The Boston Celtics lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-88 last night, their fifth straight loss.  It was also Kendrick Perkin’s first time at the TD Garden since being traded last season.

The Celtics finally got offensive production out of Paul Pierce, who had 24 points and was the leading scorer for Boston.  Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O’Neal chipped in 12 points each, and Mickael Pietrus added 14 points off the bench.

But last night was not just about the game, as the Celtics faithful welcomed home the still loved Perkins.  It was definitely an emotional night, especially after this heartfelt video played over the big screen.

» Continue reading “Celtics Honor Perkins In His Return To The Garden”

Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA

Tip-Off: 8:00 P.M.

Projected Starters:

Boston (4-7): Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O’Neal

Oklahoma City (11-2): Russell Westbrook, Thabo Sefolosha, Kevin Durnat, Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins

» Continue reading “Perkins Returns To Boston As Celtics Take On Thunder”

The Boston Celtics and the rest of the NBA are still locked out, but the players are planning ahead.

Jeff Green is a restricted free agent, although he could negotiate with another team, and he told the Boston Herald he feels like his time in Boston is not done.

“I had some good meetings with (coach) Doc (Rivers) before the lockout, and I’ve been talking to P (Paul Pierce) and Ray (Allen),” Green said.  ”Next year they’re really going to allow me to play, and I think that’s what I need.  I need to go out there and just play.  Sometimes I think too much, but I just need to go out there and play the game.  I’ve got great confidence in myself, but things were a little difficult last year.”

There is no doubt Green came to the Celtics in a tough situation.  It is never easy coming to a new team, especially during the season.  There are new plays to learn, and new teammates and coaches to get acquainted with.

But, these new teammates were shocked at the Kendrick Perkins trade, and it seemed like there was some grudge that prevented Green from fully becoming comfortable with his new team.  There were times he showed his true potential with the Celtics, and there were other moments he looked completely lost.

If the lockout ends and the Celtics bring him back, the new season will be Green’s opportunity to prove what kind of player he can be.

“Yeah, man, you know a lot of people don’t know what I can really do,” he said.  ”In Oklahoma, I was kind of overshadowed by Kevin (Durant) and the way Russell (Westbrook) picked up, but excuse my language, I can really (expletive) play.  I can really play this game, man.”

It is good to hear the confidence in Green, and hopefully he gets a chance to show the Celtics faithful what he can do soon.

It was no secret that Rajon Rondo was upset after the Boston Celtics traded Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder.  The two formed a close friendship during their time together, and the duo could join forces again soon.

They reportedly contacted each of their representatives to look in overseas playing options.  They want to play in higher-paying countries like Spain or Russia, but nothing is definite yet.

Obviously neither player will finalize a contract until it is clear whether the 2011-2012 NBA season is completely cancelled.  As nice as it would be to see Rondo and Perkins on the same team again, hopefully the lockout ends and they have to go back to being foes on the court.

Rajon Rondo hosts The Boston Charity Classic tonight at Harvard.

Paul Pierce, Glen Davis, and Jeff Green join their Celtics teammate, as well as new draft pick JaJuan Johnson and former players Kendrick Perkins, Marquis Daniels, and Leon Powe.  The roster also includes Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay,  Josh Smith, Kyle Lowry, and former Harvard star Jeremy Lin.

The proceeds to the game support local Boston charities to supply meals during the holiday season.

This game is one of a series of all-star and charity games popping up as a way for players to stay on the court despite the lockout.