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.
Celtics forward Jeff Green sustained a bruised left cheek and chipped multiple teeth after absorbing a stray elbow from Milwaukee’s Ersan Ilyasova in the final moments of overtime in the Bucks’ 99-94 triumph on Friday night at TD Garden.
Green and Ilyasova were chasing a rebound after Monta Ellis missed the back end of two free throws in a one-point game with 18 seconds to go in the extra session. Ilyasova managed to tip the ball, but landed an elbow to the left side of Green’s face as they pursued the ball. Ellis ended up with his own rebound and the Celtics were forced to foul to both prevent Milwaukee from running out the clock and to get Green off the floor.
Holding his face while lying on the baseline in front of the Celtics’ bench, Green was tended to by team trainer Ed Lacerte and team physician Dr. Brian McKeon before walking off the floor while clutching a towel over his face.
Jeff Green can’t catch a god damn break. The good news here – the injury is only a bruise and chipped teeth. I was thinking facial fracture and concussion when he went down.
Ersan Ilysasova apologized to Green for the inadvertent elbow. While it wasn’t flagrant, the refs could have whistled Ilyasova for a loose ball foul.
It’s worth no thing that Green played well in this game – 14 points, 4 steals, 2 blocks and a huge offensive rebound that led to Paul Pierce’s overtime forcing three-pointer.
Remember when Pierce smashed his face into the court ten years ago? He broke two teeth, but returned to play in that game. Green’s status for the Christmas day game vs the Nets is unknown, but I will not be surprised to see him to play.
Related links: CSNNE – Green’s injury doesn’t appear serious | Green’s injury brings back memories for Daniels | WEEI – Green suffers bruised cheek, chipped teeth
As far as the game, the Celtics continue to find ways to lose. Some nights we can blame the defense and rebounding. Last night, it was the offense – 38% FG.
While history shows us the Celtics are capable of rebounding from slow starts, there’s going to come a time when they won’t.
The rest of the links:
Herald – Old dogs, new bricks | Truth is, Pierce can’t do it alone | Rondo aids Avery’s recovery | CSNNE – Shots don’t fall for Terry | Can’t expect Pierce to win games on his own | No rhyme or reason to losing | Globe – Celtics fall short | Terry way off target again | Celtics walk fine line forcing OT | ESPN Boston – Rondo: We are what our record is | Terry: Gotta shake it off | Rivers: It’s a make/miss league | WEEI – Garnett on loss, missed opportunities
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