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 think, for ourselves, we're not going to put too much emphasis on it, but we do know that it's a big game and that we do need to play better [against top competition]," Garnett said after Friday's way-closer-than-it-should-have-been win over the Nets. "I don't think we're fully satisfied with our current play. I won't make overemphasis of this game, but it is a big game. Going into the [All-Star] break, our goal was to finish off [strong]. We got two more games, and we want to win these next two games.
"So, yeah, this is not a quiet game. This is not a typical game. But it's not like a big, big, super, super game. We need this game to finish out what we set forth for our short-term goals."
ESPN Boston: Chance to show they've busted slump
If KG is telling the truth, then we'll see a good overall effort today.
Of course, the last time the C's played the Magic, everyone at the Red's Army party watched them play great for about 36 minutes and then gack away a win.
So I'm still a little pissed about the C's clearing that party out so quickly. Then again, I don't remember leaving the party... so maybe I shouldn't talk.
Bottom line... if the guys acknowledge this is a big game, then they should play like it today. That means defending... rebounding... and running the offense rather than going 1-on-1.
Speaking of rebounding....
Coming up, Page 2... where Doc's calling out his bigs
Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images
“I don’t think we need a rebounder, I think we need to rebound,’’ said coach Doc Rivers. “It’s amazing, we’ve added length to our team but everybody’s numbers are down.
“If you want to be a great team, you have to rebound better.’’
Globe: Give them a failing marks on these boards
Rebounding is about effort. You don't have to be very tall to be a good rebounder (see: Wallace, Gerald). You just have to want to put in the effort.
So it fits the Cetlics m.o. this year to not be a good rebounding team. If they're not putting the effort in anywhere else right now, then they're not going to do it on the boards, either.
The rest of the links:
Herald: Pierce has a plan of action | Leon Powe rarin to go | Globe: There's still time for Magic formula to work | FBI investigated letters to Pistons' Daly | Souza: Rondo's engine driving Celtics | WEEI: Daniels may suit up | Pierce expects to play |
