Your Morning Dump... Where the Celtics played like fools

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 I didn't think we played very smart tonight. There are so many little things that I could point out -- that I won't -- but throughout the game, taking shots when you should take the final shots at the end of quarters, and then it leads to them getting a 3-point play; fouling in penalty when you're up late in the game and there's no need to foul. We played like a high school team at times, as far as the way our thought process was....

The other stuff, whatever, but we've been a pretty smart team, and, tonight, I thought it was April 1," said Rivers, referencing April Fools Day. "It's amazing how many things we did that were out of character and that bothers me. I can live with the loss, but when you don't play right, that bothers me."

ESPN Boston - Rivers bothered by foolish play

Last night's loss was disheartening. I truly thought this team had turned the corner in March. Prior to the San Antonio game, the Celtics held an 11-4 record for the month. While you could find excuses for the losses to the Spurs (one of those nights) and Thunder (the refs did us in), there is no sane reason for last night.

What the hell is going on with the defense?

There were times this year when Rivers chalked up the defensive problems to his players getting down after missed shots. But now the Celtics [team stats] are burning up the nets and still not defending to the required level.

Kevin Garnett is fond of saying, “We hang our hat on defense.”

Well, if that’s true, it’s a pink cap. And it’s falling down over their eyes.

Herald - Putting D in Debacle

On Page 2, the most shocking quote of the year.

For the first time this season... I feel like this just isn't happening this year.

Red's Army Twitter

Yup, those are the words of John, aka Mr. Optimism. A man who sees roses and rainbows in nearly everything is finally doubting this team.

The rest of the links:

Globe - Small things add up | Sound beating | When healthy, Rockets prepared to take off | League not fine with KG comments | Herald - Houston a big problem | Rondo on mark again | ESPN Boston - Celtics flubs aid Houston win | Rondo breaks Cousy assist record | CSNNE - Ray Allen's absence hurts | Defense, foul shooting doom Celtics | Celtics Blog - Cs can't right ship | WEEI - KG could care less about fine | Celtics out of sorts |