Chiefs’ Travis Kelce Confirms Struggles as Caitlin Clark & Jason Kelce Reminisce Challenges as a Rookie

Breaking into the world of pro sports might look like living the dream but behind the highlights and contracts. It’s a whole lot of hustle and struggle. Just ask NFL star Travis Kelce, WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark, and veteran Eagle Jason Kelce. All three have been there—feeling like a fish out of water in the rookie phase. Trying to make an impact while the weight of expectations hung heavy. In a candid conversation, they opened up about the bumps and bruises. That comes with finding their way to the top. And trust me, their stories will make you realize that even the biggest stars had to earn their place in the spotlight.

For Travis, stepping into the NFL was a massive adjustment. The transition from being a team leader at Cincinnati to finding his place in Kansas City wasn’t easy. “I struggled trying to find my lane,” Travis admitted. “I was such a leader at Cincinnati… but when I got to Kansas City, there were guys who were perennial Pro Bowlers.” He credited Coach Andy Reid for helping him navigate the new culture. Though it took time to feel like he truly belonged. The pressure of performing in a team filled with established stars made it clear that professionalism was more than just talent—it was about finding your role.

Jason’s story was no less challenging. His rookie year came during an NFL lockout, which meant no offseason workouts and a late introduction to the playbook—just two days before training camp. “We just started right from there,” Jason recalled. He leaned heavily on veteran players, despite the competitive dynamics. “Some vets were incredible… you lean so much as a young player on your vets,” he explained. For Jason, the support from legendary Eagles players like Harold Carmichael made all the difference as he learned to navigate the chaos.

Caitlin, meanwhile, faced her own hurdles in the WNBA. As a rookie, she struggled to balance expectations and her voice within a young team. “You’re trying to figure out a new environment, new teammates… you don’t want to say too much, you don’t want to say too little,” Caitlin shared. Yet, with the help of her veteran teammates, she found her footing. “I had a lot of really good vets around me… they knew how I felt,” she added, highlighting the importance of mentorship in her early career.

From Travis Kelce‘s fight for a role to Jason’s whirlwind debut and Caitlin’s balancing act, their stories remind us that even the brightest stars face storms before they shine. During the podcast, we also got a little insight into Clark’s favorite Chiefs player. What are your guesses??

Who is Caitlin Clark’s favorite Chiefs player?

KC Chiefs Call Fans to Help Travis Kelce Secure NFL Award After Taylor Swift’s Swifties Hijacked Pro Bowl Voting

On the “New Heights” podcast, Caitlin Clark made Travis Kelce’s day when she revealed that he’s her fave player on the Chiefs. Travis was all smiles and hyped, saying, “I appreciate that! That means a lot coming from you.” Caitlin wasn’t just throwing compliments, though—she also gave props to Patrick Mahomes for holding it down as the QB. It was clear this was more than just a casual shout-out; she genuinely respects what the Chiefs are doing.

Caitlin’s been a Chiefs fan since she was a kid, so her love for the team is real. “My family and I used to go to games all the time, and I’ve got some solid memories from those,” she said. She even mentioned an epic Christmas Eve game that’s stuck with her over the years. No wonder she’s been backing Travis and the squad—it’s in her blood. “Watching him ball out like this, it’s just unreal,” Caitlin added, clearly fangirling a little.

Things got even more exciting when Caitlin dropped the tea about meeting Travis Kelce and his girl, Taylor Swift, at one of Tay’s concerts. She said, “Maybe we’ll hit up a game together soon,” hinting at some serious squad goals. You can totally see the vibe-shifting, with Caitlin and Travis forming their own little sports fam.

Andy Reid’s 6-Word Warning to Travis Kelce After Draft as Jason Kelce’s ‘Train Wreck’ Moment Comes to Light

Kansas City’s riding high these days… playoff ticket in hand and eyes locked on a 3-peat. But while the team grinds away in postseason prep, Travis Kelce has found time to chill. On the latest New Heights podcast, he and his brother Jason Kelce brought on Caitlin Clark to chat. And boy, it wasn’t any chat, but it was the Kelce brothers revisiting their draft day as Trav recalled the infamous call with Andy Reid.

Well, just like their other EPs, they asked Clark about her draft day experience before the Fever swept with No. 1 pick. But what they did not expect was the reverse question. Yet, there it was. And when Travis began, there was a little humorous undertone to it… Picture this: a young Travis Kelce gets a call from a Missouri number, clueless that Kansas City is even in Missouri. “I thought I was going to St. Louis,” he admitted on the podcast.

Then came Reid’s memorable welcome: “YOU BETTER NOT MESS THIS UP!” Harsh? Maybe. Effective? Oh, absolutely. It wasn’t the first time Kelce shared this gem, either. Back in 2017, he revealed Reid’s real question: “Are you going to f-ck this up?” Not exactly a warm-and-fuzzy Hallmark moment, huh?

Fast forward to today, and no one’s questioning Reid’s faith in his #87. The man’s stats speak louder than words: 12 seasons for KC, 1,004 catches, over 12,000 yards, 80 touchdowns, and nine Pro Bowl nods. Oh, and let’s not forget those three rings. He’s not just in the conversation for best tight end ever—he’s practically running the panel. Nate Burleson nailed it, calling Kelce “a matchup nightmare” and “the best tight end in football.”

Kelce’s dominance isn’t just in numbers; it’s in how he’s redefined the tight-end role. And when he broke Tony Gonzalez’s touchdown record? Pure class. Trav’s tribute dunk over the crossbar was a reminder, not a nod, that Tony passed the torch in safe hands.

Let’s be real—centers are tough. Like, built-for-the-trenches tough. But when you’re fresh out of college waiting for that NFL call? Yeah, nerves hit differently. Jason Kelce was no exception. On the latest New Heights podcast, Travis didn’t hold back, joking, “Jason was a train wreck, are you kidding me?! The guy was pacing back and forth in the room.” Relatable, right?

Jason’s draft story, though? Pure chaos. “Day one, I knew I wasn’t getting drafted, so it was cool watching,” he said. By day two, his agent’s faint optimism kept things interesting, but by day three, frustration set in. So, what did the Kelces do? Go bowling. “We finished bowling, and I still hadn’t gotten a call,” Jason shared. It wasn’t until the sixth round, back at home, that the phone finally buzzed.

Philly was calling at pick No. 191, and Jason’s dad? Tears flowing. “It’s nerve-racking until the moment you’re picked, and then you forget about all the crap.” The Eagles snagged Jason just in time because the Chiefs—yes, Kansas City—had their sights on him, too, holding pick No. 199.

Imagine if KC had drafted him. The Kelce brothers could’ve been teammates, snapping and catching passes together. But fate had other plans, and two years later, Travis joined the Chiefs while Jason became the heart of Philly’s O-line.

For Jason, that call was life-changing. “It’s the greatest moment of my life… outside of my kids being born,” he said. More than a decade later, he’s a Philadelphia legend. And sure, we’ll never know how the NFL would look if the Kelce brothers had played together, but hey, it’s a fun “what if” to dream about.

“I Mourned”: Sonya Curry Warns Stephen Curry, LeBron James & Others Of Inevitable Biochemical Changes In NBA Futures

For most of her life, Sonya Curry wore many hats with grace—an accomplished volleyball player, a mother to NBA superstar Stephen Curry, and a devoted wife. But much like Ayesha Curry, the basketball matriarch has an identity of her own amidst all the star power and fame. According to the 58-year-old herself, she was “short, fast, and mean!” Sonya did not just excel in one sport.

By the time she attended Radford High, she proved herself as an excellent basketball and track star. But when life slowed down, and those roles began to shift, Sonya found herself confronting something many retired athletes and empty nesters face: an identity crisis. She also went through a depression after Sydel, her youngest child had graduated from school. During that time, Sonya had also retired from the education field.

“There was a period where I had retired from my school, Sydel had transitioned, graduated and it was just like oh, Lord, now what? They say there are seven things in your life you go through that are really, really tough and life-altering and one of them is retirement,” Sonya said in 2021. It’s a reality for the athletes and something that her son Steph, a generational basketball talent, might one day face when his own career ends. But for now, it’s Sonya’s journey that offers a raw, relatable perspective on what happens when the spotlight dims, routines change, and the quiet sets in. In conversation with Travis Hearn on The Travis Hearn Podcast, Sonya peeled back the layers of this struggle.

“When Dell retired, I actually went through this one other time before,” she shared, referring to her retirement from her 29-year career in education. “The first six months, I was excited about it, but then I’d sit in my car at the grocery store, start doing something on my phone, and just go home without even going inside. I remember thinking, ‘What is happening in my mind?’”

Sonya’s experience highlights the profound shifts retirement can bring—not just mentally, but biologically and emotionally. She likened it to being stuck in quicksand, saying, “Your body biologically gets used to waking up at a certain time, doing certain things. Biochemical changes happen within you.”

Add to that the loss of routine and community, and it’s easy to see why the adjustment feels like an uphill battle. “You know, the locker room, camaraderie, me going to school, all my teachers, parents. All that goes away and you’re like, I’m not like, closely connected to them,” she added. Through it all, Sonya leaned on her faith, learning to embrace stillness and trust in God’s plan.

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“The silence hits you, and God’s like, ‘Me. You know me.’ And you’re like, ‘Yeah, but where are the staff meetings? Where are the practices?’ And He’s like, ‘Exactly.’”  She says, “I mourned what I was leaving,” and waited for the Lord to show her the path. Interestingly, in a conversation in November 2024, Sonya had put forward one more aspect of retirement.

As a family full of athletes, fitness is pretty much the utmost priority. In an interview with digital health communications and patient event engagement firm, Black Health Matters, Sonya Curry reflected on the challenges athletes face transitioning to self-discipline in fitness after retiring from structured routines led by coaches and trainers.

“Because we are athletes, we’ve kind of been forced into healthy lifestyles and staying fit. And we’re very competitive, you know? And even within that I want to encourage people to know that you know, when the lights are finished and you know, they retired without having somebody there to tell us what to do, we had to be disciplined and find another uh gear to get ourselves disciplined on our own,” Sonya had said. But to manage that effectively, she also has a piece of advice.

“Just start simple. So we say, ‘Keep it simple, stupid,” Sonya said. To put it straight, the Raising Fame host doesn’t believe staying active requires major changes or overwhelming commitments. “Start with something like, just get out and walk around your block. And then if you want to add exercises, just do leg lifts or do jumping jacks. Just don’t try to overwhelm yourself. Don’t say, ‘I got to get a gym membership.’ You can do it at home,” Sonya had iterated.

Her story poignantly reminds us that identity transcends performance or roles and lies in discovering purpose beyond them. While Sonya was facing these hardships, here are some tips that can help Steph after he retires.

What is the path to ease retirement blues for Stephen Curry and others?

When athletes retire, it’s not just about stepping away from the game—it’s about figuring out who they are without it. A huge part of that struggle is the loss of identity. Researchers like Taylor and Ogilvie (1994) explain how athletes can feel lost without the sport they’ve devoted their lives to. But here’s the thing: they can redefine themselves by exploring new passions or roles, like coaching or mentoring. Brewer (1993) says these pursuits can help fill the void.

USA Today via Reuters

Mental health support is also crucial in this process. As athletes face the emotional toll of transitioning, it’s important to have a strong support system. Studies, such as those by Bi Piven et al. (2019), show how therapy and mindfulness can provide valuable tools for managing anxiety and depression. Having a network of fellow retired athletes can also help combat feelings of isolation.

Athletes who take time to reconnect with themselves often find that their value doesn’t only come from their athletic careers. They discover new interests, build relationships, and find meaning in new activities. For Sonya, she found solace in spirituality. “One day at church I was just sitting there–the pastor just seemed like he’s talking to you,” she said. “There could be 10,000 people in the room and he’s like you. And he talked about if you’re tired of doing the same ole same ole, just give Jesus a try.” She continued, “And I just got up, went to the front and it was just like I can’t do this. I don’t want this anymore so Lord I’ma try you. You’ve said all that you are, let’s see. I’ma go for it.”

While it’s never an easy shift, the transition can lead to fulfilling second careers or even new ways to stay involved in the sport they love. By focusing on their well-being and embracing change, athletes can emerge from this challenging time with a new sense of purpose.

Caitlin Clark May Upset Michael Jordan & Co. as She Proposes Hockey Style Fights to Fix NBA’s Declining Viewership

“Caitlin Clark has actually hurt the NBA,” Jason Whitlock controversially claimed a few weeks ago. The NBA ratings are down more than ever in recent years and Whitlock believes it’s because of Clark attracting more attention toward the WNBA. The Indiana Fever star herself thinks differently, of course, and one reason has to do with the rising popularity of football. But another change CC suggested was the evolving game of basketball, mentioning Michael Jordan.

On the latest episode of New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, the former Eagles player discusses ratings in the NBA with the WNBA Rookie of the Year, declaring she obviously doesn’t need help with them. But Jason Kelce asks Clark why she thinks this is the case with the men’s league, and she says, “Honestly, I feel like the average basketball fan doesn’t understand how good NBA players are. And they think it looks like they’re not trying. I promise you they’re trying — they’re just, like, so good.”

Then she refers to the ever-changing nature of the game and how it’s evolved. Some might say it’s gone soft but she says it’s just how the skill level has changed, and Clark’s comment might ruffle some feathers. “That’s what’s great about basketball: It’s always evolving. It’s gonna be different than when MJ played, [and] it’s gonna be different in 10 years.”

At one point, Travis Kelce suggests, “A hockey-style fight once a game — everybody picks a fighter, give ’em gloves…” And Clark agrees wholeheartedly, “Two-minute penalty box…You can come back in, you don’t get ejected.” The NHL doesn’t eject players for fighting but the NBA does. Might a rule change like that help ratings, Clark asks.

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Per Sports Media Watch, viewership was down 19% in mid-December 2024 from 2023 across ABC, ESPN, and TNT, and down 25% with NBA TV included. Some critics blame the excessive three-pointers everyone seems to love as more and more attempts are recorded thanks to new team analytics which say that threes are a more efficient way of scoring than attempting shots inside the arc.

This same strategy over and over again has grown old. Even Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal agreed, “We’re looking at the same thing.” In the same vein, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver introduced a new format to the All-Star game as well, but that has not sat well with most, including CC.

After major fan backlash at the NBA All-Star game’s lack of competitiveness, the execs proposed a new game plan with four teams playing, ending with two semifinal games and a final. But just like LeBron James didn’t agree with it, who also had an issue with “a lot of f—ing 3s being shot,” neither did Kevin Durant.

“I hate it. I absolutely hate it. Terrible. All-Star Game formats changing. All the formats are terrible in my opinion and we should just go back to East-West and just play a game. I think we’ve been trying to bring that flare back somehow with the All-Star Weekend, but I think we just keep it traditional.”

Clark agreed with Durant about keeping it East vs. West on the New Heights podcast, but maybe introduce other changes for the viewership and ratings problem. Although the Fever star said she personally loves watching threes, and is a maestro at them herself, even great plays lose their novelty after they’re repeated over and over again. A new fix is needed!

Caitlin Clark reveals ‘welcome to the W’ moment when she was injured early in 2024 season

The Fever were playing the Liberty, and Clark sustained an odd injury running into a screen

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA rookie season was one for the record books, but she also remembers the moment when she knew she was in pro ball.

Her “welcome to the WNBA” moment.

Clark appeared on the latest “New Heights” podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce and was asked about the moment when she was welcomed by fellow WNBA players.

She knew the answer right away.

“Somebody set a screen on me, and I hit my ear just perfect on the girl where my eardrum popped. And it ruptured,” Clark said of her Fever game against the New York Liberty June 2. “I knew it right away because I’ve done it before [while tubing in a lake]. It hurts so bad. … That was my welcome to the W moment.”

Clark said while her ear didn’t bleed, her hearing wasn’t the same for a few weeks.

“It takes months to heal,” Clark added. “So, after the season, the doctor had to go back and forth and see if it closed. And if it doesn’t close, you have to have a minor procedure. But, lucky enough, it did close. So, I was fine.”

The 104-68 beatdown by the Liberty against the Fever was Clark’s 11th game of her rookie season.

The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of the blowout, and Clark got attention from trainers on the bench before needing to walk back to the locker room at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Clark missed the rest of the game.

“I don’t wanna explain it. It’d probably be pretty gross. But, no, I feel fine,” Clark told reporters at the time of the injury. “I can’t hear great out of one of my ears.”

The injury didn’t prevent Clark from breaking a number of records, including most assists in a season.

Clark was named Time’s Athlete of the Year and the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year. She was also named a WNBA All-Star for the first time.

 

Coach Reid addressed the media today and stated that Carson Wentz will be the starting quarterback in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.

Coach Andy Reid Names Carson Wentz Starting Quarterback for Week 18 Matchup Against Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid surprised fans and analysts alike during his media address today, announcing that Carson Wentz will start as the quarterback in the Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos. The decision comes as the Chiefs look to manage their roster and game strategy heading into the playoffs.

Reid’s Announcement

Speaking to reporters, Reid expressed confidence in Wentz’s ability to lead the team in this crucial regular-season finale:

“Carson has been working hard in practice and is ready for this opportunity. We have complete faith in his preparation and skill set to help us finish the season strong.”

Wentz, who joined the Chiefs earlier this season as a backup, has seen limited action but has reportedly impressed the coaching staff with his knowledge of the game and leadership in the locker room.

Why Wentz?

The decision to start Wentz may stem from multiple factors:

Resting Patrick Mahomes: With the Chiefs already securing a playoff spot, Reid may want to give Mahomes some rest to ensure he’s fully healthy for the postseason.
Evaluating Depth: The game provides an opportunity to assess Wentz’s performance under game-day conditions, which could be crucial in case Mahomes faces any setbacks during the playoffs.
Strategic Matchup: Wentz brings a different style of play that could challenge the Broncos’ defense and give the Chiefs an edge.

Carson Wentz’s Journey

 

 

Wentz, a former Pro Bowler and No. 2 overall draft pick, has had a turbulent career. After early success with the Philadelphia Eagles, injuries and inconsistent play led to stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders. Joining the Chiefs marked a fresh start for Wentz, and this starting opportunity is his chance to showcase that he still belongs in the NFL.

Fan Reactions

The announcement has sparked a mix of excitement and skepticism among fans:

“I’m curious to see what Wentz can do in this offense. Reid always gets the best out of his quarterbacks.”
“Why risk losing momentum before the playoffs? Mahomes should stay sharp!”
“This is a smart move. Let Mahomes rest, and give Wentz a shot to prove himself.”

What to Expect Against the Broncos

The Broncos, despite struggling this season, boast a competitive defense. For Wentz, this game will be a true test of his ability to command the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. Expect Reid to implement a game plan that plays to Wentz’s strengths, including quick throws and utilizing the Chiefs’ dynamic receiving corps.

Looking Ahead

While the decision may raise eyebrows, it’s consistent with Reid’s history of strategic roster management. If Wentz performs well, it could solidify his role as a reliable backup for the postseason, giving the Chiefs added depth as they chase another Super Bowl title.

BREAKING: Chiefs’ Travis Kelce Leads NFL in Pro Bowl Votes with Record-Breaking Tally, Fans Can’t Stop Talking! 🏈🔥

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Travis Kelce has taken the NFL by storm yet again, this time by earning the most Pro Bowl votes across the entire league. The record-breaking tally has not only solidified Kelce’s status as a fan favorite but also sparked a buzz among NFL enthusiasts everywhere.

A Historic Achievement

The Pro Bowl is a prestigious honor for NFL players, recognizing their on-field excellence and popularity among fans, coaches, and peers. Kelce’s vote count, which is described as “insane,” is a testament to his dominance on the field and his ever-growing fan base.

Kelce’s incredible versatility and game-changing plays have made him a household name. Known for his athleticism and leadership, the Chiefs star has consistently delivered jaw-dropping performances that leave fans and analysts in awe.

NFL Fans React

Social media has been ablaze since the announcement, with fans expressing their admiration for Kelce’s talent and impact on the game.

“Kelce deserves every single vote. Absolute legend!” one fan tweeted.
“Not surprised at all. Best DT in the league by far,” another chimed in.
Memes, videos, and celebratory posts have flooded platforms like Twitter and Instagram, showcasing just how much Kelce means to the NFL community.

What This Means for the Chiefs

Kelce’s Pro Bowl recognition is a bright spot in the Chiefs’ season. His leadership on and off the field continues to inspire his teammates, and his ability to draw attention from fans worldwide adds a layer of excitement to the franchise.

With the Pro Bowl nod, Kelce is likely to use this momentum to push the Chiefs further in their pursuit of postseason glory.

The Legacy of Travis Kelce

Kelce’s Pro Bowl voting record only adds to his already impressive resume. As a multiple-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, Kelce has consistently shown why he is one of the most respected and celebrated players in the league.

His impact goes beyond the game, as he uses his platform to inspire young athletes and give back to the community.

What’s Next?

As Pro Bowl voting continues, fans are eager to see if Kelce’s lead will remain unchallenged. For now, the Chiefs star is basking in the well-deserved spotlight, reminding everyone why he is one of the most electrifying players in the NFL.

 

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and best NFL father, Patrick Mahomes, and his wife finally bring their third child into the world. Fans, good luck to us. What Patrick Mahomes requested was….

Kaпsas City Chiefs qυarterback Patrick Mahomes aпd his wife, Brittaпy Matthews, are celebratiпg a joyfυl пew chapter iп their lives. The coυple receпtly aппoυпced the birth of their third child, a beaυtifυl baby boy, shariпg the heartwarmiпg пews oп social media.

 

Faпs aпd well-wishers from aroυпd the globe have showered the Mahomes family with love aпd coпgratυlatioпs. Patrick aпd Brittaпy, who have beeп together siпce high school, have opeпly shared their joυrпey iпto pareпthood with faпs, offeriпg glimpses of their excitemeпt aпd aпticipatioп throυgh social media υpdates.

Αs they embrace their expaпded family, the Mahomes’ followers eagerly await more delightfυl υpdates aпd photos of the пewest additioп. This milestoпe marks aпother cherished momeпt iп their shared joυrпey, oпe filled with love, happiпess, aпd the promise of υпforgettable memories.

Joiп υs iп coпgratυlatiпg Patrick Mahomes aпd Brittaпy Matthews oп the arrival of their precioυs baby boy. We wish them a lifetime of joy aпd blessiпgs as they embark oп this woпderfυl пew chapter together as a family.

Celtics-Wolves recap: Tatum’s dominant effort lifts C’s to 118-115 win

Jayson Tatum’s MVP-caliber performance helped Boston begin its road trip with a win.

The Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves usually give fans a great show when they square off, and Thursday night’s game at Target Center continued that trend.

The Celtics had multiple double-digit leads in the second half, but the T-Wolves didn’t go away, and they had a chance to force overtime with 3.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Anthony Edwards’ potential game-tying 3-pointer hit the rim and bounced out, giving Boston a 118-115 win to begin their tough four-game Western Conference road trip.

Jayson Tatum gave an MVP-caliber performance with 33 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals. He scored 16 points in the third quarter. Derrick White poured in 26 points for Boston, including two clutch 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics’ road trip resumes Friday against the Houston Rockets.

Check out our live blog below for a recap of Celtics-Timberwolves.

FINAL: Celtics win 118-115

David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

Jayson Tatum scored 33 points in an excellent performance for the C’s.

The Celtics needed an MVP performance by Jayson Tatum to beat a very good Minnesota Timberwolves team and begin their four-game road trip, and the superstar forward delivered.

Tatum scored a game-high 33 points with nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals in 38 minutes as the C’s earned a 118-115 win at Target Center. He has tallied eight or more rebounds in 19 straight games, which is the second-longest active streak in the NBA.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards struggled mightily in this game, scoring just 15 points on 5-for-16 shooting (2-for-9 from 3-point range). He had a chance to tie the score and force overtime with 3.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but his 3-point attempt hit the rim and bounced out.

How did the T-Wolves have a chance to tie this game in the final seconds despite Edwards’ lackluster outing

Exclusive: Derrick White 1-on-1 postgame interview with Abby Chin

Abby Chin caught up with Derrick White after the Celtics 118-115 win against the Timberwolves, and he talked about the Celtics’ mindset starting a tough, 4-game road trip.

NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin interviewed Celtics guard Derrick White after the win and asked him about his clutch performance, Jayson Tatum’s scoring, defending Anthony Edwards and more.

Check it out in the video player above.

JAN 29:49 PM EST

Edwards unable to force OT

Score: 118-115 Celtics, 0:00

Anthony Edwards’ 3-point attempt to force overtime missed and the Celtics escape with a victory.

JAN 29:46 PM EST

T-Wolves have chance to tie

Score: 118-115 Celtics, 3.1 seconds left in fourth quarter

Jayson Tatum missed a step-back 2-point shot and the T-Wolves got the rebound. The Timberwolves called timeout, so they will inbound the ball at halfcourt needing a 3-pointer to force overtime.

JAN 29:44 PM EST

It’s winning time

Score: 118-115 Celtics, 21.1 seconds left in fourth quarter

The Celtics have the ball with 21.1 seconds remaining.

JAN 29:42 PM EST

Derrick White grows Celtics’ lead with back-to-back 3s

Score: 118-110 Celtics, 2:08 left in fourth quarter

Derrick White has put the C’s up by eight points with 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions. The second 3-pointer banked off the glass. White is now Boston’s second-leading scorer with 26 points.

JAN 29:33 PM EST

Celtics regain the lead

Score: 105-100 Celtics, 5:47 left in fourth quarter

Neemias Queta has put the Celtics up five on a dunk, which was set up by a nice pass from Jayson Tatum. The T-Wolves double-teamed Tatum and he found the open man.

Tatum has 31 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. It’s been an MVP-caliber performance from Tatum with Jaylen Brown unavailable due to injury.

Donte DiVincenzo ties the game

Score: 94-94, 9:15 left in fourth quarter

The Celtics have not survived the first couple minutes of the fourth quarter with Jayson Tatum on the bench. T-Wolves guard Donte DiVincenzo just hit a 3-pointer on back-to-back possessions to tie the score at 94-94. The C’s were up by 10 with 52 seconds left in the third quarter.

Minnesota has outscored Boston 9-3 to start the fourth quarter.

JAN 29:14 PM EST

End of third quarter: Celtics lead 91-85

The Timberwolves trimmed the lead to five, and then Celtics went back up by double-digits thanks to Jayson Tatum. The C’s superstar scored 16 points in the quarter, including 12 in the final 4:05.

But a quick five-point burst by the T-Wolves in the final 42 seconds of the quarter has given Minnesota a chance entering the fourth.

The Celtics have given up 34 or more points in two of the first three quarters. Boston’s defense will determine the outcome of this game.

We’re in store for another exciting finish between these two teams.

Celtics withstand T-Wolves’ charge

Score: 79-71, 4:05 left in third quarter

The Timberwolves started the third quarter down 11, but they trimmed the Celtics’ lead to 70-65 with 6:32 left to play. But the C’s hit back with a 3-pointer by Sam Hauser and two buckets by Jayson Tatum.

Tatum is on triple-double watch with 18 points, six rebounds and six assists. He also has three steals.

The Celtics’ bench is also outscoring the Timberwolves’ bench 18-10, which is huge for Boston considering Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis are both out due to injury.

JAN 28:38 PM EST

Halftime: Celtics lead 62-51

The Celtics dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 34-16. A 15-4 run helped put the C’s up by double-digits, and they went into halftime with an 11-point advantage.

Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser lead the Celtics with 12 points each. Neemias Queta gave the Celtics some great minutes off the bench with six points, three rebounds and one steal. Payton Pritchard also scored nine points off the bench.

The Celtics started out 1-for-7 from 3-point range, but they made 12 of their next 24 attempts to close out the first half.

Julius Randle leads the T-Wolves with 15 points. Boston’s defense has done an excellent job frustrating T-Wolves superstar Anthony Edwards, who has nine points on 3-for-10 shooting (1-for-6 on 3-pointers).

JAN 28:25 PM EST

Tatum helps Celtics increase lead

Score: 56-47 Celtics, 2:43 left in second quarter

The Celtics have their largest lead of the game, and it’s the result of a 15-4 run over a 4:41 span. The Celtics have hit four of their last five attempts from beyond the arc, including a couple 3-pointers from Jayson Tatum.

Boston is now shooting 13-for-31 (41.9 percent) from 3-point range. Tatum and Sam Hauser are leading the way with 12 points apiece.

Boston has outscored Minnesota 28-12 in the quarter so far.

Sam Hauser is heating up

Score: 41-41, 8:54 left in second quarter

Sam Hauser has made three 3-pointers in the first three and a half minutes of the second quarter, and the Timberwolves’ lead has been erased as a result. Hauser is now 4-for-6 from 3-point range in the game.

JAN 28:06 PM EST

End of first quarter: 35-28 Timberwolves

The Timberwolves shot 10-for-18 from the floor (7-for-12 from 3-point range) and hit all eight of their free throw attempts to take a seven-point lead into the second quarter. Minnesota’s 35 points are a season-high in the first quarter.

T-Wolves forward Julius Randle leads all players in scoring with 10 points, along with two rebounds and two assists.

The Celtics attempted 19 shots from 3-point range but made only six of them. Jayson Tatum has five points on 2-for-8 shooting, but he does have four assists.

3-point shootout in Minnesota so far

Score: 29-24 Wolves, 2:34 left in first quarter

Both teams are launching it from 3-point range, and it’s hard to blame them based on the success rate.

The Celtics started out 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, but they’ve hit five of their last seven 3-point attempts. The Timberwolves are shooting 7-of-11 from 3-point range.

In total, 27 of the 35 shots in this game have been 3-pointers.

The Timberwolves are shooting the 3-ball very well to start this game. They are 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, led by Julius Randle making two of his three attempts.

The Celtics, meanwhile, have hit just one of their seven 3-point attempts.

Tatum takes impressive streak into Celtics-Timberwolves

Jayson Tatum has tallied eight or more rebounds in 18 straight games, which is the second-longest active streak in the NBA behind New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, per NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics stats guru Dick Lipe.

Tatum grabbed eight rebounds when the Celtics beat the T-Wolves in Boston on Nov. 24. The last time he tallied fewer than eight rebounds in a game was against the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 12.

Tatum is averaging a career-high 9.5 rebounds per game this season.

Celtics will be without two important players

The Celtics will be missing two key players against the T-Wolves. Jaylen Brown (right shoulder strain) and Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle sprain) will not play for Boston. Porzingis suffered an ankle injury against the Sixers on Christmas and has missed the last four games (including today).

Brown is considered day to day with his injury, per head coach Joe Mazzulla.

Al Horford and Sam Hauser could enter the starting lineup with Porzingis and Brown unavailable.

Can Celtics continue their success on the road?

The Celtics begin a tough four-game road trip Thursday in Minnesota, where they’ll take on Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves advanced all the way to the Western Conference Finals last season as Edwards became a top 10 player in the NBA. This season has been more difficult for the T-Wolves, who own a 17-15 record in eighth place in the West standings.

The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference standings at 24-9, but they’re just 5-5 in their last 10 games. However, the C’s have played fantastic on the road this season with an 11-3 record, tying the Thunder and Cavaliers for the fewest road defeats. Boston also is the fourth-highest scoring team on the road at 120.4 points per game.

Minnesota has been a tough place for the Celtics to win, though. The C’s are 6-6 in their last 12 games at the Target Center, including a 114-109 overtime loss last season.

Will a loaded January schedule bring out the best in Celtics?

Jrue Holiday talks with Abby Chin after the Celtics crushed the Toronto Raptors on New Year’s Eve

Calendar year 2024 was a magical trip around the sun for the Boston Celtics, and the team closed out a ridiculously successful 12-month run with one of the most lopsided wins in franchise history on New Year’s Eve. But things are about to get a whole lot more difficult.

With 40 percent of the 2024-25 regular season in the rearview mirror, the Celtics have yet to play more than two consecutive games against teams that currently own a record of .500 or better. They’ve done that five times total this season, but eight of their final nine games in 2024 were against teams with records under .500. And Boston still limped to a 5-4 record in those games.

The difficulty meter spikes immediately to start 2025. Every opponent on Boston’s four-game, Western Conference-road trip that opens Thursday night in Minnesota currently has a record of .500 or better, and Boston will play teams currently slotted in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 8th spots in the West standings during that trip.

What’s more, there’s a stretch in mid-January that features seven straight games against teams currently .500 or better, including another road trip that will pit Boston against teams currently sitting 4th, 6th, 7th, and 10th in the West.

 

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Stun Fans with Baby News: A New Chapter Begins for the Power Couple..

In a surprising and heartwarming announcement, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have confirmed that they are expecting their first child together.

The couple, who have been dating for just over a year, made the joyous revelation in an exclusive statement, sending shockwaves of excitement through their fans and the media.

The pop superstar and NFL star have been one of the most talked-about couples in recent months, with their relationship sparking constant speculation.

After a whirlwind romance that began in the fall of 2023, the two have navigated their high-profile relationship with relative privacy, but this new chapter has brought their bond into the public eye in a big way.

Sources close to the couple shared that both Taylor and Travis are overjoyed about the news and are excited to begin this next chapter of their lives. The announcement was made through a heartfelt post on social media, with Swift writing, “We’re beyond thrilled to share that our love story is growing with the most beautiful gift of all.” Kelce also expressed his happiness, stating, “The journey we’ve been on together just got even more incredible.”

Fans of the couple have flooded social media with their congratulations, with many celebrating the pair’s relationship and eagerly anticipating this new phase of their journey. The news marks a significant moment in the lives of both Swift and Kelce, who have already achieved immense success in their respective careers.

As the couple prepares for parenthood, the world will be watching closely, eager to see how this new chapter unfolds for the beloved duo. With their shared love of family and commitment to one another, Taylor and Travis are set to embark on this exciting new adventure together.