. If not, bookmark her on Twitter and Instagram. Trust us.

Personally, we would like to see her replace Pierre McGuire and take over his “Between the Benches” segment during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Considering she is already incredibly rich, famous and good-looking, we don’t see that happening.

Enjoy this Paulina Gretzky gallery, courtesy of Busted Coverage. ]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143509--playing-the-field-dwyane-wade-erupts-ranking-best-third-wheels Fri, 18 May 2012 13:26:51 -0400 MIKE GREGER, MIKE GREGER http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143509--playing-the-field-dwyane-wade-erupts-ranking-best-third-wheels <![CDATA[Sixers looking for payback]]>
Once that happened, it was all downhill for the Sixers, as evident by the C's 107-91 stomping Wednesday night.

"We all were pretty focused [Wednesday] in shootaround," Rajon Rondo said after Game 3. "Obviously, we had two close games at home and we wanted to show these guys, send a message [Wednesday night] and I think our guys did a good job of that."

If the message was, "You can't stop us," then the Sixers heard it loud and clear. But it's how Philly plays tonight -- once again at home -- that will determine if they have a snowball's chance in this series.

Down 3-1 going back to Boston? Forget about it. But going back with a 2-2 split would be just fine for a Philly team that has already proven it can win on the road in Boston during the playoffs.

To win, the Sixers have to figure out a way to limit Kevin Garnett. Philadelphia successfully did that in Game 2, but KG had his way with Spencer Hawes, Elton Brand and Lavoy Allen in Game 3, dominating the second quarter and finishing with 27 points and 13 rebounds in 30 minutes.

Hawes, Brand and Allen combined for -- wait for it -- 11 points, and 10 rebounds in 60 minutes of playing time. That just ain't gonna cut it fellas.

But Garnett knows that a repeat effort of Game 3 will be "the biggest challenge," and Philly will be out for blood.

"[The Sixers] have a lot of young legs, have a lot of individual players that can put up buckets," Garnett said after Game 3. "And we have to respect that and be ready for that. When you beat a team like this at home you have to expect them coming out with a lot of energy. But we'll be ready and we'll have a lot of energy ourselves, so we'll see what happens." ]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143448--sixers-looking-for-payback Thu, 17 May 2012 20:02:17 -0400 JIMMY TOSCANO, BOSTON http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143448--sixers-looking-for-payback <![CDATA[Playing the Field: John Tortorella must be stopped, Mrs. Tiger Woods is single again]]>
Or at least the Rangers coach thinks he is. In fact, Torts even got a ringing endorsement for President in this very space. Let’s review his year: He’s blasted Sidney Crosby and the Penguins, ripped and benched his own star Marian Gaborik, issued a conspiracy theory during the Winter Classic and recently lectured a New York reporter for forgetting to turn his cell phone off.

Up until Wednesday night, it was a funny, cute act. Now, that act has grown tired. And the New York media is dropping the ball (puck?) by letting him get away with it. After the Rangers lost Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Torts decided he didn’t want to answer any questions. His common refrain in a presser that lasted about 1 minute was: “Let’s keep it in the room.”

Here are some suggestions for a seemingly scared New York media …

1. Boycott the man. On the surface, this screams, “Torts Won!” No more press conferences. But the NHL won’t stand for that. They’ll call him into the league office and sit him down with Tony Soprano and Paulie Walnuts. No doubt he’ll keep that in the room.

2. Use kid gloves. Reporters should turn each postgame rendezvous into a theme night. For the first edition, show up armed with rattles and bibs, maybe flash some Gerbers for the cameras. Torts will either unleash an epic rant, or he’ll comply. Win win.

3. Send in the Brits. Look, we’re not the biggest fans of the British press. They take it to a whole new level (see this front page following the 2004 election) … but give them credit, they hold no punches. Let’s contract this assignment out to London.

Lake Show winning postgame war


Speaking of press conferences, has anyone been following the Lakers' playoff run? Yes, L.A. is down 2-0 to Oklahoma City right now, but they are sweeping the postgame podium.

Kobe Bryant, as expected, is the star. Kobe has asked floppers, “Where are your balls?” He’s commented that Russell Westbrook wears a lot of “weird shit.” And instructed Blake Griffin to “smack the f--- out of somebody.”

Now, it seems like Kobe’s star power is rubbing off on his teammates.

Paul Pierce, poker star



What do you do after making one of your oldest, fiercest rivals look like choir boys on the hardwood? Play $10-10 no-limit poker, of course. Celtics star Paul Pierce was seen at a table Wednesday night where the max buy-in was $3,000, right after he dropped 24 points on the Sixers. Yes, Pierce made about $15.3 million this season.

We don’t gamble — we don’t make enough money to waste — but considering the Celtics are off today, we don’t have a problem with it. Although, we have to hand Pierce a violation for his taste in casinos. He was spotted at a suburban Philadelphia gambling joint, where he was dressed in a hoodie and sitting by himself with a can of Red Bull. Which begs the questions: Where were his teammates? Where was the arm candy? Where was the Gray Goose?

When Kobe Bryant was in Philly for a regular-season game, he was caught lounging at a famous strip club, with Andrew Bynum in tow. Take notes, Paul. And just for the record, Atlantic City is less than an hour away, a place where Jay-Z owns a night club and Kim Kardashian has been known to host VIP parties. Just saying.

Off the rebound, ready to pounce



Tiger Woods’ ex-wife, Elin Nordegren has broken up with her boyfriend, according to People Magazine. And … everyone, all at once, pounce!

The former Mrs. Woods is reportedly pursuing a psychology degree while overseeing the construction of an ocean-front home. So, what kind of pick-up line would get you a date with Elin … give it a try:

» We should go clubbin’ some time
» Do you golf? We’d make an excellent two-some
» Are you famous? I swear I’ve seen you before, maybe in a magazine
» I promise I won’t cheat on you — with multiple women, in front of the whole world
» Back seat of my Escalade, let’s swing an episode ]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143372--playing-the-field-john-tortorella-must-be-stopped-mrs-tiger-woods-is-single-again Thu, 17 May 2012 12:54:57 -0400 MIKE GREGER, MIKE GREGER http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143372--playing-the-field-john-tortorella-must-be-stopped-mrs-tiger-woods-is-single-again <![CDATA[The Hub Crawl: Papelbon, Phillies shut down Sox]]>
Cole Hamels did the early work on the mound for Philly, pitching seven innings, allowing six hits while striking out nine.

Sox starter Daniel Bard struggled early, allowing four runs in the first innings. He went a total of five innings, allowing just three hits but giving up five earned runs. Mike Aviles, Cody Ross and Adrian Gonzalez each went yard for Boston.

Hunter Pence and Freddy Galvis homered for the Phillies.

Bobby Valentine was tossed from the game, his first ejection as Red Sox manager, in the ninth inning for arguing a call at first base.
]]> http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143349--the-hub-crawl-papelbon-phillies-shut-down-sox Wed, 16 May 2012 23:18:27 -0400 MATT BURKE, BOSTON http://www.metro.us/boston/sports/article/1143349--the-hub-crawl-papelbon-phillies-shut-down-sox