Author: atrang

The Real Reason Larry Bird Got More Praise Than Kevin McHale—Jackie MacMullan Reveals the Truth Behind the Celtics Legends!

Bird and McHale are one of the most iconic duos in NBA history. On the court, they were a match made in heaven. Both unstoppable on offense, one of the best one-two punches ever. But, McHale never got as much praise as Larry Bird did. Jackie MacMullan has a theory why.

In a recent episode of the Michael Jordan Memoirs by Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, legendary sportswriter Jackie MacMullan reflected on one key difference between Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.

According to Jackie, Bird’s approach to the game was much more ruthless in comparison to McHale’s as she explained:

“The reason no one ever thought about McHale in the same vein as Bird was [because] if Bird had a guy down and he was on the ground, Bird would look at him, step on his larynx, and crush him. McHale would look down and say: ‘Yeah, you’ve had enough and help him up.”

Jackie Mac, Michael Jordan Memories

The legendary duo dominated 80s’ basketball with their Boston Celtics and won 3 titles in total. (1981, 1984, 1986) The Celtics of that era were an absolute powerhouse that was a force to be reckoned with.

The C’s played tough, team-oriented basketball and never shied away from physical play. Their squad was led by one of the greatest scorers of all time in Bird and was supported by a hall of fame cast of Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, and Kevin McHale.

Bird was an absolute savage!

It is important to acknowledge how great these players were and what made them so special at the time. Each player in the 80s’ Celtics had a unique role that perfectly complimented other pieces of their team, so while guys like Parish and Johnson did a lot of the dirty work, guys like Bird and McHale did what they do best and was getting buckets.

But as Jackie Mac stated, the real difference between these two NBA greats was the fact that Larry Bird, just like MJ, Kobe, and Magic, was an ice-cold killer who had no remorse for his adversaries on the basketball court.

This is most likely the reason why the two grew apart during their tenure in Boston. McHale became a bit more laid back, had other passions in life. For Bird, it was basketball all day, every day.

Jayson Tatum Sparks Debate: Is Larry Bird Truly the Greatest Celtic Ever—What About Bill Russell?

Tatum said he’s chasing Larry Bird as the greatest Celtic ever. Why isn’t Bill Russell the measuring stick?

Celtics forward Jayson Tatum blows a kiss after hitting a 3-pointer against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half. AP Photo/Charles Krupa

 

Jayson Tatum is a scoring machine from the Midwest who plays forward for the Boston Celtics, so it makes a lot of sense why he would idolize Larry Bird.

Everyone needs someone or something to motivate them. Now that he has a championship under his belt, the pursuit of Bird-level production and admiration seems to be driving Tatum this season.

“I think since I’ve gotten in the league, just trying to get better every single year,” Tatum said, when asked what’s fueling him this season. “I’m very accomplished at a young age, but the truth is, and I was [saying] earlier that I envision myself as one of those guys, the LeBrons, the Stephs, the KDs. I want the next generation to view me as that.”

“Wearing the Celtics uniform comes with a lot of pride and the best Celtic ever is Larry Bird,” Tatum said. “Even if I never reach that — maybe I do, maybe I don’t, if you aspire to chase that guy it comes with a level of focus and motivation every single day to be the best you can and wherever the chips fall, just knowing that you gave it your all, you can be OK with that.”

There is no doubt that Bird is not just one of the greatest Celtics of all time, but one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Three titles, three MVP awards, a dozen All-Star appearances, nine first-team All-NBA selections, and two NBA Finals MVPs indicate a level that has been reached by only a select few people in the history of the game.

Tatum, the only Celtic to average 30 points in a season, said he can envision himself reaching that level one day. Realizing that his career could be on a similar trajectory and seeing Bird’s impact made him want to chase Bird, Tatum said.

“You see the impact that he had on the game of basketball,” Tatum said. “And obviously with the Celtics, winning three championships, three MVPs in a row which is incredible. Subtly you just start to see that you both scored 60 points in a game.”

“You start getting mentioned in the ‘only other Celtic to do this,’ and once you win a championship, it’s like ‘alright you can be in those rooms with the Celtics legends,’ but it doesn’t just stop at one,” he added. “Obviously you’ve got to win multiple and that’s what we’re trying to do. I always wanted to be the best, and he’s in my opinion the best Celtic ever. He did it the right way and he’s a great guy to chase in a sense.”

Tatum is entitled to his opinion. This isn’t the first time he has said it, and it probably won’t be the last. Plenty of people probably feel the same way. His opinion carries a lot of weight because of his stature as a player. He’s the face of the franchise, and one of the young faces of the NBA.

But it would be nice to hear what his definition of NBA greatness is, and why Bird fits that mold better than Bill Russell.

If winning is the measuring stick, Russell is unmatched. He’s the only one to win 11 titles. He led the Celtics to eight consecutive championships from 1959-1966. The NBA Finals MVP trophy is named after him.

Like Bird, Russell was a 12-time All-Star. Russell won five league MVPs to Bird’s three, but had just three first-team All-NBA selections to Bird’s nine. The NBA didn’t start naming All-Defensive teams until Russell’s final season in 1968-69, but if they had begun earlier in his career it’s almost certain that he would have quite a few more than just that one first-team All-Defensive selection.

Plus, that goes without mentioning all that Russell had to endure off the court living as a Black man during the Jim Crow era.

The league was smaller during Russell’s heyday, and there was no free-agency, so team-building methods were quite different than they are today. But, dominance is dominance, and it’s hard to find a more dominant resume than Russell’s.

Russell and Bird were both great. Tatum is great too, and there’s nothing wrong with chasing Bird’s greatness. But, Tatum should be pushed harder to explain his position on Russell vs. Bird if he’s going to keep talking publicly about which Celtic is the greatest.

If you’re representing the NBA’s winningest-franchise that holds a record 18 NBA titles, you should have to explain why the guy who won most of them and has his jersey retired by every single NBA franchise isn’t the best to ever wear the Celtic jersey.

We haven’t heard that from Tatum yet. I hope to hear his take soon.

Payton Pritchard’s Unbelievable Rise: From Unknown to One of the NBA’s Most Electrifying Sixth Men

Not too long ago, Payton Pritchard was just another name on the depth chart. An undersized guard from Oregon, he was overlooked, doubted, and dismissed by many who believed he lacked the athleticism and pedigree to make a significant impact in the NBA. Fast forward to today, and Pritchard has transformed into one of the most electrifying sixth men in the league, earning the respect of fans, teammates, and even his fiercest opponents.

The Underdog Story That Almost Didn’t Happen

Coming out of college, Pritchard was far from a surefire NBA prospect. While he had an impressive four-year career at Oregon, where he became a fan favorite and led the Ducks to deep NCAA Tournament runs, scouts weren’t convinced. The NBA is a league dominated by freak athletes, and at 6’1” without jaw-dropping speed or an overwhelming wingspan, Pritchard didn’t exactly fit the mold of a future star.

Yet, he had something few others possessed: an unrelenting work ethic, elite basketball IQ, and a deadly shooting touch. These qualities caught the attention of the Boston Celtics, who took a chance on him with the 26th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. At the time, it seemed like a safe but unremarkable selection. Today, it looks like a stroke of genius.

Breaking Through the Noise

Pritchard wasted no time proving his doubters wrong. Even as a rookie, he showcased flashes of brilliance—fearlessly launching deep threes, playing scrappy defense, and making clutch plays that earned him early minutes in a stacked Celtics rotation. His confidence was undeniable, and it didn’t take long for Celtics fans to embrace him as a relentless competitor who played with the heart of a giant.

However, with a loaded backcourt featuring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart, opportunities were hard to come by. At times, Pritchard found himself buried on the bench, waiting for his moment to shine. Instead of sulking, he kept grinding, refining his game, and preparing for the opportunity he knew would eventually come.

The Breakout Season No One Saw Coming

Entering the 2023-24 season, expectations for Pritchard were modest. The Celtics had added veteran guards and maintained a championship-caliber roster, making it seem like his role would be limited once again. But injuries, roster adjustments, and sheer determination paved the way for Pritchard’s ascent.

Given an expanded role off the bench, he erupted. Suddenly, he wasn’t just a solid backup—he was a game-changer. His three-point shooting became lethal, his passing improved, and his ability to control the tempo of the game made him an invaluable asset. On multiple occasions, he came off the bench to ignite Boston’s offense, turning close games into blowouts with his fearless scoring and high-energy play.

Perhaps the most shocking part? He wasn’t just holding his own against elite competition—he was thriving. He dropped 30-point performances, made clutch shots in high-pressure moments, and played with a confidence that screamed, “I belong here.”

From Unknown to Electrifying Sixth Man

Now, Payton Pritchard is no longer an afterthought. He’s a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year contender and one of the most dangerous bench players in the league. His quick trigger from beyond the arc, combined with his underrated defensive tenacity, has made him a nightmare for opposing teams. He’s the type of player who can come in and change the entire momentum of a game in just a few possessions.

Boston’s championship hopes are no longer just about Tatum and Brown—they’re about the entire team. And Pritchard, once an unknown underdog, has become a crucial piece of the puzzle. His journey from overlooked prospect to one of the NBA’s most electrifying sixth men is a testament to what hard work, resilience, and an unwavering belief in oneself can achieve.

The best part? He’s just getting started.

Jaylen Brown’s Hilarious Music Blunder: Celtics Star Fails to Recognize Top Artists—Fans Can’t Believe It!

Jaylen Brown’s lack of knowledge when it comes to superstar musicians drew a great reaction from Celtics fans.

The Boston Celtics continued their season-long stretch of dominance over the New York Knicks on Sunday, coasting to a 118-105 victory over one of their top rivals in the Eastern Conference. Jaylen Brown had another solid game for the C’s, but what wasn’t as solid was his performance in a game that saw if he could name superstar musicians based on seeing just a picture of them that was shown on the jumbotron at TD Garden during a stoppage in play.

In addition to his basketball career, Brown has started a career as a musician himself, releasing a song “Just Do It” with popular rapper A$AP FERG in the wake of the Celtics 2024 NBA Finals victory. However, when it comes to naming some of the biggest artists in the world, Brown didn’t do a very good job, as he failed to recognize newer artists, such as Sabrina Carpenter and Noah Kahan, and old-school musicians such as Paul McCartney.

 

Jaylen Brown, Celtics remain on a roll after returning from All-Star break

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Brown may not be up to date on who his fellow musicians are, which drew quite a rise out of the fans at TD Garden, but his basketball skills are still in tip-top shape. The star forward earned his third-straight All-Star selection this year, and he is putting up numbers virtually identical to what he did last season (22.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 46.2% shooting) when the C’s won a title.

While his efficiency has taken a bit of a step back from last season, Brown remains incredibly important to Boston’s hopes of repeating as champions this season, as evidenced by his 24-point, eight-rebound outing against the Knicks on Sunday. If he can keep playing at this level, the sky’s the limit for the C’s.

After winning their fifth straight game on Sunday, Boston will return to the court on Tuesday, when they take on the Toronto Raptors at 7 p.m. EST.

Naz Reid’s expected free agency outcome this summer revealed

Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves | Jason Miller/GettyImages

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be grappling with several important situations regarding free agency this coming offseason. There is still a lot of time between now and the end of June, when that period will officially begin. Much can and will happen in the remainder of the Wolves’ regular season slate and in the playoffs, and those results will play into what direction the team will opt to go when it is time to put pen to paper.

As for Naz Reid, unquestionably the most beloved upcoming free agent on this roster, it appears the big man will not be looking to pick up his player option in the coming offseason. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, Reid is expected to opt out of his contract this summer in order to enter free agency (subscription required).

For those who may not be aware of the terminology here and what exactly it means, this does not mean that Naz is looking to leave Minnesota and sign elsewhere for next season. The player option he possesses for 2025-26 would pay him $15 million, and he likely believes he can earn more by declining this option.

Naz Reid is expected to opt out of his player option

By seeking a bigger payday, Reid is putting a healthy amount of pressure on the Timberwolves. He knows he has earned his money, so he is essentially asking the organization to pay up or he will be forced to seek options elsewhere. It is unquestionably the right business move for him.

If this report holds up, it will have major implications on what Minnesota’s strategy will be this summer. It is hard to think they would not prioritize re-signing Reid, given all that he means to this organization. He has been great all season, and especially in the last three and a half week stretch while Julius Randle has been injured. In those ten games, Naz is averaging 20.1 points in a heavy minutes role.

The Wolves will likely not be able to keep everyone they want to keep this summer. But if he decides to decline his option and seek a payday, it is hard to see Minnesota not choosing to give Reid the raise he deserves.

Travis Kelce mentioned that his family, especially his mom Donna Kelce, is content with his relationship with Taylor Swift. He clarified that the rumors about his mom having concerns about Taylor’s drinking habits should be ignored.

Travis Kelce has recently addressed the speculations surrounding his relationship with music superstar Taylor Swift. The NFL star spoke out about his family’s approval of his relationship, particularly highlighting the support of his mother, Donna Kelce. Travis emphasized that the rumors circulating about his mom expressing concerns regarding Taylor’s drinking habits are baseless and should not be given any credence.

In a candid statement, Travis Kelce emphasized that his family, including his mom Donna Kelce, is completely content with his romantic involvement with Taylor Swift. He debunked the unfounded rumors suggesting that Donna was worried about Taylor’s drinking behavior, asserting that such claims are entirely untrue. The Kansas City Chiefs player made it clear that his family stands behind his relationship decisions and that any suggestions of disapproval are simply fabricated stories.

Travis Kelce’s clarification comes in response to the ongoing tabloid speculation surrounding his high-profile relationship with the pop sensation. Despite the media frenzy and constant scrutiny, Kelce remains steadfast in his commitment to Taylor Swift and is unbothered by the unfounded rumors surrounding their relationship. By setting the record straight about his family’s viewpoint, Kelce aims to put an end to the gossip and focus on the positive aspects of his personal life.

The NFL tight end’s open and honest declaration reflects his desire to address the false narratives that often circulate in the public sphere. By speaking out about his family’s support and dismissing the inaccurate reports, Kelce hopes to quell any unnecessary drama and ensure that the truth prevails.

In conclusion, Travis Kelce’s statement regarding his family’s acceptance of his relationship with Taylor Swift serves as a testament to his commitment to honesty and transparency. By refuting the baseless rumors and setting the record straight, Kelce has taken a stand against misinformation and upheld the integrity of his personal life. As he continues to navigate the spotlight alongside his superstar partner, Kelce remains resolute in his dedication to authenticity and truthfulness.

Patrick Mahomes’ Wife Brittany Mahomes Posts Rare Moment With Baby Golden on Thursday

Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, shared a glimpse of their daughter’s birthday on Instagram.

The mother of three couldn’t have been prouder as her eldest child, Sterling Skye, turned 4 years old.

To celebrate the special day, Brittany Mahomes penned a heartfelt message to her daughter and posted sweet snapshots highlighting her journey.

“Sterling Skye is 4!” she wrote. “This is the sweetest, most kind little girl ever! I thank God every day for choosing me to be your mom. You have taught me so much about life and what matters most and I truly am so thankful you made me a mama!”

Additionally, the 29-year-old mother shared a glimpse of Sterling Skye’s bond with her siblings, Patrick “Bronze” Lavon and Golden Raye.

“You are the best big sister to Golden & Bronze and they are so lucky to have you guiding them,” she continued. “Your mom and dad love you beyond measure. Keep being you, baby girl!!!”

Speaking of their youngest, Brittany Mahomes also posted rare photos of their two-month-old daughter.

Brittany Mahomes’ IG post pic.twitter.com/6zXcu7eUhK

— Polly (@pollygarcia0915) February 21, 2025

In one photo, her eldest daughter can be seen happily holding her newborn baby sister. The second snap showed Sterling Skye gently holding Golden Raye’s feet.

The power couple, who tied the knot in Hawaii in 2022, welcomed their first child in 2021.

 

 

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ wife Brittany Mahomes with daughter, Sterling, and son, Bronze.

Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

A year later, in November 2022, Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes became parents to their firstborn son.

In January 2025, the NFL star’s wife gave birth to their youngest child.

Everyone say ‘hi’ to Golden Raye Mahomes as she makes her cute, adorable, and sweet picture-perfect debut with mom… see 4 more heart-melting photos and her adorable nickname

Golden Raye is yet to be spotted in photos in a new policy compared to Sterling and Bronze

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes have always been open about sharing glimpses of their growing family, except for when it comes to Golden Raye. Sterling Skye and Patrick “Bronze” Lavon III always enjoy the spotlight but their new daughter is rarely seen.

Fans have been able to see the Kansas City Chiefs couple’s two eldest children grow up through countless photos and videos. However, with their youngest, the couple has taken a noticeably different approach by keeping her face completely out of the public eye.

As the Mahomes family recently celebrated Sterling’s fourth birthday, Brittany shared a series of adorable pictures on Instagram. The proud mom posted several heartwarming moments, including shots of Sterling with her siblings.

One sweet image captured Sterling feeding Golden from a bottle while their mother helped guide her tiny hands. Another showed Sterling gently kissing her baby sister’s foot. Yet, in every frame, Golden’s face remained hidden-either obscured by a cap, turned away from the camera, or covered in her stroller.

This shift in privacy is a stark contrast to how Brittany and Patrick have handled Sterling and Bronze’s public presence. Since birth, both older children have been regularly featured on social media, allowing fans to watch them grow.

But with Golden Raye, it seems the Mahomes family is opting for a more private introduction-at least for now.

Patrick and Brittany, both 29, have not addressed their decision to keep Golden’s face private. However, their past openness with their other children suggests that they may simply be waiting for the right moment to “introduce” her to the world.

The couple, who have a strong tradition of meaningful names, shared Golden Raye’s moniker in an Instagram announcement shortly after her birth on January 12. The post featured a delicate wooden sign with her name, along with an intimate shot of their hands holding her tiny feet-yet another example of keeping her identity just out of view.

It remains to be seen if Patrick and Brittany will continue this level of privacy as Golden grows older. But for now, fans will have to settle for tiny glimpses of the Mahomes family’s newest addition-without ever seeing her little face.

 

Mahomes celebrate Sterling’s sibling bond

Despite this choice, Brittany couldn’t help but gush about Sterling’s role as a big sister, not just to her brother but now also to her infant baby sister too.

The 29-year-old mother, who is a co-owner of the Kansas City Current, shared a heartfelt caption alongside the birthday photos celebrating her first child’s loving familial sense.

“Sterling Skye is 4! The sweetest, most kind little girl ever,” Brittany posted online. “I thank God every day for choosing me to be your mom…

“You are the best big sister to Golden & Bronze, and they are so lucky to have you guiding them. Your Mom and Dad love you beyond and more. Keep being you, baby girl!!!”

Los Angeles ‘Wasn’t Enough’ for Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel: Inside the Couple’s Move to NYC

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have quietly relocated to the East Coast, where they’re looking to inject fresh energy into their careers as well as their marriage, but a source exclusively dishes to In Touch that the move hasn’t worked out too well and thus far they’re struggling to make good friends and finding the big city pace a real challenge to deal with.

“Justin and Jessica had built a pretty stable and comfortable life in Los Angeles with a beautiful home and an entire staff of people waiting on them hand-and-foot, but that wasn’t enough for them,” says a longtime friend of the family. “Justin’s interests in expanding his business ventures and Jessica’s interests in dipping deeper into the live theatre and fashion scenes on the East Coast put this idea in their heads that they should be a bicoastal couple.”

Jessica Biel ‘Planning to Make’ Justin Timberlake a Stay-at-Home Dad

While pursuing their individual ventures on the East Coast may eventually be profitable, it’s strange the couple hasn’t been spotted out with one of their best friends, Ryan Reynolds, who is primarily NYC-based these days. Throughout all of 2024, Jessica, 42, hadn’t been seen hanging with her former flame turned good friend.

All of this added together certainly points to something else driving their move, besides business ventures and stage time. As In Touch previously reported, the couple is going through a rough patch, with Justin, 44, being popped for a DWI back in September but ultimately pleading the charge down to a lesser driving while ability impaired (DWAI), and facing renewed scrutiny of his past with ex Britney Spears publishing her memoir, The Woman In Me, causing some tension in their marriage.

Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
The “Sexy Back” singer has been “doing everything he can” to “make up for” the DWAI incident, which apparently horrified and embarrassed his wife, a second source previously told In Touch.

Deal of the Day

“He’s still very tightly wound and stressed over what happened. Even if he’s on his best behavior, there’s a kind of an awkwardness and attention around him that doesn’t really make for very romantic, sexy nights together,” that source added of their marriage woes.

“He’s got more work to put in to heal their relationship before they can get back to what they once had and prove that he’s grown from this and is genuinely someone she can 100 percent trust. He knows trust takes a lot of time to rebuild, but it’s frustrating for him all the same.”

Justin Timberlake’s DWI Arrest Was ‘Wake-up Call’ for Wife Jessica Biel

Luckily, time is something they seem to have plenty of to share together. The two were first linked back in 2007, but split for a bit in 2011 before getting back together and engaged in December of the same year. They married in October 2012, eventually welcoming two children: Silas, 9, and Phineas, 4.

Now, with the move to NYC, the couple is working on building back their relationship even stronger after the past couple months, though at the cost of their already established social circle in L.A. Even though “they just don’t have the friend group on the East Coast that they have in L.A.,” the first source notes, the people they left behind on the West Coast, especially their non-famous friends who they met through family playdates,” do “miss them terribly.”

Fox News Kat Timpf’s interesting pregnancy that came 10 years after tragic event – reveals shocking truth

Fox News personality Kat Timpf has revealed that she and her husband, Cameron Friscia, were expecting their first child.

On Fox News, Timpf shared her journey of coming to terms with the life-changing news.

She described the experience as a shocking and gradual realization, emphasizing the profound impact it has had on her and her husband.

Kat Timpf has opened up about the unexpected news of her pregnancy, revealing that she was completely shocked when she saw a positive test result on May 30.

At 35, she acknowledged the medical classification of her pregnancy as “geriatric” and admitted she had never truly expected to find herself in this situation.

“I never expected to find myself in this situation,” Timpf wrote, explaining that she had mentally prepared for every other possibility. She initially assumed she wouldn’t get pregnant, especially not naturally. Even after it happened, she expected the worst, fearing she would likely miscarry due to her age.

She also shared a significant milestone from June 27, the night of the presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. On that day, she and her husband heard their baby’s heartbeat for the first time.

“We heard the heartbeat for the first time, and then we heard it again,” she said, recalling the moment.

Despite this milestone, Timpf admitted that the news never brought a dramatic, overwhelming rush of excitement. “It was never this exciting emotional rush of ‘OMG, WE’RE GOING TO BE PARENTS!!!!’” she explained.

“There was also something else working against the possibility of me experiencing all-encompassing astonishment, and that was, well, I was just too damn tired,” she admitted.

She also opened up about a deeper sorrow—one that overshadowed the moment.

Timpf expressed heartache over not being able to share this life-changing experience with her mother, who passed away on November 5, 2014

“I feel a sense of unity and solidarity with all the women who have gone through this. If I’m being honest, though, I also feel sadness about there being one woman in particular whom I’ll never be able to share this connection with: my mom.”

“It’s felt cruel, at times disorienting, and a bit unfair to have to try and figure out how to be a mother when I can hardly remember what it’s like to have one,” she reflected.

A particularly poignant moment for Timpf is on the horizon—November 5, 2024, the tenth anniversary of her mother’s passing, will also mark her sixth month of pregnancy. “What a world I get to tell my kid about. What a decade my mom missed,” she noted.