Your Morning Dump… Where Marcus Thornton was the counter puncher the Celtics needed

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.

Of Thornton’s 21 points, eight came in the fourth quarter, helping to keep Washington from establishing the momentum needed to come all the way back from an 18-point deficit at the start of the quarter.

“It was great,” Thornton said of his much-needed effort. “I just stayed the course. Whatever minutes I get, just try to make the best of it.”

Thornton showed little rust once he took the court at the start of the second quarter. He scored 11 points during his first shift off the bench, proving that focus wouldn’t be an issue despite his recently reduced playing time.

“I’ve been through this before as a rookie so I know what it takes,” Thornton said. “When you’ve got positive teammates, it makes it that much easier too.”

Thornton was at his best when his teammates needed him most as it initially looked like the Celtics would have another fourth-quarter meltdown. Wizards forward Rasual Butler drained two quick 3-pointers, putting the all-too-familiar thought of yet another collapse into the minds of many in attendance. But then came Thornton, who sunk a 3-pointer of his own following Butler’s second and hit another one moments later right after a Jared Sullinger 3-pointer that disrupted the Wizards’ quick-scoring offense, prompting them to convene over a timeout.

ESPN Boston

21 points in 17 minutes is insane production from a bench player. Nevermind the clutch baskets made to counter the Wizards run in the 4th quarter.

I like Thornton’s game so much, I’m starting to wonder if there is room for him on this roster going forward. But then I remember the Celtics have this little-used swingman named James Young. You may remember he played for Kentucky last season.

Thornton – a free agent to be – has done nothing but enhance his trade value. At this stage of the season, I have no idea what team would be interested and what the return might be.

And speaking of trade value, the Globe’s Gary Washburn says there may be a team interested in Gerald Wallace:

Don’t be surprised if a team such as the Portland Trail Blazers tries to make a bid for Celtics swingman Gerald Wallace and offers some unwanted expiring contracts for Boston’s troubles. Wallace, 32, played parts of two seasons with Portland and enjoyed his stint there. He was seen joking during the Celtics-Blazers game with Portland All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge. The closer Wallace’s anchor-like contract nears conclusion, the easier it will be to move. Wallace is attractive to a club seeking a veteran leader who can defend in spot minutes.

Portland has the expiring contracts of non-rotation players (Dorel Wright, Joel Freeland, Victor Claver) to make such a deal.

On Page 2, Paul Pierce still group texts with his former teammates.

You probably weren’t wondering. But in case you were, yes. Several Boston Celtics from the 2008 championship team still have a text message group.

Paul Pierce said he, Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis, Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo all communicate regularly.

“We all group text at least once a week,” Pierce said.

Aw. Presumably, Perkins texts nothing but scowl photos and Davis communicates solely in emojis. Seriously, though, it’s cool to know those guys all stay in touch. Pierce said he and Rondo “still talk, text all the time.”

MassLive

I can’t tell you how much I love knowing that Glen Davis is part of this group and Ray Allen is not.

The rest of the links:

Herald – Celtics take best shot at keeping lead late | CSNNE – Aggressive Rondo makes big impact | Celtics escape with win | Globe – Celtics beat Wiz for 3rd straight | ESPN Boston – Rondo, Pierce continue to share connection | Bradley’s bold late game triple |