Gary Washburn

2 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Gary Washburn

ORLANDO — The Celtics had no intention of showing the Magic any hint of a game plan as they are the most likely candidate to be in Boston next weekend for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. And they took their secrecy to an extreme Wednesday, sitting the entire starting lineup and key reserve, leaving the “B” Celtics to give it a shot against the fully equipped Magic. The result went about as expected.

2 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Gary Washburn

ORLANDO — As Jaylen Brown tries to find ways to be consistent and effective with his balky right knee, he continues to have the support of coach Joe Mazzulla. Brown scored 6 points in 21:39 Tuesday in New York and didn’t play the fourth quarter and overtime in the victory over the Knicks. In one third-quarter sequence, he had an unimpeded path to the basket and chose to lightly lay in the ball instead of his customary thunderous dunk.

2 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Gary Washburn

NEW YORK — For a game that essentially meant nothing to the Celtics, they refused to relent anything to the rival New York Knicks as they prepare for their potential collision in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Former Knicks Kristaps Porzingis, who unceremoniously left the club nearly six years ago, was brilliant in his rare return to Madison Square Garden.

2 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Gary Washburn

NEW YORK — Ten days ago, Joe Mazzulla was asked about the firing of Taylor Jenkins by the Memphis Grizzlies and he plainly said being dismissed is part of the coaching experience. Being fired so late in the season, especially for a playoff-bound team, was rare in the NBA. On Tuesday, Mazzulla was asked about the latest stunning coaching change, the firing of Mike Malone in Denver. Malone led the Nuggets to the NBA championship just two years after and was released after 10 seasons.

2 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Gary Washburn

Just moments after Marcus Smart rose up and attempted to confront a chattering fan sitting a few rows behind the Wizards bench, the Celtics faithful at TD Garden, watching the home team coasting to victory, began chanting, “We want Marcus!”Smart had to be restrained by team security from getting close to the fan, who was quickly escorted from the arena. He didn’t play in his second return with his second team.