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.
Tonight, when the Celtics hit the court at TD Garden for the first game there in 15 days, they will have two concerns besides the Bucks: health and defense.
Isaiah Thomas did not practice with the Celtics on Wednesday because of a sore left (shooting) wrist injury, the same wrist that has been surgically repaired twice.
“I fell on my wrist a few times and it flared up on me,” Thomas said. “I’m just trying to rest it and get some treatments.”
The injury isn’t considered a long-term setback, evident by the fact that he is expected to start Thursday night against Milwaukee. […]
Unfortunately for Boston, Thomas won’t be the only player at less than full strength when the Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
Marcus Smart did participate in the team’s practice on Wednesday, but afterwards his right thumb was heavily taped. But he indicated after practice on Wednesday that he will be ready to go.
CSNNE – C’s battling injuries heading into Bucks game
The Celtics have regressed defensively in recent weeks. Over the last six games they have a defensive rating of 111.7, the sixth worst in the NBA over that stretch. The 121-101 win over the Nuggets in which they forced 24 turnovers offered some hope, but then Boston gave up 124 points in a loss to the Timberwolves the following night. Seven straight Celtics opponents have topped the 100-point mark. The reason for the lapse has been clear to the players.
“Everybody’s got to be on a string, all five guys,” guard Marcus Smart said. “When one guy moves, the whole team has to move. We can’t have two or three guys doing their own thing and the rest of the team doing something else. We’ve been leaving a lot of guys on an island.”
Globe – Did the Celtics forget that adage about defense?
Stevens said a focus of practice on Wednesday was players being where they need to be on each defensive play. He added that he hopes to use this rare run of full-team workouts amid a five-game homestand to shore up things for the rest of the regular season.
“We spent a lot of time talking,” the coach said. “We spent a lot of time on body position. We spent a lot of time on doing little things to give us a better chance. Then, at the same time, your pride takes over and your competitive spirit takes over [and you gamble defensively].
Providence Journal – Celtics’ defensive problems are starting to set off alarm bells
With Kelly Olynyk already missing extended time for his shoulder, any more injuries could really hurt the cause. These new ones don’t sound serious, so we’ll hold our breath and hope for the best.
Regarding the defense, the problem has been glaring: opponents have scored 111 points or more in five of the last six games. Practice will help, and the Celtics should have time. Between now and the end of the season, the schedule thins out more than normal. The Cs have more days off (25) than games remaining (24).
Related: ESPN Boston – Isaiah Thomas (wrist) sits out Celtics’ practice, plans to play Thursday vs. Bucks | MassLive – Brad Stevens: Boston Celtics’ defensive slippage ‘very concerning’
On Page 2: Everybody loves Brad
There are two coaches in Boston who seem to be above any sort of criticism these days.
The first one is Bill Belichick. He became a local hero for building the New England Patriots into a modern-day NFL dynasty and wearing a hooded sweatshirt to work. The other one is Brad Stevens. He’s the coach of the Boston Celtics and still has a losing record as an NBA coach.
But across this city, which is as famous for its patience as it is for its palm trees, Celtics fans can’t stop gushing about their coach. He hasn’t won an NBA championship—or even an NBA playoff game—and yet Stevens has won over Boston. He has been all but beatified already.
Wall Street Journal – How Brad Stevens Won Boston Without Winning
First of all: the Wall Street Journal covers sports? Who knew?
Second, the writer is accurate that Brad can do no wrong in the eyes of almost all Celtics fans. It’s difficult to think of any time when Stevens slander appeared on my Twitter timeline, whereas criticism of the Red Sox’ John Farrell and, especially, the Bruins’ Claude Julien are unrelenting.
That’s a good feeling for Celtics Nation, and makes one wonder how much the love will grow if the Cs win a playoff series this spring.
Related: Wall Street Journal – Inside a Brad Stevens Play
And, finally: Well then, Marcus, never mind
Smart knows people have considered him a flopper for years. He just doesn’t care.
“Not at all,” he said Wednesday after practice. “I’m gonna play my game and play hard every day. That’s something the coach and this organization doesn’t have to worry about. I feel like the rest of my teammates are gonna pick it up also. I’m not worried about all the other stuff that comes with it. I just play my game.” […]
“It’s challenging (to play good defense without fouling),” Smart said. “I’m a lot stronger than most of the guards I go up against, so any little thing – I touch them – is gonna look like more than what it is because I’m so much stronger. But I understand it and it just comes with time.”
MassLive – Marcus Smart not worried about flopping reputation
Jay King makes the same point that we did in yesterday’s Morning Dump: Smart is too dramatic.
But Smart has definitely earned a reputation for embellishment. His acting job on Carmelo Anthony earlier this season drew plenty of attention, but it is hardly alone. Toward the end of the second quarter against Utah, Smart bounced off Rodney Hood so definitively it might have actually cost the Celtics a drawn charge. Smart slid his feet into perfect position on that play, but threw himself backward like an explosion had taken place a few feet away. If the ref considered a whistle, he might have been deterred by Smart’s antics.
OK, Marcus. If you can reduce your fouling, even while the refs know you’re trying to fool them, more power to you.
Related: ESPN Boston – Celtics guard Marcus Smart not worried about rep for flopping
The Rest of the Links:
MassLive – David Lee (kind of) gave up some money to leave Boston Celtics, according to report | Boston Celtics trade rumors 2016: Carmelo Anthony held ‘no desire’ in team’s interest, according to report
CSNNE – Beyond the scoreboard: Lengthy Bucks give C’s problems | Gorman: C’s should keep picks and sign Horford
CBS Boston – Gorman: Time For Celtics To Regain Defensive Identity
Herald – Celtics notebook: Brad Stevens seeks better play
ESPN New York – Sources: Celtics expressed interest in Carmelo Anthony before deadline
ESPN Dallas – Look out below: Dallas in danger of dropping out of playoff picture
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