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.
"Sitting there on the bench, you could just tell it was kind of dead in there," Bradley said. "Sasha was like, 'If we get in, we're going to lift up the energy, we're going to do whatever we can do.' My strength is on the defensive end, so that's what I was focusing on. If I got in on defense, I was going to try to lift the energy."
After connecting on the trifecta — a bucket that would aid a 16-3 run to close the third quarter and put the Celtics on top by 16 heading into the final frame — Bradley picked up Farmar full court off the inbounds. Farmar initially sent the second-year guard stumbling backward with a little forearm shove as they crossed half court. Bradley seemed a bit surprised there was no whistle but wasn't deterred.
He rushed back out to Farmar above the 3-point stripe. As the shot clock reached 10, Bradley took a big poke and knocked the ball loose. Farmar scrambled to pick it up, but Bradley again got his hand on the dribble. The ball bounced high near the scorer's table at midcourt, but Bradley leaped, snared the ball and threw it off Farmar's side, causing the ball to carom out of bounds.
When the referee motioned toward the Boston end of the court, the arena exploded. Bradley pumped his fist and Pierce rushed over with a chest bump that nearly put Bradley on the floor.
… Kevin Garnett said of Bradley's play Wednesday night: "He came in like a bloodhound, man."
ESPN Boston – Bradley's defense changes game
I'm glad to see the kid play with some fire. It was just yesterday that I questioned his personality. He must have read my blog post.
Credit to Bradley and Pavlovicv for their focus while on the bench. You think Nate Robinson has that mindset? Or guys like Eddy Curry or Kwame Brown? No, no and no.
Related links: Globe – Stops get Bradley started | CSNNE – Bradley breaks out in win | Herald – Bradley steps up | WEEI – The making of a defensive stopper |
On Page 2, KG calls himself the X-Factor.
Although he had 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, Garnett also made a number of strong plays defensively as well as set up teammates for scores.
"I do a number of things," Garnett said. "You say 'Ray, he shoots 3s.' Paul's our leader; he scores the basketball.
Garnett added, "I'm one of those X-factors. You need me to score, I can score. You need me to play defense, I can play defense. I'm like the glue here. You need an extra pass, that's what it is."
CSNNE – Garnett proves to be X-Factor
While I was unable to watch last night's game, I will applaud Garnett for hauling down 12 rebounds (Although some might say I could get 12 boards against that Nets front court).
He's right about the X-factor role. He does a little bit of everything. It's similar to my responsibilities with this website. Not only can I provide expert basketball analysis and fearless criticism of our beloved athletes (only when warranted of course), but I can deliver advanced scouting reports on dance teams.
The rest of the links:
Globe – Celtics win 4th in a row | Stiemsma just like Russell? | Allen missed game with illness | Herald – Pierce puts Nets to rest | Humphries bears brunt of fans' wrath | Bass in no passing zone | MarShon Brooks learns big lesson | ESPN Boston – KG breaks it all down | Pierce catching up | Doc on Bass: Threatening Yinka | CSNNE – Bass hard work paying off in 6th man role |
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