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.
“This was the hardest game that [the veterans will] play, I can tell you that,” Rivers said after Thursday’s game. “Maybe the last game [against Philadelphia on Sunday] they may play one good half. The New York game, I would be surprised — we’ve got to play somebody. But a lot of them are not playing. They already know that. They knew that before this game. And then we get seven days [of practice] to work and prepare for the start of the season [after Sunday’s game].”
The Celtics are playing back-to-back games tomorrow and Sunday night and their preseason schedule is done. After Pierce and Bass got banged up last night (Pierce turned his ankle, Bass bruised his knee), they’ll either see limited, or no action tomorrow night.
The Celtics still have plenty to work on… but they always do. But I think last night was at least some indication that when they really want to put a solid game together, they’re capable of it. Basically, last night is the reason why none of anything else in the preseason concerned me at all. These are all really good players who have been in the league a pretty long time.
The only thing that really needs to be worked out offensively are a few chemistry issues like where guys should be at certain times. Defensively, there are still rotations to be picked up and some pick-and-roll issues… but that will come along as well.
So don’t expect a ton out of the starters until the Miami Heat game. And while the result of that game will ultimately be almost meaningless, these guys will be ready to unleash more than a week’s worth of pent-up energy on Miami. Should be fun.
Related links: CSNNE: Injuries limit Pierce, Bass vs. Nets
The rest of the links:
CSNNE: Terry: “We hang our hat on the defensive end” | Celtics make Barbosa signing official | ESPN Boston: ESPN the Magazine: C’s 4th in East | Mailbag: step in the right direction | Worthy to Green: Much respect | WEEI: KG, Pierce lead C’s in rout | Herald: Barbosa can contribute in reserve | Doc seeks rotation remedy | Globe: Celtics rout Nets | Celtics sign Barbosa | MWDN: Celtics not all that shook up about shaky preseason
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
