Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Jae Crowder’s season ended during Game 4 of the Celtics’ Eastern Conference first-round series against the Cavaliers after his left knee twisted awkwardly following a flagrant foul from J.R. Smith.

Crowder was diagnosed with a sprain. Crowder is back to participating in full workouts, and Celtics assistant coach Jamie Young traveled to Miami last week to conduct workouts with the freshly re-signed swingman, who agreed to a five-year deal in July. Celtics coach Brad Stevens has yet to project a starting lineup, but Crowder will definitely compete with Evan Turner at small forward

Boston Globe – Sunday Basketball Notes

In the aftermath of Jae Crowder’s tumble to the parquet in game four of the Celtics’ opening round playoff loss to the Cavs, fans’ attention immediately went to JR Smith, who was lustily booed while being escorted to the locker room. Next, it was to Crowder’s face/head, as it seemed as though Smith’s flailing arm knocked him off of his feet, and potentially knocked him out. Then, it was to his fresh, new, off-season contract, which  keeps him in green for the next five years.

It was easy to forget that Crowder actually sustained a pretty nasty left knee sprain that would have kept him out for a prolonged period of time had it occurred in January instead of at the end of the season (perhaps that would have engendered a harsher fine for Smith as well).

If the Celtics are to rise in the Eastern Conference standings, Crowder doing those “glue guy” things (hard-nosed defense, timely 3s, constant hustle) and doing them with consistency is going to be a big reason why. He should be able to shake off whatever rust has accrued with time off well before the start of training camp.

On page 2, Isaiah Thomas says: take your 81 NBA2k rating and shove it

Only a 81 LOL? Come on! J/k Thanks @NBA2K & @Ronnie2K 4 the screen shot. This game is going to be crazy #NBA2k16pic.twitter.com/CkWbAW5jdu

— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) August 22, 2015

Isaiah, it’s an easy fix. When I was in middle school and wasn’t thrilled with my original rating of 98 as point guard for the Celtics in NBA Live ’98, I simply went into roster settings and edited my rankings. It was usually as simple as increasing my quickness score, which I found redundant because most games gave you rankings in quickness and speed. Waste of time if you ask me. Anyways, just ratchet that baby up to a 99 and you’ll be the best player in the NBA in no time.

All-stars don’t start in the gym, Isaiah. They start on this page.