The Splash — A Boston Sports Podcast

Returning to action post-All-Star break, with Ryan hot off the heels of being out with covid, we are back to discuss all that has taken place since the NBA trade deadline, and how it may impact the league-best Celtics. We're here to issue a fair warning to Mavs fans that life with Kyrie isn't all it's cracked up to be, and we aren't part of the group crowning the Suns as champs after the Durant trade. With Brooklyn largely out of the way, what other obstacles stand in front of the C's as we enter the year's final stretch? Before the Red Sox begin Spring Training this weekend, we each preview something we're looking forward to next season, despite it not being the most exciting offseason in recent memory.

After LeBron's tantrum, and Pat Beverley's awesome technical foul, we react to what was another thrilling matchup in the storied Lakers-Celtics Rivalry. With Sam Hauser shooting new lows from beyond the arc, and with Grant Williams' recent struggles, should the Celtics look to make a trade after all? I know I would love to see Wilt Chamber-- I mean, Naz Reid, in a C's uniform by the deadline. All this and even more Celtics, plus an ambitious look-ahead to what we hope is a productive Patriots offseason. 

Coming off of wins in grudge matches with the Warriors and Raptors, we're feeling hot about Celtics basketball! We discuss what's propelled the Celts to a 9-game win streak, and how they can keep it going this week. Injuries to Marcus Smart and Timelord are concerning, but the depth of this team is maybe their greatest strength. Which player outside of the starters have we deemed untradable? The answer may surprise you. Plus, a little Patriots offseason speculation paired with some Cowboys slander after NFL divisional weekend.

We can officially close the chapter on the "December Celtics" as the C's have officially rattled off seven-straight wins, and are turning things around in the month of January. Perhaps we look back on December as the turning point for this team when we're hoisting the Larry O'Brien this summer? We sure seem to think so as the winning ways of the C's seem to be present again. Jayson Tatum put together a magical MLK day performance with 51 points on terrific efficiency, highlighting their most recent win. Things aren't so blissful however in Foxborough. The Patriots managed to miss the playoffs for the second time in the post-Brady era, bringing questions about coaching and quarterback play to the forefront. What changes can we expect a dissatisfied Robert Kraft and Patriots brass to make this offseason?

PS: this is a late upload, however, think of it as a treat. We've got another one recording and at the ready. A two-for-one! Also, check out that new artwork for our guys in green. 

The Celts played two premier matchups last week, taking on Kawhi and the Clippers, and Nikola Jokic and the surging Nuggets. We break down what went right against LA, and wrong against the Nuggets (aside from the 40-minute rim-repair "Rimgate"), and how it shapes the MVP race going forward. After touching on the C's upcoming schedule, we delve into some Patriots football. We're making a playoff push, and we're here for it. You didn't think Bill Belicheck would actually consider tanking, right? We discuss how the Pats stole a win from the Dolphins, before facing the doom and gloom of having to face the Bills on their home field next week. 

After unwrapping presents and exchanging pleasantries with family we only see once a year, the boys recap what made this holiday so memorable. It was a good day for the Splash, from the glazed ham to the outstanding showing from Jayson Tatum and the Celtics. While trying our best to ignore the Patriots' struggles, it's become glaring that the team must make changes. Is Mac Jones' time up in New England? Trigger warning for Red Sox fans, as we discuss the increasing likelihood that Rafael Devers is not with the team next year. 

Notes: We had limited time to prep for this episode due to travel. This is also the first time we recorded with a live producer, so some of the conversations throughout may be confusing if you listen to the audio-only version. Bare with us, we're still getting our feet back under us. We're playing ourselves back into shape, and are getting ready to hit our mid-season form. Thanks for sticking with us, and thanks for listening! 

It felt like just last week I and Ryan got on here to discuss a painful week in Boston sports. Wait, we did. While it’s not totally fair to the Celts (that awesome Lakers game was sandwiched right between the last two episodes) this was all-in-all another pretty rough week. We’re recording moments after an abysmal Jakobi Meyers lateral to Mac Jones who got bulldozed to lose to the Vegas Raiders to remove us from any and all playoff aspirations. The Celtics drop two gimme’s to the tanking Orlando Magic, and we’re grasping at straws to defend them at this point. The Red Sox let another beloved player walk, and we bring in another aging Dodger veteran. In response, Ryan delivers a passion-fueled rant targeted at the Sox brass, and that alone is worth the price of admission to this one.

PS:

We have an editor! An intern! An unpaid genius who is gonna takes over some of the behind-the-scenes stuff. His name is Will, and he’s much smarter than either of us. So direct all your complaints to him at thesplashpod.com. If he plays his cards right, we may give him a mic at some point.

Here we are, folks! We've made it to the half-century mark, and boy it does not feel like we hoped it would. After the Red Sox cheap out, again, and lose All-Star SS Xander Boegarts in free agency, the Celtics made sure to really rub it in by losing to rival Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. In a game where our beloved Jayson Tatum was seeing stars, it's hard to stay positive going forward. Except it's not, and Ryan and I are here to remind you why. (We still have the league's best record believe it or not.) After finding the silver lining for the C's season, we break down the financials of the Red Sox and why they are doing the best brand in baseball dirty by not re-signing our star players. We still aren't over Mookie, btw. Before we close out this week's pod, we are sure to sneak in our usual banter and send up some Hail Marys that the Sox hold on to 3B Raffy Devers. 

PS for the real ones:

Our most dedicated listenership loves us the way we love Boston. That's why The Splash is taking the official stance of being a Boston sports podcast first, and everything else second. Besides, there are a million hoops-only pods already, and they do a fine job. Leave the masshole-ery to us. If you enjoy the show, check out the website here. I wrote a couple of NBA pieces last week, and have a few more on the way. 

Thanks for listening!

After addressing Ryan's absence and sharing some thoughts on the World Cup as well as the NFL, Spencer flies solo this week to take on the ever longing question this season, who will win the western conference? While staying out west, we look at the incredible run Anthony Davis is having, and how it might have an impact on the Lakers' upcoming trade deadline. Meanwhile, the Celtics are an unstoppable force. I mean, we knew they would be great, but come on? After the you-know-what with you-know-who coaching situation just weeks before the start of the season, this has been the most welcome of surprises. Also, can we just all collectively acknowledge that Tatum and Brown are far and away the league's best duo? All of this and more in a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants style episode. Enjoy!

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