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.
Garnett moved into 15th place all-time in NBA scoring last night, and Pierce into 20th on the same list and 10th in made free throws. It’s a long way from Pierce’s mother’s house in Inglewood, Calif.
“What you all don’t know is that Paul and I have history, and it’s only right that we come in here and we make history together,” said Garnett. “Thirteen, 14, tearing up his Mom’s living room, breaking vases, almost getting (our butts) whooped. First time I ever experienced Crenshaw on a Sunday — for you all that don’t know what Crenshaw on a Sunday is, Crenshaw on a Sunday is a big deal — Crenshaw on a Sunday taking me out being 15, 16 years old.
“Then finally being able to follow our dreams, (the) McDonalds (High School All-Star Game), having some duration together, trying to go to the same school then obviously going different paths then finally meeting up here in Boston, winning a championship, doing the things we’ve been doing since we’ve been here,” Garnett continued. “Twenty thousand points, surpassing people we watched when we grew up and everything, obviously idolizing — it’s special. It’s best to do it with a personal friend. Not just a teammate, but a real friend. Someone that knows you, knows your family, knows where you come from and vice versa. Knows the things that motivate you and push you.
“I always tell people I’ve got the greatest seat in the house to watch one of the best players in NBA history put the ball in the basket every night. It’s special to be able to do it with him.”
Herald – KG, Pierce move up scoring charts
Wow… absolutely touching comments from Kevin Garnett.
Every now and then, we are reminded that the players are more than statistics, more than employees.
KG is labeled a rare breed because of his trademark intensity and dedication to the team concept. But it’s perspective like this that makes him truly unique.
Related: ESPN Boston – KG, Pierce savior milestone moments | Globe – Garnett reflects | WEEI – Video: KG shows West, Pierce respect | Herald – Back in play, Pierce hits milestone | Passing West a form of flattery
In other news, Doc Rivers chimed in on Wes Welker’s departure from the Patriots:
“It’s hard to [keep teams together],” said Rivers. “We lost Ray [Allen], it feels like, the same way [the Patriots] lost Wes. You wanted him and you did everything you could and somehow they go somewhere else. Just like we wanted Ray to stay, I know they wanted Wes to stay, and it just sometimes doesn’t work out. There’s too many other people involved. That’s what is great once everyone’s signed — it’s the coaches and the players and no one can get in your group. But once you get into free agency, a lot of other people get involved with decision-making that is outside of winning and losing, and that’s why I guess it’s called free agency. But it makes it tough.”
While each player’s departure equally stunned the fan base, the situations are much different.
Wes Welker is a tough s.o.b. who wanted to stay in New England. Ray Allen is a [insert your own adjective here] who didn’t want to stay in Boston.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Something in reserve | Pietrus feeling Green | Rapid Reaction | Globe – Celtics soar past Raptors | CSNNE – Celtics demolish Raptors | Pietrus can’t get over Celtics | Energy and effort | White, Randolph stay positive | Rondo still giving back despite injury | Herald – White, Randolph make final push to remain | Celtics add to win streak at home | Pierce, Cs roll past Raptors
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