Category: Interviews

Rockets fight back with late defensive push as Tyler Herro, Heat hold on

Tyler Herro’s career-high 41 points allowed Miami to hold on and snap Houston’s home winning streak. But by pitching a shutout over the final five minutes, the #Rockets flashed their potential.

Entering Thursday, the young Houston Rockets had won five straight home games at Toyota Center. This week, to kick off a seven-game homestand, the longest of the season, they won largely with defense. They held both Milwaukee and Phoenix to fewer than 100 points. That equaled their total number of such games during this season’s first 25 games.

That didn’t happen in Thursday’s 111-108 loss (box score) to Miami, which ended the home-court winning streak. But while inconsistent, the Rockets showed flashes of that elite defensive form, particularly by shutting down Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and the Heat over the final five minutes and very nearly rallying to a win.

The problems, of course, came in the first 43 minutes, when Herro scored a career-high 41 points on 13-of-20 shooting (65.0%) and an astounding 10-of-15 from 3-point range (66.7%). Jimmy Butler added 20 points (53.8% FG), 10 rebounds and 7 assists for the Heat (15-15). But with a 9-0 run to finish, Houston showed enough to validate some of its recent improvements, especially on defense.

Kevin Porter Jr. had a strong game for the Rockets with 21 points on 10-of-17 shooting (58.8%) to go with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals, but he missed his last-ditch attempt at a tying 3-pointer.

Backcourt mate Jalen Green scored a team-high 22 points but continued to struggle from 3-point range, making 1-of-6 (16.7%) from deep. Rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. had another double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, though he joined Green with 3-point struggles, shooting just 1-of-7 (14.3%) from behind the arc.

Scroll on for highlights, analysis and postgame interview reaction following Thursday’s game. Houston (9-19) plays the fourth game of its longest homestand of the season (seven games in total) on Saturday night versus Portland, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. Central.

Celtics are simulating the daily grind of NBA play with Robert Williams III ahead of his planned return, per coach Joe Mazzulla

‘”We’re just constantly measuring how he responds to the five-on-five settings and a day off,’ said Boston’s coach.

Recuperating Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams III’s return situation was further clarified by interim head coach Joe Mazzulla in an appearance on WEEI’s “Zolak and Bertrand” show Thursday morning. “He’s day to day,” reiterated the Celtics coach. “He’s definitely made huge strides, especially in the last week and a half or so.”

“We’re just constantly measuring how he responds to the five-on-five settings and a day off and then a workout session and then a day off and then five on five,” added Mazzulla, describing how Boston is working to ensure repeat incidents of discomfort do not become a constant companion to Timelord taking the court.

“Just kind of getting back into a simulation of what that season is like,” explained the Rhode Island native, “and then constantly seeing how he responds to it.”

“He’s doing a great job,” offered Mazzulla. He’s made some great strides and we’ll continue to just kind of measure that and your day-to-day — but he’s doing well; he’s really working on it.”

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Boston Celtics big man Blake Griffin on Seth Rogan’s comedic influence

The six-time All-Star has modeled his comedic stylings off the court on Seth Rogan, actor and comedian and, evidently, Blake Griffin role model.

Many Boston Celtics players have peers around the league, active or retired, they have drawn on to shape their games. As far as we know here at the Celtics Wire, only one of Boston’s players has a role model for his comedic repertoire.

That player would be veteran Celtics center Blake Griffin, who has modeled his comedic stylings off the court on actor and comedian Seth Rogan. Whether you are just learning about the six-time All-Star’s comedic chops or want to know more about how got them, this is the clip for you.

Take a look at the video embedded below to hear about Griffin’s comedy career via the folks at the “In Depth with Graham Bensinger” YouTube channel.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Takeaways: Jalen Green, Rockets stifle Suns, extend home winning streak to five

Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun had a game-high 26 points and 16 rebounds, respectively, leading Houston to its fifth straight home win in Tuesday’s rout over Chris Paul’s Suns.

Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun had a game-high 26 points and 16 rebounds, respectively, leading Houston to yet another home win, 111-97 (box score), over Chris Paul and the visiting Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

The Rockets have won five straight games at Toyota Center along with three of their last four overall and six of 10.

It was an inspirational win for the Rockets in the return of head coach Stephen Silas, who had missed Sunday’s game following the death of his father, renowned NBA lifer Paul Silas.

Paul led the short-handed Suns with 16 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds, shooting just 5-of-17 from the field (29.4%) and 2-of-10 on 3-pointers (20.0%). Phoenix (16-12) was without All-Star Devin Booker due to hamstring tightness, and they lost Deandre Ayton to a sprained ankle during the contest.

After holding opponents below 100 points just twice in their first 25 games, the resurgent Rockets (9-18) have held Milwaukee and Phoenix to 92 and 97 points, respectively, in back-to-back home wins.

On offense, despite making just 1-of-7 from 3-point range (14.3%) and 7-of-17 shots overall (41.2%), Green was still relatively efficient in his 26 points thanks to an 11-of-12 showing (91.7%) at the free-throw line. Sengun had 10 points and those massive 16 rebounds, helping Houston to an overwhelming advantage, 71-50, on the glass.

Rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. had an efficient 14 points and 8 rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting (80%), making all three of his 3-pointers. Kevin Porter Jr.had 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and the Rockets were plus-22 during his 33 minutes played, best of any player.

Scroll on for highlights, analysis and postgame interview reaction. Houston (9-18) plays the third game of its longest homestand of the season on Thursday versus Miami. The tip is 7 p.m. Central.

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown reflect on Ime Udoka’s tenure with Boston Celtics

While not officially over, the pair discussed his impact as a coach — and as the source of a scandal.

More than three months after the news of the Ime Udoka scandal breaking and throwing a massive wrench into the plans of the Boston Celtics to get back to the 2023 NBA Finals, the Celtics seem to have landed on their feet and then some under interim head coach Joe Mazzulla.

But even with the team currently sitting on the best record in the league, the Udoka situation has lingered on in the background, quietly shouting into the void a series of unanswered questions that may never get their resolution outside of a court of law, an arbitration session — or, perhaps, anywhere.

In recent interviews with The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Jared Weiss, Boston’s two star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown opened up on how that lingering unfinished business affected and continues to affect them and their teammates.

JJ Redick describes how his shot at assistant coaching the Boston Celtics came up – and why he passed

Timing, it seems, is everything.

Not long after news got out that former NBAer and current host of the “Old Man and the 3” podcast JJ Redick let it slip that he had been asked to join the coaching staff of the Boston Celtics under interim head coach Joe Mazzulla in the wake of the Ime Udoka scandal, we now have the backstory courtesy of a recent interview of Redick by Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks.

Redick explained that after getting a handful of coaching offers last summer, the Boston opportunity arose ahead of a trip to Massachusetts. “The Boston thing happened so quick,” said the former Pelicans wing to Rooks.

“It was a Thursday when the news broke,” he added. “By Friday, I was talking to Brad (Stevens); by Sunday, I was playing golf with Joe.”

Led by John Lucas and playing for Stephen Silas, Rockets emphasize defense, accountability in win

“We had a really good day of practice,” John Lucas said after Houston’s big win over Milwaukee. “We talked about accountability, being professional, and starting to grow up.”

Three nights after one of their worst losses of the 2022-23 NBA season (a largely uncompetitive loss at San Antonio in a battle for last place in the Western Conference), the Houston Rockets responded with arguably their best performance in Sunday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks, widely viewed as a legitimate title contender.

What changed? Sure, there were emotions involved. The Rockets were admittedly playing on behalf of head coach Stephen Silas, who missed Sunday’s game after the death of his father, renowned NBA lifer Paul Silas, earlier that day. Veteran coach John Lucas, normally Houston’s lead assistant, filled in as acting head coach.

But beyond the Silas angle, and prior to Silas temporarily leaving the team, the team apparently had a breakthrough at practice.

Lucas elaborated in his postgame remarks:

That’s a good win, for us. We had a really good day of practice, the other day. We talked about accountability, being professional, and starting to grow up. We’ve got to stop hiding behind being young. We’re better than young.

Houston (8-18) has won four straight home games at Toyota Center and is 5-4 in its last nine games, overall. Milwaukee (19-7) lost for just the second time in its previous nine outings.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmDWfBfj5xH/

Jalen Green did the heavy lifting on offense with a game-high 30 points on strong efficiency, but Lucas was more excited to talk about the second-year guard’s defense, which he called impeccable in Sunday’s win. Lucas and Houston’s team leaders were also excited to talk about the defensive contributions of rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr., who helped limit two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to 16 points (tying a season-low) on 7-of-17 shooting (41.2%).

“That’s a big assignment, especially for a rookie,” said Kevin Porter Jr., who had 18 points (50% FG) and a team-high 7 assists for the Rockets.

“But we trusted Jabari, and he handled it well,” Porter added. “That was a near-perfect game for Jabari.”

“Jabari Smith’s defense was unbelievable,” Lucas surmised. “It was the defensive end that won it.”

Antetokounmpo had scored 28 or more points on at least 50% shooting in each of his previous nine games for the Bucks.

Smith, who had a team-high 10 rebounds and 3 steals, let out a primal roar after securing a critical rebound in the closing seconds, which was followed by swishing two free throws to secure the final 97-92 margin. In postgame comments, he elaborated on what it was for.

“When we can come together and show that we’re growing and going in the right direction, it’s always good to let out some emotion,” Smith said. “Cause we’re working. Whether people see it or not, we are.”

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Grant Williams reacts to ejection against Golden State

It was a tough night all the way around for the Boston Celtics as they get crushed by the defending champs Golden State Warriors in the Bay Area.

It was a tough night all the way around for the Boston Celtics. They were crushed by the defending champion Golden State Warriors in the Bay Area. After a harsh onslaught from 3-point range in the second half of the game for the Warriors, it turned into a rough night.

To add insult to injury, Grant Williams was ejected after head coach Joe Mazzulla called a timeout to take his starters out. Williams punched the ball into the stands and was ejected. The NBA has cracked down on players throwing any object into the stands, potentially hurting fans in the process, so the referee’s response was justified.

Williams was asked about it afterward and his response was a positive one, per MassLive’s Souichi Terada. “I have to be better in a sense of being more mature and understanding that your emotion is as good as what you base yourself growing as a player.”

He continued, “It’s just a matter of channeling that and using it in a better direction and directing that towards your teammates and making sure everyone is engaged and motivated”.

These are the sort of words Boston Celtics fans are desperate to hear. Williams is not only going to be crucial to the Celtics’ success this season, but also competing for a championship.

The window is still wide open for this improved Boston squad, and players were reminded how difficult it is to beat the Warriors at any time in San Francisco.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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‘That was for coach’: Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. will Rockets past Bucks

With Stephen Silas out after his father’s death, Jalen Green (on offense) and Jabari Smith Jr. (on defense) led an inspired #Rockets effort in an emotional, feel-good win over Milwaukee.

Jalen Green scored a game-high 30 points on strong efficiency and rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. made a huge defensive impact, leading Houston’s late rally in a win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, 97-92 (box score).

It was an emotional night for the Rockets, who had John Lucas as acting head coach in place of Stephen Silas after the death of Silas’ father, renowned NBA lifer Paul Silas.

The Rockets (8-18) won their fourth straight game at Toyota Center, improving to 5-5 at home on the 2022-23 season. That’s especially good news since Houston has its next six games at home. Milwaukee (19-7), viewed by most as an NBA title contender, lost Sunday for just the second time in its last nine games.

The Rockets trailed by seven early in the fourth quarter, but they limited Milwaukee to 1-of-8 shooting (12.5%) and forced six turnovers over the game’s final five minutes. Smith played a huge role with his defense on the two-time MVP and by making two clinching free throws after securing a critical rebound in the closing seconds. For the game, Smith led the Rockets with 10 rebounds and 3 steals.

Smith did the heavy lifting on defense, and while his effort there may have contributed to a 1-of-9 shooting night (11.1%) on the other end, the Rockets still had enough offense thanks to their backcourt.

Green scored 30 points on 12-of-21 shooting (57.1%), including 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50%), and he made three free throws in the final minute to break open what had been a tie game. Backcourt mate Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points (50% FG) and a team-high 7 assists, along with a key deflection and steal as part of a late defensive surge.

Antetokounmpo grabbed a game-high 18 rebounds for the Bucks to go with 16 points, but he was limited to 7-of-17 shooting (41.2%) on Sunday, thanks largely to Smith’s defense.

Scroll on for highlights, analysis and postgame interview reaction. Houston (8-18) plays the second game of its season-long homestand on Tuesday versus Phoenix, with the tip at 7 p.m. Central.

Derrick White on the Boston Celtics’ hot start, Jayson Tatum’s MVP case and more

White recently made an appearance on the “Old Man and the Three” podcast to talk about how his tenure with the Celtics has been going, his path to Boston and more.

Derrick White is no longer the new guy on the Boston Celtics’ roster, and it has been reflected in his game this season. The Colorado native is more comfortable playing for his new club after having had an offseason, training camp and several months of the Celtics’ 2022-23 campaign to get accustomed to how Boston plays.

That has allowed him to contribute to the Celtics’ hot start, and Boston’s ball movement-oriented style of play has been particularly good at getting White open on his way to a career-high efficiency rate from beyond the arc, 41.2%.

White recently made an appearance on the “Old Man and the Three” podcast to talk about how his tenure with the Celtics has been going, his path to Boston and more on a recent episode.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear the interview with JJ Redick in full.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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