Tag: 2012 Eastern Conference semifinals

Evan Turner on when Elton Brand told him the fix was in vs. the Boston Celtics

If the refs were really trying to help Boston, why foul out Paul Pierce with nearly four minutes to play? The world may never know. Or maybe they already do.

NBA fans are not shy about suggesting the referees are on the take when their favorite team is not getting calls in a losing effort. But it is not just fans who feel that way.

Former Boston Celtics player and assistant coach Evan Turner shared how then-Philadelphia 76ers teammate Elton Brand believed the Sixers had to beat not only the Celtics in the 2012 East semis but the refs as well on an episode of the “Gil’s Arena” podcast.

“You know we’re going to have to win by 15 just to win by 1,” Brand told Turner via The Finder’s Tom Haberstroh. “If we (win) this game, you know how much the NBA is going to lose?”

“Bro, this is the NBA. It’s entertainment. LeBron (James) and the (Miami) Heat are waiting,” he continued. “Would you rather watch the Celtics or the Sixers play the Heat?”

“I’m going to be honest with you … I’m on the team and I wouldn’t even want to watch the Sixers play the Heat,” said Brand, who advised Turner to take the money and enjoy the ride regardless.

Even so, as Haberstroh is sure to note in the article that gave rise to this post, if the refs were really trying to help Boston, why foul out Paul Pierce with nearly four minutes to play? The world may never know. Or maybe they already do.

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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On this day: Charles Bradley born; Bones McKinney passes; playoff wins over Magic, 76ers

On this day, former Boston Celtic shooting guard Charles Bradley was born, and Bones McKinney left us.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, former Boston shooting guard Charles Bradley was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in 1959. Bradley played his college ball at the University of Wyoming and was selected with the 23rd pick of the 1981 NBA draft by the Celtics, picked ahead of teammate and future general manager of the team Danny Ainge.

He played two seasons with Boston in a reserve role, putting up averages of 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and as many steals per game over 102 games. The Havre de Grace native was waived by the Celtics in October of 1983.

He then signed with the (then) Seattle Supersonics (now, Oklahoma City Thunder), his final stop as an NBA player.

On this day: Boston wins 12th championship in 1974; Keith Bogans born

On this date in 1974, the Celtics won their 12th championship against the Bucks; it is also the birthday of former Celtic Keith Bogans.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, the Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 102-87 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Milwaukee to win their 12th NBA Championship. It was Boston’s first championship with legendary big man Bill Russell, and head coach and former player Tommy Heinsohn’s first as coach.

Celtics center luminary Dave Cowens led the team with 28 points and 14 rebounds, forward John Havlicek added 16 points and 9 boards, and 6 assists while point guard Jo Jo White chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. Reserve forward contributed Paul Silas 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals for good measure. Dropping their usual man-to-man defense to double and triple Bucks star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar proved critical to the win.

It was Boston’s first championship since 1969.