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A second-chance shot at the Finals clincher presents itself to the Celtics. Will they score? – The Boston Globe

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5 months ago

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A second-chance shot at the Finals clincher presents itself to the Celtics. Will they score? – The Boston Globe


Yet, just because the Celtics are at home does not automatically equate playing better or the Mavericks succumbing to make this a neat and convenient story line. Boston will have to earn this win with perhaps its best performance of the season.

The Mavericks have little to lose because they are expected to lose.

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No prognosticator picked Dallas to win the championship when the season began. The Mavericks are the underdogs. They are loose, knowing every victory they steal puts more pressure on the favored Celtics. This indeed has turned into a mind game.

Boston wants a title, it needs a title. The city can taste it.

“I don’t look at it as pressure,” Tatum said Sunday before practice. “I do notice, especially this time of the season, playoff time and obviously being in the Finals for the second time, when you drive around and go to the gas station, or I wanted to go get some ice cream yesterday, it’s Celtics gear everywhere and everybody is super excited about this team and what we have accomplished and what we have the chance to accomplish. You really just feel the love and support from everybody in the city of Boston, and how bad they want us to win, how much they have been cheering for us.

“So I don’t look at it as pressure. Just unconditional support, and that we have an amazing fan base here.”

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Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla checked in Sunday at TD Garden with injured big man Kristaps Porzingis.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff

The hunger is there, the players say, although it didn’t appear that way Friday. After saying they had to play like the more desperate team in Game 4 even though they weren’t, the Celtics played about six good minutes before they relented to the team that was really desperate.

There’s something to playing with zero expectations and the Mavericks have embraced that role. They are highly unlikely to come back from a 3-0 deficit. No team has done that in 156 tries, but that doesn’t mean they can’t cause angst and discomfort for their opponent in the process.

“Sometimes when you do play an opponent over and over, you get used to the tendencies and you start to capitalize on that on both ends, defensively and offensively,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “Hopefully our group has seen enough of Boston to understand what they are good at, and hopefully we can take that away (Monday) night.”

Monday will be the most difficult game of the Celtics’ careers because it’s the most significant. But it’s also important to remember they still hold the advantage. A team that hasn’t lost more than two games in a row all season would have to lose four consecutive games to lose this series. But there has to be a better sense of urgency than in Game 4. The Celtics have to feed into the crowd’s enthusiasm, play a more disciplined and passionate game, and let their talents and coaching take over.

“We have a great group, resilient group, and we don’t like to lose,” Brown said. “We do our best to prepare each and every night, each and every game, and we look forward to the next game on the schedule. I think we are ready for Game 5. I think that’s the best answer that I got. I think that we’re ready. We’re at home, and we’re looking forward to it.

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“This is what we all work for. We are at the precipice of completing what we set out to do at the beginning of the season. So I think it’s not difficult to get everybody in that locker room on the same page right now. It just needs to remind everybody that it’s just one possession at a time. We do it together and we fight like our lives depends on it, and I think we’ll be all right.”

The Celtics lacked that fight in Game 4 and they can no longer take these games for granted. These chances to clinch are rare and they have to play their hardest, if not their best. That’s all this fan base can request. The Celtics owe their fans their best effort and an increased sense of urgency because they have a chance to achieve a career-defining accomplishment.

“[Coach] Joe [Mazzulla] did a great job today of reminding us that it’s okay to smile during wars,” Tatum said. “It’s OK to have fun during high-pressure moments. That’s what makes our team unique and special. We would love to win (Monday), more than anything. But if it doesn’t happen, it’s not the end of the world. We have more opportunities. So just setting that table of don’t surrender to that idea that we have to win tomorrow. We would love to, absolutely. But Game 5 is the biggest game of the season because it’s the next game on the schedule.

“So going with that mind-set, and just have fun. That’s really what we talked about today. Get back to having fun and being a team and how special we are and the team that got us here.”

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Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at gary.washburn@globe.com. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.





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Boston, MA

Celtics vs. Raptors preview: Boston readies for NBA’s worst – The Boston Globe

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7 hours ago

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November 16, 2024

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Celtics vs. Raptors preview: Boston readies for NBA’s worst – The Boston Globe


Only three teams have gotten in the Celtics’ way so far, and there aren’t many challenges on the horizon. Saturday night will likely be no exception.

Boston, ranked second in the Eastern Conference standings, will host the Toronto Raptors. The Celtics hope to revive a win streak that hasn’t exceeded two games since early November.

At 2-11, the Raptors have the worst record in the NBA. Center Jakob Poeltl ranks seventh in the league with a team-leading 11.1 rebounds per game. Shooting guard RJ Barrett has the ninth-most turnovers in the league (3.6).

With small forward Jayson Tatum at the helm, the reigning champions have thrived this season. Tatum averages 30.2 points and 4.2 3-pointers, ranking third and fourth in the league, respectively.

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But, his career performance against Toronto is significantly lower. In 23 games, he’s averaged 18.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.

Let’s get into it.

When: Saturday, 8 p.m.

Where: TD Garden, Boston

TV, radio: NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5

Line: Boston -16.5. O/U: 228.5.

RAPTORS

Season record: 2-10. vs. spread: 8-4. Over/under: 7-5

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Last 10 games: 1-9. vs. spread: 7-3. Over/under: 5-5

CELTICS

Season record: 10-3. vs. spread: 7-6. Over/under: 6-6, 1 push

Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/under: 4-5, 1 push

TEAM STATISTICS

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Points per game: Toronto 112.8, Boston 121.3

Points allowed per game: Toronto 120.8, Boston 110.5

Field goal percentage: Toronto .458, Boston .461

Opponent field goal percentage: Toronto .478, Boston .466

3-point percentage: Toronto .332, Boston .373

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Opponent 3-point percentage: Toronto .346, Boston .344

Stat of the day: The Celtics averaged 109 points across 15 wins and five losses since Sept. 2020 against the Raptors.

Notes: The Raptors will attempt to collect their first road victory Saturday night when they visit the Celtics for the first of four meetings between the teams this season. … The Raptors are 0-7 in road games. The Celtics are only 3-2 at home but 10-3 overall. … It will be the second game in as many nights for Toronto, which is coming off Friday night’s 99-95 loss against Detroit in the second NBA Cup game for each team. The loss extended Toronto’s overall losing streak to six games. … Boston hasn’t played since it beat Brooklyn 139-114 Wednesday night. … The 139 points were the most the Celtics have scored in a game this season. Boston scored 74 points in the second half. … Tatum, at an average of 30.2 points a game, and Brown (25.4) are Boston’s leading scorers this season. Tatum also leads the team in rebounds (7.6) and steals (1.5). Brown is second on the team in rebounds (7.2) and is tied with Pritchard for second in steals (1.2).

Alexa Podalsky can be reached at alexa.podalsky@globe.com.

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Boston officials propose vacancy fee to address empty storefronts, boost economy

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15 hours ago

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November 16, 2024

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Boston officials propose vacancy fee to address empty storefronts, boost economy


Boston officials are considering whether a fee on vacant storefronts in the city’s neighborhoods could boost the local economy by pushing commercial landlords to bring in tenants.

According to Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu, long-term vacant storefronts can lead to decreased property values, crime and disinvestment in the area, as well as a “negative vibe” of blight. These issues particularly affect communities of color in neighborhoods such as Roxbury and Mattapan, he said.

“The hustle and bustle of our main streets is important not just for supporting small businesses, but attracting others to the neighborhood, making folks want to live in that area because of what’s right down the street from them,” Idowu said during a Friday morning hearing of the Committee on Small Business and Professional Licensure. “When there are too many vacancies in our main streets, other businesses are negatively impacted.”



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How to Watch SMU vs. Boston College: Time, TV Channel, Live Stream – November 16, 2024

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22 hours ago

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November 16, 2024

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How to Watch SMU vs. Boston College: Time, TV Channel, Live Stream – November 16, 2024


Data Skrive

One of the best runners in college football will be on display when Brashard Smith and the SMU Mustangs (8-1) take on the Boston College Eagles (5-4) on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

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You should check out ESPN in order to watch this game.

Keep up with college football all season on FOX Sports.

Catch Up with Highlights

College Football – Houston at Arizona

Learn more about the SMU Mustangs and the Boston College Eagles.

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How to Watch SMU vs. Boston College

  • When: Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park, Texas
  • Live Box Score: FOX Sports

Read More About This Game

  • SMU vs. Boston College Predictions

SMU’s 2024 Schedule

Date Opponent Score
8/24/2024 at Nevada W 29-24
8/31/2024 vs. Houston Christian W 59-7
9/6/2024 vs. BYU L 18-15
9/21/2024 vs. TCU W 66-42
9/28/2024 vs. Florida State W 42-16
10/5/2024 at Louisville W 34-27
10/19/2024 at Stanford W 40-10
10/26/2024 at Duke W 28-27
11/2/2024 vs. Pittsburgh W 48-25
11/16/2024 vs. Boston College –
11/23/2024 at Virginia –
11/30/2024 vs. California –

SMU 2024 Stats & Insights

  • SMU has the 46th-ranked defense this season (341 yards allowed per game), and has been more effective on the other side of the ball, ranking 21st-best with a tally of 446.1 yards per game.
  • With 251 passing yards allowed per game on defense, which ranks 22nd-worst in the FBS, SMU has had to rely on their 43rd-ranked passing offense (249.6 passing yards per contest) to keep them in games.
  • Offensively, the Mustangs have been a top-25 unit, ranking sixth-best in the FBS by totaling 40.1 points per game. They rank 38th on defense (21.8 points allowed per game).
  • The Mustangs rank 29th in rushing yards this season (196.6 rushing yards per game), but they’ve been playing really well on the other side of the ball, ranking fourth-best in the FBS with 90 rushing yards allowed per game.
  • SMU has been making things happen on both sides of the ball on third down this year, owning the 19th-best mark in third-down conversion rate (46.6%) and 23rd-best in third-down defense (33.1% third-down percentage allowed).
  • The Mustangs have forced 19 total turnovers (11th in the FBS) this season and have turned it over 16 times (102nd in the FBS) for a turnover margin of +3, 46th-ranked in college football.

SMU 2024 Key Players

Name Position Stats
Brashard Smith RB 903 YDS / 11 TD / 100.3 YPG / 6.5 YPC
22 REC / 190 REC YDS / 2 REC TD / 21.1 REC YPG
Kevin Jennings QB 1,900 YDS (64.8%) / 12 TD / 5 INT
317 RUSH YDS / 3 RUSH TD / 35.2 RUSH YPG
Roderick Daniels Jr. WR 15 REC / 323 YDS / 1 TD / 35.9 YPG
RJ Maryland TE 24 REC / 359 YDS / 4 TD / 39.9 YPG
Kobe Wilson LB 45 TKL / 2 TFL / 2 INT / 2 PD
Isaiah Nwokobia DB 43 TKL / 1 TFL / 0.5 SACK / 2 INT
Ahmad Walker LB 36 TKL / 3 TFL / 1 INT / 1 PD
Jahfari Harvey DL 14 TKL / 5 TFL / 4 SACK

Boston College’s 2024 Schedule

Date Opponent Score
9/2/2024 at Florida State W 28-13
9/7/2024 vs. Duquesne W 56-0
9/14/2024 at Missouri L 27-21
9/21/2024 vs. Michigan State W 23-19
9/28/2024 vs. Western Kentucky W 21-20
10/5/2024 at Virginia L 24-14
10/17/2024 at Virginia Tech L 42-21
10/25/2024 vs. Louisville L 31-27
11/9/2024 vs. Syracuse W 37-31
11/16/2024 at SMU –
11/23/2024 vs. North Carolina –
11/30/2024 vs. Pittsburgh –

Boston College 2024 Stats & Insights

  • Boston College ranks 97th with 354.2 total yards per contest on offense, and it ranks 73rd with 372.7 total yards allowed per contest on the defensive side of the ball.
  • Boston College ranks 20th-worst in passing yards per game (178.7), but it has been more productive on the defensive side of the ball, ranking 103rd in the FBS with 243.3 passing yards ceded per contest.
  • The Eagles rank 72nd in the FBS with 27.6 points per game on offense, and they rank 55th with 23 points given up per game on the defensive side of the ball.
  • The Eagles are compiling 175.6 rushing yards per contest on offense this season (49th-ranked). Meanwhile, they are allowing 129.3 rushing yards per contest (44th-ranked) on defense.
  • Boston College is generating a 43.9% third-down conversion rate on offense this season (35th-ranked). Meanwhile, it is giving up a 36.8% third-down rate (52nd-ranked) on defense.
  • At +4, the Eagles own the 33rd-ranked turnover margin in the FBS, with 17 forced turnovers (21st in the FBS) and 13 turnovers committed (62nd in the FBS).

Boston College 2024 Key Players

Name Position Stats
Thomas Castellanos QB 1,366 YDS (61.5%) / 18 TD / 5 INT
194 RUSH YDS / 1 RUSH TD / 21.6 RUSH YPG
Treshaun Ward RB 369 YDS / 2 TD / 46.1 YPG / 5.3 YPC
13 REC / 251 REC YDS / 4 REC TD / 35.9 REC YPG
Kye Robichaux RB 471 YDS / 6 TD / 52.3 YPG / 4.7 YPC
3 REC / 10 REC YDS / 1 REC TD / 1.4 REC YPG
Lewis Bond WR 44 REC / 438 YDS / 3 TD / 48.7 YPG
Donovan Ezeiruaku DL 52 TKL / 11 TFL / 10 SACK
KP Price DB 44 TKL / 1 TFL / 1 INT / 1 PD
Quintavious Hutchins DL 19 TKL / 3 TFL / 3 SACK / 1 INT
Carter Davis DB 32 TKL / 0 TFL / 1 INT / 1 PD

FOX Sports created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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