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.
“I thought he (Green) was our best advantage,” said Celtics Doc Rivers. “Paul is our best offensive player, but there’s certain nights when somebody else on your team has a better advantage. And I thought Jeff at the 4 (power forward) was a matchup advantage for us. And I figured that I’m going to go with the better advantage.”
Pierce was among those pleased with Green getting a shot at delivering a game-winner, similar to what Green did earlier this month at Indiana.
“The play in Indiana I think is what got him really going, when he finished with a layup – and that was a hard layup in Indiana,” Rivers said. “He wanted the ball. He asked for it. You could see. When you’re in a time-out and guys are staring at you, they’re telling you that they want the ball. Most guys look down, because they don’t want the ball. But he clearly wanted the ball. I think I sensed that. I think everyone sensed that.”
CSNNE – Rivers: Green wanted the ball
I have no problem with Jeff Green taking final shots. In fact, I want Jeff Green taking final shots. It’s not a knock on Paul Pierce (who churned out a fabulous all-around game and nailed a clutch jumper on the next to last possession).
Like Doc said, Green’s quickness creates match-up problems at the 4. Pierce still has the clutch gene, but with his diminishing quickness, the Truth doesn’t often have a mismatch.
How bad was that non-call with less than a minute remaining? Green was mugged by CJ Miles and Shaun Livingston. I’m glad that didn’t deter Green from attacking the basket on the final play.
Love the emotion Green shared with his heart surgeon. It shows the magnitude of Green’s ordeal. You don’t see too many athletes hugging the docs who cleaned out their knee or scoped an ankle.
Related links: ESPN Boston – Green shows heart in Cleveland | Herald – Green dedicates win to doctor | CSNNE – Green hugs heart surgeon
In other news, Doc Rivers offered some insight into Avery Bradley’s slump:
“Yeah, and people are picking him up more,” Rivers said. “And what we’re trying to do is get him to get the ball out of his hands. I think personally what’s going on now, guys are pressuring him, they’re speeding him up and it’s tough to get your faculties.
“We’re really trying to get him to advance the pass, not worry about bringing the ball up, let everyone else do it. That’s hard when you’ve got Jeff [Green] orPaul [Pierce] bringing the ball up. I do think we have to ease something, just to get him going. Once he gets going again, he’ll be fine.”
Bradley is shooting 31% in his last ten and 27% in his last five games. Ouch.
And finally, I’d like to thank the Chicago Bulls for ending the Heat’s 27-game winning streak. After the loss, LeBron was bitching about the fouls. I’m fairly certain David Stern will schedule an emergency teleconference and inform officials to protect the King at all costs and remind them that he deserves the benefit of the doubt on every play.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Terry picks his spots | Rapid Reaction | Herald – Green, Cs beat Cavs at buzzer | Globe – Green’s buzzer beater helps Celtics slip past Cavs |
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