New Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty has trouble settling on one thing that excites him most about finally playing alongside twin brother Devin next season.

He’s looking forward to everything – from sitting in team meetings to sweating through offseason workouts.

That’s because Jason wants to soak up every moment of a dream they’ve shared since he was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2009 and Devin went to the Patriots in 2010.

”I’m excited just about the opportunity just to be able to now share the field with Devin. Just to be able to do something that we grew up loving Ender Inciarte Jersey ,” Jason McCourty said Tuesday. ”With this opportunity you think back to being 10 years old, waking up early to head to a Pop Warner game.”

It took nearly 10 seasons, but it’s finally happening after Jason’s trade from Cleveland to New England last week. It’ll be the first time the 30-year-old brothers have shared the field since they played at Rutgers.

The reunion almost occurred after last season when Jason was released by the Titans. But the Patriots were already set at cornerback after they signed Stephon Gilmore to a multiyear deal to start alongside Malcolm Butler.

”In my mind I was like, I don’t know if this thing will ever happen,” McCourty said.

Jason spent the 2017 season with the Browns and was preparing to be released this offseason after a call from Cleveland’s front office.

But with Butler departing New England to sign with the Titans just days earlier, Devin – one of the Patriots starting safeties – seized on news. He texted Patriots assistant Brian Flores, asking ”How do we get J to New England?”

Devin also reached out to coach Bill Belichick directly Russell Bodine Jersey Elite , but by that time a trade was already being worked out. About an hour later, Jason was in the gym when he got a call from his brother.

”He was like, `Don’t worry about it. We’re going to trade for you and you’re coming to New England,”’ Jason recalled. ”I thought he was joking around. But then, five minutes later I get a call from (Browns general manager) John Dorsey in Cleveland. … It was a roller-coaster type of day.”

Jason, who has never competed in a playoff game, goes from a winless Browns team to a perennial Super Bowl contender and defending AFC champion in New England.

He shared vicariously in Devin’s successes Anthony Miller Jersey , which included two Super Bowl wins. Jason become acquainted with New England players over the years and expects those relationships will help him transition to his third NFL team.

He’ll bolster the Rutgers contingent on the Patriots’ roster, which also includes safety Duron Harmon and receiver Kenny Britt.

The brothers will bring their knowledge accrued separately during the past decade.

”That’s probably one of the most intriguing parts of us teaming back up at this point,” Jason said. ”How differently we see things or how much alike. I think that’s probably going to be intriguing for the coaches as well.”

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An improbable Eastern Conference finals rematch with the Cleveland Cavaliers is in reach for the Boston Celtics.

The only thing delaying it is one more victory against a Philadelphia 76ers team intent on not becoming the latest to join a dubious NBA club.

Toronto was swept by Cleveland on Monday to become the 130th consecutive team in NBA history to fail to overcome a 3-0 deficit. Philadelphia is one loss away from becoming No. 131.

Philadelphia-born rapper Meek Mill, who has been courtside for several Sixers games this series following his release from prison last month, is one of many hometown fans still hoping they can pull off the comeback.

”I represent the underdog season,” Mill told The Associated Press on Tuesday. ”We’re the underdogs right now. We’re in a (bad) position at 3-1, but I definitely believe we can make a comeback.”

Philadelphia used its toughness Authentic Nate Solder Jersey , a little trash talk and 19 big points from T.J. McConnell in its 103-92 victory in Game 4 Monday to finally produce a glint of the basketball it displayed in easing past Miami in the first round.

Harnessing that energy will be paramount in Boston for Game 5 on Wednesday. The Celtics have yet to lose a game at home this postseason (6-0).

”Obviously, after 3-0, we (found) a way how to beat them,” McConnell said. ”We took the taste of how it feels on the court after losing. From 3-0, now it’s 3-1 We need to play play-by-play.”

Game 4 certainly felt the most like a throwback to the Celtics-76ers battles in the 1980s thanks to an increased level of chirpiness between players that produced some face-to-face moments and multiple technical fouls.

Boston’s Al Horford, who has scored in double figures in each of the Celtics 11 games this postseason (with five double-doubles), said more aggression is expected from a team in the Sixers’ predicament.

”We have to protect our home Alex Cappa Jersey Buccaneers ,” Horford said. ”We were able to steal one (in Game 3). They protected their home court (Monday). We have to go home and protect ours.”

A closer look at Wednesday’s Game 5:

CELTICS AT 76ERS

Celtics lead 3-1. Game 5, 8 p.m. EDT, TNT.

NEED TO KNOW: The Celtics are on the verge of a rematch with the Cavaliers in the conference finals. They struggled to match the 76ers physicality in Game 4 but return to the friendly confines of TD Garden with another chance to close out the series. Boston is unbeaten at home during these playoffs. In their two home victories over the Sixers, the Celtics have averaged 47 percent shooting from the field and hit 32 3-pointers.

KEEP AN EYE ON: McConnell. He gained a lot of confidence after being inserted into the starting lineup for Game 4. It will force the Celtics to account for him more, which could open the floor for his teammates.

INJURY UPDATE: Celtics coach Brad Stevens didn’t have a status update on reserve guard Shane Larkin (left shoulder) on Tuesday. If it’s out Wednesday night, Boston would be down to an eight-man rotation.

PRESSURE IS ON: The Sixers obviously must win to keep their season alive. But Boston also wants to wrap this series up as soon as possible. The Cavaliers’ sweep of the Raptors means the Eastern Conference finals could start as early as Sunday. The ability to rest is key for the Celtics.

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AP Sports Writer Dan Gelston in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

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