Sports - The Boston Globe

dan shaughnessy

Three Celtics champs — Bob Cousy, Dave Cowens, and M.L. Carr — weigh in on the chances for Banner 18, and other thoughts

We asked three players who have been there to assess this year's team, which right now is the favorite to win it all.

SUNS 106, CELTICS 94

As Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum stood at the ready to help, Al Horford battles for the ball with the Suns' Torrey Craig.

Celtics go cold while Suns warm to task and prevail at TD Garden

In six games without injured guard Marcus Smart, the Celtics are 2-4 and have failed to reach 100 points three times.

Box score: Suns 106, Celtics 94

nhl all-star weekend notebook
Bruins’ shooting star David Pastrnak says he’s not worried about contract situation
“There’s no rush," said Pastrnak, who can be an unrestricted free agent. "In the middle of the season, you’re focusing on hockey and everything. You don’t really think about the contract situation."

GARY WASHBURN | ON BASKETBALL
The Celtics arrogantly overlooked the Suns and got humbled
Phoenix was excited about this chance to face the NBA’s best. The Celtics treated it as a summer league game.

NBA
Kyrie Irving requests trade from Nets, according to reports
Irving made the request after talks about a new contract did not go to his liking, news outlets reported Friday.

RED SOX
Red Sox add relief prospect Theo Denlinger in trade with White Sox for Franklin German
German had been designated for assignment on Monday to open a 40-man roster spot for Richard Bleier.

patriots positional analysis | running back
At running back, Patriots have the ball in good hands with Rhamondre Stevenson
The punishing 230-pounder had a breakout sophomore season, but the Patriots must develop guys behind him to give him breaks.

CELTICS NOTEBOOK
Jaylen Brown honored to be an All-Star but favors Celtics’ status to individual accomplishment
The All-Star selection is the second of Brown's career. “The goal is every year to come out and perform the best I can possibly be and help my team win games,” Brown said.

tara sullivan
Flag football at the Pro Bowl is back. Robert Edwards has something to say about it.
The former Patriot was coming off a fine rookie season when a catastrophic injury on the sand in Hawaii nearly claimed his leg. It changed his future but never left him bitter.

new balance indoor grand prix
For Trayvon Bromell and Sammy Watson, Boston Grand Prix is another step on the comeback trail
The American track stars are among the featured competitors in Saturday's meet at the new facility in Brighton.

NFL

Joe Mixon rushed for 814 yards and seven touchdowns this season, his sixth since being drafted in the second round by the Bengals.

One day after warrant issued, menacing charge against Bengals’ Joe Mixon is dismissed

The order dismissing the case said only that the city prosecutor’s office requested the dismissal “in the interest of justice.”

NFL NOTEBOOK

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have been the league's best team at converting on fourth down.

The analytics-driven Eagles have an edge over the Chiefs in fourth-down decision making

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni ranked No. 1 this season the Football Outsiders’ Critical Call Index, while his Kansas City counterpart Andy Reid ranked 28th.

magic 127, timberwolves 120

Timberwolves guard Austin Rivers (center) had to be held back after a third-quarter fight.

Magic hang on to beat Timberwolves in game marred by five ejections following brawl

The brawl broke out in front of the Orlando bench late in the third quarter, when Minnesota guard Austin Rivers and Magic center Mo Bamba got into an altercation.

nba

Memphis guard Dillon Brooks (left) mixed it up with Cleveland counterpart Donovan Mitchell.

Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks suspended one game, Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell fined for altercation

Brooks swung and struck Mitchell in the groin area after falling to the floor Thursday night. Mitchell retaliated by throwing the ball at Brooks and then shoving him.

Golf

Kurt Kitayama was at 9-under-par 134 after the second round.

Kurt Kitayama leads Pebble Beach as the worst of the wind looms

Kitayama finished birdie-par on two of the tougher holes for a 2-under-par 70 that gave him a one-shot lead.

horse racing

Bob Baffert has trained six Kentucky Derby winners.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert testifies that Churchill Downs suspension has hurt his reputation

Baffert is seeking a temporary injunction to stop his two-year suspension levied by the track after the now-deceased Medina Spirit failed a drug test following the 2021 Kentucky Derby.

snowboarding

Rosey Fletcher, a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed Thursday, cleared a gate during the women's snowboard parallel giant slalom race at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Former US snowboarders allege sexual abuse by ex-coach Peter Foley

2006 Olympic bronze medalist Rosey Fletcher, Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, and Erin O’Malley are plaintiffs against Foley, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and US Ski & Snowboard.

Patriots

Four thoughts on the Patriots leading into the college football all-star games

The Patriots' heightened level of involvement with the games this year could wind up paying dividends.

Red Sox

So much depends on Chris Sale staying healthy and being the anchor of the rotation.

What kind of product will the Red Sox put on the field this season?

They certainly improved their bullpen this offseason, but there are glaring weaknesses to overcome elsewhere.

ben volin | on football

Could Jimmy Garoppolo wind up back in the AFC East — with the Jets?

Tom Brady’s retirement will have a ripple effect on the NFL’s quarterback market

At least eight teams will be looking for a new starting quarterback, and one major free agent is now out of play.

LATEST HEADLINES

Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks suspended one game, Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell fined for altercation

The Celtics arrogantly overlooked the Suns and got humbled

Magic hang on to beat Timberwolves in game marred by five ejections following brawl

A vision grows into a reality at Phillips Andover girls’ wrestling tournament

If it’s overtime, then Weymouth’s Jack Brady is burying the winning goal, as 10th-ranked Wellesley found out the hard way

BOYS' BASKETBALL: ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS 78, ST. MARY'S 77

Charles Connors (right) of Archbishop Williams attempts to dribble past St. Mary's Anthony D'Itra, (left) during Friday night's Catholic Central matchup in Lynn. The Bishops prevailed, 78-77, to remain unbeaten (14-0) and clinch their first conference title since 2006.

Josh Campbell comes through in clutch for fifth-ranked Archbishop Williams boys’ basketball in Catholic Central Large win at No. 15 St. Mary’s

Campbell converted the winning layup with 1.2 seconds left to help the Bishops (14-0) remain unbeaten and clinch the program’s first Catholic Central Large title since 2006.

Complete high school coverage

MIAA BOYS' INDIVIDUAL GYMNASTICS

Burlington junior Devin Hazen stuck the landing on his high bar routine to earn a 7.5, and a first-place finish.

Burlington’s Devin Hazen earns high marks to win MIAA boys’ gymnastics individual title

With the championship limited to four teams, and 25 athletes, the Burlington junior was stellar on the rings (8.0) and high bar (7.5) to capture the all-around championship.

HS girls' basketball: Brookline 81, Newton North 60

Margo Mattes, Geanna Bryant a combined hit for 13th-ranked Brookline girls’ basketball in Bay State Conference win over No. 6 Newton North

The Warriors (10-3) got a combined 60 points from their dynamic backcourt in an 81-60 victory over the visiting Tigers (12-3) Friday night in Brookline.

HS girls' basketball: Medfield 39, Westwood 35

Second-ranked Medfield girls’ basketball hangs on to win tough Tri-Valley League road game at No. 16 Westwood

Kate Olenik led the Warriors (15-0) with 14 points, and freshmen Tess Baacke (10 points, 5 rebounds) and Izzy Kittredge (9 points, 12 rebounds) stepped up with key contributions in the 39-35 win over the Wolverines (12-3).

HS boys' basketball: Andover 54, Central Catholic 52

Rohit Srinivasan’s buzzer-beating trey lifts Andover boys’ basketball to win over Merrimack Valley Conference archrival Central Catholic

With the Golden Warriors (7-7) trailing by 1 point with 12 seconds left, Srinivasan found nothing but net on his winning 3-pointer in a 54-52 MVC triumph over the No. 8 Red Raiders (10-4).

Friday's schools roundup

If it’s overtime, then Weymouth’s Jack Brady is burying the winning goal, as 10th-ranked Wellesley found out the hard way

With the tally in the 4-3 overtime Bay State Conference road win, the junior defenseman has netted the winning goal in each of the Wildcats’ (7-7-1) three overtime wins this season.

HS WRESTLING

"This was always the dream. To have this many people who are interested in coming to our tournament and knowing there are more girls out there who want to come. It’s a labor of love," said Kassie Archambault, Phillips Andover wrestling coach, on the strong turnout at the Phillips Andover girls' wrestling invitational.

A vision grows into a reality at Phillips Andover girls’ wrestling tournament

On Sunday, in the ninth Girls’ Wrestling Invitational held at Phillips Andover, there were 103 competitors.

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING NOTEBOOK

Dracut senior Brock Desmarais raised his season record to 28-4 Thursday night with a win over Greater Lowell’s Trevor Thouinard.

With stick-to-itiveness, Dracut senior Brock Desmarais is determined to pin down a state title

A 5-foot-8-inch midfield whiz who will play college lacrosse at Rutgers, Desmarais has unfinished business on the mat this winter.

HS WRESTLING: ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Melrose senior Braden Marceau-Olayinka (right) spars against junior teammate junior Gabe La Verdi before a recent meet. Marceau-Olayinka, who recently committed to Stanford for football, pinned all four opponents he faced at the Methuen Invitational.

EMass wrestling: With four wins at Methuen Invitational, Melrose’s Braden Marceau-Olayinka headlines Athletes of the Week

The senior heavyweight pinned all opponents: two in the first period and two in the second.

BRUINS

The Bruins are in a great position, and they could score some help ahead of the NHL trade deadline

His team leads the league at the All-Star break and general manager Don Sweeney could make it an even better one with the right moves.

Patriots

Patriots reportedly adding former Alabama assistant Will Lawing to coaching staff

Lawing is the fourth former staffer to move from Alabama to New England.

Celtics

How Robert Williams is making things happen for himself

Williams is also proving to be a force on the offensive boards as he continues to improve his conditioning after missing time because of knee problems.

Sunday notebooks

With Matt Barnes being designated for assignment, Rafael Devers is one of the few champs remaining on Red Sox
Barnes leaves the Red Sox third in team history with 429 appearances and with a World Series ring.

Does paying big money to an NFL quarterback do more harm than good?
This year’s playoffs certainly raise the question of whether it’s better to keep drafting a quarterback every few years and spend the money elsewhere.

Trade of Rui Hachimura looks a smart one for the Lakers, but another failure for the Wizards
The Lakers are trying to improve without trading away a first-round pick, or making commitments that would affect their ability to sign a maximum free agent this summer.

Why coach Jim Montgomery’s positive mojo has worked with the Bruins
Montgomery's had nary a discouraging word to say, but his Bruins own the league’s best record and went into Saturday as the only NHL club yet to suffer back-to-back losses.

NEWSLETTERS

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Exclusive analysis and insight on the Patriots and the NFL, delivered to your inbox three days a week.

At a glance

Darkness on the edge of the Patriots dynasty

Death and distress haunt members of the Patriots' 2001 title team. Seven of the players have died between the ages of 35 and 50, strikingly young even for veterans of professional football. For some who have made it to middle age, it hasn't been easy.

The iconic Red Sox pitcher's heart stopped during a game with the Savannah Bananas in August. By September, he was back on a baseball diamond in New Hampshire. “I always thought I’d die on the field," he said, "but not in the [expletive] bullpen."

Zdeno Chara retires

Interactive

24 seasons of defensive dominance

Zdeno Chara — Big Z, and he was belovedly known in his time with the Bruins — is hanging up his skates. Let's take a look at the stats that made the difference.

Baseball Hall of Fame 2022

Interactive

David Ortiz hit 558 regular-season and postseason home runs.

David Ortiz's long drives to Cooperstown

David Ortiz is in the Hall of Fame. Explore all 558 home runs that helped get him there.

⚾️ Hall of Fame 2022: Learn more about David Ortiz’s induction →

BEST OF GLOBE SPORTS

Katey Stone is seen behind the bench in January at Harvard's home arena, the Bright-Landry Center. A review following a tirade during a practice triggered a backlash that continues to reverberate among former players who say Stone has emotionally damaged them.

college hockey

‘A culture of complete fear’: Harvard women’s hockey coach Katey Stone under fire for alleged abusive behavior

Stone has turned the Crimson into a national powerhouse, but 16 former players fault Harvard for keeping her on the job despite numerous complaints about her alleged abusive coaching practices.

Stan Grossfeld

Bill Lee collapsed on the baseball diamond. It didn’t slow him down.

The iconic Red Sox pitcher’s heart stopped during a game with the Savannah Bananas in August. By September, he was back on the diamond in New Hampshire. “I always thought I’d die on the field,” he said, “but not in the [expletive] bullpen.”

celtics

Why did the Celtics choose Joe Mazzulla to lead them out of crisis? It starts with his journey.

When he trained with other pro hopefuls at West Virginia, Mazzulla relished helping them more than working on his own game. He almost passed up an NBA opportunity because he loved what he was doing at his Division 2 program. But his family knew he was ready — and the Celtics believe he is, too.

Bruins

The loudest kid at his Montreal hockey camp. A man who put his life back together. Meet Jim Montgomery, who is ready to lead the Bruins.

Whether it was a junior A team in Ottawa, or at Maine, Montgomery knew how to help the players around him succeed. “He said the right things,” a former coach said. “He brought out the best in people.” Now, he'll have to do it with the Bruins.

patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson knows he has ‘a very special story.’ It’s time to tell it.

Six years ago, the running back found himself working at Wal-Mart, his dream to play football derailed. Hard work and a supportive family helped him find his way to the Patriots.

In Tampa, Tom Brady will be reunited with offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich (right) — but Bruce Arians will not be the head coach.

ben volin | on football

A secret plan, a bombshell lawsuit, and a soccer match: Inside Tom Brady’s un-retirement

If Brady had his way, he would have been running — and potentially quarterbacking — a Patriots division rival. Instead, a series of unforeseen events led him back to Tampa.

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Three Celtics champs — Bob Cousy, Dave Cowens, and M.L. Carr — weigh in on the chances for Banner 18, and other thoughts

Celtics go cold while Suns warm to task and prevail at TD Garden

GARY WASHBURN | ON BASKETBALLThe Celtics arrogantly overlooked the Suns and got humbledPhoenix was excited about this chance to face the NBA’s best. The Celtics treated it as a summer league game.

NBAKyrie Irving requests trade from Nets, according to reportsIrving made the request after talks about a new contract did not go to his liking, news outlets reported Friday.

RED SOXRed Sox add relief prospect Theo Denlinger in trade with White Sox for Franklin GermanGerman had been designated for assignment on Monday to open a 40-man roster spot for Richard Bleier.

patriots positional analysis | running backAt running back, Patriots have the ball in good hands with Rhamondre StevensonThe punishing 230-pounder had a breakout sophomore season, but the Patriots must develop guys behind him to give him breaks.

CELTICS NOTEBOOKJaylen Brown honored to be an All-Star but favors Celtics’ status to individual accomplishmentThe All-Star selection is the second of Brown's career. “The goal is every year to come out and perform the best I can possibly be and help my team win games,” Brown said.

tara sullivanFlag football at the Pro Bowl is back. Robert Edwards has something to say about it.The former Patriot was coming off a fine rookie season when a catastrophic injury on the sand in Hawaii nearly claimed his leg. It changed his future but never left him bitter.

new balance indoor grand prixFor Trayvon Bromell and Sammy Watson, Boston Grand Prix is another step on the comeback trailThe American track stars are among the featured competitors in Saturday's meet at the new facility in Brighton.

One day after warrant issued, menacing charge against Bengals’ Joe Mixon is dismissed

The analytics-driven Eagles have an edge over the Chiefs in fourth-down decision making

Magic hang on to beat Timberwolves in game marred by five ejections following brawl

Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks suspended one game, Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell fined for altercation

Kurt Kitayama leads Pebble Beach as the worst of the wind looms

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert testifies that Churchill Downs suspension has hurt his reputation

Former US snowboarders allege sexual abuse by ex-coach Peter Foley

Four thoughts on the Patriots leading into the college football all-star games

What kind of product will the Red Sox put on the field this season?

Tom Brady’s retirement will have a ripple effect on the NFL’s quarterback market

LATEST HEADLINES

Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks suspended one game, Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell fined for altercation

The Celtics arrogantly overlooked the Suns and got humbled

Magic hang on to beat Timberwolves in game marred by five ejections following brawl

A vision grows into a reality at Phillips Andover girls’ wrestling tournament

If it’s overtime, then Weymouth’s Jack Brady is burying the winning goal, as 10th-ranked Wellesley found out the hard way

Josh Campbell comes through in clutch for fifth-ranked Archbishop Williams boys’ basketball in Catholic Central Large win at No. 15 St. Mary’s

Burlington’s Devin Hazen earns high marks to win MIAA boys’ gymnastics individual title

Margo Mattes, Geanna Bryant a combined hit for 13th-ranked Brookline girls’ basketball in Bay State Conference win over No. 6 Newton North

Second-ranked Medfield girls’ basketball hangs on to win tough Tri-Valley League road game at No. 16 Westwood

Rohit Srinivasan’s buzzer-beating trey lifts Andover boys’ basketball to win over Merrimack Valley Conference archrival Central Catholic

If it’s overtime, then Weymouth’s Jack Brady is burying the winning goal, as 10th-ranked Wellesley found out the hard way

A vision grows into a reality at Phillips Andover girls’ wrestling tournament

With stick-to-itiveness, Dracut senior Brock Desmarais is determined to pin down a state title

EMass wrestling: With four wins at Methuen Invitational, Melrose’s Braden Marceau-Olayinka headlines Athletes of the Week

The Bruins are in a great position, and they could score some help ahead of the NHL trade deadline

Patriots reportedly adding former Alabama assistant Will Lawing to coaching staff

How Robert Williams is making things happen for himself

Sunday notebooks

With Matt Barnes being designated for assignment, Rafael Devers is one of the few champs remaining on Red SoxBarnes leaves the Red Sox third in team history with 429 appearances and with a World Series ring.

Does paying big money to an NFL quarterback do more harm than good?This year’s playoffs certainly raise the question of whether it’s better to keep drafting a quarterback every few years and spend the money elsewhere.

Trade of Rui Hachimura looks a smart one for the Lakers, but another failure for the WizardsThe Lakers are trying to improve without trading away a first-round pick, or making commitments that would affect their ability to sign a maximum free agent this summer.

Why coach Jim Montgomery’s positive mojo has worked with the BruinsMontgomery's had nary a discouraging word to say, but his Bruins own the league’s best record and went into Saturday as the only NHL club yet to suffer back-to-back losses.

NEWSLETTERS

Get the best breaking news, opinion, and features from Globe Sports

🏀 Sign up for Court Sense, our Celtics/NBA newsletter

Sign up for 108 Stitches, our Red Sox/MLB newsletter

Sign up for Point After, our Patriots/NFL newsletter

At a glance

NFL

NHL

NBA

Baseball

High schools

College hockey

College basketball

College football

Golf

MLS

Premier League

Tennis

WNBA

Snowsports

World Cup

Viewers' guide

In case you missed it

Darkness on the edge of the Patriots dynasty

24 seasons of defensive dominance

David Ortiz's long drives to Cooperstown

⚾️ Hall of Fame 2022: Learn more about David Ortiz’s induction →

BEST OF GLOBE SPORTS

‘A culture of complete fear’: Harvard women’s hockey coach Katey Stone under fire for alleged abusive behavior

Bill Lee collapsed on the baseball diamond. It didn’t slow him down.

Why did the Celtics choose Joe Mazzulla to lead them out of crisis? It starts with his journey.

The loudest kid at his Montreal hockey camp. A man who put his life back together. Meet Jim Montgomery, who is ready to lead the Bruins.

Rhamondre Stevenson knows he has ‘a very special story.’ It’s time to tell it.

A secret plan, a bombshell lawsuit, and a soccer match: Inside Tom Brady’s un-retirement

FROM OUR PARTNERS

red sox & MLB news

Red Sox add relief prospect Theo Denlinger in trade with White Sox for Franklin German

What kind of product will the Red Sox put on the field this season?

GARY WASHBURN | ON BASKETBALL
The Celtics arrogantly overlooked the Suns and got humbled
Phoenix was excited about this chance to face the NBA’s best. The Celtics treated it as a summer league game.

NBA
Kyrie Irving requests trade from Nets, according to reports
Irving made the request after talks about a new contract did not go to his liking, news outlets reported Friday.

RED SOX
Red Sox add relief prospect Theo Denlinger in trade with White Sox for Franklin German
German had been designated for assignment on Monday to open a 40-man roster spot for Richard Bleier.

patriots positional analysis | running back
At running back, Patriots have the ball in good hands with Rhamondre Stevenson
The punishing 230-pounder had a breakout sophomore season, but the Patriots must develop guys behind him to give him breaks.

CELTICS NOTEBOOK
Jaylen Brown honored to be an All-Star but favors Celtics’ status to individual accomplishment
The All-Star selection is the second of Brown's career. “The goal is every year to come out and perform the best I can possibly be and help my team win games,” Brown said.

tara sullivan
Flag football at the Pro Bowl is back. Robert Edwards has something to say about it.
The former Patriot was coming off a fine rookie season when a catastrophic injury on the sand in Hawaii nearly claimed his leg. It changed his future but never left him bitter.

new balance indoor grand prix
For Trayvon Bromell and Sammy Watson, Boston Grand Prix is another step on the comeback trail
The American track stars are among the featured competitors in Saturday's meet at the new facility in Brighton.

With Matt Barnes being designated for assignment, Rafael Devers is one of the few champs remaining on Red Sox
Barnes leaves the Red Sox third in team history with 429 appearances and with a World Series ring.

Does paying big money to an NFL quarterback do more harm than good?
This year’s playoffs certainly raise the question of whether it’s better to keep drafting a quarterback every few years and spend the money elsewhere.

Trade of Rui Hachimura looks a smart one for the Lakers, but another failure for the Wizards
The Lakers are trying to improve without trading away a first-round pick, or making commitments that would affect their ability to sign a maximum free agent this summer.

Why coach Jim Montgomery’s positive mojo has worked with the Bruins
Montgomery's had nary a discouraging word to say, but his Bruins own the league’s best record and went into Saturday as the only NHL club yet to suffer back-to-back losses.