Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

And now this. The Celtics, winners of four straight, including a big road win over the Pacers and an even bigger home win over Memphis, remain in the playoff discussion.

“We’ve been talking about that for awhile,” said Jae Crowder.

[…] [Gerald] Wallace continues to credit Stevens for fueling this self-belief.

“They’re feeding off each other and they’re really feeding off Brad, his energy, his focus,” said the veteran forward. “And with his energy, now they’re feeding off each other and playing off each other. And winning helps all of that. Once you start winning and believing in each other, it makes things that much better. In close games they don’t get bothered. Teams make a run, they don’t get bothered. They stay poised and focused in the game, and it’s carrying us right now. It’s put us in the perfect situation.”

Boston Herald – Celtics playoff run coming together

There’s no turning back now. If you came into last week holding out hope of the bottom dropping off of this cute, little streak of competent, Celtics basketball in the name of improving the odds of ping pong ball magic, you now must embrace the playoff push.

As a fan, you can laud credit in a number of places, but considering the roster turmoil Boston has endured since training camp, the trading away of the team’s two most recognizable players and a rash of in-season injuries, you should start with the coach.

While my faith in Brad Stevens has never really wavered, I was skeptical that he could win games with a rebuilding roster. This is the NBA, I thought, coaching can only get you so far and teams don’t necessarily take on the identity of their coach. Well, the Celtics are beginning to look downright Butler-esque. Their offensive and defensive numbers haven’t improved drastically over the last two months. Instead they’re just hanging around, playing smart, disciplined basketball and in close games, of which there have been many, they are assuming the disposition of their coach.

Be it hitting key free throws down the stretch, limiting second chance opportunities or executing offensively in the waning moments, the Celtics are doing all of the little things to win.

When Gerald Wallace speaks this year, I tend to listen keenly, because it’s almost like he’s on the outside looking in (just read the quote above). Words like poised, focused, phrases including “they don’t get bothered.” Sounds a lot like Stevens to me.

Embrace the playoff push!

Related Links:  Mass Live – Avery Bradley: Playoff experience would help Boston Celtics ‘a lot’

On page 2: Give Phil Pressey his due

There have been times when you half expect to hear Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” blaring from Pressey’s locker stall this season. But the team showed a lot of faith in an undrafted guy that, before Wednesday’s game against Memphis, had logged healthy DNPs in eight of Boston’s previous 10 games. In fact, in Boston’s 11 games for the month of February, Pressey played a total of 17 minutes in four appearances. He even went to Maine for the first D-League appearance of his NBA career in early February.

Through it all, Pressey patiently waited for his opportunity, quietly honed his game away from the bright lights of game action, and did what you absolutely must do to survive in this league: Take advantage of your opportunities.

With deadline acquisition Isaiah Thomas sidelined the past three games with a bruised lower back, Pressey emerged as a steadying presence at backup point guard. He’s averaged 7.3 points, 5.3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal over 21 minutes per game. Pressey is plus-30 over 63 minutes of floor time for a team that won those three games by a total of 14 points.

[…] Stevens has admitted that Boston wouldn’t be on a four-game win streak without Pressey’s spark.

ESPN Boston – Flip no flop: Pressey rewards C’s faith

Earlier this season I ripped into my roommate when he stated “you know, Phil Pressey’s a nice little point guard.” I went on about how he probably didn’t deserve a roster spot. About how his horrendous shooting meant you didn’t have to guard him and that by not guarding him it encouraged him to just continue to shoot poorly. I even went as far as to say we probably couldn’t use Pressey on our rec league basketball team (that’s a lie. We could use all the help we can get).

Well, apparently the C’s brass felt the same way as my roommate. Pressey, along with Brandon Bass, are the cockroaches of this team. They survived the nuclear blow-up of this roster in tact. By keeping the faith in an undrafted player such as Pressey, the Celtics have built the confidence in a player they really liked coming into the 2013 draft. This past week was the best of Pressey’s career and his performance was indeed a huge factor in the Cs winning streak and place in the standings.

I’ll take this time to admit I may have been wrong. Sorry to my roommate, Dan and sorry to Phil as well.

And Finally, Seth Greenberg must not watch the NBA

In describing Kentucky’s odds at a championship while on Sportscenter this morning:

“They’re not playing the Celtics, they’re not playing the Sixers or the Knicks.”

Seth hasn’t checked out the NBA standings in a while. Apparently the Celtics are still tanking with the likes of Philly and New York. We don’t need you, Seth. And when the Cs are giving the Hawks or Cavs a game in mid-April, please, don’t waste your time watching such a sad, talentless, blatantly tanking organization like the Celts.