Boston, MA
Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley says ‘it’s all love’ for Boston even with Celtics up
Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley still finds pride in calling Boston his “second home” even as the Celtics have pushed Dallas to the brink of elimination.
After all, Boston is where Dudley developed into a “young man,” turning in a legendary career at Boston College in the 2000s before being taken by Charlotte in the 2007 draft.
Nearly 17 years after leaving Chestnut Hill, Dudley, 38, finds himself up against the toughest challenge he’s faced in the NBA, as a player or coach, one he is embracing.
“Everyone knows Boston fans are one of the best fans in the NBA,” Dudley told the Herald in an exclusive, after the Mavericks’ shoot-around Monday at TD Garden. “I’ve always felt ingrained (here). It’s an honor to play the Celtics.”
“If you want to win a championship you want to go against an organization like this to cement your legacy,” he added. “It’s been fun but it’s been difficult because they’re so good.”
Dallas blew Boston out in Game 4 on Friday, handing the Celtics their worst loss of the season and the third most lopsided defeat in Finals history, but still trail 3-1 in the series. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit.
Dudley said he felt “optimistic” about his team’s prospects in Monday night’s Game 5, while understanding the likelihood that Boston would come out flat, once more, was slim. The Celtics scored just 35 points in Friday’s first half, their lowest point total in any half this season.
“It’s a good nervous,” Dudley said of his team’s overall attitude after a relaxed but playful shoot-around. “You have to be on your heels to play the best, you have to be desperate which we are. We know their crowd is going to feed off them. We have to do the little stuff.”
It didn’t take long for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to make an impression on Dudley, who praised the duo in 2017 during an interview with the Herald when he was in his second stint with the Phoenix Suns.
“This team is setting itself up for the next 10 years,” Dudley said then.
He was right.
The Celtics are excelling, Dudley said, as Tatum and Brown have become “more willing passers.” The duo combined for 32 assists in Games 2 and 3, as Boston took the commanding 3-0 lead.
The additions of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday have solidified the team’s identity, Dudley said.
“The key with them is you can’t give Tatum any easy dunks off of turnovers, and you can’t give any open threes,” Dudley said. “I’d rather have White have the open three than Tatum, to get him going, because these guys are young guys, they want to play well, it’s the NBA Finals.”
“Their job is to score, our job is to make it difficult,” he added. “Even if you make it difficult, they can still make shots.”
After entering free agency in 2019, Dudley was rumored to have been interested in coming back to Boston in what would have been sort of a homecoming for the former BC Eagle. He wanted to provide his veteran presence to a championship-contending team, but the Celtics never made an offer, he said.
Instead, the San Diego native returned to southern California, joining the Lakers prior to the 2019-20 season. Dudley and the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis went on to win the 2020 Finals in the bubble.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd served as an assistant coach on that Lakers squad before he became head coach of Dallas in the 2021-22 season, Dudley’s first year as an assistant.
“Eventually I want to become a head coach,” Dudley told the Herald, “so (I’m) getting the experience with how J-Kidd goes and his game plans, his adjustments, me running the defense, helping with substitutions, getting on Luka (Doncic).”
If the Mavericks want to extend the series against Boston, Dudley said it will come down to guard Kyrie Irving finding himself. The Boston crowd relentlessly slung “Kyrie sucks” chants against the former Celtic in Games 1 and 2, when Irving combined for just 28 points.
Irving woke up when the series shifted to Dallas, scoring 56 points combined in Games 3 and 4.
“The fans are getting on him in a different way than booing. It’s personal,” Dudley said. “When it’s personal you want to be able to respond, sometimes you’re not in the right mind-frame or space, and even he’d tell you he struggled. It’s his job to find ways to overcome it.”
Dudley, on the other hand, acknowledged he has a “great personal connection” with Celtics fans and the city as a whole which he attributed to his four years at BC.
The 15-year NBA veteran ranks sixth all-time in scoring in school history, and Dudley was voted the ACC Player of the Year in 2007 and was a second team All-American.
“They know the accolades I’ve had in Boston, of showing them love,” he said. “I’ve done camps here, I’ve given back here, I’ve given to BC financially. It’s all love when it comes to Boston.”
Best Stationery, Gus & Ruby / Photo by Lindsay Hackney
Stationery
GUS & RUBY
At Gus & Ruby, stationery isn’t just paper—it’s personality, pressed and printed to perfection. Beloved for their inventive designs, hand-rendered illustrations, and luxurious letterpress, this New England favorite crafts suites that tell your story from the very first envelope. Founders and longtime friends Samantha Finigan and Whitney Swaffield lead their team to infuse every project with warmth, wit, and impeccable taste, making each invitation a true keepsake. gusandruby.com.
Photographer
CITYLUX STUDIOS
CityLux Studios captures weddings with the cinematic flair of a Vogue spread and the heart of a love story. Known for luminous tones, modern composition, and effortlessly emotive moments, this Boston-based team turns real life into high art. Married couple and founders Sarah and Peter blend editorial precision with genuine connection to create luminous imagery that feels as timeless as the love it celebrates. citylux.studio.
Videographer
STOPGOLOVE
Founded by filmmakers Jared Haskell and Jason McCutchen, StopGoLove turns real moments into modern, cinematic stories. Their style is clean, intentional, and emotionally honest—beautiful composition, smart pacing, and an instinct for the in-between beats that make a film feel alive. The result is wedding cinema with editorial polish and zero pretense: story first, style built in. stopgolove.com.
Floral Studio
ORLY KHON
Orly Khon doesn’t just arrange flowers; she composes living art. Known for her moody, romantic designs that balance wildness with refinement, Khon approaches each event like a painter at her canvas, blending texture, color, and movement into unforgettable floral moments. Whether it’s a delicate tablescape or a lush, architectural ceremony design, her work feels both timeless and a touch rebellious—much like the modern couples she designs for. orlykhon.com.
Best Catering, Max Ultimate Food / Photo by Person Killian Photography
Catering
MAX ULTIMATE FOOD
Turning culinary imagination into edible art, this Boston-based team delivers restaurant-level dining with the precision of a luxury event planner. Creative tasting menus, impeccable service, and presentation that’s anything but predictable make every celebration unforgettable. From passed hors d’oeuvres to late-night bites, every detail is, well, ultimate. maxultimatefood.com.
Best Cakes, Lizzie’s Bakery / Photo by Lushi Song
Cakes
LIZZIE’S BAKERY
Whimsical yet sophisticated, these confections are as delicious as they are striking—think handpainted details, sculptural sugar florals, and modern, clean-lined tiers. Behind the magic is Lizzie Johnson, a Food Network alum with a fine-art eye and a love of bold flavor, crafting designs that feel personal, polished, and picture perfect. Sweet beauty, inside and out. lizziesbakery.com.
Best Band, Hot Mess / Photo by Shannon Bialy Photography
Band
HOT MESS
No cookie-cutter wedding playlists here. This Boston-based band is known for turning every crowd into a dance-floor frenzy, thanks to powerhouse vocals, magnetic stage presence, and an uncanny ability to read the room. Whether it’s a soulful slow jam or a pop anthem that gets Grandma on her feet, they bring the perfect blend of polish and pure fun. Simply put: They don’t just play the party, they are the party. hotmessrocks.com.
DJ
C-ZONE ENTERTAINMENT
For couples who want a packed dance floor and a soundtrack that feels uniquely theirs, this Boston-based team delivers. With decades of experience, seamless mixing, and an intuitive sense for what the crowd craves, these DJs curate moments that move effortlessly from first dance to final encore. Sophisticated, high-energy, and always in tune with the couple’s style—this is music done right. czonemusic.com.
Photo Booth
ENTERTAINMENT SPECIALISTS
A photo booth should be as stylish as the celebration itself, and this team delivers just that. With sleek setups, creative backdrops, and instant share options, they turn snapshots into unforgettable keepsakes. Whether it’s a glam booth worthy of the red carpet or a playful setup packed with props, they make every moment memorable and a whole lot of fun. entertainmentspecialists.com.
Best Wedding Planner, Baciare Events / Photo by Constance Schiano
Wedding Planner
BACIARE EVENTS
Founders Ashley Saffer and Renée Sabo are masters of turning dream days into beautifully lived experiences. With a blend of creativity, calm precision, and genuine care, they craft weddings that feel effortless, elegant, and deeply personal. Whether it’s an intimate coastal gathering, a grand ballroom affair, or a celebration halfway across the world, their team ensures every detail is seamless. baciareevents.com.
Event Designer
TYGER EVENT DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Founded by principal Ty Kuppig, this design and production studio brings a couture sensibility to every celebration. With an architect’s eye and a storyteller’s instinct, Kuppig transforms venues into cinematic settings layered with texture, light, and mood. From sculptural floral moments to bold, modern palettes, each event feels elevated, expressive, and entirely one of a kind. tygerproductions.com.
Hairstylist
MONIKA RAMIZI, SALON MARIO RUSSO
Known for her “try-anything” attitude and calming presence, Monika Ramizi approaches bridal beauty with both artistry and ease. Whether it’s soft, romantic waves, a sleek modern updo, or something entirely unexpected, she tailors each look to the bride’s personality and vision. The result is hair that feels fresh, confident, and camera-ready from the first look to the final dance. mariorusso.com.
Makeup Artist
BEAUTY BY NELSE
For Nelse Karini, makeup is more than artistry; it’s empowerment. A self-taught talent with a passion for helping women look and feel their best, she’s known for her luminous, skin-first approach and ability to create a flawless finish that still feels like you. Brides love her mix of precision and personality—equal parts perfectionist and hype woman—and the confidence that comes with her chair-side magic. beautybynelse.com.
Bridal Boutique
L’ÉLITE BRIDAL
A destination for the fashion-forward bride, this Newbury Street institution curates an elite roster of global designers—from Oscar de la Renta and Monique Lhuillier to Berta and Ines Di Santo. With more than three decades of experience, the boutique’s expert stylists and in-house tailoring team deliver a couture-level experience that feels as personal as it is polished. Every gown is chosen for its artistry, craftsmanship, and that unforgettable moment when a bride sees herself and knows: This is the one. lelite.com.
Best Wedding Dress Designer, Candice Wu Couture / Photo by Reinhardt Kenneth
Wedding Dress Designer
CANDICE WU COUTURE
With a couture sensibility and a flair for the unexpected, Candice Wu redefines modern bridal style. Her gowns balance romance and edge, featuring exquisite craftsmanship, sculptural silhouettes, and intricate detailing that make every look unforgettable. Whether ethereal and whimsical or sleek and daring, each design embodies her signature blend of elegance, confidence, and artistry. candicewucouture.com.
Best Engagement Rings, Boston Diamond Company / Photo courtesy of Boston Diamond Company
Engagement Rings
BOSTON DIAMOND COMPANY
Discerning brides and grooms turn to this Newbury Street jeweler for more than sparkle—they come for expertise. Owner Stephanie Binder and her team of certified gemologists offer a refreshingly educated approach to fine jewelry, guiding clients through every facet of diamond selection with honesty, precision, and an impeccable eye for design. Whether sourcing an exceptional natural stone or creating something from the boutique’s Pure Luxe Lab collection of lab-grown diamonds, each piece reflects the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Because true luxury isn’t loud; it’s brilliantly, quietly flawless. bostondiamond.com.
Wedding Bands
LONG’S JEWELERS
For more than a century, Long’s Jewelers has been synonymous with craftsmanship, integrity, and enduring style. This fifthgeneration, family-owned jeweler bridges heritage and modernity with a collection of wedding bands that balance artistry and intention. Each piece is designed to feel as effortless as it is enduring—refined in form, rich in meaning, and unmistakably elevated. A modern icon of lasting love and impeccable taste. longsjewelers.com.
Rentals
DEZ COLLECTIVE
At Dez Collective, design lives in the details. This Boston-based studio curates a thoughtful collection of furniture, tabletop, and décor that elevates weddings from stylish to unforgettable. With a deeply honed instinct for atmosphere, the team creates layered environments that feel intentional, artful, and entirely now: the kind of spaces that photograph as beautifully as they feel. dezcollective.com.
Urban Venue
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
A landmark of art and architecture, the Boston Public Library offers one of the city’s most breathtaking backdrops for a wedding. Beneath vaulted ceilings and along marble corridors, history and grandeur converge in a way that feels both timeless and distinctly Boston. Partnering exclusively with the Catered Affair, the venue hosts some of the city’s most luxurious celebrations, yet it’s also possible to exchange vows here in a one-hour ceremony that costs little more than a library card. Either way, the setting is unforgettable. bpl.org.
Historic Venue
THE GREAT HOUSE AT THE CRANE ESTATE
High above the Ipswich coast, the Great House at the Crane Estate feels like stepping into another era. Designed in 1928 by architect David Adler for industrialist Richard T. Crane Jr., the 59-room Stuart-style mansion crowns a 165-acre National Historic Landmark surrounded by salt marshes, barrier beaches, and sweeping ocean views. The property’s showstopper, the Grand Allée, a 2,060-foot lawn that stretches from the mansion to the water’s edge, offers a photo backdrop worthy of royalty. craneestateevents.com.
Best Coastal Venue, Wychmere Beach Club / Photo by Alex Paul
Coastal Venue
WYCHMERE BEACH CLUB
If it’s possible to have glamour on the beach, this is where it lives. In Harwich, Wychmere Beach Club merges Cape Cod’s oceanfront ease with a distinctly polished edge. Expansive water views, clean architectural lines, and light-filled spaces create a setting that feels both elevated and elemental: seaside sophistication, perfected. wychmerebeachclub.com.
Rustic Venue
THE BARN AT GIBBET HILL
If “rustic” makes you think of mason jars, think again. The Barn at Gibbet Hill redefines the genre with its soaring post-and-beam architecture, polished wood interiors, and panoramic views of rolling pastureland. Set on a working farm in Groton, the venue blends country character with refined hospitality: think firefly evenings, farm-to-table menus, and sunsets that wash the hills in gold. barnatgibbethill.com.
Best Ballroom Venue, Fairmont Copley Plaza / Courtesy photo
Ballroom Venue
FAIRMONT COPLEY PLAZA
In the heart of the Back Bay, the Fairmont Copley Plaza is Boston’s grande dame—all gilded ceilings, marble columns, and chandeliers that seem to glow from another century. A Beaux Arts masterpiece with unmistakable presence, it brings drama to the classic ballroom wedding. Yet behind the opulence is a pulse of modern sophistication: flawless service, effortless style, and a setting that never goes out of fashion. fairmont-copley-plaza.com.
Getting married? Start and end your wedding planning journey with Boston Weddings’ guide to the best wedding vendors in the city.
The good news for Marco Sturm and the Bruins is that the team could get defenseman Henri Jokiharju back in action Tuesday night in Seattle.
But the potential return of Jokiharju, who has been out of Boston’s lineup since sustaining an injury back on Nov. 28, does not give Sturm a healthy blue line. Instead, the Bruins are apparently dealing with yet another injury ahead of Jokiharju’s return to action, this time with Hampus Lindholm back on the shelf with an injury.
And one that certainly sounds concerning based on what Sturm said.
“It’s not going to be a day-to-day thing,” Sturm, whose team is on a three-game point streak, said following Monday’s practice when asked about Lindholm’s injury status. “Hopefully it’s not too long, but he’s definitely going to be out for a little bit. We’ll have to do more testing when we’re back in Boston so we can go from there.”
Sturm added that Lindholm has “been hurt,” though it’s unclear if he meant that Lindholm has been hurt in the last contest if he’s been playing hurt for the last little bit here. Lindholm did finish Saturday’s game without issue (at least one that was visible), and finished with an assist and logged a pair of overtime shifts in a 22:47 night.
Lindholm is also less than a week removed from what was one of his best games of the season, with a goal and an assist in Boston’s 6-2 win over the Oilers last Wednesday.
Lindholm has not traveled back to Boston ahead of schedule, though that admittedly means very little with just one more game on deck for the B’s on this road trip.
“We just had our first appointment [Sunday] and we’re going to wait until we get back because there’s nothing we can do right now,” Sturm said when discussing Lindholm’s injury. “And then we’ll let our doctors decide our next steps.”
Lindholm, who has three goals and 14 points through 34 games this year, has already missed eight games due to a lower-body injury earlier this season.
Sturm noted that Jokiharju looked “pretty good,” which is a positive development when it comes to his potential availability for Tuesday against the Kraken. If Jokiharju is unable to go, Vladislav Kolyachonok would slide back into the Boston lineup.
The Bruins come into Tuesday’s head-to-head with the Kraken with five of a possible eight points on this road trip banked away, but are a woeful 2-6-0 with Lindholm on the shelf this season.
Police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred overnight in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood.
Boston police said they responded to a report of a person shot in the area of 24 Stow Road in Mattapan around 12:12 a.m. on Monday.
When they arrived, officers found a vehicle parked in front of 24 Stow Road with a man inside suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Boston EMS transported the man to a local hospital, where he later died.
No arrests have been announced.
The shooting remains under investigation, and anyone with information is being asked to call homicide detectives at 617-343-4470. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-494-TIPS, texting the word “TIP” to 27463 or online.
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