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.

One philosophy that we’ve repeatedly heard from Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens is the simple notion of “do your job,” a suggestion that, if a player focuses solely on the task at hand on a play-by-play level and ignores the noise around him, the desired result is more likely to be achieved on a more consistent basis.

The Celtics, back on the court Sunday for the first time since allowing the Cleveland Cavaliers to rally from a 19-point deficit to win on Friday night at TD Garden, blocked off a portion of their afternoon practice to focus on that “do your job” mentality.

“One of the things I really tried to emphasize today was, regardless of circumstance, we all have a job to do,” Stevens said. “And the hardest thing is to focus on that job without emotion. Things are going really well, you’ve got to focus on the task without emotion. If things are going really poorly and it feels like the weight of the world is falling on your shoulders, focus on what your job is and do it well. That’s easier said than done, but that’s our emphasis as we move forward. It should be something that we’re doing anyway.”

ESPNBoston.com – Stevens implores Cs to ‘Do Your Job’

Someone spent some time on Bill Belichick’s fishing boat this off-season. Coaching plagiarism aside, Stevens, who has preached the process and not the result since he took the podium in his introductory press conference, clearly sees his squad on the precipice of breaking through. At 3-5 and in the midst of a brutal schedule stretch of 2014 playoff teams (except for Wednesday in Philadelphia, which must look like a desert oasis surrounded by tough match-ups on either side), there’s the looming specter of dropping multiple games in a row leading to a hole this young team wouldn’t be able to overcome.

While an eight-game sample size doesn’t lead to definite conclusions on a team’s long-term prospects, the Cs have seemingly played multiple games within those games, thus putting Stevens’ mantra to the test. The week ahead should provide the Celtics with more chances to put on their blinders, continue to adopt the identity of their even-keeled coach and close out tight contests. For Stevens? It’s on to Phoenix.

On Page 2, Young and Powell make their D-League debut

James Young made the most of his first stint with the Boston Celtic’s Development League affiliate in helping the Maine Red Claws to an 81-80 win.

Young, drafted by the Celtics with the No. 17 overall pick in last June’s NBA draft, had 21 points and five rebounds.

Rookie Dwight Powell, acquired by Boston in the three-team deal involving Cleveland and Brooklyn in September, had 21 points in addition to 17 rebounds.

Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said both players will be recalled from Maine and be with the Celtics today.

CSNNE.com – Young scores 21 points in first game with Red Claws

Both Young and Powell made the trip to Fort Wayne to take on the Mad Ants last night and made an immediate impact in their first minutes since the pre-season. Check out the entire game to see both rookies in action. Thanks to KWAPT for the two links below:

Powell grabs the offensive board and finds Young for three

Fast-break slam for Young

And Finally… As I typed this headline, Kobe Bryant just took another field goal

Bryant, who sat out the fourth quarter with Los Angeles down by 36 points, was 15 for 34 from the field in 31 minutes — two nights after he played sick against the Phoenix Suns and missed his first 10 shots before finishing 1 for 14 with nine points.

Boston Herald – Warriors beat Lakers 136-115 despite Kobe’s 44

You know, originally I was upset with how many nationally televised games the Lakers had this season, but it’s going to be great TV when Kobe passes MJ on the all-time scoring list on his 50th field goal attempt of the night and then walks off the court and retires on the spot.

The Rest of the Links:

Boston Herald – Celtics Notebook: Suns offense could torch ‘lazy D’

CSNNE – Sullinger looking to put the ball on the floor more

NESN – Celtics practice notes: Marcus Smart making strides; Cs send two to Maine