Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

“This is like a fresh, new start for us. We have a brand-new team. We get a chance, the second half of the season, to prove ourselves again. I feel like our identity is a lot different. We’re a way better defensive team and way better offensive team with the players that we have on our team now.”

The early portion of this Celtics season was littered with fourth-quarter collapses, mental breakdowns, and playing down to the level of the opponent. The Celtics couldn’t get off to fast starts with their methodical ways. Green took quarters to get warmed up. Rondo wasn’t an offensive threat and the defense was inconsistent.

But Ainge gathered a bunch of players with personal agendas, which is a good thing. They all have something to prove. Jerebko, who scored 16 points Friday, is a free agent at season’s end and playing for a new contract. Crowder wants to show he is more than just an average rotation player, and Thomas is determined to show he can not only score but make winning plays and be part of an emerging team.

The growth under Stevens is evident, though it took five months to get here. The Celtics are learning Stevens’s free-wheeling system on the fly and embracing it, while those who have been here all season are adjusting to the roster changes and remaining positive, even though minutes could be slashed on any given night.

Globe: Revamped Celtics growing by the day

Free-wheeling describes this Celtics team nicely. I don’t know if Brad Stevens is going to be like this forever in the NBA, but right now, with the moving parts he has, it’s working.

Well, “working.”

I know people are getting caught up in the euphoria of possibly being a playoff team, but I’m not. Sorry if that’s being negative, but this team is 10 games under .500 in the East. Even though they’re percentage points out of the 8th seed, they’re tied for the 10th-worst record in the NBA.

This Celtics team is fun to watch, for sure. Isaiah Thomas is justifying Danny Ainge’s obsession. Jonas Jerebko is a revelation. Jae Crowder is finding new life. Guys are trying like hell to prove themselves, and prove others wrong.

We should enjoy the run and enjoy some winning. These guys need to win, even if it’s because each of them is desperately trying to prove something. The Celtics have some tough games coming up that should test their mettle, but for now, we should just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Related links: ESPN Boston: Roster overhaul hasn’t changed C’s goals

Page 2: I go on a tirade about the officials

BOSTON — The NBA rescinded one of the two technical fouls that led to Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas’ ejection in his debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Referee Tony Brothers tagged Thomas with consecutive technical fouls leading to his disqualification in the fourth quarter of Boston’s overtime loss. Thomas missed the final 10 minutes of play.

ESPN Boston: Tech rescinded for Thomas

So let me get this straight…

The Boston Celtics leading scorer was thrown out of a tight game late in the fourth quarter, and all we get is “eh, nevermind that second tech.”

This is a team that is PERCENTAGE POINTS out of the 8th seed. This is was a game that was VERY winnable thanks to the guy who was thrown out by Tony Brothers.  And if the Celtics miss the playoffs by a game, this could be the reason why.

So please tell me, NBA, where the F is the discipline for Tony Brothers? For a league that wants to be “transparent,” tell me what will happen to Tony Brothers for so obviously erroneously impacting the outcome of a game?

Officials are there to make sure the rules are enforced. They’re not there to steal the spotlight or affect the outcome of games.

What Brothers did not only affected the outcome of the game, it could potentially cost the Celtics a lot of money in playoff revenue. It could rob the team of some much-needed postseason experience.

He cost the Celtics a game, and potentially more. So where is the discipline for him? What’s the recourse for a team that needed that win? Does Brothers get to run along on his merry way, screwing other teams over and being an overall shitty ref? Does he get fined? Suspended? Fired?

This guy has been in the league 20 goddamn years. How much longer are we going to let him affect the outcomes of games?

Related links: Herald: League gets technical | MassLive: Thomas happy to save money after tech rescinded

And Finally….

Rest in peace Anthony Mason. Gone far too soon.

The rest of the links:

Herald: Isaiah Thomas continues to be a spark plug | Celtics give and take  |  CSNNE: Celtics get 1-2-3 punch from bench trio  |  Crowder delivers gritty performance  |  Silver joins Mike and Tommy  |  MassLive: Stevens: Celtics use analytics “to try to get a little advantage”  |  Crowder on playoff push: Sorry, Danny Ainge