Your Morning Dump... Who were those masked men?

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.

But it's clear that the Celtics need it most out of Pierce and Garnett. The stats tell the story. When Boston started the season blistering hot at 23-5, either Pierce or Garnett led the team in scoring in 15 of those wins.

With both Pierce and Garnett struggling to find their rhythms since returning from in-season injuries, Rivers suggested last week that he'd sit both players if that's what they needed to reenergize for the postseason.

The mere suggestion -- which Garnett openly admitted he wanted no part of -- seemed enough to jostle the pair into playing better. Since Rivers' proclamation after an awful loss to the Grizzlies, Pierce has averaged 20.5 points per game (three points above his season average), while Garnett has averaged 15.3 points per contest (a point higher than his mark for the season).

ESPN Boston - Persistence pays off for Pierce

Even against competition as piss poor as the Knicks, this is a good sign. Why? Because in previous games against mediocre talent, the Truth and Ticket didn't look this... youthful.

The Celtics put their foot on the Knicks throat in the 2nd quarter. After a sub-par performance by the 2nd unit, KG (8 points) and Pierce (13 points) dominated.

Could it really be coming together as Doc says? Pass me some more Kool-aid.

On Page 2, Rondo is shooting less and passing more.

In the third quarter, Rondo was strictly in passing mode, totaling five assists as he concentrated on getting Garnett and Paul Pierce involved. Rondo had seven of his 12 assists in the second and third quarters, coinciding with Pierce’s 29 points (all in the second and third). Garnett produced 14 of his 22 points in the second and third, the most crowd-pleasing a fast-break dunk off a Rondo behind-the-back feed for an 83-57 lead with 5:27 remaining in third quarter.

Most of the Celtics need to fill their shot quota to be effective, and it is up to Rondo to dole out attempts. The Celtics talk about taking what the defense is giving, and letting the numbers take care of themselves. But things do not always work out so smoothly, and Rondo’s role includes spreading the wealth of shots.

“I don’t think it’s tricky,’’ Rondo said. “When I feel I need to score and be aggressive I try to do it. But otherwise, when we’re rolling I don’t have to take shots, that’s fine with me, as long as we win. Getting assists is better for me than scoring.

Globe - Rondo took a pass

I don't care what Rondo says, he has the toughest job on the team. His priority is to spread the ball and find shots for the Big 3. When one or more of them isn't producing, he has to change gears and shoot the ball. Sounds easy, but it really is a delicate balance because it doesn't take much for the offense to stall. 

The rest of the links:

Herald - Pierce finds groove | Doc's words working wonders | Rondo's game has its point | ESPN Boston - Post game notes | Globe - Green thump | Walker, Giddens banking minutes | CSNNE - It was the Big 2 | Perk, Rondo adjusting to roles | WEEI - Rondo getting point with Paul/KG | Doc Rivers press conference | KG press conference | Celtics Blog - Is Rondo scoring less the key to winning? |

(Image courtesy Boston Herald)