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.
Even in recent wins, Boston has allowed teams to hang around or rally in the second half, making things far more difficult than it sometimes needs to be (see Friday's win over the Kings).
The Celtics have scored in the teens in the third quarter of three of their last four games, and haven't topped 26 points in the third quarter since March 12 vs. Indiana (31). Twenty times this season the Celtics have scored 19 points or fewer in the third quarter.
ESPN Boston - Celtic break after intermission
More 3rd quarter suckage (I'm breaking out the technical terms) from the Celtics last night.
Last week, John Schumann of NBA.com used fancy statistics to back up what we all know - the Celtics have a tendency to sleep-walk through the second half.
Is it laziness? A disinterest in the regular season? If so, why wouldn't those reasons apply to the first half? Is it as simple as age? The old bones aren't responding after halftime? Someone give me the answer, please!
On Page 2, a case for Shelden Williams to join the rotation.
Speaking of proving a point, Shelden Williams has escaped the end of the bench and is giving the Celtics productive minutes, more so than Davis.
Rivers has nine games left to establish his rotations and Williams should be part of the mix. He may not have Davis’s post game but he plays more levelheaded. Davis missed five of six shots and needs to become a better finisher. He is apt at grabbing offensive rebounds, but also apt at getting his putbacks blocked.
Globe - New lesson for old team (Gary Washburn)
For all his faults (lack of size, inability to finish in the paint), I've applauded Glen Davis' effort since the All-Star break. Yes, he rarely passes the ball out of the paint after securing an offensive rebound, but I love the hustle. That type of desire can be infectious. But Gary Washburn makes a good point, Shelden Williams is steady. To me, the upside of Glen Davis is more valuable. He's more likely to have breakout games than Shelden.
The rest of the links:
Globe - Spurs administer thrashing | Finley strategy a surprise to ex-coach | Herald - Texas-size whuppin | Popovich hates the term 'world champs' | Perk rests knee | WEEI - Ginobili, Spurs make Cs look awful | Perk expects to play Wed. | Doc on Spurs: What we want to be | CSNNE - Spurs hand Cs worst loss | Not a pretty sight for Perk | ESPN Boston - Pierce shoulder sore | Bad loss, good opponent