Heat-Celtics game postponed by NBA due to virus protocols
(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)Boston was going to have to face Miami with the NBA minimum of eight players on Sunday night. The Heat learned earlier Sunday that guard Avery Bradley would not be available for the game in Boston because of the COVID-19 protocols. But it's hardly been uncommon for NBA players to miss games this season over virus-related issues, without the safety of the bubble. In Brooklyn, Kevin Durant returned to the Nets on Sunday night after missing three games because of the virus protocols. You can try your best and unfortunately there will still be some people that catch it.โThe Heat-Celtics game is the second postponed in the NBA this season.
Celtics would be without Tatum, Brown for coronavirus rules
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives against Washington Wizards' Davis Bertans and center Moritz Wagner (21) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)BOSTON โ The Boston Celtics could be without stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and a number of other players because of coronavirus safety protocols when they face Miami on Sunday. The Celtics are listing Tatum as doubtful and Brown as questionable for the rematch of the Eastern Conference finals. With Kemba Walker and Romeo Langford unavailable because of injuries, the Celtics could have the minimum eight players required to start a game. Beset by its own coronavirus problems, Philadelphia dressed an injured player Saturday so it could field a team to play against Denver.
Tatum hits big 3 to help Celtics beat Giannis, Bucks 122-121
(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)BOSTON โ Giannis Antetokounmpo couldn't stop Jayson Tatum from knocking down a โtough, tough, toughโ shot. โEver since I was a kid, I always wanted to be in that position,โ said Tatum, who scored 30 points. You just want to be in that moment.โJaylen Brown scored 33 points for Boston, which entered the fourth quarter leading by 17 points. Credit to Tatum, he banked in a 3 at the end of the clock.โAntetokounmpo called it a โtough, tough, tough 3.โ Tatum said the glass wasn't really part of the plan. Celtics: Newcomers Jeff Teague scored 19 points in 25 minutes, and Tristan Thompson had 12 points and eight rebounds.
Irving leads rout of Celtics in return to Boston Garden
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Boston. Irving scored 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting and had seven rebounds, five assists and two steals helping the Nets rout the Celtics 113-89 Friday night in the final preseason game for both teams. There were no fans in the new Boston Garden on Friday night, and his introduction was greeted with a faint, fake cheer. Precious Achiuwa scored 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Heat, while Bam Adebayo scored 13 points and Tyler Herro scored 10. McCollum led the Blazers with 26 points on 8-of-20 shooting and Gary Trent Jr. added 18 points in the loss.