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.
"We worked on that last week and the whole timing of it was off," Rivers said. "We tried to run it earlier in the year and we had bad timing. It's just funny how things work out. It was a low clock, the ball was in our best player's hand, we have shooters on the floor. The whole sell was to Paul — he sets the fake pick, then Kevin [sets a real one]. It worked and it was good that it worked.
"We can do [the lob] now. Last year, Kevin would have missed the lob. Or we wouldn't have thrown the lob," Rivers said.
[…]"I've messed that play up so many times in practice, that it's only right that the basketball gods gave it to me tonight," Garnett said.
ESPN Boston: Game-winning lob makes a statement
The whole point of that story is actually how KG is healthy now and that's the reason why the Celtics could run that play for him.
I said last night on Twitter and I'll repeat it here: You always have to watch the inbounder on the out-of-bounds play. Players have been taught that from day one. But Philly was SO preoccupied with not letting Paul or Ray get the ball… or not letting Rondo get to the hole… that they just switched on everything. That left a point guard to pick up KG… making the lob easy.
By the way… anyone else notice Doc saying "the ball was in our best player's hands" about Rondo setting up the play?
Related links: Globe: C's win tug of war with last move | CSNNE: Final play just like the Celtics drew it up… sort of | ESPN Boston: Flipping switches | WEEI: One play says so much
On Page 2: Pierce still thinks Antoine can play
“I think he’s still young enough,” said Pierce. “He still has something in the tank. He’s taking the necessary steps to try to get back i n. He’s in the D-League to show teams what he’s got. He just has to find his place right now.”
Referring to Walker’s financial troubles, Pierce said, “It’s very humbling. I just hope that the guys around me kind of see this as an example. It can come and go fast. It’s happened to a lot of players.”
Antoine played OK in his D-League debut. So it's POSSIBLE he'll find some work. Maybe a 10-day contract down the road… or an injury replacement or something.
I'm more impressed with Pierce seeing Antoine's financial problems as an example. So often, guys blow that kind of thing off in a "it won't happen to me" kinda way. Of course, part of me wonders if he meant anything by the "I hope the guys around me" line… as in an "I've seen some of these guys blow money, they need to know it can all go away" kinda way. I don't think so…. but I got that twinge.
I've still got a soft spot for 'Toine… I hope he figures something out.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Shaq vs. Father time | WEEI: Celtics, Garnett sink Sixers | Herald: Garnett extends streak with late basket | Globe: Erden shifted to pivotal role | Celtics have kicked a bad habit | CSNNE: Shaq won't play in Turkey next year | Garnett extends C's streak to nine
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