Deadspin | Rangers end last-place campaign with upset of Lightning Apr 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (43) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tye Kartye scored the match’s first two goals in a three-point showing and the visiting New York Rangers ended their season on a high note with a 4-2 win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Finishing in last place of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points) claimed the season series 2-1-0 but missed the postseason for the second straight season. Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted one and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Making his third NHL start, goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1. Alexis Lafreniere had an assist to match his career-high of 57 points set in 2023-24. The Metropolitan Division club ended 20-19-2 on the road. Finishing second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay (50-26-6, 106 points) lost for the first time in three games and will have home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson made 17 saves. Chasing the Art Ross Trophy, Nikita Kucherov started four points behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead in points but was held scoreless, ending with 130 (44 goals, 86 helpers). In a battle of AHL netminders between Hartford’s Garand and Syracuse’s Halverson, Garand made the first big save by stopping Kucherov from eight feet away in the first minute, but the Rangers beat Halverson 4:02 into the match. Up high near the blue line in the offensive zone, Zibanejad recorded his 44th assist with a cross-ice feed that Kartye, claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, shot past Halverson’s glove. Kartye tallied again in the second period after Miller dumped a puck that bounced out to the left circle, one-timing his eighth goal for a 2-0 lead at the 1:29 mark. Perreault added a seeing-eye shot from deep that hit the net 3:20 later with Kartye notching the secondary assist. Bjorkstrand netted the Lightning’s first goal on a rebound at 11:15, but Zibanejad restored the three-goal margin by tapping in his 34th goal on the man advantage 91 seconds later. Perry slipped one through Garand’s pads in the first minute of the third for the final tally. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning

Deadspin | Rangers end last-place campaign with upset of Lightning
Apr 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (43) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tye Kartye scored the match’s first two goals in a three-point showing and the visiting New York Rangers ended their season on a high note with a 4-2 win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

Finishing in last place of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points) claimed the season series 2-1-0 but missed the postseason for the second straight season.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted one and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Making his third NHL start, goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Alexis Lafreniere had an assist to match his career-high of 57 points set in 2023-24.

The Metropolitan Division club ended 20-19-2 on the road.

Finishing second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay (50-26-6, 106 points) lost for the first time in three games and will have home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson made 17 saves.

Chasing the Art Ross Trophy, Nikita Kucherov started four points behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead in points but was held scoreless, ending with 130 (44 goals, 86 helpers).

In a battle of AHL netminders between Hartford’s Garand and Syracuse’s Halverson, Garand made the first big save by stopping Kucherov from eight feet away in the first minute, but the Rangers beat Halverson 4:02 into the match.

Up high near the blue line in the offensive zone, Zibanejad recorded his 44th assist with a cross-ice feed that Kartye, claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, shot past Halverson’s glove.

Kartye tallied again in the second period after Miller dumped a puck that bounced out to the left circle, one-timing his eighth goal for a 2-0 lead at the 1:29 mark.

Perreault added a seeing-eye shot from deep that hit the net 3:20 later with Kartye notching the secondary assist.

Bjorkstrand netted the Lightning’s first goal on a rebound at 11:15, but Zibanejad restored the three-goal margin by tapping in his 34th goal on the man advantage 91 seconds later.

Perry slipped one through Garand’s pads in the first minute of the third for the final tally.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning

Sports news April 16, 2026

Apr 15, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (43) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tye Kartye scored the match’s first two goals in a three-point showing and the visiting New York Rangers ended their season on a high note with a 4-2 win over the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

Finishing in last place of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (34-39-9, 77 points) claimed the season series 2-1-0 but missed the postseason for the second straight season.

Mika Zibanejad notched a power-play goal and an assist, Gabe Perreault netted one and J.T. Miller dished out two assists. Making his third NHL start, goaltender Dylan Garand made 29 saves and moved to 2-0-1.

Alexis Lafreniere had an assist to match his career-high of 57 points set in 2023-24.

The Metropolitan Division club ended 20-19-2 on the road.

Finishing second in the Atlantic Division behind the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay (50-26-6, 106 points) lost for the first time in three games and will have home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored goals. In his second appearance this season, Brandon Halverson made 17 saves.

Chasing the Art Ross Trophy, Nikita Kucherov started four points behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid for the NHL lead in points but was held scoreless, ending with 130 (44 goals, 86 helpers).

In a battle of AHL netminders between Hartford’s Garand and Syracuse’s Halverson, Garand made the first big save by stopping Kucherov from eight feet away in the first minute, but the Rangers beat Halverson 4:02 into the match.

Up high near the blue line in the offensive zone, Zibanejad recorded his 44th assist with a cross-ice feed that Kartye, claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February, shot past Halverson’s glove.

Kartye tallied again in the second period after Miller dumped a puck that bounced out to the left circle, one-timing his eighth goal for a 2-0 lead at the 1:29 mark.

Perreault added a seeing-eye shot from deep that hit the net 3:20 later with Kartye notching the secondary assist.

Bjorkstrand netted the Lightning’s first goal on a rebound at 11:15, but Zibanejad restored the three-goal margin by tapping in his 34th goal on the man advantage 91 seconds later.

Perry slipped one through Garand’s pads in the first minute of the third for the final tally.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Rangers #lastplace #campaign #upset #Lightning

Quiz: How Many Eastern Time Zone Cities Can You Name Before Time’s Up?

IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans eyes hat-trick of wins as winless Kolkata Knight Riders visits <div id="content-body-70869630" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Gujarat Titans returns to the familiar comforts of the Narendra Modi Stadium with momentum on its side as it gears up to face Kolkata Knight Riders in Friday’s Indian Premier League clash.</p><p>Back-to-back away wins have lent a certain assurance to Shubman Gill’s side, and more importantly, its core has begun to click. Gill’s silken touch at the top has been complemented by Jos Buttler rediscovering his fluency – the duo laying the foundation for totals of substance. It has, in many ways, echoed Titans’ tried-and-tested template — a dominant top order setting the tone.</p><p>With the batters doing the heavy lifting, Rashid Khan’s return to the wickets column has further rounded off a unit that suddenly looks well-balanced. The Afghan leg-spinner’s knack of striking in the middle overs adds bite to an attack that thrives on control as much as it does on breakthroughs.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/praful-hinge-sakib-hussain-ipl-2026-debut-mrf-pace-foundation-glenn-mcgrath-chennai-journey-srh-vs-rr/article70867956.ece" target="_blank">From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise</a></b></p><p>With the top-three firing and Rashid regaining rhythm, Titans will fancy their chances of completing a hat-trick of wins.</p><p>If Titans arrive with wind in their sails, Kolkata Knight Riders finds itself searching for direction. The only winless team so far in IPL 2026, Ajinkya Rahane’s side has been hamstrung by injuries and an unsettled combination.</p><p>The lack of continuity has reflected in its performances, with neither the batting nor the bowling unit managing to stamp authority.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/f3i3g/article70869684.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/DSC_5568.JPG" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/f3i3g/article70869684.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/DSC_5568.JPG" alt="Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. " title="Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. " class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Cameron Green will look to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution against GT. | Photo Credit: R RAGU </p></div><p>Much of the spotlight will be on Cameron Green to justify his hefty price tag with a match-defining contribution. With Matheesha Pathirana unavailable despite being cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket, KKR’s bowling responsibilities will rest heavily on Kartik Tyagi, who has shown promise, and the seasoned spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine.</p><p>For KKR, rediscovering its spin chokehold could be the key. But against a Gujarat side finding its groove, the task at hand appears anything but straightforward.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #eyes #hattrick #wins #winless #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #visits

But that history will not extend to the Preakness.

Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”

DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.

You can see the entire message here:

The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.But that history will not extend to the Preakness.Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.You can see the entire message here:The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.And if the schedule gets changed in the future. #Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

mwasimuddin125 0

When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.

But that history will not extend to the Preakness.

DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.

You can see the entire message here:

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness

When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.

But that history will not extend to the Preakness.

DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.

You can see the entire message here:

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.

Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.

Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.

PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.

The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.

The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.

ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal">

PSG knock out Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG herePSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.Published on May 07, 2026 #PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal

mwasimuddin125 0

Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.
Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.
Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.
PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.
The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.
The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.
ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here
PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.
Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.
Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.
Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal">PSG knock out Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal

Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.

Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.

The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.

The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.

ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal

Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:Fire Brad Stevens.Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.Fire him? I say: Reward him.Fire Joe Mazzulla.He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.Trade Derrick White.On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.Trade Jaylen Brown. May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.I’d keep Brown.Trade Jayson Tatum.It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.Stand pat.Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.After all, it ain’t broke.Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you … #Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com

May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.
You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.
Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:
Fire Brad Stevens.
Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.
Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.
Fire him? I say: Reward him.
Fire Joe Mazzulla.
He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.
Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.
Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.
Trade Derrick White.
On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.
Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.
Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.
Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.
Trade Jaylen Brown.

May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.
So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.
We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.
You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.
I’d keep Brown.
Trade Jayson Tatum.
It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …
Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?
Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.
If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.
Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.
The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.
Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.
Stand pat.
Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.
No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.
After all, it ain’t broke.
Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com">Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com

Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.

You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.

Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:

Fire Brad Stevens.

Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.

Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.

Fire him? I say: Reward him.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.

Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.

Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.

Trade Derrick White.

On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.

Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.

Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.

Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.

Trade Jaylen Brown.

May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.

So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.

We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.

You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.

I’d keep Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …

Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?

Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.

If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.

Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.

The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.

Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.

Stand pat.

Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.

No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.

After all, it ain’t broke.

Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com

Quiz: How Many Eastern Time Zone Cities Can You Name Before Time’s Up?

Related Posts

Fire Brad Stevens.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

Trade Derrick White.

Trade Jaylen Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

Stand pat.

Fire Brad Stevens.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

Trade Derrick White.

Trade Jaylen Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

Stand pat.

Post Comment Cancel reply