Doc tells Celtics to pack for a trip west

June, 8, 2012
6/08/12
12:30
AM ET
Twitter.com/CelticsA message on the dry erase board after Boston's Game 6 loss.
BOSTON -- Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers took a page out of Miami Heat boss Pat Riley's playbook after Thursday night's discouraging 98-79 loss to the Heat in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. Game 7 is Saturday night in Miami.

"They're not just going to pack for [Game 7]," Rivers said of his team. "They're going to bring suits for Tuesday and they're going to bring suits for Thursday. And that's the way we're going to plan to do it."

Rivers, of course, was referencing the trip to Oklahoma City that would await the Celtics if they win Saturday night. Game 1 of the NBA Finals is a quick turnaround, Tuesday night on the Thunder's home floor. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday.

Leading the 2006 NBA Finals 3-2, Riley famously packed “one suit, one shirt, one tie” for his trip to Dallas for Game 6, believing his Heat would need just one game to close out the Mavericks. The Heat won Game 6, 95-92, securing a title and proving their coach prescient.

A message on the Celtics' dry erase board reminded players of an afternoon flight with the note, "Pack for a week," scrawled below it.

"We're packing for a week -- it's self-explanatory," said Keyon Dooling. "That's how we feel about it. It's not like we lost confidence or we're scared to go in Miami. We're going to be in Miami, we're going to be ready to play."

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

PODCASTS

Buster Olney, ESPN.com

ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney gives his thoughts on Mike Trout's cycle and compares Trout's production with Miguel Cabrera's. Olney also says Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of production is putting the Red Sox in a tough spot and explains why Cole Hamels' poor start isn't too much of a concern.

Terry Francona, Indians

Indians manager Terry Francona dishes on his return to baseball, joining Cleveland, Miguel Cabrera, his time with the Red Sox, MLB's usage of instant replay and more.

Adam Schefter, NFL

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter covers Rob Gronkowski's latest forearm surgery, the possibility of a new league schedule, Super Bowls L and LI, Charles Woodson and more.

TEAM LEADERS

POINTS
Paul Pierce
PTS AST STL MIN
18.6 4.8 1.1 33.4
OTHER LEADERS
ReboundsK. Garnett 7.8
AssistsR. Rondo 11.1
StealsR. Rondo 1.8
BlocksK. Garnett 0.9