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.
“Well, I didn’t do anything,” Rivers said when asked about calling his team soft after Wednesday’s loss to the Nets. “I mean, we went pretty hard [Thursday] for a short [practice] and we actually went hard today for the shoot-around. Because we’ve got to get our culture right in that way. And we’ve got a long way to go, but we’re getting better. You can see it, for sure.”
“It was good,” Rivers said. “Obviously it’s one game and it was great. Our defense was fantastic. We did a couple things different, trapping, it was great. And then the ball movement was terrific as well in the first half. I thought, second half was, you know how that goes with the score, but overall I just like our focus and how we approached the game.”
I had a feeling the Celtics were going to come out swinging last night. It’s what they do. (I also wouldn’t be surprised to see them lay an egg in Milwaukee tonight).
The defensive effort against Portland was superb; 34% FG, 20% 3 FG and 21 TOs.
Getting this team to focus for an individual game isn’t the problem. Sustained focus, effort and execution is the problem. Doc is still molding these guys. As expected, the S-word resonated:
“I don’t know any man that likes to be called soft, maybe some women,” barked Kevin Garnett. “But where I’m from, most men don’t like that.”
Random: When I read or hear the word culture, I think of the tests done for strep throat. I gagged the moment the nurse took out that giant cotton swab.
Related links: Herald: Nothing soft about C’s | CSNNE – Celtics prove they’re still a defensive power | Garnett: We have to be tough
Courtney Lee played well in all phases (10 points, 7 reb, 5 assists, 3 steals) but he’s still looking for his jump shot. Check out this Tweet following the game:
Funny stuff. His jumper will re-surface. Guys of his ability don’t go through season long slumps.
(h/t Celtics Town)
The rest of the links:
Herald – Lee lights spark as C’s pound Portland | David Stern fine Spurs thoughts from Doc | CSNNE – Lee wears many hats vs Blazers | Green settling into roles | WEEI – Green hot, Celtics erupt in win vs Blazers | Globe – Rondo-less Celtics cruise | Rondo has support of Ainge | Green was just what Doc ordered | ESPN Boston – Green attacks | Assists all around for C’s |
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