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.
Rivers never stops drawing up plays, whether he’s on flights, watching his sons’ games, or even in the middle of the night.
“This is my man,” Rivers said, referring to the sheet that naturally was rolled up in his left hand. “It’s right beside my bed every night.”
The C’s won the two games at the Garden by a combined five points, with the difference being their ability to execute in the final moments. Following the four timeouts Rivers has called in the final minute of the two games, the Celtics have scored a remarkable nine points. The C’s are 2-for-2 at the free throw line and 3-for-3 from the field, including game-winners from Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, respectively.
Herald – Celtics coach never stops game planning
I think Celtics fans have developed Belichick-ian level confidence in Doc Rivers' play calling. As Doc admits, it helps having the Big 4 execute the plays. I doubt the conversion level would be so high with Gerald Green and Allan Ray on the floor.
While he may be a a genius at play-calling, the message is sometimes lost on his players:
“His hands have marker on it, he’s going 100 mph,” Glen Davis said. “I have to ask him again what it was every time I leave the huddle, ‘What was that coach? OK.’ It usually works out.”
Anyone surprised that Glen Davis is the one who has to ask for another explanation?
Related links: CSNNE – Coach as star: Rivers shines vs Knicks | Globe – Rivers often quick on the draw |
On Page 2, the pressure is squarely on the bench.
Davis averaged 11.7 points during the regular season and has totaled only 6 points in the series.
Jeff Green averaged 9.8 points on 48.5 percent shooting in 26 games with the Celtics during the regular season, and has 10 points on 4-for-12 shooting in 28 minutes in the playoffs. Rivers said Green’s attitude has been misinterpreted.
“No. 1, he has a poker face, so that’s misread, you know, like he’s not interested,’’ Rivers said. “He is interested. No. 2, he’s playing extremely hard, he’s just not getting enough done right now. And the third thing, we’ve got to get him, he’s got to get himself, in the right places with our execution. That will allow him to be successful on both ends, and that’s why you watch tape and go over things.’’
Then there is Nenad Krstic, who scored 32 points in 73 minutes of regular-season playing time against the Knicks for the Celtics and Thunder. He is scoreless in eight minutes in the series.
Globe – Celtics bench players must stand and be counted
While the team needs more production from Glen Davis, I'm afraid he'll come out chuckin' 19 footers in Game 3.
The lack of playing time for Nads is curious. While he did re-injure his knee, Doc said that has nothing to do with his court time. Is Krstic falling into that dark abyss in Doc's rotation? We've seen it before with Marquis Daniels and Nate Robinson. If you aren't performing to expectations, Doc will sit your ass.
Related link: Herald – Criticism of bench frustrated Davis |
The rest of the links:
Herald – Celtics judge play by difficulty points | Globe – Film class focuses on poor rebounding | CSNNE – Celtics know Knicks won't go quietly | ESPN Boston – Pierce has to be defensive guy | It's the little things | ShaqWatch: Travel will indicate progress | KG's Blog – Kev, do what you do | WEEI – Melo channels Bernard King |
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