Your Morning Dump… Where Brad is nailing down the rotation

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.

On Monday night, Stevens decided to heed Crowder’s advice and tighten the leash on certain lineups. The starting lineup was in a groove, while the second unit (outside of Evan Turner) were not carrying their weight, especially in the fourth quarter. In response, Stevens stuck with his starters for big minutes, playing six players more than 30 minutes for the first time all year.

The decision paid dividends immediately as Boston held off a fourth quarter surge from the Heat to leave town with an impressive 105-95 win.

CBS Boston – Robb: Tightening The Celtics Rotation Produces Immediate Results For Brad Stevens

Leading into this Celtics season, fans and media were obsessed about how Brad Stevens might use his roster. Who would start? Who would be in the rotation? Should Isaiah Thomas start or come off the bench? Is the team perhaps too deep with players whose skills overlap?

After 18 games, we’re still not completely sure – especially with Marcus Smart being injured. But after the loss to Orlando, followed by Crowder’s comments, maybe Brad is figuring it out.

As noted, against Miami he stuck with the starters plus Evan Turner, and the bench players mostly stayed on the bench. Here’s how the minutes changed for the subs (other than Turner) in the past two games.

If Brad sticks with it, this rotation could help the Celtics find the consistency they’ve been lacking. Of course, we’ll probably be asking questions again when Smart returns.

On Page 2: Let’s play two

After DeAndre Jordan missed 22 free throws on Monday, a timely fact was tweeted on Tuesday (note the Wilt Chamberlain FT totals).

48 years ago today, Wilt had 52 points and 37 boards https://t.co/XvQbbMTipt pic.twitter.com/sG0JPkIFVP

— Basketball Reference (@bball_ref) December 1, 2015

Then long-time scribe Bob Ryan offered a historical follow-up.

Post-script on Wilt’s 8-for-30 FT night: was vs Seattle in first game of NBA doubleheader. Yes, young’uns, they used to play doubleheaders.

— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) December 1, 2015

It’s true. To boost ticket sales back in the day, the NBA would schedule games at neutral sites, enabling fans to see doubleheaders – four teams and two games for one admission. And, in that era, some of the best seats could be had for only four or five bucks.

So on Dec. 1, 1967, fans at the Boston Garden saw the Seattle Supersonics play Wilt Chamberlain and the then-defending champion 76ers, followed by a second game with Bill Russell, Sam Jones and the Celtics versus Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and the Lakers. Unimaginable today.

Yep, the NBA’s good old days really were good.

And, finally: R.I.P. “Loscy”

Seven-time NBA champion Jim Loscutoff has passed away at the age of 85 from complications from pneumonia with Parkinsons.

Sports Illustrated – Seven-time NBA champ, ex-Celtics forward Jim Loscutoff dies at 85

Jim Loscutoff was a dedicated role player, to the extent that even his number retirement supported his teammates. Loscy wanted his No. 18 to be kept active to allow a future Celtic to wear it. It was eventually retired in honor of Dave Cowens, who wore 18 during his Hall of Fame career.

Rest in peace, Loscy.

The Rest of the Links:

Globe – Rendezvous with Rajon Rondo holds intrigue for Celtics

CSNNE – Beyond the scoreboard: Celtics bigs passing the ball | Five top performers for Celtics this season

Basketball Insiders – NBA PM: Lee, Hunter Click Easily on Celtics

Herald – Celtics aim to expand Green earth | Mexico hosts Rajon Rondo reunion