NBA trade deadline Clippers end Kevin Garnett trade talks

The Los Angeles Clippers have terminated talks with the Boston Celtics on a Kevin Garnett for Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan trade for now.

The Celtics have been eager to continue the conversation on the deal, but league sources said the talks will remain dormant unless Clippers star Chris Paul pushes the issue with management.

Several prominent executives and coaches with championship contenders told Yahoo! Sports they believe the Clippers would become more dangerous with Garnett.

Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro is a proponent of the deal, too, sources said.

The Celtics won't consider moving Garnett to the Clippers for any other combination of players, and won't revisit the talks unless Bledsoe and Jordan are in the package, sources said.
Boston hasn't approached Garnett to waive his no-trade clause without an agreement in place, but there's strong belief he would ultimately agree to it. What's more, Boston could simply trade Paul Pierce and leave Garnett with even less desire to finish his career with a young, rebuilding roster.

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Kevin Garnett with Carmelo Anthony make fun of Craig Sager

HOUSTON — Boston Celtics center and Eastern Conference All-Star starter Kevin Garnett who said "No" to the question whether he'd consider waiving his no-trade clause to head to the Los Angeles Clippers in a rumored deal for Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, make fun with Sager with Carmelo.

Craig Sager interviewed New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, who'll start alongside Garnett and the Miami Heat trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Sunday's midseason classic, and asked him about whether the dust has truly settled between Anthony and Garnett. As you no doubt remember, the two stars were involved in a Jan. 7 on-court dust-up that wound up heading off-court, as Anthony and Garnett barked at one another by the Celtics' team bus in  Madison Square Garden costing Anthony a one-game suspension, but in the aftermath, both Anthony and Garnett insisted there would be no bad blood between them going forward.

Still, with a captive NBA TV audience watching on Saturday, Sager had to ask.

"In the heat of the regular season, obviously, tempers fly and there's a lot of heated arguments," Sager said. "One time during the year, you and Kevin Garnett got into it. As his teammate right now, have you been sharing lockers, sharing stories, getting along with one another?"

Melo immediately turned to call Garnett over.

"I just want to make sure everything's cool with you guys," Sager told Garnett.

"C'mon, man. C'mon, man. C'mon, man," Garnett replied, taking a long hard look at Sager's predictably garish and colorful outfit. "You gonna come in here with that outfit on and ask that type of question?"

As Anthony laughed and Garnett tried to walk away, Sager responded in kind.

"Speaking of outfits, why are you tucking in your pants [into your socks]?" he asked.

"Man, me tucking in socks is nothing compared to this right here," Garnett answered.

"What is this, aqua?" Anthony asked, touching Sager's jacket.

"Yeah, or turquoise," Sager responded.

"What was the influence today? What was your motivation for wearing this today?" Garnett asked.

"To wake up," Sager said, eliciting loud laughter from both Melo and KG.

"What kind of answer is that?" Garnett asked.

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Rumor: KG says no thanks to the Nuggets

Denver Nuggets trade rumors indicate interest in acquiring Kevin Garnett.

Kevin Garnett is everything the Nuggets need. Heck, his scowl alone is more intimidating in the post than all 21 feet of center on Denver’s roster.

So what’s the problem with pushing the idea of a blockbuster trade between Denver and Boston?

Wielding the hammer of a no-trade clause, K.G. wants nothing to do with the Nuggets.

Through his representatives, Garnett has let it be known he has no current interest in the Nuggets.

That’s why it’s pointless to discuss if the Nuggets’ main chip in a trade proposal would be Andre Iguodala, Kenneth Faried or Danilo Gallinari.

- Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post

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Honey Nut Cheerios: Kevin Garnett said about Carmelo Anthony's Wife

Kevin Garnett allegedly told Carmelo Anthony that LaLa Vasquez, Anthony’s wife, “tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios” during Monday night’s game that got in the head of Carmelo Anthony.

Carmelo Anthony was so mad during a Monday night game between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks that he went to the Celtics locker room and shouted at them after the game ended. Carmelo Anthony felt Kevin Garnett crossed the line and said things to him that should never be said to another man.

Carmelo Anthony eventually tried to track down Kevin Garnett at his team bus to confront him about what he said during the game. However, security was able to keep them apart and stop the meeting from taking place.

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Celtics downs the Knicks without Rondo 102-96

NEW YORK - Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Garnett had a heated game they jawed and shoved each other. Carmelo even proceeded to the Celtics locker room to shout at Celtics players and waited for Kevin Garnett besides the Celtics bus which made him looked like a fool. NBA should fine or suspend Carmelo for this shameful acts.

Paul Pierce scored 23 points, and Boston beat New York 102-96 on Monday night in a heated first meeting of the season between the Atlantic Division rivals.

Garnett added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who even without the suspended Rajon Rondo won their third straight and finally are playing like the team that has ruled the division for the last half-decade.

The Knicks want that title now, but Anthony and his teammates were reminded how tough the Celtics can make it.

Anthony had 20 points but shot 6 of 26 while battling his temper, Garnett and foul trouble.

J.R. Smith led the Knicks with 24 points. Tyson Chandler had 13 points and 17 rebounds.

They allowed 78 points per game in their last two wins, then held the Knicks to 40 in the second half Monday.

Pierce, who was also in foul trouble in the tightly and sometimes inconsistently called game, put it away with a jumper with 45 seconds to go, blowing a kiss toward the crowd he loves to torment after putting the Celtics up by six.

Boston led by four when Anthony and Garnett became extra physical with each other on a Boston possession that ended with a turnover with 9:03 remaining. Anthony followed him all the way to midcourt as they jawed at each other following the play, leading to technical fouls on both players.

The trash talk didn't just stay on the court - or between players. Pierce tried to throw the ball in from the sideline shortly after, only to have Spike Lee standing and yelling in his ear the whole time.

KG owned Carmelo d'jello

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Celtics-Nets game brawl

Rajon Rondo, Kris Humphries, and Gerald Wallace all ejected for fighting in Celtics-Nets game.

30 seconds remaining in the first half of the game between Celtics and Nets, Kris Humphries fouled Kevin Garnett on a jumper, hitting KG hard in the shoulder that sent him to the floor along the baseline. Rondo, who was near the hoop, immediately grabbed and shoved Humphries. More players got involved, including the Nets' Gerald Wallace, the Celtics' Brandon Bass, the jet, and a late-arriving Garnett.

Rondo, Humphries, and Wallace were all ejected, and all three, they can expect certain fines and possible suspensions in the next few days. Rondo finished with only three assists in 18 minutes, bringing his streak to an end at 37 games, which ties him at second all-time with John Stockton. Magic Johnson will continue to hold the record at 46 games.

Nets won the game 95-83.

Here is the full recap:

Rajon Rondo, Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, KG, Kevin Garnett, New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics

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Nets Beat Rondo-less Celtics

Brooklyn Nets defeated the Boston Celtics 102-97. Rondo did not play due to a sprained right ankle.

Boston trailed by as many as 13 points in the third quarter, but rallied to take the lead, before fading. Kevin Garnett gave the Celtics an 85-80 advantage with 7:57 remaining in the game. But the Celtics then hit a drought, failing to connect in the half-court offense and losing their defensive edge as their transition game disappeared.

Celtics led by Paul Pierce who scored 22 points, 7 Reb, 4 Ast, and 2 Stl while the Nets was led by Brooke Lopez with 24 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Blk.

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Heat win over Celtics opener, 120-107

Wade scored 29 points, James with 26 points and 10 rebounds he missed much of the second half because of cramps in both legs. The reigning NBA champion Heat beat the Boston Celtics 120-107 on Tuesday night in the season opener for both teams.

For Boston Paul Pierce scored 23 points, Rondo finished with 20 points and 13 assists, and Leandro Barbosa scored 16.

Finally Rondo got his revenged on Wade when wade drove to the basket past Rondo, Rondo grabbed Wade around the neck. Oh sweet revenge for injuring Rondo.

TOP PERFORMERS:

Rajon Rondo Boston

FGM-FGA 9-14
Pts 20
Rebs 7
Assists 13

LeBron James Miami

FGM-FGA 10-16
Pts 26
Rebs 10
Assists 3

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Celtics Rout Emporio Armani Milano 105-75 on preseason tour

Rajon Rondo scores 17 points and dishes out six assists in the Celtics 105-75 win. Jeff Green also had 17 points off the bench for Boston.

The Celtics return to Boston on Monday and resume practice Thursday before playing their first U.S. preseason game against the New York Knicks in Hartford, Conn., next weekend.

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Miami Heat Got Ray Allen, leaves Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics' Big Three is officially over, Ray Allen is taking his talents to South Beach.

Ray's agent Jim Tanner confirms that he has agreed to join the Miami Heat. It happened late Friday agreeing to a three-year contract. Heat owner Mickey Arison also twit confirming the news.

Allen will go to Miami for half the money the Celtics were offering, choosing the sunnier weather, chance to play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and a fresh start with a new team. Allen was visibly unhappy during his final season in Boston, again placed on the trade block because of his expiring contract and then having to approach Doc Rivers about moving to the bench when murmurs became louder that the team wanted to start second-year guard Avery Bradley.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo sports also said that the deterioration of Ray Allen's relationship with Rajon Rondo playded a significant factor in his leaving for Miami.

The Celtics attempted a late run at Allen, offering $6 million per season for two years and promising a more defined role. But the team’s signing of Jason Terry, another 3-point marksman, clouded Allen’s status if he returned.

On Thursday, Allen met with Heat president Pat Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and team executive Alonzo Mourning but left without agreeing to a contract. He returned to Boston Friday and informed the Heat of his decision in the evening.

I just hope this will make both teams better.

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Miami Heat 101 Boston Celtics 88, Heat will meet OKC in the Finals

LeBron James took over in the fourth quarter to push the Heat past the Celtics and date with the Thunder in the NBA Finals.

LBJ scores 31, Wade 23. Rondo 22 Pts 10 Rebs, 14 Assists for Boston

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Celtics beat the Heat 94-90, leads 3-2

Kevin Garnett finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Paul Pierce scored 19 - including a huge 3-pointer over LeBron James' outstretched arm with 52.9 seconds left - and the Celtics beat the Heat 94-90 on Tuesday night, taking a 3-2 lead in the East finals that now shift to Boston for Game 6 on Thursday night.

James finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds for Miami, though he went 8 minutes without scoring in the final quarter. Dwyane Wade scored 27 for the Heat, who got no more than nine from anyone else.

Pierce's 3 put Boston up 90-86. Miami got within two points twice, and argued that it should have had a steal with 8.8 seconds left. Instead, a foul was called on Udonis Haslem, Garnett made two free throws, and the Celtics knew they had just stolen one on Miami's home floor.

Now all they need is one home win of their own to clinch a trip to either Oklahoma City or San Antonio for Game 1 of the NBA finals. The title series starts June 12.

The Celtics were down by 13 points in the second quarter, then down nine in the third, and answered both times - prevailing on a night where they shot just 41 percent, and got outrebounded 49-39.

Allen and Mickael Pietrus scored 13 apiece for the Celtics, who got 10 from Brandon Bass. Pietrus hit two huge 3-pointers in the fourth quarter for Boston, which remained perfect with this core when facing maybe the most pivotal situation a best-of-seven can offer - a Game 5 with a series tied 2-2.

Pierce, Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen are now 9-0 in that scenario.

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NBA Western Conference finals and Eastern Conference finals are both at 2-2

Celtics beat Heat in OT, tie East finals at 2-2, Rondo had 15 points and 15 assists, and scored the final three points of the Celtics' 93-91 overtime victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday night that evened the Eastern Conference finals at two games apiece.

Getting a huge break when LeBron James fouled out for the first time since joined the Heat, the Celtics recovered after blowing an 18-point lead in regulation and moved two games away from a third trip to the NBA finals in five years.

Garnett added 17 points and 14 rebounds for the Celtics, while Paul Pierce scored 23 points before fouling out. Ray Allen finished with 16 points.

James had 29 points and Wade scored 20 after another dismal start for the Heat, who host Game 5 on Tuesday.

In the West, Game 5 is Monday night in San Antonio. Oklahoma City needs at least one road win to advance, and Thunder coach Scott Brooks said Sunday there's no time like the present.

Since James Harden joined Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in 2009, the Thunder had been 2-8 against San Antonio heading into this series. Now they return to Texas with a chance to hand the Spurs three straight losses for the first time all season.

Spurs players didn't meet with reporters Sunday. Coach Gregg Popovich, back at Spurs headquarters trying to solve his team's first skid since April 9-11, said their attitude hasn't changed from when they were winning 20 straight games.

Also not likely to change much are the defensive looks the Spurs threw at the Thunder in a 109-103 loss on Saturday. That's because, as far as Popovich is concerned, there is little to plan for when three typically unheralded offensive players shoot a combined 22 of 25 for 49 points.

That's what Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins and Nick Collison did in Game 4, giving the Thunder a rare dose of balance on a team that leaned on its Big Three for nearly 70 percent of its scoring before this series. Ibaka was especially unstoppable, going 11 for 11 and finishing just one basket shy of the most perfect-shooting playoff game in NBA history.

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NBA West and East Finals are Set!

The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder have simply rolled through this postseason. There's the 18-game winning streak that has the Spurs flirting with history. Seventeen combined playoff games and just one loss. The Thunder sending home the last two NBA champions, and no other playoff teams besides these two that can boast a series sweep.

The matchup of Russell Westbrook vs Tony Parker is very interesting.

 Sunday, May 27, 2012

Game 1:
Oklahoma City 47-19 (Road: 21-12)    8:30pm ET
San Antonio 50-16 (Home: 28-5)

Heat-Celtics in East finals

It's a rematch: Miami and Boston will meet in the playoffs again, this time with a spot in the NBA finals at stake.

Boston's 85-75 win in Game 7 over Philadelphia on Saturday night earned the Celtics a trip to Miami, where the reigning East champion Heat will host Game 1 of this year's conference title series Monday night.

Boston took the regular-season series from Miami 3-1, though the last of those meetings was in the final game of the season and came on a night where LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all sat out for Miami, while Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen got the evening off for Boston.

The lineups will look more normal Monday, though Bosh will remain sidelined because of a strained lower abdominal muscle.

It'll be a quick turnaround for Boston, with Game 1 in Miami starting about 46 hours after Game 7 against the 76ers ended. The Heat finished off their East semifinal series against Indiana on Thursday night, took Friday off and held a light practice Saturday - focusing on themselves and not starting to work in details either the Celtics or the 76ers.

New Big 3 vs Old Big 3 + Rondo

Game 1: May 28 8:30pm EDT @MIA (TV: ESPN)

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Rondo leads Celtics to 85-75 Game 7 win over 76ers

Rajon Rondo leads the Celtics with 18 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in Game 7 against the 76ers to to an 85-75 victory and into an Eastern Conference finals matchup with the Miami Heat.

The Celtics will open the third round of the NBA playoffs in Miami on Monday night.

Bouncing back from his worst game of the playoffs and snapping out of a 32-minute slump in which he had just two assists and five points - Rondo scored nine straight Boston points after Paul Pierce fouled out to help the Celtics turn a three-point edge into a double-digit lead.

Rondo had 11 points in the fourth quarter, including his first 3-pointer in five games, made all four of his free throws down the stretch and grabbed his 10th rebound in the final minute - chucking it over his head and into the frontcourt to help the Celtics dribble down the clock.

Andre Iguodala scored 18 points, and Holiday and Elton Brand had 15 apiece for the 76ers, who eliminated the top-seeded Chicago Bulls in the first round but couldn't do the same with the Celtics.

Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 13 rebounds for Boston, and Ray Allen hit a pair of fourth-quarter 3-pointers after missing his first five attempts.

The Celtics will now face the actual NBA MVP LeBron James along with Dwyane Wade and the rest of the Heat. Miami advanced to the conference finals by eliminating the Indiana Pacers in six games.

Miami beat Boston in five games in the conference semifinals last year. In 2010, the Celtics eliminated the Heat in the first round and then knocked James and the Cavaliers out in the second - his final game with Cleveland before defecting to Miami.

This will be an interesting matchup!

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Boston Celtics 101-85 win over Philadelphia

In the East, Brandon Bass scored 27 points to spark the Boston Celtics to a 101-85 win over Philadelphia and move within one victory of a place in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Bass found his shooting touch in the third quarter, where he scored 18 points to net a playoff career high and help the Celtics pull away from the 76ers.

"When you're on a team with a point guard like Rajon Rondo, the ball just happens to find you," Bass said. "We have to come out (in Game Six) with the same defensive approach."

The Game Five win gave Boston a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven second-round series.

Kevin Garnett added 20, while Rajon Rondo tallied 13 points and 14 assists for Boston, who trailed early but outscored the 76ers 54-35 in the final two quarters.

Elton Brand lead Philadelphia with 19 points. Game Six is tomorrow in Philadelphia.

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