(Photo: Matthew West/Boston Herald)
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.
screwed it up, turned the ball over,’’ Pierce said. “That’s all it is, I
couldn’t get the final shot. That’s no excuse, we still had
opportunities in overtime and didn’t take advantage of them.’’
After making 6 of his 8 shots in the first half, Pierce was just 5 for
17 following intermission, with many of his late misses coming up
short. Nobody played more minutes (46) than Pierce, but he wasn’t
blaming fatigue.
Globe – In end, Pierce disappointed
Pierce might not admit fatigue was a factor, but it was… for the whole team. And that's why Doc should have called a timeout before the final shot. Give your guys a moment to catch their breath and focus.
During the post game press conference, Doc criticized his players' spacing on the floor for the final play. A problem which likely wouldn't have occurred had a timeout been called. And yes, I realize it's not Doc's style to call TOs in that situation. Why let the defense set when you are running a simple iso or pick-and-roll play? But the Celtics played out-of-sync for most of the game. With a trip to the Finals on the line, they could have used 20 or 60 seconds to regroup.
I'm not blaming Doc for this loss (that's on the players for not defending Jameer Nelson), but he didn't put his team in the best position to win the game at the end.
I'm already seeing a lot of overreaction from the media. Suddenly the Celtics flaws have been exposed, the Magic are back in the series and the pressure is on the guys in green. Bull sh-t.
On Page 2, the Hornets are preparing an offer for Tom Thibodeau.
Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau has emerged as the frontrunner for
the New
Orleans Hornets’ coaching job and an offer could be forthcoming in
the near future, sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The Hornets are moving toward formulating an offer for Thibodeau and
don’t want to risk losing him to another team with a coaching vacancy.
It’s unclear whether Thibodeau would immediately accept an offer or
wait for the chance to meet with the Bulls once the Celtics eliminate
the Orlando
Magic in the Eastern Conference finals.
Even with the future of Celtics coach Doc Rivers uncertain, sources
say Thibodeau has been given no assurances he would be a strong
candidate to replace him. Rivers has been contemplating leaving the
Celtics with a year left on his contract and return home to Orlando to
spend more time with his family.
Worst case scenario is that Thibs signs with another team while Doc is mulling his future with the Celtics. Unless Danny Ainge knows that Rivers is coming back. Or its possible that Danny doesn't see Thibs as head coaching material?
The rest of the links:
Globe – When all seemed lost, they reappear | Suddenly in Boston, no lead appears safe | In a flash, Superman makes quick change | Herald – Cs run out of gas | Orlando gets the Truth | Put the broom away | CSNNE – Little man comes up big for Magic | No surprise Magic made it a series | ESPN Boston – Rondo battles muscle spasms | Final play breakdown tells story | Cs flaws are exposed |
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