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.
“I feel more confident about this team right now than I did going into the playoffs last year,” he said. “I think a lot of this is human nature. It’s a marathon, and it’s hard. Every team has challenges. Look at what’s happening with the Lakers and what every other good team went through at some point this year. But I believe in our guys. Hey, we played like crap for the last 54 games last year. We had a good one here and there, but we were throwing games away. Then those same guys stepped up and played the best eight-game stretch we’ve seen here in the last four years. Those games they played against Cleveland and Orlando (in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals and finals, respectively) were unbelievable. I could never have imagined they would play that well after what we’d done.”
Herald: Danny Ainge offers uniform response on Celtics
Most good teams have gone through some struggles. The Lakers just broke a 5 game losing streak. The Spurs had a 6 game losing streak not too long ago. Miami lost 5 in a row in March. The Magic have had an up-and-down finish to the season.
Only the Bulls have managed to storm throught their schedule. And yes, the Celtics issues are more dramatic than all of these other teams because people can look at a single event and blame that for their woes, the C's still aren't alone in struggling late in the season.
As down as I've been on the way the team has played lately, its not how I expect them to play in the playoffs.
Related links: Globe: Celtics not lacking confidence
On Page 2: KG says "we gotta fight for our lives"
So we went down to Miami and were ready to play against the Heat. The game was an early game and we seemed focused. Started out on moving the rock, but we got lazy and didn't take care of the ball. The intensity was playoff like and good to know my teammates are ready to go to war with me! Team's Got to get back to the game, no easy hoops motto. JO gave a clean hard foul, which caused some issues, but part of the game.We lost the game, which makes us realize the playoffs are coming and we gotta fight for our lives.
Wiz on the back to back and Doc decided we were going to rest. The guys played well, but couldn't finish. J Green runs like a gazelle! JO looked like his old self with some old school DEFENSE! Big Baby showed how he needs to play and he can play. It's tough to watch the guys play without playing. Rondo, Paul, Ray and I did not play.
Oh? Losing the Miami game is what made you realize the playoffs are coming?
Man… I hope these guys realize it now after what I just said.
By the way, I expect the same team that faced the Wizards to face the Knicks tonight. This game means nothing to both teams… so expect Ronaldo Balkman in the starting lineup for them.
The rest of the links
CSNNE: C's need to get gritty to survive NY | Reserve Strength | To rest, or not to rest? | Pierce: Let the rivalry begin | Globe: Deal left Celtics with weak hand | C's plant seed of doubt | Knicks thumbnails | ESPN Boston: Upset potential | Playoff primer: Celtics – Knicks | WEEI: Biggest bonehead play of the season?
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