Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“We played extremely well the night we got our ring,” said Rivers. “We beat Cleveland in front of LeBron, so I think this is LeBron’s payback that he gets his ring in front of us. It’s amazing how things turn around. But, on the other side, to us it’s just waiting longer to play. That’s all it is.”
While Rivers claimed he hasn’t thought about how the C’s will approach the ring ceremony, his players said they won’t be watching.
“We can care less,” said Jeff Green. “They get their ring. We’re going in to play a game. We’re not going to sit there and watch. So, they celebrate; we go play.”
“I won’t [be watching]. I’ll be saying a prayer in the back,” said Rajon Rondo, a smile washing over his face.
“We’re really bitter with the way the season ended last year,” added Paul Pierce, “so we’re excited to get back out there and get back to competition. … We still remember Game 7 down in Miami and Game 6 here. We had two opportunities to advance to the NBA finals, so that’s still in the back of our minds. We’re going to go down there and really try to make a statement.”
Not to nit pick, but I believe Jeff Green meant “could not care less.” We get the point. And considering the way JG is playing, he can say anything he wants.
The ring ceremony is going to affect everyone’s pregame routine. It’s almost equal to the Super Bowl halftime shows. Guys will have to adjust and stay loose. The Celtics won’t get any more amped up if they watch it, these guys already hate Miami.
In other news, Darko Milicic says his right wrist will remain problematic:
“I have some pain and it’s going to come back,” he said. “The only way I’m going to heal is not doing anything. Not lifting or anything. But I just can’t do it right now. I can’t let it go. I have to keep lifting and working out. The pain is going to be there for some time, but it is what it is. The tape gives me some support and that will be on it as long as I feel some pain.”
I zeroed in on Darko during yesterday’s open practice. The wrist didn’t seem to bother him as he drained a 40-footer before Doc Rivers called a huddle. I really like his game and think he’s going to contribute significantly this season.
Our season preview will post later this morning. Be sure to look for it. We had a lot of fun putting it together.
Hurricane Sandy is bearing down on Red’s Army headquarters. Let’s just hope everyone keeps power for Tuesday night.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Practice report: Celtics open up | C’s flee from Sandy | Nice to see you again | CSNNE – Celtics practice at home for final time | Celtics – Heat preview | Globe – Heat’s Wade has great respect for Celtics | Herald – Ray Allen gives his account |
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