Celtics' margin dominance has fallen off a cliff to start the season
Despite a 4-1 start, the Boston Celtics are falling off on the key possession margins that drove their success last season.
Celtics
Latest news and updates about the Celtics
Mitchell Robinson just showed why Celtics fans need to be patient
Mitchell Robinson just had his best game of the season. The reasons for that went beyond the box score in the Celtics' 125-111 win over the Bulls.
Celtics keep winning, but worrying center play trend hitting a breaking point
Boston keeps winning, but Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta are getting dominated on the glass. Is it time for Joe Mazzulla to change the center rotation?
Celtics are well-equipped to handle NBA's historic injury bug
The Boston Celtics have avoided injuries to start this season, but with everything that's happened just a few games into this season, the injury bug is definitely coming. Even if and when they get them, they should be well-prepared.
Boston Celtics Daily Links 10/31/26
The Celtics open NBA Cup play with a 125-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls, led by Payton Pritchard’s 30‑point performance after Coach Joe Mazzulla challenged him to bring his ‘best version.’ Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown also contribute, while new defensive addition Paul George makes an impact. The win sparks ten key takeaways, highlights a surge in early‑season injuries league‑wide, and sparks talk of AI‑driven coaching and potential roster moves. Fans get a full recap, stats, and insights into Boston’s promising Cup run.
Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Celtics Daily Links 10/31/26
Payton Pritchard erupts for 30 points as the Celtics crush the Bulls 125‑111 in the NBA Cup opener on Oct. 30, 2026. Coach Joe Mazzulla’s challenge to the guard pays off, with Pritchard delivering the “absolute best version” of himself and sparking a Celtics surge that highlights strong defense, efficient turnover conversion and early‑season chemistry with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The win fuels Boston’s opening‑round momentum, sparks talk of AI‑driven coaching tactics, and positions the Celtics as a serious contender in the tournament.
Paul George is changing the Celtics' defense
Paul George is leading a Celtics defense that is balancing two crucial goals. It's elevating the offense and will be a difference-maker come the playoffs.
Five NBA thoughts: Grizzlies surprise, Celtics impress, Wizards entertain
Five games into the 2026‑27 NBA season, the Hoops Wire breaks down the early surprise contenders. Memphis leads the pack at 5‑0 thanks to Cameron Boozer and Ty Jerome, sparking talks of a genuine Grizzlies surge. Boston’s new duo of Jayson Tatum and Paul George fuels a 4‑1 start, hinting at another deep playoff run under rookie coach Joe Mazzulla. Washington’s high‑flying Wizards, with Trae Young, Anthony Davis and No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa, aim to break a 50‑win drought since 1979. The piece also notes the Hawks’ potential Pacers‑style breakout and the Warriors’ projected .500 finish.
Sometimes ugly, sometimes encouraging: Chicago Bulls lose to Boston Celtics
The good and the bad from Friday night's Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics NBA Cup rout.
Giannis' problems with Heat validate Brad Stevens' drawing the line
Even if Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted Miami, it's clear that they are on the clock, but trading for him hurt their options, which the Boston Celtics wanted to avoid. So far, the Celtics look pretty smart for doing this.
Joe Mazzulla's challenge is helping Payton Pritchard unlock untapped potential
Joe Mazzulla said Payton Pritchard's performance in the Celtics' 125-111 win over the Bulls was the "absolute best version of him." Here's why.
Pritchard Scores 30 as Celtics Beat Bulls 125-111; Caleb Wilson Hits Six Threes
Payton Pritchard ignites the Celtics, scoring 30 points (9‑of‑17 FG, 9‑of‑9 FT) as Boston dismantles Chicago 125‑111 in NBA Cup group play on Oct. 31, 2026. The Celtics jump to a 19‑point first‑quarter lead and stretch it to 29 at halftime, outscoring the Bulls 58‑40 in the paint and shooting 51%. Rookie Caleb Wilson brightens Chicago’s night, dropping 23 points with six 3‑pointers (6‑of‑11) and 5 rebounds. Chicago shoots a dismal 15‑of‑50 from beyond the arc and struggles with turnovers, extending their losing streak to four games.
Simone: Celtics destroyed the Bulls, but not without room for improvement
For 24 minutes, the Boston Celtics looked unstoppable. Shots were falling, the defense was forcing turnovers, and everything was running smoothly. Then, the second half came around.
Tony Allen doubts Jaylen Brown’s defensive credentials
Former NBA defensive specialist Tony Allen questioned whether Jaylen Brown belongs among the league's top defenders after Brandon Jennings mentioned the Boston Celtics star during a discussion about defensive players. The post Tony Allen doubts Jaylen Brown’s defensive credentials appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
Comments from the Other Side - Bulls 10/30/26
A Celtics‑side fan vents about a recent Bulls‑Celtics showdown, noting the Bulls’ 6‑point win and rookie Matas scoring 30. The post praises Payton Pritchard’s hustle while lamenting the Celtics’ defense, turnover rate, and overreliance on Jayson Tatum’s threes. It also mocks the schedule, court colors, and bench play, and speculates on betting lines (+15.5) and player rotations. The author mixes humor with frustration, highlighting key moments and player performances that defined the game.
Nate Ament thinks his defense will increase his minutes with the Milwaukee Bucks this season
Rookie forward Nate Ament, the No. 13 pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, is turning his defensive hustle into more minutes for the Milwaukee Bucks after missing the first two games with a sprained ankle. In 14.7 minutes per game he averages 5.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 29.4% shooting, but his biggest impact comes guarding stars like Jaylen Brown, Pascal Siakam and Kevin Durant in his first three outings. Ament says his "three‑and‑D" skill set and willingness to match up with elite players will earn him a regular rotation role, and he’s confident his offense will improve as he adapts to playing off the ball.
The Celtics’ defense is winning in a new way
Boston’s defense erupts early in the 2026 season, forcing 16 turnovers (10 steals) against the Chicago Bulls and climbing to third in the league for opponent turnovers and deflections. Six Celtics logged steals, with Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Paul George leading the charge. Coach Joe Mazzulla credits the new aggressive, ball‑pressure approach—highlighted by Jayson Tatum’s lane protection and George’s versatile perimeter coverage—for the 19‑point lead they built before the Bulls rallied in the second half. While the second half saw only three forced turnovers, the Celtics aim to sustain the intensity that’s reshaping their defensive identity.
10 takeaways from the Celtics’ NBA Cup win over the Bulls
The Celtics dominate their NBA Cup debut, defeating the Bulls 125-111 at TD Garden on Oct. 30. Boston erupts for 44 points in the first quarter and leads 78-49 at halftime, thanks to Payton Pritchard’s 20 points on 70% shooting. Jayson Tatum adds 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while newcomer Paul George surprises with 18 points, six rebounds, eight assists and three steals, showcasing instant chemistry with Tatum. The Bulls rally in the second half, cutting the lead to 14, but Boston secures a 1‑0 record in East Group C, though Washington holds a slight edge in point differential.
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Joe Mazzulla challenged Payton Pritchard, and he delivered: ‘The sky’s the limit’
Payton Pritchard answered head coach Joe Mazzulla’s challenge in Boston’s 125‑111 NBA Cup win over the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 30, 2026. After an offensive rebound and a third‑quarter three‑pointer, Pritchard finished with a game‑high 30 points, shooting 9‑of‑17 and a perfect 9‑for‑9 from the line. He also added two steals, three rebounds and an and‑one, showcasing the two‑way play Mazzulla demanded. The 6‑foot‑1 guard, a Sixth Man of the Year and recent $44.2 million contract extension, says the hug from Mazzulla was recognition of his expanded role, and the coach believes his sky’s‑the‑limit potential is still untapped.
Caleb Wilson refuses to accept being a loser amid Bulls’ early struggles
The Chicago Bulls sit at 1-5 early in the 2026-27 season after a 112-98 loss to the Boston Celtics, but rookie fourth overall pick Caleb Wilson refuses to embrace defeat. Wilson led Chicago with 23 points, five rebounds and four assists, shooting 6‑of‑11 from three, and vowed to take ownership of the slump. He insists his mindset will help reshape the team under new coach Tiago Splitter, promising a competitive culture as the Bulls rebuild.
Celtics Open NBA Cup Play With Big Win Over Bulls
The Garden Report breaks down the Celtics’ fourth straight win as Boston opens NBA Cup play by beating the Bulls. Analysts spotlight Jayson Tatum’s evolving off‑ball game and his new shot‑selection, while Paul George’s playmaking fuels a potent two‑man combo that creates easier looks for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard enjoys a breakout performance, and the conversation turns to Mitchell Robinson’s uneven start, Neemias Queta’s role, and the impact of recent injuries on contenders. The show also revisits the Jaylen Brown‑Paul George trade, previews a tough November schedule, and features post‑game remarks from coach Joe Mazzulla and Pritchard.
Bulls Notes: Williams, Splitter, Okoro, Wilson, Friday’s Loss
The Bulls face a rocky start as head coach Tiago Splitter keeps former No. 4 pick Patrick Williams on the bench despite his $54 million contract and a recent quad recovery. Splitter praises Williams’s work ethic, and Williams remains confident his chance will come. Meanwhile, defensive wing Isaac Okoro is headed toward free agency next summer but says contract concerns won’t distract him from playing hard. The team’s woes were highlighted Friday’s NBA Cup loss in Boston, where Chicago surrendered 44 fourth‑quarter points and trailed by 29 at halftime. Rookie Caleb Wilson took ownership, vowing to lead a turnaround.
NBA Notes: Heat, Klay Thompson, Magic, Anthony Black, Celtics
Klay Thompson ignites Miami with five 3‑pointers in the third quarter of a 145‑125 win over Indiana, finishing with 25 points as Giannis Antetokounmpo (31‑18‑10) and Bam Adebayo (27) lead the Heat to their second straight victory after an 0‑4 start. Orlando’s Anthony Black rebounds from a 30‑point loss, posting 17 points, 10 assists and a perfect three‑point night in a 121‑114 redemption win over Toronto, while Franz Wagner adds 26. Boston’s Jayson Tatum contributes 26 points and key screens in a 125‑110 triumph over the Bulls, prompting Bulls coach Tiago Splitter to praise the Celtics’ off‑ball play. The roundup highlights standout performances and key moments across the Heat, Magic and Celtics.
Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla reveals how Paul George’s impact extends far beyond the court
After swapping Jaylen Brown for Paul George, the Celtics are seeing unexpected returns. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praises George’s off‑court leadership, film‑room insight, and defensive hustle, calling his impact “beyond the offensive end.” In the NBA Cup opener, George logged 18 points, six rebounds and eight assists as Boston cruised to a 125‑111 win over Chicago, while Jayson Tatum added 26 points. Payton Pritchard’s 30 off the bench pushed the streak to four games. The veteran’s versatility and humility are already reshaping Boston’s locker room as they prepare for a matchup with Orlando.
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