ESPN

It's been nearly a month since the Boston Celtics turned in a stinker against an inferior opponent. Maybe that's why coach Doc Rivers didn't mind falling on the sword for Friday's head-shaking 84-79 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Center.

The Celtics established early control, built a double-digit lead with help from a second-unit lineup that featured emergency depth guys like Keyon Dooling, Marquis Daniels, and Ryan Hollins, and seemed poised for a laugher. Instead, the starters fumbled away the lead, a chance to rest and the game, all while a feverish late rally came up short against the Raptors (providing the real stomach punch for the evening).

"By sitting [the starters] that long and not playing a lot in first half, I may have lost their rhythm, I don’t know," shrugged an unconvincing Rivers. "I'll go with that. You like that one? We'll go with that."

Rivers can blame his mildly altered substitution pattern -- it wasn't that far from the norm -- but Boston's starters simply didn't have it on Friday. Playing a non-playoff team for the first time this month to kick off the only back-to-back-to-back of the season, the Celtics clearly were not as engaged as they've been lately. In fact, not since a 120-95 thrashing in Sacramento on March 16 has Boston just flat-out played down to the level of its opponent.

Consider this: The Raptors were without Andrea Bargnani (shut down for the season with calf ailment) and Jose Calderon (swollen right eye); started two guys on 10-day contracts out of the D-League (Alan Anderson and Ben Uzoh); shot a mere 18.2 percent in the first quarter (4-for-22); and were generally willing to allow Boston to steamroll them if so desired.

The Celtics didn't.

(Read full post)

Rapid reaction after the Toronto Raptors defeated the Boston Celtics 84-79 Friday night at the Air Canada Centre:

HOW THE GAME WAS WON
DeMar DeRozan scored a game-high 22 points, making all 13 free throws he attempted, including some clutch ones down the stretch as the Raptors held off Boston's feverish late rally. Paul Pierce scored a team-high 18 points for the Celtics, 10 of those points coming in the fourth quarter as he tried to carry Boston back into the game after a cringe-worthy third frame. Pierce had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds but misfired badly on a forced 3-pointer from the left wing. Kevin Garnett finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, but it was a forgettable effort from Boston on the first night of a back-to-back-to-back.

TURNING POINT
This one looked like it was going to be a laugher for Boston. The Raptors shot 18.2 percent (4-of-22) in the first quarter, while Boston opened a seven-point lead after one frame. The Celtics then ran with a second-quarter lineup of Keyon Dooling, Marquis Daniels, Sasha Pavlovic, Mickael Pietrus and Ryan Hollins and actually extended their lead to as much as 13. But even with a double-digit lead as the starters returned to the floor, Boston went cold and ultimately got outscored 27-11 in the third quarter to turn the game around. Toronto eventually led by as many as 15 in the fourth quarter, and it was too much for the Celtics to overcome.

BOLD PLAY OF THE GAME
The Celtics scored eight first-quarter buckets and Rondo assisted on seven of them. Two in particular stood out, both feeds to Avery Bradley. Boston's backcourt tandem first teamed up on a little alley-oop lob with Bradley skying high from the right side before throwing it down. A minute later, with Bradley running the floor in transition and swooping in from the right baseline, Rondo threaded the needle, leading to a reverse layup and a 19-11 lead with 1:24 to go in the frame. That really should have been enough to put Boston on cruise control, but the car veered off the road in the middle frames.

RONDO EXTENDS HIS STREAK ... BARELY
Despite those seven first-half helpers, Rondo didn't get No. 10 until there was a mere 2:14 to play in the game, when he Pierce on a reverse layup. Rondo finished with 12 assists, extending his double-digit streak to 20 games. What's more, Rondo didn't turn the ball over in 37:16 of floor time, yet the Raptors still found a way to rally back in this game.

SCOREBOARD WATCHING
The Celtics can take a tiny bit of solace in the fact that the Philadelphia 76ers continue to stumble their way to the regular-season finish line, dropping a 95-89 decision in New Jersey (where Boston visits Saturday night). That means Boston is still up three games over both Philly and New York in the Atlantic Division with seven games to go. Maybe more important to Boston's playoff future, the Hawks stomped the Magic, 109-81, giving Atlanta a one-game edge in the race for home-court advantage in a potential 5-seed vs. 4-seed playoff matchup. Meanwhile, the Pacers throttled the Cavaliers, tightening their grasp on the No. 3 seed with a three-game edge over Boston.

WHAT IT MEANS
This wasn't the way the Celtics wanted to start this grueling stretch of five games in five cities over six days. With the lead early on, it looked like Boston might breeze by the D-League-caliber lineup Toronto trotted out. Instead, the Celtics' starters sleepwalked through the middle quarters and paid the price when their jumpers wouldn't fall (especially the 3-pointers, on which Boston was 4-of-19 overall, 21.1 percent). Boston went 10 deep for a change, but didn't get to utilize its depth after the second quarter. Yes, after seven playoff-caliber foes in a row, the Celtics played down to the Raptors and suffered a loss because of it. Maybe it'll help promote rest in future games: The No. 3 seed is slipping away and the team remains comfortably entrenched at No. 4.

After seven straight games against playoff-level opponents, things ease up (slightly) for the Boston Celtics (34-24, 13-15 away) as they visit the Toronto Raptors (20-39, 11-19 home) on Friday night at the Air Canada Centre (7 p.m., CSN). While the Raptors have struggled, this actually marks the start of a grueling stretch for Boston, kicking off its only back-to-back-to-back of the season. To preview the matchup, we play a game of 2-on-2 with colleague Greg Payne.

---

1. What will you be focused on when the Celtics visit the Raptors?

Payne: A fast start tonight will be crucial, because the Celtics can do themselves a host of favors by beating up on the Raptors early and cruising to an easier win tonight. Given the back-to-back-to-back beginning tonight, Boston should be looking to garner as much rest as possible for its veterans, and tonight's a perfect opportunity for just that. The C's have already beaten up on the Raptors twice this season -- two of the seemingly rare times they've out-rebounded an opponent -- so there's no question the potential is there for an easier victory. Getting guys rest at the start of this grueling three-game stretch could go a long way towards making the following two games much easier to bear.

Forsberg: Being the first game against a non-playoff team this month, it will be interesting to see Boston's intensity level out of the gates. They haven't had to worry about playing down to an opponent in a while. But the Raptors are woeful on the offensive side of the ball and so long as the Celtics brought their defense's passport, there's a chance here to start this trip on the right foot. That said, for all their overall struggles this season, first-year head coach Dwane Casey seems to have Toronto going in the right direction on the defensive end. The Raptors are middle-of-the-pack overall (allowing 0.925 points per play, 18th in the league, according to Synergy Sports data), but Toronto actually ranks second in the league in defending spot-up shooting (which accounts for a whopping 19.5 percent of opponents' total plays and foes are averaging a mere 0.871 points per play). The Celtics need to exploit other areas, like Toronto's inability to defend ball-handlers in the pick-and-roll.

(Read full post)

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers was clearly irked by his team's lack of execution, particularly in key moments, during Thursday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. When it carried over to Friday's game in Toronto, Rivers lost his cool.

When an offensive play crumbled coming out of a first-quarter timeout, an enraged Rivers called for another 20-second timeout and emphatically lit into his players on the sideline, the sort of emotional outburst we've rarely seen from Rivers during his eight-year tenure on the Boston bench.

"I was really frustrated with our execution," Rivers told reporters in Toronto. "We couldn’t run a play out of a timeout, so that’s just frustrating, [and] that’s focus or something. We have to fix that. Because we’ve been playing too well for this to go back down this road again.

"We’ve kind of worked out of all our kinks, then all of a sudden, the last couple games, it’s returned back out of nowhere. [Getting emotional is] part of coaching. It shouldn’t be, but it is. You just gotta keep finding the right button and it’s everybody -- everybody gets frustrated with each other. I saw that today. Two guys knew the play, one guy didn’t -- and just one guy didn’t. And everybody, it drains energy. Not being a professional drains energy. Being a professional is knowing every set you run, knowing your rotations, because it’s draining for the pros who know, who do the work.

"Mickael Pietrus, I’ll use him as an example. He’s been here the least amount of time, he knows every single rotation and every single set, because he’s a pro. [Not knowing the rotations and sets is] just unacceptable."

(Read full post)

Rapid reaction after the Toronto Raptors defeated the Boston Celtics 86-74 Friday night at the Air Canada Centre:

HOW THE GAME WAS WON
The Celtics made DeMar DeRozan (game-high 21 points) and Jose Calderon (17 points, 14 assists) look like All-Stars, the duo aiding the Raptors in building a comfortable first-quarter cushion and they never looked back. Toronto led from start to finish in what might go down as its biggest win of the season, earning payback for two lopsided defeats in Boston earlier this season. Kevin Garnett paced the Celtics with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting (could have used some of that Thursday night) with eight rebounds over 28:44 and was the only Boston starter that finished in the positive in plus/minus (+8). Boston's backcourt of Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo combined for a mere 11 points.

TURNING POINT
It was over when it started. The Raptors won the tip, DeRozan got a bucket 15 seconds in and Toronto never trailed. The Celtics came out with zero energy, didn't generate a field goal for more than four minutes, turned the ball over recklessly and allowed the Raptors to build a double-digit cushion midway through the first quarter. An enraged Doc Rivers lit into his lifeless team during a first-quarter timeout, but even that wasn't enough to turn them around. The Celtics trailed by 12 at the end of the first frame (26-14) and rarely got close again (and when they did, Toronto stretched its lead back out).

NORTH OF THE BORDER, HEALTH GOES SOUTH
Starting center Jermaine O'Neal sat out with left shoulder soreness, while reserve guards Keyon Dooling (hip) and Sasha Pavlovic (wrist) remained inactive. Rivers had said that Avery Bradley (right shoulder) wouldn't play, but needed his energy so badly that the second-year guard logged 7:27 and nearly did inject some life into Boston early on.

WHAT IT MEANS
Just a cringeworthy loss all around. The Celtics (14-12) shot themselves in the foot so often Thursday night in falling to the Lakers it seemed like there was no way they wouldn't atone against an inferior opponent, even if it was the second night of a back-to-back. Nope, Boston again just seemed disinterested and disjointed. After winning five in a row and nine of 10 overall, rebuilding optimism around the team, the Celtics have now lost two straight with a daunting Sunday visit from the Chicago Bulls looming. Boston needs to shake the cobwebs and get back to what it was doing so well in recent weeks as it's been some ugly basketball the last two nights.

Following a loss to the rival Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, the Boston Celtics (14-11, 4-4 away) have a tough turnaround Friday night as they visit the Toronto Raptors (8-19, 3-7 home) at the Air Canada Centre (7 p.m., CSN). One thing Boston has going for it: A 17-2 record against Toronto over the last 19 meetings. Blame it on a passport issues, but we're short a man as we go 3-on-3 with ESPN Boston's Greg Payne to preview the matchup.

---

1. What was the most frustrating aspect of Thursday's loss?

Payne: I think it has to be the botched final play of regulation. The Celtics wanted to have Ray Allen open off of a flare on the left wing and they got just that. I mean, Allen was wide open. Unfortunately, Paul Pierce just didn't have a great angle to make the needed pass. It's not even necessarily Pierce's fault. It's not like he intentionally ruined the play, it was just one of those rare flukes that unfortunately impacted the outcome of a close game. It's frustrating mainly because the C's essentially executed the most important part of the play -- getting Allen open -- and you have to think his chances of burying a wide-open 3-pointer would have been pretty darn good.

Forsberg: The late-game execution was maddening given how sloppy the Celtics were both at the end of regulation and in overtime, but the most frustrating aspect of that game had to be the free throws. The Celtics only shot five (FIVE?!?!) free throws overall. Boston shot four first-quarter free throws and over the next 41 minutes, attempted just one (ONE!?!? )more. The Celtics never stepped to the line after the intermission. How in the world does that happen in a game as physical as the one against the Lakers? The mere possibility of a team going that long without getting to the line is unfathomable. Pierce shot three freebies, Allen two more. And that's it. That's unacceptable.

(Read full post)

BOSTON -- A collection of postgame news and notes after the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors Wednesday evening at TD Garden:

Quick links: KG showcases his range | Pavlovic's role, confidence growing | Loose balls

KG SHOWCASES THE THREE-BALL

Move over, Ray Allen. There's a new 3-point threat in town.

Kevin Garnett punctuated a brilliant first-half shooting performance by the Celtics by splashing a 3-pointer from the right wing just before intermission, sending Boston into the break up 22 en route to a 100-64 triumph over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night at TD Garden.

It was Garnett's first triple of the season and only his fifth with the Celtics. Sure, he was only 4-for-29 with Boston entering Wednesday's game, but he's now perfect on the season.

So how is his form? We turned to Boston's resident 3-point pros in Allen and Paul Pierce.

"He doesn't shoot a lot of them, but if you look at a lot of the shots he takes, his heel is very close to that 3-point line anyway," Allen said. "When he caught the ball, I was on the side and I was not going to let me get me the ball because I was thinking, 'Shoot, he's very capable.' And I've seen him work on that shot [in practice], so it's not like [he can't make it]. He looked very comfortable when he did it. It wasn't out of his range."

Added Pierce: “I tell him all the time he should shoot more 3s. I see him take 3s all the time in practice and he knocks them down consistently. A lot of his long-range 2-pointers are almost near the 3[-point line], so it’s only one step back. I know that if he started taking them, maybe he would start making more of them. He has that kind of range."

It's easy to forget, but Garnett utilized the shot more often during the early days of his career. He's creeping up on 600 career 3-point attempts, though he's connected on a mere 169-of-597 (28.3 percent). Back during the 2001-02 season, Garnett put up a career-high 116 attempts, making 37 of them (31.9 percent). He often closes his practice workouts by going around the arc and routinely splashes a noteworthy amount of his 3-point attempts.

Even so, Doc Rivers would prefer Garnett stick to the 19-footers. Asked about making the 3-pointer Wednesday, Rivers playfully quipped, "That's the worst thing that could have happened."

(Read full post)

BOSTON -- The crowd around the rookie’s locker intrigued Mickael Pietrus, so the veteran swingman detoured on his way to the showers and popped his head through the crowd to get a listen at what JaJuan Johnson had to say.

Finally, during a lull in the questioning, Pietrus, the team's resident chops-buster offered, "Whenever you’re done with the media, let’s keep it real -- get me some water."

Ah yes, the glamorous life of a rookie, where the biggest gameday task is sometimes the run to the local convenience store to secure the peanut butter and jelly that will comprise the pregame snack (and heaven help you if you forget to purchase both grape and strawberry varieties).

Limited to 28 total minutes (and never in more than a six-minute burst) in the first nine appearances of his rookie campaign, Johnson might have been the chief beneficiary of Boston's lopsided victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night at TD Garden.

The 27th overall pick in last summer's draft received the longest stint of his NBA career, logging 9 minutes 43 seconds of court time in the fourth quarter and responded by chipping in 11 points while making all five shots he hoisted en route to a breezy 100-64 triumph.

"It definitely helps [my confidence]. I know I can compete with these guys," the soft-spoken Johnson said. "I never had any doubts about that, but it’s just a comfort level. That’s where it helped me out tonight."

(Read full post)

BOSTON -- Rapid reaction after the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 100-64 Wednesday night at TD Garden:

HOW THE GAME WAS WON
In less than 26 minutes of court time, Celtics captain Paul Pierce filled up his stat line (17 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, steal, block, +28 in plus/minus) helping to turn this one into a laugher with no signs of a Cleveland-like comeback. The Celtics led by 13 after one quarter, 22 at the intermission, and 28 entering the final frame. The best number in Kevin Garnett's stat line: a mere 16:52 of court time (chipping in 7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks during that span). Avery Bradley (11 points on 5-of-6 shooting) and Ray Allen (12 points on 5-of-9 shooting) joined Pierce in the starters' double-digit party. Jerryd Bayless scored a team-high 14 points off the bench for the Raptors.

BASS, PIERCE PROVIDE EARLY SPARK
Brandon Bass might not have been the first big off the bench (Chris Wilcox came in early relief after Jermaine O'Neal got two quick fouls), but he continues to provide the reserve spark, hitting all three shots he attempted in six minutes, chipping in eight first-quarter points as the Celtics opened that 13-point lead (29-16) after one frame. Pierce aided the strong start, chipping in seven points, four assists, and three rebounds while playing the entire frame. Boston shot 60 percent (12 of 20 overall) during the first quarter (and 62.2 percent in the first half).

WHEN KG'S HITTING THREES...
... it's going to be a long night for the opposition. Garnett was a couple steps behind the stripe when he splashed a 25-foot triple to end the first half. It was his first 3-pointer of the year and fifth in the Big Three era. What's easy to forget is that Garnett used to go to that weapon more often, hoisting 596 triples for his career (making 168, including a career-high 37 in 2001-02).

GINO TIME!
Garnett grooved with his favorite American Bandstand dancer as Gino Time rolled with Boston out front 89-58 with 4:43 to play. As play resumed on the court, the JumboTron displayed a shot of Garnett shaking his hips with a wide grin as he watched the video from a few steps in front of the Boston bench.

EXTENDED ACTION FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
With such a lopsided lead -- and no signs of a let-up -- the Celtics were able to give young players like rookie first-round pick JaJuan Johnson extended action. Johnson played nearly the entire fourth quarter, chipping in 11 points while hitting all five shots he attempted. Greg Stiemsma (7 minutes) and E'Twaun Moore (21:32) got quality time as well.

WHAT IT MEANS
That's how you take care of a 22-point lead. Even on the second night of a back-to-back, the Celtics came out with excellent energy and ran Toronto out of the gym early. The starters enjoyed low minutes, while the younger players got extended burn. It's exactly the type of night the Celtics need more of during this condensed season. The Celtics have now won seven of their last nine and jump above. 500 at 11-10. The New York Knicks visit Friday as the Celtics continue a five-game homestand and Boston will be looking for revenge after a Christmas Day loss in New York.

BOSTON -- Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo will miss his eighth straight game due to an injured right wrist, sitting out Wednesday's visit from the same Raptors team he was injured against two weeks ago.

Could Rondo be back for Friday's visit from the New York Knicks?

"I think he’ll be in the building," Celtics coach Doc Rivers quipped. "I don’t know if he’ll play or not; we’ll just wait until Friday. We've got a game tonight, so we’re going to wait for that. I think he’ll be close. He’s getting closer every day."

Rivers said Boston's lineup will remain the same coming off Tuesday's win in Cleveland, meaning Jermaine O'Neal, who had returned after a three-game absence due to a left knee bruise, is back in the starting lineup after providing a boost in the back end of a home-and-home with the Cavaliers.

Rondo and Keyon Dooling (hip pointer) are inactive for Boston.

Regarding Marquis Daniels, who earned an eyebrow-raising DNP (coach's decision) on Tuesday, Rivers said it was simply a desire to give more minutes to Sasha Pavlovic.

"Just went with Sasha," Rivers said. "I’m sure [Daniels will] get his number called again."

Two weeks since their last meeting (and fourth of this shortened season if you count a pair of preseason dances), the Boston Celtics (10-10, 6-6 home) host the Toronto Raptors (7-15, 5-9 away) Wednesday night at TD Garden (7:30 p.m., CSN). To preview the (familiar) matchup, we got 3-on-3 with ESPN Boston's Greg Payne and CelticsHub's Brian Robb:

---

1. Will the Celtics' late-game stumble Tuesday night in Cleveland hurt its cause Wednesday against Toronto?

Payne: No. On the contrary, the Celtics should be encouraged by their ability to fend off a charging opponent, even if it was the Cleveland Cavaliers. They made up for Sunday night's debacle, and were able to generate more momentum last night, which they should carry over when they square off against the Raptors. I see these last two games (Sunday's loss included) as a different kind of progress for Boston. The C's are finally at the point (arguably for the first time this season) where they should really beat up on these inferior teams and they seem to understand that, so I expect them to win comfortably tonight.

Robb: No. If anything, I expect it to be a helpful motivating factor. The Celtics had the right to start feeling good (probably a little too good) about themselves after rolling off four straight quality wins last week while undermanned. After collapsing on Sunday night though, they responded for three quarters again last night before letting down their guard late. I expect another strong effort Wednesday night in response to this. Toronto is coming off a back-to-back as well, so tired legs will be an issue for both squads, leaving the C's with no excuse.

Forsberg: The need to trot out the starters for extended minutes to simply save Tuesday's win certainly doesn't help matters, but I'm not sure it will hurt Boston that much, either. The Celtics have been solid on the second night of back-to-backs in Boston, winning all three of the games played in that situation (what's more, all three came in situations where the first game was on the road). If this was a top-tier opponent, the concern might be greater. But let's face it, it's the Raptors and the Celtics shouldn't need the freshest of legs to race away on Wednesday.

(Read full post)

BOSTON -- Rapid reaction after the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 96-73 Wednesday night at TD Garden:

HOW THE GAME WAS WON
Rajon Rondo (21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists) and Paul Pierce (8 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds) essentially flip-flopped roles and it helped Boston snap a five-game losing streak, the longest of the Big Three era. Kevin Garnett added 15 points (on efficient 5-of-7 shooting), though Ray Allen continues to search for his shot (6 points, 2-of-7 shooting over 27 mintues). Brandon Bass (13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal) and Mickael Pietrus (12 points on 4-of-7 shooting beyond the arc) sparked a bench-heavy effort. Former UMass star Gary Forbes propelled the Raptors with a team-high 18 points off the pine.

RONDO (WRIST) INJURED ON HARD FOUL
The Celtics got a relatively breezy win, but it wasn't without some pain. Rondo, who sparked the offense behind 7-of-8 shooting from the field and 7-of-11 shooting at the charity stripe over the 28 minutes departed late in the third quarter after suffering a right wrist injury while crashing hard to the floor on a flagrant foul by Linas Kleiza. Hop HERE for more on the injury.

NOW THAT'S HOW YOU START...
Plagued by slow starts this season, the Celtics came flying out of the gates. The Celtics connected on 12 of 20 shots overall (60 percent), but most encouraging was how the team made 7 of 8 attempts at the rim (this after missing 15 of a season-high 33 tries there against the Thunder on Monday night). The Raptors connected on 6 of 20 attempts (30 percent) and Boston built a 15-point cushion after one frame.

... BUT NOT HOW YOU FINISH (THE HALF)
A promising first half gave way to a dismal second quarter in which the reserve unit sloshed through nearly four scoreless minutes and the Raptors ultimately whittled the lead to six at halftime (and Boston's first unit was as much to blame with some sloppy play late in the half). The Celtics were 6 of 20 shooting (30 percent) in the frame and Jermaine O'Neal -- he of "don't judge me on my offense" fame -- was the only player with multiple buckets.

GINO TIME!
Boston's favorite smooth-grooving dancer -- who serenades the Garden with his moves in an American Bandstand clip played during lopsided victories -- dropped in for only the second time this season with Boston owning a 93-66 advantage with 2:18 to go. Garnett didn't miss the opportunity to groove away in front of the Celtics bench, taking more pleasure than anyone else in the clip.

WHAT IT MEANS
Beggars can't be choosers. The Raptors join the other Eastern Conference doormats the Celtics have feasted on this season (we're looking at you, Wizards, Pistons, and Nets). Toronto has lost six straight and was playing again without star big man Andrea Bargnani (all while tinkering with their starting lineup looking for a spark). Regardless, the Celtics turned in some inspired ball -- even if there were a few lulls and the Rondo injury tempered the evening a bit. Boston has a chance to build some momentum here with Phoenix visiting on Friday and a trip to Washington looming Sunday (a chance to hand the Wizards a third loss this season). Plus the younger players got extended time in a lopsided win. All in all, it's an encouraging victory that gives Boston something positive to build off after two rough weeks.

BOSTON -- A quiet pregame before Wednesday's battle of teams on five-game losing streaks as the Celtics and Raptors joust at TD Garden. Boston coach Doc Rivers said his troops are well aware of their early season struggles.

"They are frustrated, like you would be," he said. "Other than that, they know they should be better. I always tell them, you are what your record is at the time. And that’s what we are. We are making a lot of self-inflicted mistakes... We’re almost in our own way right now. Eventually, we’ll get out of our way."

And he sees them pressing on the floor.

"I think that’s natural, I think every team does that -- I don’t think we’re any different," he said. "You look at it, I know there were six times we had a chance in the game [against Oklahoma City] the other night to either tie the game or take the lead, and we turned the ball over all six. We never actually got a shot off. And five of them were clearly guys just trying to make something happen when there didn’t need to be.

"You like the spirit, you just don’t like the application."

Here's a few quick hits before tip-off:

* Jermaine O'Neal is back in the starting lineup. Rivers reiterated his desire for O'Neal to focus on his role, but wouldn't mind some offense when opportunities arise. "I just need him to do what he does every night," said Rivers. "There’s nights where, when he’s under the basket, you want him to score. But, hell, it’s a team epidemic the other night. I don’t know how many layups we missed the game the other night, but it was a big number."

* The Celtics are again without reserves Keyon Dooling (right knee) and Chris Wilcox (left calf). Dooling went through a workout during the team's morning shootaround Wednesday and could be eyeing a Friday return; Wilcox isn't so close. "Chris is basically staying in the training room," said Rivers. "Keyon worked out this morning at a pretty good pace, so I would say he’s very close."

After meeting twice in the preseason, the Boston Celtics (4-8, 3-4 home) and Raptors (4-10, 2-6 away) meet for real Wednesday night at TD Garden (7:30 p.m., CSN). We go 3-on-3 with ESPN Boston's Greg Payne and CelticsHub's Brian Robb to preview the matchup:

---

1. Fact or fiction: This is a must-win game for Boston.

Payne: Fiction. Must-win games are reserved for elimination situations in the postseason. However, this is a game that Boston absolutely should win. Having lost to so many upper-echelon teams in recent weeks, facing a club like Toronto probably seems like an unofficial benchmark for this club right now. Lose tonight, and people will really be up in arms.

Robb: Fiction. As ugly as a five-game home losing streak would be, it's foolish to call game 13 in a 66-game season a must-win, no matter what a team's record is. With that said, this contest will be as close as you can get to a must-win around this time of year. Boston's ship is taking on water at the moment, and although a tough slate of recent games is a factor in the recent skid, the Celtics have left themselves with a pretty significant hole to dig themselves out of in the improved Eastern Conference. If this core wants one last chance at a playoff run together, the winning has to start now and Toronto is the kind of team that they have to take care of business against.

Forsberg: Fiction. Honestly, what's another loss at this point? Sure, a sixth straight defeat might drive a panicky fan base a little closer to the ledge, but as Doc Rivers is fond of noting, "What happens if we lose? Should we just stop playing?" This one is important because the Celtics have a real chance to gain some momentum after playing four straight games against playoff teams. The next three opponents (Toronto, Phoenix, and Washington) are a combined 9-31 overall and there's a very real chance to rip off a few wins (which would leave the Celtics on cusp of .500 when the Magic visit Monday for the front end of a home-and-home).

(Read full post)

BOSTON -- Fresh off his finest night as a pro, Luke Harangody was quickly reminded of his rookie status by his Boston Celtics teammates following Friday's 122-102 thrashing of the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden.

Harangody, a postgame guest on the Celtics' radio network, was dishing about a night of firsts -- his first career double-double (17 points, 11 rebounds), his first NBA 3-pointer and hitting his first five shots to pace Boston to a lopsided halftime lead -- when he was dragged back to the locker room.

Unfortunately for Harangody, no one was waiting there with a game ball.

Instead, Harangody joined fellow rookies Avery Bradley and Semih Erden in the latest not-so-enthusiastic rendition of "Happy Birthday," this performance in honor of teammate Marquis Daniels turning 30.

"This is just one game; nothing's changed," Harangody said later while drawing the biggest media crowd of the night (much to the delight of captain Paul Pierce, who gleefully passed his typical postgame media chores to the rookie). "My role is always defense and to go out there and rebound. I'm going to do that first and foremost."

To be sure, Harangody did both of those things Friday night. Caught defensively in a third-quarter pick-and-roll, he produced one of the highlights of a somewhat perfunctory second half by chasing down Toronto's Ed Davis from behind and swatting a layup attempt.

The 6-foot-8 Harangody was also active on the glass, leading his team in rebounding against an opponent that had dominated Boston in three previous regular-season meetings. Harangody mixed four offensive rebounds with seven defensive caroms while hauling in nearly a quarter of the Celtics' 43 boards.

But don't be fooled. It was his offense that ultimately allowed him to thrive, a couple early buckets letting him simply play his game for the first time all season.

"The one thing he is not is shy; I think he was [shy] in all of a half a second and [then] he took a shot," joked Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "The whole bench started laughing because that's who he is. And we want him to stay that way."

Click HERE to read the full story.