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.
The center, who has struggled but generally played through the pain of a sore hip flexor this season, actually requested to miss his second straight game, which the C’s won, 78-66. Garnett and Pierce missed Friday night’s loss to the Hawks, the Eastern Conference first-round playoff opponent, in Atlanta.
“No KG,” Rivers said. “He was going to play, but he had to be honest with me for a change, and he said the hip flexor thing is still bothering him. I wanted to play him tonight. My choice was more tonight, and then give him the day off Thursday (when the Milwaukee Bucks will be at the Garden for the regular-season finale). But Kevin never comes in to say, I need two more days. That speaks volumes.”
Herald – Kevin Garnett sits another one out
Am I the only suprised that Kevin Garnett is hurting? The last time we heard about Garnett's sore hip flexor was February.
This injury clearly hasn't affected his performance on the court. Garnett is averaging 17 ppg and 9 rpg in April.
Should I be concerned? If this injury flares up again in the playoffs, there's no time for rest.
On Page 2, Doc Rivers with a lukewarm endorsement of Ray Allen's health.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers acknowledged prior to Tuesday's victory that Ray Allen's prolonged ankle woes are a "concern," but he did offer one of his only glances of hope in recent weeks after the game, when he noted that he thinks Allen will be ready for the postseason, which will begin either Saturday or Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks.
"I think Ray will be ready," Rivers said. "I don't know that. I do think he will be ready. But if he's not, someone else has to be."
ESPN Boston – Rivers optimistic about Allen
Gotta love Doc Rivers. He follows up each positive statement about Ray's health with cautionary words.
I don't think anyone knows what to expect, including Ray Allen.
The rest of the links:
Globe – Not much Heat in this win | Pierce only one of Big 3 to play | Celtics the anti-Red Sox | ESPN Boston – Meaningless game important to subs | Rapid Reaction: Celtics 78 – Heat 66 | Herald – Inspirational night for Herren | Celtics lean on bench, top Miami | Truly offensive display of hoops | WEEI – Reserve clause: Cs beat Heat again | CSNNE – Williams gets comfortable in first Garden game with Cs | Daniels finding his groove
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
