The Celtics played exactly like the team they were built to be
Game 5 is Brad Stevens’ dream. The Celtics head coach has built Boston into a specific type of team over the past few seasons, one that has risen from rebuilding to playoff team to, now, Eastern Conference champions. On Wednesday, in a 123-101 win against the Wizards in Game 5 that put them a game away from the conference finals, Stevens must have been beaming internally pretty much the whole time.BOX SCORE: CELTICS 123, WIZARDS 101It started quickly, with the Celtics leading 16-4 and then 31-16 in the first quarter, ending the frame up by 12 points.
Avery Johnson has led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back NIT berths in his first two seasons.
When I put together a short list of college basketball's sleeping giant programs a few months ago, one criteria I had was that the program in question shouldn't be one that would -- no matter how much they improved -- never be able to step out of the shadow of the school's football team.
Which meant Alabama didn't make the cut, for obvious reasons.
Seven biggest keys for Spurs-Warriors Conference Finals
It has finally happened. It has finally happened. The two best teams in the Western Confernece over the past three years will meet for the first time in the playoffs during that span.
So maybe it's not a "giant" in the making down in Tuscaloosa, but Crimson Tide hoops coach Avery Johnson is building something worth watching on the campus that Nick Saban owns.
This past season was Johnson's second at Alabama, following his seven-year run coaching in the NBA (which included a trip to the Finals and the league's Coach of the Year award in 2006). The Tide went 19-15 overall and 10-8 in the SEC. They lost a close game to Kentucky in the semifinals of the SEC tournament, then ended their season with another close loss to Richmond in the first round of the NIT.
Isaiah Thomas downplays Celtics' black attire
According to Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas, that all-black attire was totally a coincidence. Thomas and his teammates showed up to Friday’s potential elimination Game 6 against the Washington Wizards dressed in all black, but if you ask Thomas, it wasn’t coordinated.
It was an improvement from Johnson's first season, in which 'Bama went 18-15 overall and 8-10 in the SEC, got blown out by Kentucky in the SEC tournament quarterfinals, then got blown out by Creighton in the first round of the NIT.
Steve Kerr attends practice for first time since taking leave of absence
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was in attendance for Saturday's practice before the team plays the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes. This was Kerr's first practice since he took a leave of absence from the team due to back issues. Kerr underwent surgery nearly two years ago and has been suffering complications in recent weeks.
At the same time Johnson was putting together a respectable record on the court, he was also putting together a blockbuster of a recruiting class that could vault 'Bama from the NIT to the NCAA Tournament for the foreseeable future.
Alabama's 2017 recruiting haul is ranked No. 6 in the country by Scout.com and second among SEC schools to -- of course -- Kentucky. Johnson signed a class that is considered better than the ones compiled by powerhouse programs like Louisville, North Carolina, Michigan State, Kansas and Villanova.
The Tide's incoming class is headlined by All-American point guard Collin Sexton (Mableton, Ga.), a five-star recruit who is arguably the best high school perimeter player in the nation. Sexton has drawn comparisons to Russell Westbrook with his explosive talent and outward passion on the court. Not only should he put a few more W's on the board for Alabama, but he should also put a lot more backsides in seats at Coleman Coliseum and draw a lot more TV viewer's eyes to 'Bama basketball.
San Antonio Spurs proving they’re more machine than team
Following the San Antonio Spurs’ Game 2 win over the Houston Rockets in the NBA’s Western Conference Semifinals, it was revealed Tony Parker would miss the rest of the playoffs. While the 34-year old Parker is far from what he used to be, his 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this year were useful additions for the Spurs. His playoff production was up and served as a key factor in how they’d fought for a 1-1 series tie at the time.During a thrilling Game 5 victory over Houston, San Antonio’s star (and perhaps the NBA’s best) player Kawhi Leonard went down with knee and ankle injuries.
Joining Sexton in the backcourt will be John Petty (Jemison, Ala.), the 9th-best shooting guard in the national high school senior class according to Scout. Freshman frontcourt additions include power forward Alex Reese (Pelham, Ala.), also ranked ninth at his position by Scout; three-star small forward Herb Jones (Newbern, Ala.), ranked No. 36 overall; and three-star center Galin Smith (Clinton, Miss.).
Earlier this week, Johnson landed another recruit who won't be able to play next season but will be one of the most talented players on the roster. Small forward Tevin Mack is transferring to 'Bama from Texas, where he averaged 14.8 points per game last season before he was suspended indefinitely.
Mack will have to sit out next season due to NCAA transfer rules, but he'll have two years of eligibility beginning in 2018-19.
While Mack sits out, Alabama should still be solid on the wing. Braxton Key, the team's leading scorer from last season, has thrown his name into the NBA Draft pool but has yet to sign with an agent. Key, who averaged 12.0 points and 5.7 rebounds as a freshman, is currently not surfacing in many mock drafts, so the word in Tuscaloosa is that he will return to school. If he does, the Tide are that much more of a threat in the SEC.
Report: Kerr plans to be at Oracle Arena for Game 1
The Golden State Warriors have been without head coach Steve Kerr for the majority of the 2017 NBA Playoffs.— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) May 14, 2017
Johnson is also bringing back two-guard Dazon Ingram (10.6 ppg), wing Riley Norris (9.0 ppg), forward Donta Hall (6.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg), and Johnson's son, point guard Avery Jr. (6.9 ppg).
Don't expect Alabama to get a lot of hype going into next season. While Johnson is one of the country's more high-profile coaches due to the fame he acquired as an NBA champion point guard, award-winning coach and memorable announcer -- no one who's heard Avery Sr. talk can forget that voice -- and Sexton will be a magnetic one-and-done, there's a lot going on just in the SEC.
Kentucky is Kentucky, with their star-studded roster and national-title expectations. Florida is coming off an Elite Eight run and South Carolina is coming off a surprise Final Four run. Missouri is bringing in freshman forward Michael Porter Jr., who is already projected to be the No. 1 pick in next year's NBA Draft.
Alabama may not be picked to finish among the top teams in the SEC. It may not be quite their time yet for an Elite Eight or Final Four appearance. But Avery Johnson's program is definitely on the rise. You don't have to call them a sleeping giant, but big moves are being made at 'Bama.
Related photos: NCAA tournaments (provided by photo services)
North Carolina's Kennedy Meeks holds the championship trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after defeating Gonzaga 71-65 in the finals of the NCAA Tournament on April 3, in Glendale, Ariz.
Too early to panic? Alabama's 2018 class ranked 61st
There's still almost nine months to go before National Signing Day for the class of 2018.Alabama, a program that has turned in a top-three class in the country every year under Nick Saban, currently sits 61st in the rankings behind schools like Indiana, Miami (Ohio), Western Michigan, Toledo, and Vanderbilt.
North Carolina students climb a street sign at the intersection of East Franklin Street and North Columbia Street as fireworks explode behind them in Chapel Hill, N.C., following the school's win over Gonzaga on April 3.
The North Carolina Tar Heels celebrate with the championship trophy after beating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix on April 3.
Gonzaga's Josh Perkins and North Carolina's Joel Berry II collide as they reach for a loose ball during the second half.
Who's the best returning QB in SEC?
The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late. The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late, but that sentiment appears to be changing heading into the 2017 campaign.
Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews loses his balance as he dribbles down the baseline defended by North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson in the championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoeniz on April 3.
A vender displays a program outside University of Phoenix Stadium before the finals of the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament between Gonzaga and North Carolina, April 3 in Glendale, Ariz.
North Carolina student Stein Monson arrives at University of Phoenix Stadium for the finals of the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament between Gonzaga and North Carolina, April 3 in Glendale, Ariz.
A fan takes a pictures outside of University of Phoenix Stadium before the finals of the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament between Gonzaga and North Carolina, April 3 in Glendale, Ariz.
Victoria Vivians (35) of the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs is defended by Kaela Davis (3) of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the Gamecocks' 67-55 victory in the women's NCAA Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center in Dallas on April 2.
Kaela Davis (3) of the South Carolina Gamecocks attempts a shot defended by Teaira McCowan (15) and Dominique Dillingham of the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs during the women's championship game on April 2.
South Carolina forward A'ja Wilson, left, and Mississippi State guard Dominique Dillingham chase a loose ball during the women's national championship game on April 2.
South Carolina Gamecocks forward A'ja Wilson (22) and guard Allisha Gray (10) block a shot by Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs forward Breanna Richardson in the fourth quarter of the women's national championship game on April 2.
Kennedy Meeks, center, of the North Carolina Tar Heels competes with Dylan Ennis (31) and Dillon Brooks of the Oregon Ducks during a men's NCAA Tournament semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1 in Glendale, Ariz.
Jordan Bell, left, of the Oregon Ducks shoots against Theo Pinson of the North Carolina Tar Heels during a men's NCAA Tournament semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1 in Glendale, Ariz.
Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) blocks the shot of North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks during a men's NCAA Tournament semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on April 1.
Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) shoots as North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II, right, defends during a men's NCAA Tournament semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on April 1.
North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) celebrates after beating the Oregon Ducks in a semifinal of the men's NCAA Tournament at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on April 1.
South Carolina coach Frank Martin, top left, checks on Przemek Karnowski of the Gonzaga Bulldogs after the center got poked in the eye during a men's NCAA Tournament semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1 in Glendale, Ariz.
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Rakym Felder (4) shoots against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) during a men's NCAA Tournament semifinalat University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on April 1.
Fans cheer before the semifinal between South Carolina and Gonzaga during the men's NCAA Tournament at University of Phoenix Stadium April 1 in Glendale, Ariz.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs bench celebrates against the South Carolina Gamecocks during a men's NCAA Tournament semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1 in Glendale, Ariz.
A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots against Erica McCall #24 and Brittany McPhee #12 of the Stanford Cardinal in the first half during the semifinal round of the 2017 NCAA Women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on March 31, in Dallas, Texas.
South Carolina forwards A'ja Wilson, left, and Stanford's Erica McCall #24 battle for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the women's Final Four, on March 31, in Dallas.
South Carolina guard Allisha Gray #10, guard Kaela Davis #3 and teammates celebrate during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the Stanford in the semifinals of the women's Final Four, on March 31, in Dallas.
Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs forward Breanna Richardson #3 and center Chinwe Okorie #45 defend against Connecticut Huskies guard Gabby Williams #15 in the second quarter in the semifinals of the women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on March 31.
Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs forward Victoria Vivians #35 looks to shoot against Connecticut Huskies' Katie Lou Samuelson #33 in the first half in the semifinals of the women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on March 31.
Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs guard Blair Schaefer #1 and guard Dominique Dillingham #00 and guard Morgan William #2 celebrate defeating the Connecticut Huskies in overtime in the semifinals of the women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on March 31.
South Carolina's Kaela Davis dribbles as Florida State's Imani Wright defends during the NCAA Tournament on March 27 in Stockton, California. South Carolina won 71-64.
Mississippi State's Victoria Vivians, left, is fouled by Baylor's Alexis Prince during the regional final of the NCAA women's tournament on March 26, in Oklahoma City. Mississippi State won 94-85 in overtime.
Mississippi State's Morgan William, right, celebrates with Breanna Richardson (3) after upsetting top seed Baylor at the NCAA women's tournament March 26 in Oklahoma City.
Stanford's Erica McCall, right, attempts to block the shot of Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld during the NCAA women's tournament on March. 26 in Lexington, Ky.
Luke Maye of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after hitting the game-winning shot against the Kentucky Wildcats during the South Regional final of the men's NCAA Tournament on March 26 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. North Carolina won 75-73.
Joel Berry II, left, of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots against Isaiah Briscoe, bottom, and Derek Willis of the Kentucky Wildcats during the South Regional final of the men's NCAA Tournament on March 26 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Dominique Hawkins of the Kentucky Wildcats, center, and Nate Britt of the North Carolina Tar Heels battle during the finals of the South Regional of the men's NCAA Tournament on March 26 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate after defeating the Florida Gators 77-70 to win the East Regional of the men's NCAA Tournament on March 26 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Duane Notice of the South Carolina Gamecocks, left, and Justin Leon of the Florida Gators go for a loose ball during the East Regional finals of the men's NCAA Tournament on March 26 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
South Carolina's Chris Silva (30) blocks a shot by Florida's Chris Chiozza during the East Regional finals of the men's NCAA Tournament on March 26 in New York.
Tyler Dorsey (5) of the Oregon Ducks battles for the loose ball with Josh Jackson of the Kansas Jayhawks during the NCAA Tournament Midwest Region final at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., on March 25.
Maite Cazorla, center, of the Oregon Ducks is fouled by Brionna Jones, right, of the Maryland Terrapins during the women's NCAA Tournament at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn., on March 25.
The Oregon Ducks celebrate late in the win over Frank Mason II (0) and the Kansas Jayhawks in the Midwest Region championship game at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., on March 25.
Connecticut's Katie Lou Samuelson (33) battles UCLA's Monique Billings, left, during the women's NCAA Tournament at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn., on March 25. UConn won, 86-71.
Coach Mark Few, center, and the Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrate after their 83-59 win over the Xavier Musketeers during the NCAA Tournament West Region title game at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on March 25.
Coach Mark Few of the Gonzaga Bulldogs cuts down the net after the 83-59 win over the Xavier Musketeers during the NCAA Tournament West Region title game at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on March 25.
Johnathan Williams (3) of the Gonzaga Bulldogs looks to shoot against Trevon Bluiett, left, and Malcolm Bernard of the Xavier Musketeers during the NCAA Tournament West Region final at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., on March 25.
Sydney Wiese (24) of the Oregon State Beavers and Leticia Romero (10) of the Florida State Seminoles go after a loose ball at the women's NCAA Tournament at Stockton (Calif.) Arena on March 25. Florida State won 66-53.
A'ja Wilson (22) of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots as Aryn McClure (25) of the Quinnipiac Bobcats defends during the women's NCAA Tournament at Stockton (Calif.) Arena on March 25. South Carolina won 100-58.
Kennedy Meeks of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates in the second half against the Butler Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at FedExForum on March 24, in Memphis, Tenn.
Isaiah Briscoe and Isaac Humphries of the Kentucky Wildcats compete for the ball with Ike Anigbogu and Gyorgy Goloman of the UCLA Bruins in the first half during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at FedExForum on March 24, in Memphis, Tenn.
Johnathan Motley of the Baylor Bears fights for the ball against Chris Silva of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at Madison Square Garden on March 24, in New York City.
South Carolina players celebrate after beating Baylor 70-50 in an East Regional semifinal game of the NCAA men's college basketball tournament, on March 24, in New York.
Baylor guard Alexis Prince watches as Louisville guard Asia Durr saves a ball from going out of bounds during the first half of a regional semifinal of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, on March 24, in Oklahoma City.
Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale shoots between Ohio State's Shayla Cooper and Tori McCoy during a regional semifinal in the women's NCAA college basketball tournament in Lexington, Ky., on March 24.
Joel Berry II of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles over Nate Fowler of the Butler Bulldogs in the second half during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at FedExForum on March 24, in Memphis, Tenn.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Ethan Happ and Florida Gators forward Kevarrius Hayes go for a loose ball during the first half in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 24.
Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum attempts a shot in front Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs center Teaira McCowan during the second quarter in the semifinals of the Oklahoma City Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena on March 24.
Kansas Jayhawks guard LaGerald Vick reaches for the ball held by Purdue Boilermakers guard P.J. Thompson during the second half at Sprint Center in Kansas City on March 23.
Zach Collins of the Gonzaga Bulldogs vies for position with Nathan Adrian and Brandon Watkins of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first half at SAP Center on March 23 in San Jose, Ca.
Purdue Boilermakers guard P.J. Thompson reacts after the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Sprint Center in Kansas City on March 23. Kansas defeated Purdue 98-66.
Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins is defended by Xavier Musketeers guard Malcolm Bernard and guard Trevon Bluiett and guard Quentin Goodin in the second half at SAP Center in San Jose, Ca. on March 23.
Duke's Rebecca Greenwell, right, and Oregon's Maite Cazorla chase the ball during the second half of a second-round game on March 20 in Durham, N.C. Oregon won 74-65.
Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma watches from the sideline as they take on the Syracuse Orange in the second half during a second-round game on March 20 at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Conn. UConn won 94-64.
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks the ball in the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 19, in Greenville, S.C.
Cincinnati Bearcats #10 Troy Caupain and UCLA Bruins #2 Lonzo Ball battle for the loose ball during the first half of the UCLA Bruins game versus the Cincinnati Bearcats in the NCAA Tournament on March 19 in Sacramento, Calif.
Kennedy Meeks #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 19, in Greenville, S.C.
Teammates Dylan Ennis #31 and Tyler Dorsey #5 of the Oregon Ducks go after a loose ball against E.C. Matthews #0 of the Rhode Island Rams during the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 19, in Sacramento, Calif.
Mississippi State head coach Vic Schaefer expresses his pride in his team following their second-round win over DePaul, 92-71, in the NCAA Tournament in Starkville, Miss., on March 19.
Kentucky's Taylor Murray #24 shoots while defended by Ohio State's Kiara Lewis during a second-round game in the NCAA Tournament in Lexington, Ky., on March 19.
Rhode Island Rams #32 Jared Terrell and Oregon Ducks #1 Jordan Bell scramble for the loose ball during the first half of the Oregon Ducks game versus the Rhode Island Rams in their NCAA Tournament on March 19 in Sacramento, Calif.
Luke Kennard #5 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball against Sindarius Thornwell #0 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half during the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 19, in Greenville, S.C.
Southern California guard Jordan McLaughlin #11 shoots in front of Baylor forward Johnathan Motley #5 during the first half of a second-round game in the NCAA Tournament in Tulsa, Okla., Sunday, March 19.
Louisville's Deng Adel, top, loses control of the ball after colliding with Michigan's Derrick Walton Jr. at the NCAA Tournament on March 19 in Indianapolis. Michigan won 73-69.
Kansas guard Frank Mason III (0) shoots against Michigan State forward Nick Ward and guard Alvin Ellis III (3) at the NCAA Tournament on March 19 in Tulsa, Okla. Kansas won 90-70
Kentucky guard De'Aaron Fox (0) goes up for a dunk in front of Wichita State guard Landry Shamet during the men's NCAA Tournament on March 19 in Indianapolis. Kentucky won 65-62.
Mississippi State center Teaira McCowan (15) defends against a pass to a DePaul player during the women's NCAA Tournament game March 19 in Starkville, Miss.
Michigan's D.J. Wilson, right, and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman celebrate as Louisville's Ray Spalding walks past following the men's NCAA Tournament game March 19 in Indianapolis. Michigan won 73-69.
Syracuse's Abby Grant, left, and Briana Day pressure Iowa State's Bridget Carleton, center in the NCAA women's tournament, on March 18 in Storrs, Conn.
Isaac Haas (44) of the Purdue Boilermakers blocks a shot by Darrell Bowie of the Iowa State Cyclones at the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee on March 18.
Jack Salt (33) and Mamadi Diakite (25) of the Virginia Cavaliers and Devin Robinson (1) of the Florida Gators are among the players competing for a rebound at the men's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on March 18.
Justin Leon, right, and Kasey Hill react against the Virginia Cavaliers at the men's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on March 18.
Middle Tennessee State's JaCorey Williams (22) and Butler's Andrew Chrabascz battle for a rebound during the NCAA Tournament game on March 18 in Milwaukee.
Rawle Alkins (1) of the Arizona Wildcats goes for the ball against Evan Fitzner of the Saint Mary's Gaels during the 2017 men's NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 18 in Salt Lake City.
Maciej Bender of the West Virginia Mountaineers, center, drives to the basket against Rex Pflueger (0) and Matt Farrell of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., on March 18.
Notre Dame forward Bonzie Colson reacts after the 83-71 loss to West Virginia in a second-round men's college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament on March 18 in Buffalo, N.Y.
Teammates Bronson Koenig (24) and Zak Showalter of the Wisconsin Badgers try to steal the ball from Eric Paschall of the Villanova Wildcats at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., on March 18.
Villanova Wildcats guard Jalen Brunson walks off the court as the Wisconsin Badgers celebrate their victory over the 2016 champions at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., on March 18. Wisconsin won 65-62.
Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) controls the ball against Barret Benson, left, and Bryant McIntosh of the Northwestern Wildcats at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on March 18.
Who's the best returning QB in SEC? .
The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late. The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late, but that sentiment appears to be changing heading into the 2017 campaign.
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Game 5 is Brad Stevens’ dream. The Celtics head coach has built Boston into a specific type of team over the past few seasons, one that has risen from rebuilding to playoff team to, now, Eastern Conference champions. On Wednesday, in a 123-101 win against the Wizards in Game 5 that put them a game away from the conference finals, Stevens must have been beaming internally pretty much the whole time.BOX SCORE: CELTICS 123, WIZARDS 101It started quickly, with the Celtics leading 16-4 and then 31-16 in the first quarter, ending the frame up by 12 points. 
It has finally happened. It has finally happened. The two best teams in the Western Confernece over the past three years will meet for the first time in the playoffs during that span. 
According to Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas, that all-black attire was totally a coincidence. Thomas and his teammates showed up to Friday’s potential elimination Game 6 against the Washington Wizards dressed in all black, but if you ask Thomas, it wasn’t coordinated. 
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was in attendance for Saturday's practice before the team plays the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes. This was Kerr's first practice since he took a leave of absence from the team due to back issues. Kerr underwent surgery nearly two years ago and has been suffering complications in recent weeks. 
Following the San Antonio Spurs’ Game 2 win over the Houston Rockets in the NBA’s Western Conference Semifinals, it was revealed Tony Parker would miss the rest of the playoffs. While the 34-year old Parker is far from what he used to be, his 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this year were useful additions for the Spurs. His playoff production was up and served as a key factor in how they’d fought for a 1-1 series tie at the time.During a thrilling Game 5 victory over Houston, San Antonio’s star (and perhaps the NBA’s best) player Kawhi Leonard went down with knee and ankle injuries. 
The Golden State Warriors have been without head coach Steve Kerr for the majority of the 2017 NBA Playoffs.— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) May 14, 2017 
There's still almost nine months to go before National Signing Day for the class of 2018.Alabama, a program that has turned in a top-three class in the country every year under Nick Saban, currently sits 61st in the rankings behind schools like Indiana, Miami (Ohio), Western Michigan, Toledo, and Vanderbilt.
There's still almost nine months to go before National Signing Day for the class of 2018.Alabama, a program that has turned in a top-three class in the country every year under Nick Saban, currently sits 61st in the rankings behind schools like Indiana, Miami (Ohio), Western Michigan, Toledo, and Vanderbilt. 
The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late. The rest of the country has taken great joy in slamming the SEC for poor quarterback play as of late, but that sentiment appears to be changing heading into the 2017 campaign. 
The Celtics played exactly like the team they were built to be 
Seven biggest keys for Spurs-Warriors Conference Finals 
Isaiah Thomas downplays Celtics' black attire 
Steve Kerr attends practice for first time since taking leave of absence 
San Antonio Spurs proving they’re more machine than team 
Report: Kerr plans to be at Oracle Arena for Game 1 
Too early to panic? Alabama's 2018 class ranked 61st 
Who's the best returning QB in SEC?