Post Ups Notebook

Celtics 75, Raptors 55, End of Third: The Celtics defense is back, and Ray Allen continues to stroke it. Allen has 22 points, while Rondo has 14. But holding the Raptors to just 31% FGs has the Celtics enjoying a 20-point lead after three.

Celtics 54, Raptors 41, Halftime: The C's have held the Raptors to just 36% shooting in the first half, and Ray Allen's 17 is pacing the team. Brian Scalabrine has played some solid defense in his spot-start, but he's already picked up four personals.

Celtics 32, Raptors 20, End of First Quarter: Ray Allen is absolutely on fire, draining his first five shots, all threes. His 15 points and some nice defensive work has the Celtics up 12 after the first 12 minutes. Rondo has five assists.

Friday, January 9 - Celtics at Cavaliers

Live Game Updates

Celtics 83, Cavaliers 98, FINAL: The final score doesn't really tell the tale here. This one could have been an absolute blowout, and was over with four minutes to play. LeBron exploded for 38 points, and the Celtics couldn't buy a break tonight. They've lost seven of their last nine games since starting out 27-2, and they will try to snap their four-game losing streak on Sunday afternoon in Toronto.

Celtics 60, Cavaliers 72, End of Third Quarter: KG has 16 points and 14 rebounds, but LeBron is picking up steam and has 28 points.

Celtics 40, Celtics 49, Halftime: The Celtics have done a decent job of keeping James in check, despite the 9-point deficit. James is just 5/11 from the field, but he's had a few loud dunks. But for a team that prides itself on defense, the Celtics can't be happy about allowing 54% shooting.

The C's must be happy about the ball movement, they've got 16 assists on 18 hoops.

Celtics 23, Cavaliers 33, End of First Quarter: LBJ has 9 points and 4 assists, and all eight Cavs who've been on the floor have scored. The pace doesn't look good for the C's after the first period. Perkins has 9 points to lead the Celtics.

The Cavs shot 72% from the field in the first period, while the Celtics had 10 assists.

Game Preview

The Christmas Day loss to the Los Angeles Lakers was once the biggest game of the season. The Finals rematch marked the end of the good old times as the 19-game winning streak was snapped, but it remains the capper to a fantastic early-season run.

That was then.

Now the Boston Celtics are about to play the biggest game of a new season, one in which they are losers of six of their last eight games and the question -- ubiquitous during preseason -- is creeping through the winter air: Can they do it again?

Game Preview

Thursday, January 8 - Giddens, Walker Recalled

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that they have recalled rookie guard J.R. Giddens and rookie forward Bill Walker from their NBA Development League affiliate Utah Flash.

Press Release

Wednesday, January 7 - Rockets at Celtics

Live from Courtside

89-85 Rockets, FINAL: The Celtics are officially in a funk.

Despite heading into the fourth with a lead, the Celtics struggled to score in the final period. A Von Wafer three with 43.8 seconds gave the Rockets an 87-85 lead, and a Yao Ming "I'm taller than you are" shot from point-blank range put the Rockets up 89-85 with 12.9 seconds to play. The Celtics couldn't find the hoop on the next possession, and that was basically all she wrote.

Rockets 71, Celtics 74, End of Third Quarter: The Celtics came alive around the five-minute mark thanks to defense and the 13 third-quarter points of Paul Pierce. The Celtics are still shooting above 50% from the floor, which is impressive considering they only have 16 points in the paint to the Rockets' 32.

Kendrick Perkins picked up his fourth foul less than two minutes into the half and Glen Davis has done a fine job filling in with 12 points and one of the better pump-up jumbotron videos in recent memory.

- Couper Moorhead

Rockets 52, Celtics 49, HALFTIME: The Rockets turned up the heat on the defensive end, while Aaron Brooks wreaked havoc on the Celtics defense in the first half, scoring 13 points. Chuck Hayes and Brent Barry were also difference-makers, recording +13 rankings for the half.

The Celtics were just 7/19 from the field in the second quarter, while the Rockets shot 66% (12/18) and proved to be much more efficient by getting the ball inside. The Celtics are moving the ball, but the Houston defense is moving just as well.

KG's 14 points leads all scorers.

Rockets 22, Celtics 31, End of First Quarter: If you like jumpers, then this was the quarter for you. Whether it was turnarounds, pullups or catch-and-shoots, the Garden has been a shooters paradise tonight. Both teams have mustered a combined 12 points in the paint, while making 7-of-11 attempts from downtown. The Celtics however, are shooting 66.7% to the Rockets' 44.4%. It's not always the truth, but for now the numbers are telling the story.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are leading the Celtics with 10 and 11 points, respectively, while Yao Ming is maintaining the Rockets' buoyancy with 11 of his own.

The highlight of the game so far has been Von Wafer -- on his fifth team in four years -- rim-checking himself on a dunk attempt the Celtics had conceded the moment Wafer took off. Then came a flurry of 3's when Wafer come back with a trey after Ray Allen's triple, and Paul Pierce responded from beyond the arc.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access: Tony Allen Out Again

Tony Allen is a no-go tonight with a strained right ankle and may not play Friday at Cleveland. It's the "dog days" of the NBA season, Doc Rivers said, and just about everybody is beat up.

"At this point in the year, [Allen's] not really 100% or close to it," Rivers said. "I just don't see the urgency of throwing him out there. I would rather for him to get healthy and maybe by Monday he'll be fresh legs for us, which we'll need."

Compared to the injury woes of the Rockets over the last couple seasons, Rivers said, the Celtics' problems are just bruises by comparison.

Of note in the Rockets' locker room is the presence of Dikembe Mutombo, who just recently signed a contract with Houston after many teams showed interest -- Boston and San Antonio among them. In the end, Mutombo, who's been with Houston since 2004, said he didn't want to buy a house in a new city, nor did he want to wait and see which suitor would make him an offer when the Rockets had already extended their hand.

"Should I be on the waiting list or should I take the other offer that was there on the table?" Mutombo said, referencing other free-agent candidates looking to sign with a contender. "I was like 'OK, I'm not going to be in the middle of this. [I'm going to] walk away the way I want to walk.'"

- Couper Moorhead

Doc Rivers told reporters that Tony Allen would once again sit out tonight's game against the Rockets, after missing last night's game in Charlotte with a right ankle strain.

Tuesday, January 6 - Celtics at Bobcats

Live Game Updates

Celtics 106, Bobcats 114, FINAL: The Celtics are outscored 17-9 in overtime and drop a 114-106 decision in Charlotte for their second straight loss and their 7th of the season.

Celtics 97, Bobcats 97, End of Regulation: Pierce hits a turnaround jumper over D.J. Augustin to tie the game at 97-97 with 3.4 seconds to play.

Celtics 72, Bobcats 72, End of Third: The Celtics finished the third quarter on fire over the last two minutes, with Eddie House capping the rally with a steal and layup to tie the game at 72-72.

Celtics 47, Bobcats 53, Halftime: The Bobcats are out and running and enjoy a six-point lead at halftime. The Bobcats have gotten to the free throw line and they're winning despite the Celtics shooting 49% from the field. But turnovers are killing the Celtics, they've given up the rock seven times to just one Charlotte turnover and the 'Cats have capitalized.

Ray Allen has 13 points at the break, while Wallace has 19 for Charlotte.

Celtics 23, Bobcats 28, End of First: The Bobcats have jumped out early here against the Celtics, who've turned it over four times. Gerald Wallace has 12 points in the period, while Ray Allen has eight for Boston.

Tony Allen Ankle Injury

The word from Charlotte is that Tony Allen did not participate in today's shootaround and may not play tonight against the Bobcats. He is officially considered "day-to-day" with a strained right ankle and will be evaluated by Dr. Brian McKeon tomorrow in Waltham.

Sunday, January 4 - Celtics at Knicks

Celtics 88, Knicks 100, FINAL: The Celtics recent road woes continued as they fall to the Knicks at MSG. The Knicks stymied Boston's attack by keeping Rajon Rondo out of the paint and doubling down on KG. It apparently worked. Paul Pierce's 31 was not enough, and the Celtics lose on a night when both Cleveland and Orlando also dropped their games.

Celtics 68, Knicks 78, End of Third: The Celtics dug themselves a hole and will need a shot in the arm to take a win at MSG tonight.

>Kevin Garnett appeared to hurt his right calf after getting tangled up with a Knicks defender while making a nice behind-the-back pass to Perkins for the jam. We'll keep our eyes on that in the fourth quarter.

Celtics 53, Knicks 50, Halftime: The Celtics stepped up their efforts on defense in the second quarter, and they'll take a 53-50 lead into the half. KG's been doubled and tripled almost all night, but he has four blocks, while Pierce (15 points) and Ray Allen (12 points) are getting it done on the offensive end.

Al Harrington is lighting it up off the bench, scoring 20 of the Knicks' first 36 points. But three fouls took him out of the game late in the half and New York's attack stagnated significantly.

Celtics 24, Knicks 25, End of First: KG picked up 2 quick fouls while the Knicks shot 50% in the first quarter to build an early lead, but the Celtics had it down to a one-point lead after one. Paul Pierce did appear to knock knees with a defender on a jumper late in the quarter but seems to have shaken it off.

Friday, January 2 - Wizards at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Wizards 83, Celtics 108, FINAL: Mercifully, this one is over. Short minutes for the starters is a good thing. And the bench got a chance to get some badly-needed flow on the offensive end. We'll take it.

Wizards 55, Celtics 86, End of Third: Boston continues to build the lead, now up to 31 points, and the quarter was capped by Rondo's behind-the-back assist to a wide open Ray Allen for a three in the quarter. It's another Garden Party in the making.

Wizards 34, Celtics 58, HALFTIME: The C's outscored Washington 30-20 in the second period, and defense is once again getting the job done. Pierce has 17 at the break, while Rondo has nine dimes.

Wizards 14, Celtics 28, End of First: Well, if you were expecting the Celtics to come out like a house of fire in the first quarter, you were right. They shot 63%, held the Wizards to just 32% and Paul Pierce (13 points, 5/5) and Rajon Rondo (seven assists) tore them apart in the opening frame.

Pregame

It's a new year, which means new features for Celtics.com. We've launched a live homepage scoreboard module, complete with a live Twitter feed of updates from the game.

You can get the scores and feed on the Celtics.com homepage, or start following the beta launch of the Celtics feed at the official Celtics Twitter feed.

Tuesday, December 30 - Celtics at Trail Blazers

Postgame Quotes

Referee Mike Callahan to a Pool Reporter on the missed Six Men on the Court call:
"If we would have caught the six men on the court before the made goal, then there would have been no score. We would have called a technical foul on Portland and stopped play. After the technical foul shot (by Boston), Portland would have inbounded the ball as they were in possession before the stoppage."

Celtics Coach Doc Rivers:
"Portland came in and wanted to be physical. I thought that was great for us because all they were doing was fouling in the first half. But in the second half, I thought they were the more physical team, especially on the glass. I said it before the game -- the key to the game was that if we rebounded that we'd win the game and if we didn't, we'd lose the game. I thought they absolutely destroyed us on the boards. Our bench had two rebounds -- the entire bench had two rebounds...it's very difficult to win [like that]."

Celtics Center Kendrick Perkins
"This ain't nothing to hang your head about, we need to just keep working...we beat them on our home court, so I figured the way they came out, they were physically, so obviously, Coach McMillian told them to get physical...they came out and played hard, nothing else to say."

Celtics Point Guard Rajon Rondo
"We just didn't execute down the stretch, we didn't take care of the ball and we lost our focus when we had those leads."

Live from Courtside

Celtics 86, Blazers 91, Final: The Celtics kept themselves in this one thanks to Pierce, but the Blazers made all the big plays and carried most of the momentum through the second half. The difference was in the paint: 34-22 points in the paint advantage for Portland, and a 44-29 rebounding advantage.

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Miami Heat tonight so the Celtics' hold on the top spot in the conference is safe, but they are still heading back to Boston with a 1-3 road trip under their belts.

- Couper Moorhead

Celtics 64, Blazers 64, End of Third Quarter: The Blazers started taking control in the second quarter after Oden's shove of Ray Allen, and in tying this low-scoring affair up heading into the final quarter, it seems like they have it.

Paul Pierce (18 points) and Rajon Rondo (11 points, a three and seven assists) answered some of Portland's best shots, but the Celtics only have 14 points in the paint to the Blazers' 24. The Blazers also hold the rebounding advantage, 34-23.

Those stats might have something to do with Doc Rivers staying true to his words regarding Kevin Garnett's minutes. The Big Ticket has played just 27 minutes and was not in the game to begin the fourth.

- Couper Moorhead

Celtics 45, Blazers 40, End of First Half: It's unclear whether it was intentional or not, but midway through the quarter Oden drew a technical by giving Ray Allen a hefty bump out of bounds. There was some talking between the teams afterward and it marked a distinct momentum shift in the game. The Celtics started committing the same careless turnovers (nine total) that the Blazers were in the first quarter, and Portland capitalized.

Here's one way to show how much the Blazers are missing Brandon Roy: the two guys getting his minutes, Fernandez and Bayless, are a combined 1-of-9 from the field.

The half ended with one of the weirder plays of the season when the Blazers came out of a timeout with six players on the floor. With an extra man, Travis Outlaw got an easy dunk, but because the refs didn't see the infraction before the bucket, the basket was counted and the Blazers were called for a technical.

Steve Blake (13 points) keyed the big run from the Blazers with hot shooting from the top of the arc, but he was getting open shots after the Celtics were forced to collapse on Greg Oden, who, presence wise, is playing one of the better games of his short career.

- Couper Moorhead

Celtics 23, Blazers 13, End of First Quarter: The Blazers have come out with more energy than they did in Boston, but they are also handing the ball over on a silver platter -- they had six turnovers in the first quarter. Jerryd Bayless, getting the backup shooting guard minutes with Rudy Fernandez filling in for Brandon Roy, had his first pass picked off by Rajon Rondo, and later, another pass deflected right off the hands of Travis Outlaw and out of bounds.

It's worth noting that at least 11 of Boston's points have come from the same spot on the far left wing. The Celtics have also been trying to take advantage of the Blazers' transition defense like they did back east, but Portland has gotten back and knocked a few outlet passes away.

Greg Oden had a much better start this time around, hitting both a hook and a short jumper over Perkins and drawing a foul on the Celtics' big. Paul Pierce paces the Celtics with eight points.

- Couper Moorhead

Sunday, December 28 - Celtics at Kings

Live from Courtside

Kings 63, Celtics 108, FINAL: The Celtics' bench outscored the Kings 24-15 over the final 12 minutes to salt away the victory and flirt with a 50-point win. That said, a 45-point win is the Celtics largest margin of victory of the season.

Kings 48, Celtics 84, End of Third: The rout is on and it's already garbage time with a quarter to play. Kevin Garnett posted 21 points and 11 rebounds in just under 23 minutes of action, and given the score, he's likely done for the night. Ray Allen also has 19.

The Kings have yet to score 20 points in a quarter tonight; they scored 14 in the third after dropping just 17 in each of the first two periods.

Kings 34, Celtics 59, HALFTIME: The Celtics are pouring on the defense, trapping in the backcourt and keeping the paint locked down. The result? A 25-point halftime lead. Pierce (12) and Allen (13) are leading the way, while the Kings are shooting just 25%. And finally, the Celtics bench has become a factor, scoring 18 points in the half, led by eight points from Eddie House.

Kings 17, Celtics 23, End of First: Kendrick Perkins is back in the lineup and has made his presence felt in the first period, pulling down five rebounds while KG grabbed six of his own. And the defense was back where it belongs, too. The C's held the Kings to just 25% shooting in the first quarter.

Game Preview

The Boston Celtics got off to the best 29-game start in NBA history, but knew that historic run would be tested with their first significant road trip of the season.

So far, it couldn't be going any worse.

Losers of back-to-back games after winning 19 in a row, the Celtics will try to get back in the win column Sunday night when they visit the struggling Sacramento Kings.

NBA.com Preview

Friday, December 26 - Celtics at Warriors

Live Game Updates

99-89 Warriors, FINAL: This game turned around in the fourth quarter, as the Warriors outscored the Celtics 35-17 over the final 12 minutes to hand the Celtics their fourth loss of the year.

The Warriors' frenetic pace was too much for the Celtics tonight as Stephen Jackson dropped 28 points, and with Ray Allen fouling out and having really his first off-game of the year, the Celtics were missing a little punch in their game.

While Rajon Rondo neared a triple-double, the Celtics' defense didn't have a typical game as the Warriors shot a shade underneath 46%.

So after riding a winning streak for 19 games, the Celtics find themselves in the midst of a two-game losing streak. The last time the Celtics dropped two straight games was March 22-24, when they fell to New Orleans Hornets on the road and then came back to the Garden and lost to Philadelphia two nights later.

The Celtics have not won in Golden State since 2003.

72-64 Celtics, End of Third Quarter: The Celtics are letting the Warriors hang around, as Marco Bellinelli has 18 points and the Warriors crowd is starting to get into the game. Pierce has 20, while Rondo is on the verge of his second career triple-double.

51-39 Celtics, Halftime: Rajon Rondo is once again stuffing the stat sheet with a six-point, six-rebound and six-assist line at the half, while Paul Pierce is the Celtics' leading scorer with 13 points. Powe, in his homecoming to Oakland, was probably trying to do too much on the offensive end, and leads the team with nine attempts. He also has nine points to show for it, but also got a tongue-lashing from Doc Rivers on the sideline.

With Perk sidelined, KG appears to have stepped up his effort on the defensive end and has swatted three shots.

29-19 Celtics, End of First Quarter: With Leon Powe inserted into the starting lineup for Kendrick Perkins (left shoulder strain), the Celtics haven't been featuring their early post-up offense as usual, but he has been active on the boards. Paul Pierce is leading the way with 11 points for an offense that's clicking at a 70% rate.

Stephen Jackson, who dropped 30 points at the Garden on November 26, already has 11 himself, but given all of the injuries the Warriors have, it's not really clear who else could do the scoring anyway.

Perk Out, Leon Starts

Kendrick Perkins was a late scratch today after feeling the effects of a left shoulder injury sustained in yesterday's game in Los Angeles. He is officially considered day-to-day.

Thursday, December 25 - Celtics at Lakers

Celtics Quotes

Rajon Rondo's thoughts about the winning streak that ended:
"Nothing at all really, just try to start another one. We got Golden State tomorrow, give them (Lakers) credit, they played well tonight, and we just have to get ready for Golden State."

Rondo on Andrew Bynum's presence being a factor for the loss:
"For me none, I still try to attack the rim. He was a factor, he played well tonight but I think Gasol played well too. He made plays down the stretch."

Rondo on what ultimately lost the game for the Celtics: "Execution...execution. With two minutes to go we didn't execute down the stretch, we came out of the timeout and did not know what play to run and that just blew the game right there."

Celtics' Kendrick Perkins on the Lakers performance:
"They all made big shots at different times at the game. Kobe was Kobe tonight he made plays, Gasol made good plays down the stretch and big buckets. Lamar Odom at the end of the third knocked down two 3-pointers for them that kind of pushed it up and slowed our tempo down a little bit. Tonight they just out hustled us and worked harder I think. They were just hungrier than us. But we didn't shoot the ball extremely well, but that's not an excuse, our defense was breaking down and guys were missing coverages."

Perkins on getting their winning streak broken:
"You don't really care about the winning streak, you care about the win."

Celtics' Paul Pierce on his thought on the loss:
"You always want to get a win when you play a basketball game whether it's at home or on the road, but you know we lost to a team that played better than us tonight. Give them all the credit. We just have to play better down the stretch. I thought we were in the game most of them time but some points in the game we didn't execute and that was the difference in the ball game."

Pierce on his team's performance: "We just didn't execute like we wanted to. I thought we had some turnovers that we shouldn't have. Were usually a better team especially down the stretch even thought we turned the ball over a lot. Were usually a team that executes well when it comes to ball games but we didn't do it tonight."

Postgame Coverage

Celtics Coach Doc Rivers on the Lakers' performance:
"They played great, give them credit. The game was physical. It really was well played. It was very sloppy but they were less sloppy at the end. They made their shots."

Rivers on tonight's showdown:
"It was great; two teams who have the best record in the NBA, both teams are doing well, the two teams that made it to the Finals last year. We wanted to win but this game doesn't change our minds on what we feel we can do. It was a fun game to be a part of. Good lesson for us. We have to give the Lakers their due, they won the game. We'll see them again."

Rivers on his team's performance:
"For a team that has been phenomenal down a stretch of games, I didn't think we were very good tonight. I think that we took early shots on the clock. There was two minutes and twenty seconds left and we're jacking threes up with contested shots. The one thing we haven't been is that. We've been as composed as any team that I've seen in a long time and I thought quite honestly that we lost it a little bit at the end.

Sometimes you want to win the game so bad, each guy starts taking what we call the hero shots. I thought that we had a boatload of hero shots down the stretch of the game."

Rivers on the bench's performance:
"The bench was phenomenal. Between the end of the third they came down four and left up one with that crazy shot that Rondo drove and the hook that was about fifteen seconds too late. That was a big call in the game and that was our bench guys, minus Rondo. I thought the bench was absolutely fantastic."

Doc Rivers on the impact of tonight on tomorrow's game:
"We lost tonight and we have to start a new streak but other than that. Like I said before the game was a big game. We play tomorrow and we're going to get in a tough atmosphere I'm not worried about the physical fatigue, I'm worried about the mental fatigue tomorrow."

Live Game Updates

Celtics 83, Lakers 92, FINAL: Tied at 81-81, the Celtics offense stagnated after Rajon Rondo (12 assists) collided with Pau Gasol and was shaken up. The Lakers then went on an 11-2 run to close the game, with Gasol's and-one layup and block of a deep Ray Allen three among the highlights for the Lakers.

The Lakers certainly hyped this game up, and released streamers after earning the win. We're awaiting postgame reaction from the Celtics on this one.

The 19-game winning streak is officially over.

Celtics 67, Lakers 71, End of Third Quarter: The Celtics managed to grab a brief lead in the third quarter after trailing by as many as 10 points, and despite the complete lack of bench production. But the Lakers' outside shooting and some defensive breakdowns on the part of the Celtics finds them trailing heading into the final stanza.

Celtics 45, Lakers 51, HALFTIME: Kobe Bryant has 16 at the half, while Garnett is 6/6 for 12 points, including a pair of alley-oop dunks. Rondo (7 assists) picked up another cheap foul and will have to be careful not to foul out in this one.

Celtics 24, Lakers 23, End of First Quarter: The Celtics shot 61% in the first quarter and were looking to push the pace early, but with Rajon Rondo picking up two quick personals in the first three minutes, Eddie House came in off the bench early and the C's offense slowed down. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant is shooting first and will presumably ask questions later; he's already taken eight shots and has 10 points in the period.

A stat to keep an eye on: The Celtics had six turnovers in the period.

Game Preview

Just in case the build-up to Christmas Day isn't big enough as it is, the Celtics and Lakers will stage a 2008 NBA Finals rematch -- and potentially a 2009 NBA Finals preview -- today at the Staples Center (5 p.m. EST).

Riding a new franchise record of 19 consecutive wins and holding the best record in the league at 27-2, the Celtics visit a Lakers team that's been positively fixated on this matchup since the start of the season.

Celtics.com Game Preview

Tuesday, December 23 - Sixers at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Recap | Box Score | The Streak

Celtics, FINAL: History was made here tonight at the TD Banknorth Garden as the Celtics won their 19th straight game, setting a new franchise record. KG and Rondo each finished with 18 points, and Gino came out with 2:32 left to play, several minutes after the "BEAT L.A.!" chants started.

For more on the historic streak, check out our game-by-game breakdown...

78-66 Celtics, End of Third Quarter: With a lead of as much as 18 points, the Celtics looked ready to pull away, but the Sixers rallied late in the third and it's a 12-point game heading into the final stanza. Garnett and Rondo have 18, and the C's are crashing the offensive glass. But this one should be interesting; it appears that if the Celtics are going to make history tonight, they'll have to earn it.

58-44 Celtics, Halftime: Rajon Rondo comes alive and the Celtics extend to a 14-point lead. Rondo had 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the quarter. Meanwhile, the Sixers continue to lean on Iguodala and Andre Miller for their firepower.

29-25 Celtics, End of First Quarter: Andre Iguodala was lighting the C's up early but he picked up his second foul midway through the period and it slowed down the Sixers' attack. Meanwhile, Ray Allen and KG each have 8 points, the pace has slowed, and the Celts will start the second quarter with Allen and the bench.

Pregame Media Access

The winter storm may have officially passed, but it's still affecting basketball logistics in Boston. The Sixers' second team bus from their hotel still hadn't arrived when Doc Rivers was doing his pregame media address around 6:45, so only the Sixers personnel who'd taken the early bus were already at the arena.

One man who is at the arena but won't play tonight is Glen Davis, who is still feeling the effects of a concussion suffered in an automobile on Sunday during his commute to the Garden.

"He's still having headaches," said Celtics Coach Doc Rivers, who then joked, "That could be [because of] me."

With Baby on the shelf, Brian Scalabrine can expect to see more action tonight. And for those of you looking for the update on his one-on-one series with the-yet-to-be-activated Sam Cassell, Scal was reporting a 58-58 tie as of pregame tonight.

Scal says that the games help him get his feet warmed up, and playing against the smaller Cassell especially prepares him for his role as a defender, where he has to be versatile.

Oh yeah, and there's that whole 18-game winning streak. For the first time, Doc Rivers was talking about the potential of making team history, and was trying to recall some of the streaks he went on as a player with the Knicks and Spurs. But as he's said all year, making history for best starts and streaks isn't what the team set out to do. He reiterated the team's three goals, which are to win the World Championship, earn home court for the playoffs, and be a better team than last season.

In the immediate future, Rivers admitted that it's tough to keep the team focused on a game like tonight's when they had to pack up to be ready to depart for Los Angeles right after they finish here tonight.

"Well, it's tough, let's just be honest. The [Lakers] game has been built up before the season even started," Rivers said. "It's a Christmas Day game which is fun in some ways and not fun in other ways. But the travel part of it is tough. Guys have all their luggage here, and this is the only way we could do it."

Monday, December 22 - No Practice

The Celtics did not practice in Waltham today, but Glen Davis was evaluated by Dr. Brian McKeon today and was diagnosed with a concussion and a cervical strain resulting from his automobile accident. He is officially listed as day-to-day, but he is out for tomorrow's game against Philly.

Sunday, December 21 - Knicks at Celtics

Davis Released from the Hospital

According to P.R. chief Jeff Twiss, Glen Davis has been released from the hospital and will be re-evaluated by team physician Brian McKeon tomorrow. The Celtics will not practice tomorrow, and will regroup on Tuesday morning for a shootaround before facing the Philadelphia 76ers.

Live from Courtside

124-105, Celtics: Rondo's 26 points does the job and the Celtics have won 18 straight.

In other news, this piece from last year about Rondo is probably worth revisiting: Surrounded by All-Stars, Rajon Rondo Is the Quiet, Confident Quarterback of the NBA's Best Team

Knicks 87, Celtics 98, End of Third: Rajon Rondo goes 9/9 in the third quarter (18 points in the quarter, 24 points overall) but the Knicks' threes have them hanging around. C's lead 98-87 after three, but have a huge edge in the paint, 54-20.

Knicks 58, Celtics 66, Halftime: Well, it looked like the Knicks would fold up the tent and get blown out, but they've continued to launch threes and shoot their way back into this game, while the C's offense predictably cooled, at least a little. Nate Robinson and Quentin Richardson are doing the damage for New York, dropping 37 between the two of them. Robinson scored all of his 17 points in the second quarter.

Knicks 21, Celtics 40, End of First: The Celtics offense connected on 18 of their 23 attempts from the field for a 40-point quarter, while the Knicks are content to run down the floor and hoist a three. While the Celtics are bound to cool off, the Knicks are likely to continue the run-and-gun attack.

Glen Davis in Minor Car Accident

Glen Davis is not at the TD Banknorth Garden this evening. He's at a local hospital after getting into a minor car accident on his way to the arena. Davis sustained a concussion and whiplash but the injuries are not considered serious. He's obviously out tonight, but will be considered day-to-day.

Friday, December 19 - Bulls at Celtics

Live from Courtside

108-126 Celtics, FINAL: ...And the streak hits 17 games with no signs of slowing down, as the Celtics scored a season-high 126 points. While it wasn't quite a cake walk in the first half, the Bulls were a bit shorthanded and didn't have much beyond Luol Deng and a hobbled Derrick Rose in the third quarter.

Tony Allen's steal and windmill jam made it 110-89 with 8:43 to play pretty much ended this one, and only Ray Allen (27 to lead all scorers and 5/9 from three-point land) ended up playing more than 30 minutes tonight. So the C's should be nice and rested (barring any shoveling injuries) for the Knicks on Sunday night.

Bulls 82, Celtics 98The Bulls can't keep Rondo out of the paint, and Perk (a career-high 25 points) is loving it. The C's have a 50-20 points in the paint advantage and aren't working hard for many of their baskets. Hence, their 63% shooting through three periods.

Bulls 55, Celtics 57, HALFTIME: Rajon Rondo is up to his old tricks (10 assists), creating easy hoops by attacking the basket and riding the baseline with wide eyes. Kendrick Perkins has been dunking all over Chicago, and his 17 points lead all scorers. But the Bulls are right there thanks to their 5/10 three point shooting.

Rondo's not the only one passing; the Celtics have 25 field goals on 21 assists as a team.

Bulls 21, Celtics 31, End of First: Ray Allen led the way with 10 points, but Rajon Rondo is the catalyst again tonight, flying around and making things happen on the offensive end while the C's defense is swarming and held the Bulls to just 36% shooting...

Tough news for the Bulls, both Drew Gooden and Derrick Rose went down with injuries in the opening stanza; Rose hurt his right knee and may return, Gooden is out with an ankle sprain. And Kirk Hinrich is already on the shelf with a broken thumb, while Tyrus Thomas did not travel due to a concussion.

Pregame Media Access

With the threat of a snowstorm, many Celtics players spent the afternoon at a downtown Boston hotel rather than attempting to battle traffic from the suburbs.

Thursday, December 18 - No Practice

Friday's Game Will Be Played

The Celtics did not practice Thursday, but are scheduled to have a shootaround Friday morning in Waltham.

The Chicago Bulls arrived in Boston around 5 p.m. on Thursday night, and Friday's game at the TD Banknorth Garden will be played regardless of weather conditions.

Wednesday, December 17 - Celtics at Hawks

Pierce Expected To Play vs. Hawks

Word comes from the shootaround in Atlanta that Paul Pierce participated and is expected to play in tonight's game with the Hawks.

Monday, December 15 - Jazz at Celtics

Live from Courtside

100-91 Celtics, FINAL: The streak lives on, as the Celtics win their 15th straight game and improve to 23-2.

Rajon Rondo (25 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists) was attacking the hoop all night, and while he was turning it over in the first half, he cleaned up his game in the second and finished with a near triple-double. Rondo's backwards, over-the-shoulder layup made it 97-89 with 47 seconds left basically sealed the deal.

Millsap was sensational for Utah, scoring 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds before fouling out in the final minute of play.

Jazz 65, Celtics 69, End of Third Quarter: The Celtics came out of the break looking like they wanted to push the ball and the result was a 7-0 run. The aggressiveness held steady, but so did the stream of turnovers. Rondo has six giveaways, but he's also on triple-double watch with 11 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

The Jazz have quietly held their ground despite the beating they are taking on the boards, 40-22. Utah can thank its 26 points off 21 Celtics turnovers for the four-point spread at the end of the quarter, but oddly enough they have just two fast-break points.

Millsap is the high scorer with 23, but the Celtics have all five starters in double digits.

- Couper Moorhead

Jazz 43, Celtics 43, Halftime: It's been a sloppy game as both teams are turning it over. Rondo's been aggressive, but he's not taking care of the ball; witness his five turnovers contributing to Boston's 14. The Jazz have 11 of their own.

A Paul Millsap dunk at 3:37 mark tied it up at 37-37, and a goaltending violation against Kendrick Perkins put the Jazz up 39-37 marking a 23-9 Utah run. Millsap got 16 of his 18 points in the second period.

Perkins has been the star for the Celtics; he's got 12 points and 10 rebounds in the half.

- Peter Stringer

Jazz 16, Celtics 28, End of First Quarter: A refreshing 6:47 passed without a timeout to start the game, allowing both teams to settle into a rhythm. The extended run may have helped Deron Williams, who has three dimes and two layups after weaving through the defense. The Jazz scored five points after Brevin Knight replaced Williams late in the quarter.

Perkins and Garnett are making the most of Carlos Boozer's absence with a combined 16 points and 11 boards. The Celtics have 18 points in the paint and are dominating the Jazz on the glass, 13-6.

Garnett spent some time giving directions to Rondo off to the side between quarters, but Rondo's been doing well against the larger opponent in Williams with seven points and three assists.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

Even the Celtics can't escape the far-reaching grasp of Boston traffic. Due to an accident on I-93 North, Leon Powe and Kendrick Perkins both arrived late for the game and, as of 6:40 p.m., Rajon Rondo had yet to enter the locker room. Brian Scalabrine, who was also late, said, "Hey, that's life..."

Something else that's just been taken as a fact of life lately is the dismissal of NBA coaches. Reggie Theus was let go by the Sacramento Kings earlier today, becoming the sixth coaching casualty of the season. Doc Rivers fielded the usual questions about the trend, and gave the usual answers.

"I hope you guys can keep asking me about it," said a gainfully-employed Rivers. "I guess that's the silver lining."

If there is any coach in the league who's going nowhere, it's probably 20-year Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Asked if he's frustrated with the injuries to Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, who's a no-go tonight -- Sloan showed no hesitation in saying, "No, that's part of basketball. You have to know that."

Eddie House will not be in the building tonight for personal reasons and Rivers said Gabe Pruitt will play in his place.

"I think he's earned it," Rivers said of Pruitt. "I think he's ready for it."

- Couper Moorhead

House To Miss Tonight's Game

Backup guard Eddie House will miss tonight's game due to personal reasons. He is expected to rejoin the team either Tuesday or Wednesday in Atlanta.

Game Preview

For all the good things that happened during the 2007-08 season, there remains one dreary day that the Boston Celtics remember: March 14.

That day the Celtics were, in Doc Rivers' words, "destroyed" while suffering their worst home loss of the season to the Utah Jazz, 110-92. The defeat snapped an 11-game Garden win streak in the process.

At 7:30 p.m. tonight, the Celtics (22-2) will put a 14-game streak on the line and memories will be ripe of what, at the time, Paul Pierce likened to a schoolyard bullying.

Game Preview | Buy Tickets

Sunday, December 14 - Practice

C's Haven't Forgotten Tune Jazz Played on Them Last Year

The Celtics had Saturday off but regrouped in Waltham on Sunday afternoon to prepare for Monday night's game against the Utah Jazz, a team that blew out the Celtics at the Garden last season, something that's not lost on Doc Rivers.

"They didn't win the game, they destroyed us," Rivers said of the 110-92 defeat at the Garden last March. "Deron Williams had 18 free throws in that game, and whether he made the free throws or not, he totally dominated us in that game. They're one of those teams where if you don't play well, they're very difficult to beat."

With that in mind, the Celtics may have won 14 straight games, but that doesn't mean they're playing perfect basketball. Rivers felt the team's play has fluctuated between incredible and poor during the streak, and he thinks the team is probably "between those two" right now.

"I don't know if [in] the New Orleans game if we played bad, or if we were tired, or it was [the Hornets]. The good thing is that we're still winning games under those circumstances," Rivers said. "I asked them what our record was; half of them knew, half of them didn't, and I said, 'It doesn't matter what our record is. It's about us getting better.' The record has nothing to do with us. That's the mindset we've got to have through Game 82."

Is that a hard sell for a team that's 22-2?

"No...this is a very receptive group to coaching," Rivers said.

Check the audio archive for more from Doc Rivers, Rajon Rondo and a lengthy discussion with Paul Pierce about his foundation's new emphasis on combating childhood obesity and how his own weight loss over the summer played a roll in his charitable efforts.

Friday, December 12 - Hornets at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Game Info: Recap | Box Score

94-82 Celtics, FINAL: Make it 14 in a row...

Speaking of 14, up 14 with 3:44 to play, the Celtics seemed to ease up, and Chris Paul needed just over a minute to cut the lead in half; an assist to West (dunk) and an and-one layup had the lead down to 89-82 with 2:37 to go.

But a give-and-go alley-oop with 1:43 to play made it 93-82, and Paul's offensive foul against Perkins effectively ended any threat.

Paul Pierce's 28 points led the Celtics, David West had 23 and 14 for New Orleans. They'll go for 15 on Monday against Utah.

Hornets 64, Celtics 69, End of Third: The Celtics used an 8-0 run spanning the middle of the quarter to pull away, and only thanks to the best efforts of Paul (12 assists) and David West (19 points) did the Hornets keep themselves very much alive.

After shooting poorly in the first quarter, the Celtics are now at 46.4% for the game. Some of this has to do with the Hornets defense slowing down after a hectic first half, but the Celtics are doing most of their damage in the paint (36 points) and haven't committed a turnover in the half.

The main thing Boston is doing to hold itself back from a double-digit lead is a 13-of-20 mark from the free-throw line.

- Couper Moorhead

Hornets 40, Celtics 39, HALFTIME: If the Celtics are going to keep the streak alive, they'll have to earn it tonight. The Hornets defense is swarming...yeah, I know, it's a cliche but it's appropriate here. They're buzzing around and disrupting the Celtics offense. Hence the 11 turnovers. They've also recorded seven offensive rebounds.

With both teams hovering around 40% shooting, there hasn't been a ton of offense. David West leads all scorers with 11 points; Pierce and KG have 10 apiece.

Did we mention how loud the building is tonight? Maybe Game Ops cranked up the volume, or maybe we just haven't been inside the Garden in a week, but man it's pretty deafening in here tonight. A Paul Pierce three and a Kendrick Perkins block on back-to-back possessions got the crowd really going, and a playoff-style "DE-FENSE" chant even started. And why not? The Celtics got stingy in the second period, as the Hornets hit just three of their first 12 field goals in the quarter until David West dunked on KG. Garnett responded with a nice up-and-under move right out of the Kevin McHale playbook.

- Peter Stringer

Hornets 21, Celtics 21, End of First Quarter: Chris Paul is getting the best of Rajon Rondo so far. Paul has five dimes and forced Rondo into two turnovers, one of which, an intercepted pass, preceded Doc Rivers taking Rondo out of the game at the 4:18 mark -- maybe the earliest he has come out of a home game all season.

Speaking of turnovers, the Celtics have given up 13 points off their seven giveaways. A late 7-0 run helped tie things up once the reserves came in, but the Hornets have been getting the easy buckets that Boston normally doesn't allow at home.

The Celtics are helping themselves with 14 rebounds, but they have also missed many of their inside attempts, the main reason they are shooting 36.8% from the field.

James Posey's first bucket was a leaning three-attempt that soared into the basket as the shotclock wound down. Shockingly, there were a few scattered boos coming out of the crowd, but they quieted fairly quickly.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

The media masses are in the building for tonight's nationally televised game and most of the Hornets were talking pregame, about, no surprisingly, former Celtic James Posey. Peja Stojakovic brought up all the little things that Posey does which don't show up on the stat sheet, while Tyson Chandler said that a championship-player like Posey was the missing piece for a Hornets team loaded with talent.

Recently acquired from the Washington Wizards, Antonio Daniels will be in uniform for his first game with the Hornets. Daniels, who said he will fit right into the pick-and-roll system of New Orleans, hasn't had any trouble fitting in with a contending team.

"We were 3-15 [in Washington]," Daniels said. "It's like, nah, nah, that was cool."

Two minor observations of the Hornets locker room: While most teams have a large fruit spread for the players, the Hornets were the first team I can remember seeing with a small bin full of candy bars -- mostly of the chocked-full-of-peanuts variety. Secondly, if you were wondering what opposing teams focus on when they come to the Garden, written in large letters on the white board was "GANG REBOUND!!!".

As for the Celtics, they apparently had a rough time flying in last night. Thankfully they got to see Posey before the game, and, according to Doc Rivers, received some of those world famous James Posey hugs. Doc also used the upcoming match up with Chris Paul to show how far Rajon Rondo has come as a point guard.

"This year they're calling it a matchup," Rivers said. "Last year they weren't saying anything."

- Couper Moorhead

James Posey on Receiving a Championship Ring from the Celtics

James Posey makes his return to the TD Banknorth Garden today, and during the Hornets shootaround this morning he told the media he was looking forward to getting his second championship ring. Posey won his first ring as a member of the Miami Heat.

"It's going to be emotional. Just coming here as far as what we were able to accomplish with this organization. It's known for winning and bringing titles and championships here. For us to be a part of that tradition, that history, it's going to mean a lot."

Thursday, December 11 - Celtics at Wizards

Celtics Set New Franchise Mark

Celtics 122, Wizards 88, FINAL: Ray Allen had 13 of his 22 points in the first quarter to put the C's up big in the first 12 minutes, and they never looked back, notching a 122-88 win to put them atop the NBA with a 21-2 record, the fastest start in team history.

Game Info: Recap | Box Score

Big Three Among Leaders in All-Star Balloting

The first returns came back from All-Star balloting, and Kevin Garnett (495,514) is second among Eastern Conference forwards in the voting, trailing Cleveland's LeBron James (643,786). NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce (153,512) ranks fifth among Eastern Conference forwards, while sharpshooter Ray Allen (174,155) is fourth among the East guards.

Center Kendrick Perkins faces a considerable uphill battle. His 24,777 votes place him ninth among Eastern Conference centers; Dwight Howard is the league's leading overall vote-getter at 775,933.

Rajon Rondo did not appear in the league-leaders for votes announced this afternoon on NBA.com.

Tuesday, December 9 - Practice

Check CelticVision HD for comments from Tony Allen, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce about the Celtics red-hot 20-2 start and the prospect of setting a new franchise record for the team's best start to a season in history.

Monday, December 8 - No Practice

After winning their 12th straight game, the Celtics will take Monday off and are expected to return to the practice floor on Tuesday in Waltham.

Sunday, December 7 - Celtics at Pacers

In-Game Coverage

Celtics 55, Pacers 57, Halftime: Ray Allen leads the Celtics with 14 points, but Marquis Daniels leads all scorers with 20 points, including a buzzer-beating half-court heave to put Indiana up at the end of the half.

T.A. Active and Available

Tony Allen, who missed the Celtics' last two games with a mild right ankle sprain, will be dressed and available for duty tonight against the Pacers.

Saturday, December 6 - Practice

The Celtics didn't practice on Saturday, but they had an afternoon flight to Indiana ahead of tomorrow night's 6 p.m. tilt with the Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse, where they'll try to extend their current winning streak to 12 games and their NBA-best 19-2 record to 20-2. The Celtics suffered their only road loss of the year in Indiana at the beginning of November.

Meanwhile, you can check out the Celtics.com Media Download, where we talked to Marc Spears about Rajon Rondo's coming-out party, the Celtics bench, and what's going on around the Atlantic Division in New York, Toronto and Philly.

Friday, December 5 - Trail Blazers at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Blazers 78, Celtics 93, FINAL: The Blazers put together a run and forced the Celtics to bring their starters back into the game in the fourth, but couldn't get the margin below 11 points. That's 11 straight for the C's, and it's their first 11-game streak since 1986.

Blazers 51, Celtics 74, End of Third Quarter: Put it this way, it took the Blazers five minutes to score their first field goal of the quarter. That's this game in a nutshell. Seems that in all the talk of the Blazers possibly making a statement tonight, people forgot the Celtics could do exactly the same thing. And they are.

The Celtics have 36 points in the paint, 22 fast break points and a Rajon Rondo three at the buzzer, while the Blazers are shooting 37% from the field, and their transition defense is getting beat over and over again. School is in session.

- Couper Moorhead

Blazers 36, Celtics 49, End of Second Quarter: The bench did Leon Powe proud and held the lead, then the veterans simply out-hustled the young bucks and took control of the game. While the Blazers had been making the Celtics work in the half-court, there were at least four occasions when Rondo or Allen beat the entire Portland team back on defense for layups. As a result, the Celtics hold a 28-18 scoring advantage in the paint, and have 13 fast-break points. The closed the half on a 14-0 run over the last four minutes of the half.

The Celtics put the kind of clamps down on defense that can take a young team out of the game, and after making more than half of their shots in the first quarter, the Blazers are now at 40.5% from the field. The Blazers have too many weapons to count them out, but unless Nate McMillan can light a fire under them at halftime, it looks like it's the Celtics game to lose.

Blazers 21, Celtics 24, End of First Quarter: The Blazers are playing the Celtics dead even right now, as most relevant stat categories are close. Portland's defense looked strong until Ray Allen (10 points) was mysteriously left wide open for a three, and a layup on which Allen beat everybody back keyed a quarter-ending 5-0 run.

LaMarcus Aldridge is pacing Portland with six points, and his matchup with KG is one to keep an eye on. Rajon Rondo has been running through the center of the Blazers' defense and finding open players, which is always a good sign. Both teams are shooting above 50%. Portland is known as a deep team so it will be important for the Boston bench to do its job in the second period.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

All is calm on the Celtics front, as a relaxed Ray Allen mused about concerts -- he has to pass up on the occasional Jay-Z gig because he can't bring his kids to them, and prefers the concerts of bands he grew up with -- while Doc kept things short. Tony Allen, who's out tonight, would have to be doing very well to play on Sunday, Rivers said.

The Celtics coach went on to say that he thinks Greg Oden will become a dominant player. For those who still wonder what life with Oden would be like despite that shiny new trophy, it's worth noting that Rivers has hardly given it a few seconds of thought.

The visitors' locker room felt noticeably different than when the veteran teams like the Pistons or Magic are in town. The vibes best compare to what the Atlanta Hawks were like after taking a couple playoff games down in Atlanta and returned to Boston with the series unexpectedly tied.

There's a large locker to the far left that a team's star -- LeBron James, for example -- usually occupies. Instead, Brandon Roy, Portland's only All-Star, had his gear in the same spot that Ben Wallace did for Cleveland last year back in the right corner. Nearby, Travis Outlaw entertained Martell Webster and Rudy Fernandez with some of his best dance moves. The Blazers may be young, but they don't seem phased by the champs.

- Couper Moorhead

Thursday, December 4 - Practice

No Practice for T.A. Today

Not much to report from a short practice in Waltham. Tony Allen (right ankle) did not participate in today's session, which leads us to believe he may not be active again Friday against the visiting Portland Trailblazers.

In the meantime, Brian Scalabrine, who's been staying sharp by playing one-on-one against Sam Cassell after practice and before games, and Gabe Pruitt (who appears to be joining the Scal-Cassell fray) are the logical candidates for extra minutes. Coach Doc Rivers dismissed the idea of calling up J.R. Giddens or Bill Walker from the D-League for some short-term relief (by D-League rule, players can be called up at any time, but can only be sent down three times per season), which would indicate that their assignments are being viewed in the long term.

Speaking of the long term, no one knows it better than Greg Oden after he missed his entire rookie year due to knee surgery and is now finally getting a chance to show what he can do on the NBA circuit. Oden did make the trip to Boston last year, and he's larger than life in person up close when he's giving interviews, so we'd expect he'll have a rather large presence on the court as well.

Doc Rivers, like everyone else, is expecting big things from the big man who was once the apple of many eyes, the Celtics' included, in the 2007 NBA Draft.

"They're bringing him along, and he's going to be a dominant defensive player in our league," Rivers said of Oden. "I think right now defensively he's still learning the timing of the game, the speed of the game and the craftiness of veterans. But he'll get all of that."

Friday night's matchup also pits teams with two of the league's longest winning streaks against each other, so something's gotta give. The Celtics have won 10 straight games while the Trail Blazers and Cleveland Cavaliers have each won six consecutive games as of Thursday morning.

- Peter Stringer

Check the Audio Archive for interviews with Doc Rivers, Kendrick Perkins, Sam Cassell and Rajon Rondo.

Wednesday, December 3 - Pacers at Celtics

Live from Courtside

114-96 Celtics, FINAL: Make it 10 straight for the C-Train. Rondo finished off his first career triple-double in impressive fashion, racking up 17 assists, 13 rebounds to go with his three steals. In the process, he managed to overshadow Ray Allen's season-high 31 points. Allen's been filling it up, averaging 22.6 PPG over his last six games, and he's hit 23 of his last 41 threes over that time, for a blistering 56% from behind the arc.

Pacers 73, Celtics 88, End of Third Quarter: The third-quarter run trend is officially on, and for that matter, so is the rout. The Celtics have locked down on defense and the Pacers have gone cold, resulting in a 31-22 scoring advantage for Boston in the period.

Expect plenty of Rondo stories to invade the Web tomorrow, as he completed his first career triple-double less than two minutes into the quarter. Following a Celtics miss, Rondo (13 points, 12 assists, 10 boards so far) rebounded the ball and dished to KG for the bucket and the foul, all in one fluid motion. Just around 100 more to go to tie Jason Kidd's career mark.

Rondo did have 11 boards and 12 assists to go with five points against San Antonio last season.

It seems that as Danny Granger goes, so go the Pacers. He didn't score a point in the third.

- Couper Moorhead

Pacers 51, Celtics 57, HALFTIME: Rajon Rondo's been the story for the last two weeks and he's basically maturing in front of our eyes. After 6 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists in the first quarter, Rondo has a near-triple-double at the half, posting 10 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists in just 21 minutes, and he's yet to turn over the basketball.

Yet despite Rondo's impressive line, the Pacers are right there with the Celtics, and this should be a good one down the stretch. The C's have had some big third quarters of late, so keep your eyes on how the boys come out to start the half.

Pacers 27, Celtics 28, End of First Quarter: Doc Rivers can't be pleased with the 14 points in the paint his team has given up, but with 16 of their own under the bucket, the Celtics are giving just as much as they get.

Seven second-chance points and Ray Allen's healthy start (13 points) kept the Celtics close in the early going despite efficient shooting from the Pacers. But a 7-0 run late in the quarter, and the evening out of the percentages, returned command to the home team. Danny Granger started out hot (nine points) as he was left open on a couple defensive rotations, but the moment he left the game, the Pacers offense stagnated.

- Couper Moorhead

T.A. Out Tonight

Tony Allen is a confirmed no-go for tonight, and it didn't even come down to a doctor's decision. TA tested his sprained right ankle with leg lifts and step ups before the game, and said he ruled himself out. The results of a precautionary MRI should be out by tomorrow, and Doc Rivers said team doctor Ed Lacerte hopes Allen will be back by Sunday's rematch with the Pacers. But that doesn't rule him out for Friday, Rivers said.

Jim O'Brien was reluctant to read too much into Indiana's wins over the Celtics and Lakers, saying they caught Boston just after the emotional high of the banner raising, and the Lakers on their first trip East. Still, there have been plenty of teams that haven't been able to take advantage of either team on the road, so give the Pacers credit.

While O'Brien is a former Celtics coach, there's one guy on his roster that Rivers wishes was a current Celtics player. Potential All-Star Danny Granger was yanked out of Danny Ainge's grasp in the 2005 NBA Draft, selected by Indiana just ahead of Boston, which took Gerald Green with the 18th pick.

"Danny was a guy we wanted," Rivers said. "We thought he'd be just perfect for our team. When it got to that pick, we saw it was Granger or Gerald Green, we were about to get one or the other. Obviously Granger so far has turned out to be better, but Gerald's a lot younger and there's still time for him. But it would have been nice."

And, answering a burning question for some intrepid media members, Rivers said that Granger reminds him of a cross between the Orlando Magic's Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.

It was reported about forty-five minutes ago that Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell was fired. Just as with the end of the last regular season, when teams were making personnel decisions, the move provided Rivers with a reminder of the nature of his job.

"You win, you get to stay a little bit," Rivers said. "[You] lose, you hope Danny Ainge is on your side."

- Couper Moorhead

Tuesday, December 2 - Practice

A Dish Best Served Lukewarm?

The Celtics aren't calling Wednesday night's game at the Garden against the Indiana Pacers a "revenge game", but they're well aware that the Pacers are one of just two teams who've blemished their 17-2 record.

"We absolutely struggled against them on both ends of the floor," Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said after Tuesday's practice. "We've got to play our game and can't worry as much about what other teams are doing. We've got to keep trying to correct what we're not doing and do it better."

They're also well aware of the Pacers' young star, Danny Granger, who scored 20 points and had his two front teeth knocked out while diving for a loose ball in the Pacers' November 1 victory over the Celtics at Conseco Fieldhouse.

"Granger has turned out to be a star. He's a terrific basketball player," Rivers said, noting that the Celtics had eyes on him in the NBA Draft a few years ago. "We knew about him, but no one knew he was going to be this good, this quick."

Celtics captain Paul Pierce, who's an admitted League Pass junkie and has seen plenty of Granger on TV, also works out in the summertime against Granger and really likes his game after seeing it up close and personal.

I've been watching him develop as a player, and he's playing at an All-Star level this year," Pierce said of Granger, who's averaging just over 24 PPG and 5 RPG, while shooting a shade under 47% from the field. "He's their best player, he's doing a lot of things for them this year, and he should probably make the All-Star team this year."

You can listen to the full interviews with Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo in the Celtics.com Audio Archive.

- Peter Stringer

Monday, December 1 - Magic at Celtics

Live from Courtside

107-88 Celtics, FINAL: The Celtics' bench did the job here in the fourth quarter. Celtics reserves scored 14 of the Celtics first 18 fourth quarter points, keeping the game in hand for the starters to finish off down the stretch. Also of note, Perk picked up technical foul #9 of the season while arguing for a goaltending call that he'd actually already gotten whistled in his favor. Details.

Rondo had another impressive outing, scoring 16 point to go with 16 dimes. The Celtics improve to 17-2; the Magic drop to 13-5. Not bad.

Magic 65, Celtics 77, End of Third Quarter: Other than a Ray Allen three midway through the quarter, the Celtics haven't needed any drama as they methodically pulled away from the Magic. No fancy stats will describe the difference better than this: the Celtics are shooting 55.6% from the field, the Magic just 39%. That's what they call defense, and the lack thereof.

Once he stopped attempting 15-foot bank shots (clearly a work in progress), Howard got going with seven points in the third. It forced a quick double-take, but the box don't lie: Paul Pierce had 17 points in the quarter.

The only things keeping the Magic in the game are 17 second-chance points and 24 from Rashard Lewis. Orlando hasn't scored a single fast-break bucket.

- Couper Moorhead

Magic 46, Celtics 48, HALFTIME: The Celtics' 15 point lead has all but evaporated thanks to the work of volume-shooter Rashard Lewis. Lewis is 6/13 with 18 points, and while he's shooting just 41% from the field this season, he's getting it done tonight. Meanwhile, Dwight Howard has been contained by Perkins, and "Superman" is just 2/7 for seven points. But the story for the Magic might be the work of an old friend, the oft-injured Tony Battie, who has seven points and seven rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench.

Ray Allen, who's been on fire over his last five games coming into tonight, is once again stroking the ball. He's got 14 to lead the Celtics.

Cassell Ejected: Sam Cassell hasn't played a minute all season, and it definitely won't happen tonight. Bob Delaney ejected Cassell for apparently arguing a loose-ball foul call against Kendrick Perkins from the bench with 4:40 to play in the half.

Tony Allen Injury update: Tony Allen went down awkwardly early in the second quarter and went back to the locker room followed by team physician Brian McKeon. The update from PR chief Jeff Twiss is a "right ankle sprain, will return"...

- Peter Stringer

Magic 18, Celtics 28, End of First Quarter: The Celtics couldn't have asked for things to be going much better. They are holding the Magic to 26.1% shooting from the field, in part because they are allowing Anthony Johnson to take open jumpers along the baseline. The Magic are doing the same to Rondo -- giving this the feel of a playoff game, at least from a technical standpoint -- but he's converted on 4-of-7 so far.

Looks like Doc has Kendrick Perkins on the Dwight Howard rotation, having left the game right after the Magic center, and the two are engaging in a bona fide duel. Backing up his quasi-fighting words before the game, Perkins is getting the best of Howard, holding him to 0-of-4 shooting. The Celtics have been swarming Howard whenever he puts the ball on the floor, and the lack of easy buckets would make Zaza Pachulia proud.

Stan Van Gundy got called for a technical foul following a Magic defensive three-second call midway through the quarter. That in itself was not unusual, except that Van Gundy was yelling loud enough that it was the ref in the far corner of the court that assessed the tech. Howard ended up walking over to calm his coach down.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

Even with the Eastern Conference's third-place team in the Garden tonight, the Celtics locker room maintained its regular-season calm that set in following the initial fervor of November's national TV victory laps. And even with Dwight Howard about to try and bring his gaudy numbers to the parquet, Kendrick Perkins maintained his cool that, really, he always has before tipoff.

Perk said he hasn't watched Howard this year, shaking his head when asked if he had even watched him on film, and said he just goes by what Doc tells him to do. Asked what his impression was of Howard after the Magic center won a gold medal in Beijing, the always-quotable Perkins responded:

"What's his impression of me after I won a ring?" Perkins said. "I don't watch people like that. I'm not a fan of everybody."

Perkins did concede that Howard is a good challenge, but added that he plays Kevin Garnett every day in practice, and Howard doesn't have a better post game than KG.

The other news was Doc winning his fourth Eastern Conference Coach of the Month award. Doc predictably shrugged it off and said it doesn't mean much, other than that his players made more shots and got more stops than the other teams. There are plenty of great coaches that haven't had good talent, he said.

One of Doc's "good" talents took the time to explain what makes him a good coach.

"I can tell that he's not lost what he knew as a player," Ray Allen said. "He understands how to manage who we are as players, [and] at the same time make sure he gets the best out of us...make sure we get the proper rest. But at the same time, he knows how to push buttons.

"He has the perfect balance of it all."

- Couper Moorhead

Rivers Named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month

BOSTON - Boston Celtics Head Coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers was named NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for the month of November. This marks the fourth time in Rivers' career that he has been named Coach of the Month.

Press Release: Doc Rivers Named NBA Coach of the Month

Saturday, November 29 - Celtics at Bobcats

Live Game Coverage

Celtics 89, Bobcats 84, FINAL: The C's defense came alive down the stretch, and Kendrick Perkins finished his night nicely. His dunk at 77-77 gave the Celtics a 79-77 lead and they never looked back. He finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, including one against Raymond Felton in the final minutes to help secure the victory. Six Celtics scored in double figures, with Pierce leading the way with 19 points. Rajon Rondo handed out nine assists.

The Celtics move to an Eastern Conference best 16-2 and open their three-game homestand Monday night against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic at the Garden. Orlando also won tonight, 110-96 over the Indiana Pacers, who come to Boston on Wednesday night.

"I loved what we did tonight. You could see we were on empty tonight. Think about playing six back-to-backs in one month, with this being the sixth," Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said. "There were a lot of jump shots hitting the front of the rim, but they just found a way so I'm really proud of them."

Celtics captain Paul Pierce says that playing so many back-to-backs early in the season will pay off down the road when the Celtics gear up for the postseason.

"These back-to-back games can be pretty tough, but we are grinding them out," Pierce said. "These back-to-back games get us prepared for the playoffs. I'm just glad we are able to get them done."

Celtics 66, Bobcats 62, End of Third: Richardson and Wallace each have 15 points for the Bobcats, who are keeping it close in a low scoring affair.

Celtics 45, Bobcats 43, Halftime: The Bobcats turned the ball over 10 times in the second quarter, including three straight on their last three possessions of the half, and the Celtics rallied to take a 45-43 lead into the locker room. While KG is clearly struggling (he's 1-for-6 from the field for just four points), Tony Allen and Paul Pierce each have nine to lead the Celtics.

The Celtics' vaunted defense hasn't quite been up to speed tonight, so we'll see if they can clamp down in the second half to salt this one away. Gerald Wallace got two of his 12 points on a crazy one-handed slam right down the middle of the Celtics D, something you rarely see with this team. Looked like a rare communication problem on the pick-and-roll at the top of the key.

Celtics 17, Bobcats 22, End of First: Last we checked, it was the Celtics who won in a blowout and the Bobcats who played into overtime last night, but the C's starters look a little fatigued and the team only shot a shade under 39% for the quarter while the Bobcats are just over 52% in the first quarter. Jason Richardson, who had the huge game against the Celtics at the Garden last season, leads Charlotte with six points while Paul Pierce has six for Boston.

Early Pregame Update

Gabe Pruitt (sick) did not join the team in Charlotte for tonight's game, but he will joining J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker on the inactive list, as they are on assignment with the Utah Flash in the D-League.

Speaking of Giddens and Walker, both had big games last night for the Flash, and Giddens' baseline jumper with just under a second to play sealed the victory for the Flash over the Austin Toros Friday night and capped his 19-point, 12-rebound night. Walker was also solid, scoring 23 points and had eight rebounds, and also assisted on the Giddens gamewinner.

Friday, November 28 - Sixers at Celtics

Live from Courtside

102-78 Celtics, Final: The fourth was essentially 12 minutes of garbage time. And that's good news since the starters got some well-earned rest; only Ray Allen played more than 30 minutes.

The Celtics have a 7 p.m. game in Charlotte tomorrow night.

Sixers 47, Celtics 73, End of Third: Maybe we should just say "End of Game", because this one is over. Ray Allen did the early damage, going 6/8 in the period by draining a handful of wide-open jumpers. And once again, Rajon Rondo had a huge third quarter. Rondo dished eight of his 12 assists in the quarter, his prettiest being an alley oop (and one) to KG that made it 73-47, brought the house down and all but ended this one.

Sixers 28, Celtics 46, Halftime: The Celtics started the quarter with an 11-0 run over the first 3:30 of the quarter, jumping ahead 33-16. After that, they were willing to trade hoops but refused to give any ground and took an 18-point lead into halftime. No Celtics player is in double-figures, but everybody who's been in the game not named Brian Scalabrine has got in the book for Boston.

Garnett, Perkins and Ray Allen all have eight points apiece for the Celtics; Brand's 12 points leads the Sixers.

Sixers 16, Celtics 22, End of First Quarter: The C's came out of the gates playing some active, suffocating defense in the opening minutes, holding the Sixers to just 2-of-their-first-9. Rajon Rondo was pinballing around the floor, and the Celtics really seemed to be disrupting the Philly offense. Meanwhile, 14 of the Celtics 22 points came in the paint, continuing the trend from Wednesday night against Golden State.

Elton Brand did get it going for the Sixers, scoring 10 points in the opening stanza.

Pregame Media Access

Most of today's pregame chatter concerned Allen Iverson missing practice -- not a game, practice -- yesterday in Detroit. The Celtics, for what it's worth, did not have any practice scheduled, and according to Ray Allen, that's what many Celtics were thankful for yesterday.

Check the Audio Archive for pregame remarks from Allen, Paul Pierce and Head Coach Doc Rivers.

Early Pregame

The Celtics will try to match the intensity the Boston Bruins brought to the Garden this afternoon in their 7-2 in over the Islanders when they play the second half of a rare Bruins/Celtics double-header tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The locker room is just about to open, so we'll have pregame notes just before tipoff at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 27 - Thanksgiving

No Practice

The Celtics are off today to enjoy the holiday, and they will return to the court Friday night when the Philadelphia 76ers come to the TD Banknorth Garden.

Wednesday, November 26 - Warriors at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Game Recap | Box Score

Warriors 111, Celtics 119, FINAL: Rondo turned it around in the third, and the frantic fourth quarter kept the Celtics ahead as they continued to score in the paint and get to the free throw line. Tony Allen played out the fourth quarter in place of Kendrick Perkins as KG played center to match up with the Warrior small size and fast pace. Garnett, Pierce, Allen and Rondo all had 20-plus in the victory.

Warriors 83, Celtics 86, End of Third Quarter: And the Celtics are back on top. Rajon Rondo basically took the game over in the third quarter. Doc always says that Rondo's at his best when he's pushing the ball up the floor rather than walking it up, and the third quarter was proof positive. Rondo scored 16 of his 20 points and had six rebounds in the third quarter. And most of those buckets came in the paint as the C's scored 24 of their 50 points in the paint.

Rondo's third-quarter line is even more impressive when you throw in his pair of steals and an assist in the period. And in case you wondering he's yet to turn over the ball all night.

Warriors 67, Celtics 54, Halftime: Wow. Well things sure turned around quickly in a second quarter that kept P.A. guy Eddie Palladino busy. The Warriors outscored the Celtics 39-19 in the period, with Corey Maggette doing quite a bit of damage by himself, scoring 11 of his 17 points. Stephen Jackson and Jamal Crawford each chipped in six of their own as well. Overall, the Warriors were 12-for-19 from the field, while the Celtics started the period 1-for-their-first 11, and finished just 5-for-20 on field goals.

Remember all of those points in the paint in the first quarter? It's been largely jumpshots in the second quarter.

Doc Rivers can't be happy with the turn of events, and he's already picked up a technical. We'll see what happens, but the Celtics probably want to slow down the pace in the third quarter rather than continuing to run-and-gun with the Warriors.

Warriors 28, Celtics 35, End of First: One quarter of basketball tells you all you need to know about the Golden State Warriors. They don't waste any time on the shotclock, shooting the first available look. And it seems the Celtics felt compelled to run with them tonight. Ray Allen and KG already each have 10 points, and Pierce isn't far behind with 7. Stephen Jackson, who's anything but gun shy, has 12 for the Warriors.

The surprising thing about this game? Points in the paint. You figured the Warriors would be a jumpshooting team, but 14 of their 28 came in the paint, while 18 of the Celtics' 35 where in the lane as well. And both teams, predictably, are shooting over 50% from the field.

Moment of Silence

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the moment of silence tonight for Helen Heinsohn, better known to Celtics fans as the Redhead in Needham. The wife of Tommy Heinsohn, Helen passed away this week after a protracted battle with cancer. Helen was a Garden fixture, attending virtually every Celtics home game alongside her husband.

Pregame Media Access

It was a pretty quiet pregame tonight, with very little chatter going on in the locker room, and Doc Rivers kept his remarks brief. He said there's no news regarding tapes featuring Kendrick Perkins picking up technicals, something they've apparently sent to the league.

"No...when you send film they never really respond, unless they're gonna do something," Rivers said. "We're just trying to notify them when it does happen [so they will] watch it in the future, more than the past."

Truth be told, Rivers was probably more concerned about the Golden State Warriors and getting home to Orlando after the game tonight to taste his mother's stuffing (according to Rivers, it's called "dressing") for Thanksgiving.

As for the Warriors and their new acquisition Jamal Crawford, who was just at the Garden last Tuesday with the Knicks before the trade, Rivers says Crawford is a perfect fit for Golden State.

"He plays exactly the way they play. I think it's a really good move for them," Rivers said. "It's a great move for him. I don't know if players, when they get traded, see that right away."

One move that the jury's still out on is Patrick O'Bryant's arrival in Boston, topical tonight since his former team is in the house. When asked about O'Bryant's progress, Rivers said that he's "coming along."

"He's working hard. He's a great kid. Early in the year, in the preseason, we were really on him about the tempo of his work. Him and Clifford Ray have been together far more than Patrick would probably like," Rivers said, chuckling. "But it's been great for him, and in the few practices we've had, you can see the improvement."

Tuesday, November 25 - Practice

This Talk Might Not Be Cheap

It's good to be king, but when you're on top of the mountain, everyone is looking to knock you down. And if they can't do it by beating you, they might try baiting you. That seems to be what Kendrick Perkins and the 13-2 Celtics are finding out, even though Perk says it's the champs themselves who typically start the chatter.

"We initiate a lot of the noise. That's just how we are. We've been like that since last year. That's just how we play," said Perkins, who leads the NBA with eight technical fouls. "Guys are trying to get at us so we're going to get at them first."

Perkins has been assessed eight technical fouls in just 15 games, but that's a number that coach Doc Rivers thinks is inflated by referees assigning double-technicals when two players get engaged in trash talk. While he doesn't expect any of Perkins' techs to be rescinded by the league, Rivers did say the Celtics will be sending tapes of the incidents to the NBA for review.

"A lot of the double-technicals where someone's saying something to him, and he turns around and they give him a double-tech, that to me is where the officials have to do their job," Rivers said. "I think it's easy to just say 'double-technical' instead of saying, 'this guy started it, we're just going to give you a tech.'"

The concern for the Celtics is that when a player is a assessed his 16th technical of the season, he is automatically suspended a game by the NBA. Perkins is well aware of the rule.

"I'm an emotional guy, but it's not anything I can't change. I can control it," Perkins said. "I blame it on myself. I'm a man. Nobody makes me do that."

Perkins insists that he can control himself and turn off the talking if he must. But he did say that he thinks that talking trash gives his team an edge, and Paul Pierce told reporters that it's just as much a part of his game as it was for Larry Bird, one of the undisputed kings of NBA trash talk.

"I use it to get in my opponent's head," Pierce said. "Sorta like what Larry Bird used to do in the day and Michael [Jordan] did. I use it more as a tactic. I'm not out there trying to fight anybody or cause any commotion. It's nothing personal against the other guy. I like everybody in the NBA."

As long as it's directed the right way and revolves around the game, Rivers, who played against Jordan, Bird and Magic, doesn't mind his team talking a little trash. After all, they are the champs.

"You want [them] to be emotional, but you don't want to have what we call emotional sabotage," Rivers said. "If our players are talking, it should be about, 'We're going to beat you, we're going to win.' There's nothing wrong with that. When it gets personal, then there's something wrong with that."

- Peter Stringer

Monday, November 24 - Off Day

The Celtics will have Monday off and return to the practice floor on Tuesday morning before facing the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night at the Garden.

Sunday, November 23 - Celtics at Raptors

The Celtics once again demonstrated why they are the reigning powers of the Atlantic Division.

Ray Allen registered 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field and Kevin Garnett posted 15 points as Boston cruised past host Toronto, 118-103, on Sunday for its fifth straight triumph.

The C's, who defeated the Raptors earlier this season in dramatic fashion when Paul Pierce led a furious fourth-quarter comeback, never trailed in this one as they improved to 6-1 on the road.

Celtics Assign Walker to Utah Flash

Video Highlights

Saturday, November 22 - Travel Day

After Friday night's 95-78 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Celtics spent the night in Minneapolis and had an afternoon flight to Toronto. There is no practice today due to the early afternoon start tomorrow in Toronto.

Friday, November 21 - Celtics at Timberwolves

KG returns to Minnesota to play in his first game at the Target Center as a member of the Boston Celtics after spending 12 years with the Timberwolves. Garnett did not play in the game last season due to an abdominal injury he suffered, ironically enough, against the Wolves in a January 25 win at the TD Banknorth Garden.

Game Preview

Walker Joins Giddens in Utah

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that they have assigned rookie forward Bill Walker to their NBA Development League affiliate Utah Flash. Walker is the team's second assignment to the NBA Development League this season.

Thursday, November 20 - Pistons at Celtics

Live from Courtside

98-80 Celtics, Final: Gino finally came out with 52 seconds to play, but he really should have been dancing at the eight minutes to play mark. The Celtics bench tipped off the fourth quarter with a quick 9-2 run in the first 4:00 of the quarter to quell any designs the Pistons may have had on making a run.

This was the first win at home that reminded us of the way it was in the Garden last year. Falling behind 13-2 notwithstanding, the C's dominated this one basically from wire to wire. Basically, they pulled off a 96-67 run over the last 40 minutes of the game.

Pistons 57, Celtics 77, End of Third: Rajon Rondo has been the story of the third quarter, driving to the hoop and dishing off to teammates for some great open looks at the basket. He played the entire third quarter, and he's chiefly responsible for the Celtics extending a nine-point halftime lead into a 20-point edge at the end of three. Rondo scored nine points and had four assists in the period (18 and 8 for the game to this point on 7/11 shooting), and that could easily be a double-double if a few more shots went down.

This is one of those NBA games where the home team quietly pulls away. Turnovers tell much of the story; the Celtics had just seven to the Pistons' 15. Let's see how the bench does to start off the fourth quarter. Speaking of which, Gabe Pruitt was on the floor to start the third.

Kendrick Perkins also helped the Celtics on the glass, coming up with five rebounds in the period.

Pistons 40, Celtics 49, Halftime: It's fair to say that the Celtics bench probably loves seeing "DET" on the schedule. With Tony Allen going for a repeat performance (nine points) after scoring 23 in his last outing against Detroit, the Boston subs have put up 21 points compared to six (all Jason Maxiell) from the Pistons.

Most of the hustle stats are close, but the Pistons have committed 10 turnovers to the Celtics' six. Detroit hasn't been able to get into any sort of offensive rhythm since Stuckey came in, and it's clear that he and Iverson have yet to chisel out how they should play together.

Both teams have been lights out from downtown, with the Celtics holding the edge (5-of-7) over the Pistons (3-of-5). Eddie House accounted for two of those, hitting back-to-back bombs after missing his first free throw of the year on a technical freebie. House is now 13-of-14. Luckily, Gabe Pruitt is still 1-of-1.

Looks like Ray Allen's free-throw fundamentals talk before the game was more pertinent than we thought, as the Celtics are 8-of-15 from the line.

- Couper Moorhead

Pistons 21, Celtics 21, End of First Quarter: The Pistons jumped out to a 13-2 lead (yup, another slow start), but the Celtics countered with a 12-1 run of their own behind six consecutive points from Rajon Rondo. Rondo has nine points in the quarter, including the rare pull-up three.

Early signs are that this is not the Pistons team of eleven days ago. Their ball movement was fluid and rather than the passive Allen Iverson we saw trying too hard to fit in, he came out looking like he wanted to drop 30. That all changed when Rodney Stuckey came in to play point, pushing Iverson to off-guard. With Stuckey at the helm, the Pistons committed three straight turnovers and needed a couple bailout shots from Rasheed Wallace on other possessions.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

It's Allen Iverson's first visit to the Garden in a Pistons uniform tonight, and now that the Celtics are starting to see teams for the second go-round, there was plenty of straight hoops talk before the game (as opposed to philosophical ramblings about the effect of offseason moves).

Pistons coach Michael Curry called the Celtics' double-digit smackdown two Sundays ago a "dizzy spell" for his squad, and said they've used that game to address their weaknesses. With the Pistons going 4-1 since playing Boston, it appears as though Doc Rivers' warning that they will improve as the season progressed was spot on.

"It's not just Allen [Iverson] getting used to them, it's them getting used to Allen," Rivers said before the game, adding that Rasheed Wallace (14.2 points per game, up 1.5 from last year) has been helped the most from the Pistons' increase in tempo. "I think he's benefited the most from it, especially in transition. You have to load to the ball with Allen coming up with the floor, and to do that you have to load off of Rasheed.

"I was yelling 'Get back' the entire game and I hadn't done that in the previous years playing Detroit," Rivers added. "It worried me, even in that game. I was laughing with [coach Tom Thibodeau] after the game, I said, "I don't think I've said that 20 times in the past and the whole game I was just screaming getting back."

Though not having much to do with tonight's game, Ray Allen spoke at length about the keys to becoming a good free-throw shooter -- which he doesn't think he became until playing under Jim Calhoun at UConn (81% his final year). Asked whether he could help Rajon Rondo, who's shooting 53.5% from the line, Allen said he could but that it's up to Rondo to ask.

- Couper Moorhead

Early Pregame

Game Preview | Buy Tickets

If you haven't seen it already, check out CelticVision HD for video interviews with Coach Rivers, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett as they talk about Allen Iverson and the new-look Pistons. While it seems like we've been calling every other team the "new-look" [plug-in-a-team-name-here], the Pistons are probably the most dramatically different, relevant and successful since their deal for The Answer.

Tonight's game will be on TNT, which means a late 8 p.m. start and a late-night finish as well. Since the C's will be hitting the road for Minnesota after the game, it should be a brief postgame as the C's will be trying to get on the plane as soon as possible.

Holy Cross Honors C's Legends

Apparently, Holy Cross doesn't retire just anyone's jersey. Either that or there's a 50-year waiting period. Whatever the reason for the delay, the Cross raised Tommy Heinsohn's #24 (class of '56), Bob Cousy's #17 (1950) and Togo Palazzi's #22 to the rafters along with George Kaftan's #12 in a halftime ceremony at the November 16 game between the Crusaders and St. Joseph's in Worcester, MA. All four men later played for the Boston Celtics.

- Peter Stringer

Tuesday, November 18 - Knicks at Celtics

Live from Courtside

110-101 Celtics, FINAL: This one was close, as the Knicks had cut the Celtics lead to 4 points with 2:06 remaining on a Duhon three and a Chandler put-back. They came into the game averaging just over 28 three-point attempts a night, so it should surprise no one that they hoisted 29 bombs Tuesday night.

But the shot of the night honors go to Brian Scalabrine, who drilled a three from the corner with 1:14 to play to put the Celtics up 107-99 and effectively smothered any run the Knicks could conceivably make.

We'll have more in postgame...

- Peter Stringer

Knicks, 77, Celtics, 89, End of Third Quarter: This is hardly a blowout, but Celtics never looked anything less than in control this quarter. The Knicks' field goal percentage has dropped to 43.8%, while the Celtics are hovering over 60%, mostly because they have been pounding the paint.

Ray Allen had six early points, but Rondo and Perkins carried the Celtics offensively in the quarter, scoring nine points apiece. Scalabrine also got into the action, hitting jumpers on consecutive possessions that were, to say the least, crowd pleasing.

For this to be a game, it looks like the Knicks are going to have to shoot their way back into it.

- Couper Moorhead

Knicks 47, Celtics 56, Halftime: The Celtics cranked up the defense in the second quarter holding the Knicks to just 6 of 19 from the field, and they quickly turned a two-point deficit at the end of the first into an eight-point lead thanks to their 19-9 run over the first 5:50 of the quarter. They finished the half up nine points, thanks in large part to Leon Powe, who continued to get it done on the offensive end, scoring 8 points in the quarter (14 overall).

The C's are dominating inside while the Knicks hoist jumper after jumper. The C's hit 10 of their first 13 shots in the period by pounding the ball inside and they're enjoying a 34-12 points in the paint edge.

Powe and Zach Randolph tied up under the basket and were both assessed technicals, but there didn't appear to be any suspension worthy conduct in the exchange. Given that Powe spent the pregame telling reporters how tough it is to stay under control when physical altercations start brewing, hats off to him for keeping his head on a night where the C's couldn't afford to lose any more manpower.

Knicks 28, Celtics 26, End of First: For awhile it looked as though the Celtics' (somewhat) slow starts would continue, but they've done a strong job controlling the tempo and the paint.

The Knicks aren't quite the Phoenix Suns, but they are putting up plenty of treys, hitting on 3-of-8. Quentin Richardson had nine early points, and yes, if you were wondering, he still does the double-fist head pound. Wilson Chandler has 10 points, but mostly on mid-range jumpers, and the Knicks as a team are shooting 52.2% from the field. With most of the Knicks' attempts coming from outside the paint, and the Celtics allowing less than 40% shooting from opponents all season, you'd expect that number to fall.

Scalabrine was solid if unspectacular (which is what Doc was going for) in his Garnett fill-in role, getting an assist and taking a charge before coming out for Leon Powe, who had six points in the quarter.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

The New York Knicks are tonight's opponent, but with regard to the questions before the game, it could be anyone. The story of the day, of course, is the one-game suspension of Kevin Garnett for a hit on Andrew Bogut in Saturday's contest against the Milwaukee Bucks. Brian Scalabrine will start in Garnett's place, leaving the second unit intact.

The Celtics didn't find the suspension particularly agreeable, with Doc Rivers calling it "ridiculous", Kendrick Perkins saying that it was "kind of messed up", and Leon Powe saying simply that, if it were up to him, he wouldn't have suspended KG.

"It just happens, it's the game of basketball," Powe said of the hits underneath the basket.

The quote of pregame, as is becoming habit, belonged to Perkins. Asked whether he had learned anything from Garnett about keeping his composure and limiting fouls, Perkins stared into the media huddle before offering this gem:

"KG, he's crazier than me," Perkins said. "What do you want me to say? If I said anything else I'd be lying to you."

As for Garnett's reaction to the suspension, he is not allowed in the arena tonight, and according to Doc, not even allowed to buy a ticket. He was at the team's shootaround this morning, though, and Powe said the Big Ticket had very little to say other than, "Good luck, guys."

- Couper Moorhead

Early Pregame

Doc Rivers isn't pleased with the NBA's one-game suspension of Kevin Garnett stemming from a league review of his altercation with Andrew Bogut in the fourth quarter of Saturday night's overtime win over the Bucks. Rivers called it "ridiculous".

Brian Scalabrine, first off the bench Saturday night, will get the start in KG's place as expected, so as to not disrupt the cohesion of the second unit.

Couper Moorhead will have more from tonight's pregame media access.

- Peter Stringer

Monday, November 17 - Practice

Rested C's Ready for Knicks

With their eight-games-in-twelve-days stretch behind them, the Celtics, now 9-2, caught their breath a little bit with a well-earned day off after beating Milwaukee in overtime Saturday night. The team returned to the practice floor Monday for a long practice, and they'll be ready to go against the visiting Knicks at the Garden tomorrow night.

As for what to expect from the Knicks (6-4), Doc likes what he's seen from Mike D'Antoni's new-look New York team and figures that the Celtics defense, despite its top-three ranking in points allowed (89.7, third) and field goal defense (39.6, first), will have to be on top of its game to get the win.

"They're putting a ton of points on the board so we're going to have to have a hell of a defensive night," Rivers said.

Jamal Crawford, who's spent most of his first seven seasons in the NBA as a secondary scorer, has become the Knicks go-to guy on the offensive end over the last year or so, and he's averaging a career-high 21.3 points per game in his first 10 games this season.

Crawford has been lethal from three-point land to start this season, shooting it at 46% from behind the line, and he's opening eyes as the Knicks seem to be taking well to D'Antoni's run-and-gun system.

"Crawford has been very good for a long time. He's a great scorer," Rivers said. "He can score off the dribble, he can score off the catch. When he has big games it makes it very difficult to beat New York."

Check the Audio Archive (right column) for audio from today's practice from Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and Brian Scalabrine.

Saturday, November 15 - Celtics at Bucks

Giddens Headed for D-League

J.R. Giddens has yet to see the floor in a regular season game, and it was becoming clear that he'd have a hard time just getting on the floor in practice, let alone crack the rotation on this championship team. So Giddens stayed behind Friday night as the Celtics left for Milwaukee, and he'll be reporting to the Utah Flash this week.

Press Release: Celtics Assign Giddens to Utah Flash

Friday, November 14 - Nuggets at Celtics

Live from Courtside

94-85 Nuggets, FINAL: The Celtics suffered their first home loss tonight, and they were just killed in the paint along the way (42-20 on points in the paint). They also gave up almost 50% shooting and simply looked like a tired team that's played too many games in a short period.

Their end-of-the-third lead evaporated, and they had to play catch-up again in the fourth quarter. Despite Ray Allen tying the game at 82 with 4:17 to play, the Celtics gave up a 12-2 run over the next 2:30 minutes, and that was all she wrote.

Also worth keeping your eye on: Kendrick Perkins, who's had a history of shoulder problems, appeared to hurt his left shoulder in a wrestling match for the ball at center court. He didn't initially come out of the game, but was not on the floor in the final minute when the Celtics, trailing by 10, went to their gunners lineup.

64-65 Celtics, End of Third Quarter: And just like that, the C-Train is back on the tracks. Paul Pierce dropped 12 of his 19 points in the period, and the C's rallied from 15 points down to take a one-point lead into the final quarter. They trailed 59-44 with 8:37 left in the quarter, but put together a 21-5 run to take the lead.

Not much from the bench tonight. Non-starters have contributed just six points; five of those belong to Eddie House.

48-42 Nuggets, Halftime: Um, yeah, what happened? Ray still has 18, but the Celtics were outscored 25-7 over the first nine minutes of the quarter, and found themselves behind by six at the half. The C's shot just 5/18 in the stanza while Denver was 11/21.

The C's are getting killed in the paint, 26-14, and their jumpers aren't falling, either.

23-29 Celtics, End of First Quarter: Ray Allen has it going early for the Celtics, dropping 18 points in the quarter and finishing the period with a pair of three-point shots. He's 6/7 from the field, and leads all scorers. Heck, he nearly outscored the Nuggets.

Chauncey Billups, whose physical brand of basketball and size is a matchup problem for Rajon Rondo, has nine points to lead the Nuggets. But Carmelo Anthony (1/5) has been kept wrapped up in his nine minutes of action.

Wednesday, November 12 - Hawks at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Hawks 102, Celtics 103, Final: Paul Pierce does it again. The Hawks put their best foot forward tonight, and they even appeared to have the game won after a Marvin Williams three from the corner, but Pierce (34 points) hit the back breaker with 0.5 seconds left over the outstretched arms of Al Horford to make the Celtics 8-1.

For such a tightly contested game -- one that got close to playoff level -- the final play was decidedly simple.

"The last play was drawn up, get the ball to Paul Pierce, get the hell out of the way," Kevin Garnett (25 points, 12 boards) said. "Superman's in the booth. Let's go home. That was the play and if you don't believe that ask Doc Rivers and he'll say the same exact thing."

There wasn't any need to ask that question. Most Celtics credited the Hawks for their improved defense, but keep in mind that despite what you may be thinking based on a few exchanges between the two teams, this isn't quite a heated rivalry.

"The things that stick out is that they're a lot more defensively sound than they were a year ago," Garnett said. "It's entertaining, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a rivalry."

- Couper Moorhead

Hawks 77, Celtics 76, End of Third Quarter: In previous years, the Hawks might've folded after that mighty run by the Celtics in the second quarter, but this team is proving that the seven-game playoff series was no fluke.

Eight Hawks' three-pointers and 10 second quarter points from Kevin Garnett are preventing either team from taking control. Meanwhile, Flip Murray has a quiet 14 off the bench. The Celtics are still shooting just 42%, so, as Doc would say, the shooting odds are in their favor for the final stanza.

Zaza Pachulia will not be returning in the second half after suffering a sore shoulder (AC joint). Someone else will have to remind the Hawks that really, "nothing easy."

-Couper Moorhead

Hawks 51, Celtics 51, End of Half: Big Baby went back to the locker room midway through the quarter. No official word yet, but it looked like he did something to his lower back. Either way, he's available for the second half.

For awhile, this appeared to be the slow start that finally caught up with the Celtics. The worst of it came after a backcourt turnover from the Celtics became an open second-chance layup when nobody hustled back, putting them at a 16-point deficit. But whatever Doc said in the ensuing timeout put the team into playoff mode, and defense took over.

Not that there wasn't any offense. With the Hawks barely mustering a decent offensive possession, the Celtics ran off an 18-2 run to tie things up at 46, highlighted by a handful of and-ones. By the time Rondo lobbed the ball to Garnett for a monster jam, the Hawks' body language was spelling d-e-f-l-a-t-i-o-n.

To his credit, Solomon Jones tried to rekindle his team with a brief standoff with Perkins after a hard foul, but things dispersed quickly and Perkins shared some choice words with the Hawks' bench.

Stats-wise, Ray Allen has 15 points, Pierce has 11 and the Celtics are winning the battle in the paint with an 18-12 scoring advantage and four more rebounds than the Hawks. Both teams had their spells of sloppiness with 11 turnovers apiece.

-Couper Moorhead

Hawks 31, Celtics 24, End of First: It's becoming a theme. The Celtics are off to yet another slow start and fell behind early, 13-7, and spent the rest of the first quarter trying to catch up. And once again, the Celtics defense just didn't arrive in time for tip off. A Flip Murray three at the horn gave the Hawks their seven-point first quarter lead.

Al Horford had a huge game in Chicago, but he picked up two quick fouls in the first four minutes of the game, and with Josh Smith already out of action with the high ankle sprain, the Hawks suddenly found themselves missing a huge chunk of their interior defense.

We're looking for carryovers from the playoffs series, but so far there hasn't been much in the way of physicality.

- Peter Stringer

Pregame Media Access

Pretty quiet before tonight's game with the Atlanta Hawks -- who got into Boston at 2:30 a.m. -- especially compared to last year's playoff series when Mike Bibby and Kendrick Perkins had a brief war of the words in the days leading up to Game 2.

After Bibby called Boston fans "fair weather fans" following a practice last April, Perkins responded by saying, "I mean, coming off a 2-for-10 night shooting, he would say something like that." By gametime, Bibby was questioning Perk's tough streak while the Celtics center said that he wasn't losing any sleep over anything Bibby had to say. Bibby shot 2-of-7 that night and was booed every time he touched the ball while Perkins posted a solid eight points and nine boards as the Celtics won by 19.

Tonight, a reserved Bibby stayed on the topic of the Hawks' unbeaten standing, while most words out of Perk's mouth were off-key lyrics.

Both Bibby and Hawks' coach Mike Woodson credited their seven-game series with the Celtics for the team's play, and defensive effort.

"It was huge," Woodson said of the series. "You couldn't draw it up any better. It left a great taste in these guys mouth in terms of their direction."

Asked whether tonight was more about them or the Celtics, Woodson said it's got to be about his squad because they are still trying to take what the Celtics have. If you haven't already, get used to hearing that.

- Couper Moorhead

Monday, November 10 - Raptors at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Celtics 94, Raptors 87, Final: Only two words are needed to describe that fourth quarter: Paul Pierce. After a first half marred by easy misses, Pierce scored 22 of his 36 points in the fourth, including back-to-back threes that kept the Celtics within one. The lead ping-ponged back and forth over the next few minutes before Pierce's turnaround jumper gave the Celtics the lead for good. Then, Celtics defense took over and that was all she wrote.

Credit the fans for their great sense of the moment, too. But one thing to take away from this win is that Pierce played 46 minutes and both Garnett and Ray Allen played over 35, and there are three games left to play this week.

- Couper Moorhead

Raptors 65, Celtics 59, End of Third Quarter:The Celtics starters progressively built up steam throughout the quarter, eventually forcing a run-stopping timeout from Sam Mitchell after a KG jumper and Pierce three brought the C's within eight. From that point on, the crowd's pulse doubled and the Big Three took over.

Garnett has been a madman, at one point even picking up Jose Calderon at half court. On a Chris Bosh post up, Garnett pushed him so much that three dribbles later, Bosh was three feet further out. The Big Ticket has 19 points and nine boards, and the Celtics have taken the points in the paint advantage, 22-20.

Of the starters, only Kendrick Perkins came out of the game (4 fouls), so it's up to the bench to keep the run going.

- Couper Moorhead

Raptors 48, Celtics 36, Halftime: At least for the first half, the Celtics' reserves won't be the heroes they were against the Pistons last night. In the first five minutes of the quarter, the bench was outscored 9-4.

Reports out of Toronto in the days leading up to this game were that Jermaine O'Neal was struggling with his new role next to Chris Bosh, but he's been playing at a different level than everyone else on the floor. And it's not just open jumpers he's hitting -- O'Neal fed a cutting Jason Kapono for a layup, and on one post up, he left Kendrick Perkins in the dust with a baseline spin move. O'Neal has 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, with eight boards and two assists.

As for the Celtics, their half can best be summed up by a pair of missed layups by Paul Pierce (9 points), one after completely blowing by his defender. They are getting the shots they want, despite some solid Toronto defense, but the shots just aren't falling. Garnett kept the team from falling into more of a hole with nine second-quarter points (11 overall), but 32.4% shooting from the team isn't going to beat this division opponent. While chances are that the percentages return closer to the norm, the Celtics will have to clean up the boards (the Raptors hold a 25-18 advantage) to get themselves back in this one.

Raptors 23, Celtics 18, End of First Quarter: The story of the game so far has been Jermaine O'Neal, who's got his retro shoes on as he looks more like the Indiana Pacers, All-Star version of himself. O'Neal has 10 points (5-of-10 shooting) on a number of turnaround jumpers in the lane over both Perkins and Garnett, as well as an alley-oop courtesy Jose Calderon.

The starters had a slow start on the offensive half of the court and the shots still aren't falling. The Celtics are shooting 5-of-16 from the floor and are being outscored 10-4 in the paint. The Raptors also hold a 5-0 advantage on second chance points.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

The top two teams in the Atlantic Division are facing off tonight, and as you can imagine, there's a few more members of the media around then there was for the Milwaukee Bucks barnburner.

Rajon Rondo had a bag of ice wrapped around his right elbow in the locker room, because, as Doc Rivers put it, he "twisted his body." Rondo said he just landed on the elbow against the Pistons, but you can't be too surprised he's icing anything given the way teams have been putting him on the floor.

Tony Allen spent some time with reporters after scoring 23 points against the Pistons last night, and anytime someone mentioned him being "back" from the pair of knee surgeries, Allen quickly announced that he's still not there. He's got the quickness to get by defenders, he said, but that explosiveness to rise up at the rim isn't back yet. As for a percentage for Allen's health, he took a few moments to come up with 82 percent.

If you ask most NBA fans over thirty who they think the coolest player of all time was, Walt "Clyde" Frazier would surely be one of the first names out of their mouths. If you want a less trendy, dark horse pick for that discussion, though, throw out Raptors' coach Sam Mitchell, who's voice alone is keeping cool alive.

Asked whether he was surprised the Celtics have picked up where they left off last year, Mitchell, a former teammate of Garnett's with the Timberwolves, gave a few incredulous looks around the media huddle before responding.

"Unless someone kidnapped Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett over the summer..." Mitchell said. "Three future hall of famers, getting their first taste of glory, and they gonna let up? I don't know about human nature, but I know about athletes, and athletes that are said to be the best, they don't let up. The more they win, it becomes a drug."

-Couper Moorhead

Early Pregame Report

After blowing the Pistons out at the Palace, the Celtics return home for their first Atlantic Division game of the year, hosting the Toronto Raptors.

In the house tonight watching from the seats: Dino Radja, who played three seasons with the Celtics in the mid-90s. Radja posted career averages of 16.7 points and 8.4 rebounds.

Couper Moorhead will have more from Doc's pregame presser just before tipoff...

Sunday, November 9 - Celtics at Pistons

Celtics 88, Pistons 76, FINAL: It wasn't as close as the final score indicates, as the Celtics defense just devoured the Pistons from bell-to-bell. Winning their fourth straight game, the Celtics made it clear that they're still the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.

Tony Allen had an impressive outing, scoring 23 points in 27 minutes, going 11/16 from the field and getting almost everything on layups. Given that Paul Pierce (seven points) and Kevin Garnett (eight points) went a combined 7/25 from the field, TA gave the Celtics a much-needed lift from the bench.

"I just took advantage of what the defense gave me. Coach said, 'Just attack', and that's what I did," Tony Allen said.

Ray Allen, who had 17 to lead the starters, liked what he saw from TA and the rest of the reserves.

"All the players around those guys stepped up and made plays," Ray Allen said of the bench. "The second unit has come in and competed. Those guys keep giving us the energy and the sky's the limit for them."

Tony Allen noted that the bench understands its role.

"We're supposed to come in with energy. We've got to be that lift for the starters if they're not getting it done early," Tony Allen said.

Coach Doc Rivers echoed those sentiments, calling the team's defense "the best of the year, by far", noting that his guys had active hands and were getting up into the Pistons' bodies. But again, Rivers emphasized that the play of his bench was instrumental in tonight's win.

"Our bench has been phenomenal. The last three or four games, our bench has been the reason we won," Rivers said. "They do all of the little things that as a group make them a good group. There's no one guy who can carry them, but when they played the way they've played, it makes them a very good basketball team."

69-49 Celtics, End of Third: The Pistons didn't draw any closer in the third, despite Tayshaun Prince taking the scoring lead with 21 points. Iverson scored just two points in the quarter. Meanwhile, the Pistons have to be concerned about Rodney Stuckey, who had trouble leaving the floor at halftime and his status at this point is unknown.

47-29 Celtics, Halftime: The Celtics defense absolutely overwhelmed the Pistons in the second quarter, and as a result, the Celtics outscored them 30-10 in the period to build a 47-29 halftime edge that had the locals booing the Pistons off the floor.

Allen Iverson's presence (8 points) has really messed up the Pistons' chemistry and it's clear that the Pistons will need some time to get their offense together. The Pistons, shooting just 25% from the field, did not score a field goal in the last 7:33 of the half. Meanwhile, with Pierce riding the pine (three fouls), Tony Allen played 13 minutes and scored a game-high 13 points in the half.

Rajon Rondo continues to be a target for opposing teams trying to intimidate him with some stiff shots, whether it was Rasheed Wallace's blind backcourt pick or a few hard hits on Rondo's drives.

17-19 Pistons, End of First Quarter: If you were expecting a defensive struggle, this first quarter certainly didn't disappoint. It took a full three minutes before either team could get on the board. But the news of the first quarter is three personals on Paul Pierce, the last of which was laughable and drew technicals on Pierce and Doc Rivers.

Saturday, November 8 - Open Practice

The Celtics staged an open practice Saturday at the Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint today for New England Baptist Hospital, one of the team's official sponsors, and while it was a brief session, the team sharpened up on some training camp drills before catching a 3 p.m. flight to Michigan for their big game against Allen Iverson and the new-look Detroit Pistons Sunday night.

Check CelticVision HD for interviews with Doc Rivers and Ray Allen from today's session.

Friday, November 7 - Bucks at Celtics

Recap | Box Score | Perkins, Pierce Come Up Big vs. Bucks

89-101 Celtics, FINAL: Soctt Skiles summed it up in his postgame address. "They pretty much owned us [in the paint] from beginning to end," Skiles said of the Celtics win over the Bucks Friday night at the Garden. Despite Milwaukee jumping out to a 25-12 lead to start the game, and shooting somewhere around 70% from the field, the Celtics put the clamps down and returned to the defensive form that made them champs last season. By game's end, the Bucks had shot under 40%, and the Celtics had the game tied up with a few minutes to play.

Given the team's recent travel woes, lack of rest and practice, a sloppy start didn't surprise anyone on the Celtics bench. But you really can't argue with the team's subsequent recovery.

"We were concerned with the start," Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said. "That's I was just trying to burn, you know, minutes, get the game going for them. I didn't want to sub any of them out. [I] just thought it was a good way of getting them running."

Once the running started, it never really stopped. The Celtics outscored the Bucks 24-10 in fast break points, and in the paint, the 60-36 edge was even more dominant. In the middle of it all? Kendrick Perkins, who posted a career-high seven blocks in just 24 minutes. The last time he blocked seven shots? How about all of his senior year at Clifton J. Ozen High School, according to the averages, when he was good for 7.8 swats per game. Sure, it was easier back then, but with 15 blocks over his last three games, recently he's been making it look easier in the pros too.

Not one to blow his own horn, Perk said he's not out there looking for the block, and besides, he had some amends to make; he had five turnovers.

"I was messing up so bad on the offensive end that I had to make it up on the defensive end," Perkins said. "As long as I keep protecting the paint, [the blocks] will come."

Fourth Quarter: Back-to-back hoops from TA and Rondo made it 82-72 with 10:23 to play, and the Celtics slipped into cruise control from there on. Gino came out with the C's up 97-83 with 2:44 to play. Early? Perhaps...Bill Walker got his first taste of PT in garbage time and even got his first regular season bucket of his NBA career.

As for Kendrick Perkins, his seven blocks is a career-high. KG had his own 7-swat game last year, and the last Celtics player to block eight was Kevin McHale, who did it to the Sacramento Kings in the old Boston Garden in 1987.

70-75 Celtics, End of Third: The Celtics can't seem to pull away from the Bucks, despite Perkins blocking three more shots in the third. They're just 4/14 from three point land, but they do have 22 assists on 29 field goals.

47-55 Celtics, HALFTIME: The Celtics really came alive in the second quarter, mounting a 19-7 run over the last six minutes of the half to jump out to a 55-47 advantage. A KG fast-break dunk put the C's up 44-42 and they haven't looked back.

Kendrick Perkins, who had a huge game Tuesday night in Houston, blocked four shots in the first half as the CEltics dominated the paint. How about a 38-12 points in the paint advantage? Impressive.

30-23 Bucks, End of First: Not a lot of defense to be seen in the first quarter. For most of the first, the Bucks were hovering around 70% from the field as they built a 25-12 lead. When the Celtics D came to life, an 8-0 run got the C's back into the game and it was 30-23 at the end of the quarter. The C's did come up with four blocks in the first period.

Pregame Update

The Michael Redd-less (high ankle sprain) Milwaukee Bucks are in the house tonight, the first Celtics opponent in a brutal stretch which features six games in the next eight days, book ended by the boys in purple. With little time to catch their breath over that period, Doc Rivers said the team's only practice will be tomorrow, which will be open for a Celtics sponsor.

"We're going to have what I guess you'd call a practice tomorrow," Rivers said. "We don't see a decent practice until December, because of the [schedule]."

The talk in the Celtics room circulated around Rajon Rondo and his free-throw shooting woes thus far this season. Despite making 100 shots from the stripe a day this summer, usually out of 110, according to Rondo, he's shooting an Olden Polynice-esque 13-of-33 (39%) in the Celtics' first five games.

"I don't know what the story is; if I knew I'd definitely try to improve it," Rondo said. "I'm going to continue to try and get fouled and attack the rim. I'm not going to shy away from getting fouled because I have to make them eventually. I need to make them, especially being a point guard."

Many of Rondo's trips to freebie-land have been preceded by a hard hit underneath the bucket, which he acknowledged, saying that it may be the adrenaline rush contributing to the erratic nature of his shots.

"For some reason, it's just not going in right now. Some are long, some are short, but I'll get a rhythm," he said. "Once I get a rhythm, I'll lock in."

To counteract that, Rondo said Sam Cassell told him to focus on taking a breath before he shoots and even to stop and tie his shoes to buy some time. While he hasn't had the chance to try this yet, fortunately Rondo's laces are always loose so as not to cut off circulation in his feet.

- Couper Moorhead

Wednesday, November 5 - Celtics at Thunder

Live Game Update

96-83 Celtics, FINAL: The Big Three all came up big Wednesday night, with each guy flirting with a double-double. Paul Pierce, despite playing with a sprained hand, led the way with 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Ray Allen had 18 and nine boards while KG chipped in 17 and eight rebounds.

"I got a little sprained hand I suffered last night," Pierce said of the minor injury. "I haven't been shooting the ball well, but I'm going to keep shooting until I get out of the slump."

While the Celtics fell behind early in the first quarter, the C's made the rally in the second period when the reserves took the floor.

"I really thought the second unit did a good job," Pierce said. "They played with energy, took the lead and we never looked back."

Heralded second-year player Kevin Durant finished with 17 points, but he disappeared for most of the second and third quarter and if that's the case, it could be a long, long year for the Thunder.

The Celtics, meanwhile, improved to 4-1 and will return home Friday night to host the 3-2 Milwaukee Bucks at the Garden.

70-55 Celtics, End of Third: The C's started to pull away from a young Thunder team in the third quarter, outscoring them 19-11 behind strong play from Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. Allen struggled early but started finding the groove and scored 10 of his 14 points in the third, while Rondo has nine assists and some nice plays on the defensive end.

The Celtics have clamped down on defense, coming up with nine steals and holding Oklahoma City to just 34% shooting.

51-44 Celtics, Halftime: The Celtics tipped off the second quarter by jumping out on a 25-7 run, while the Thunder went just 1-for-their-first-16 in the period. Leon Powe made his impression felt, leading the Celtics with 11 points at the half and some typical hard-nosed rebounding under the basket.

Delays have plagued the game, from net issues to floor moisture that had ball boys mopping up with towels between baskets late in the half.

29-21 Thunder, End of First: So far we're pretty even statistically, but a high-energy 11-3 Thunder run to end the quarter has Oklahoma City up 29-21 after the first. Ray Allen continues his fine play with four points, four rebounds and a pair of assists.

Tuesday, November 4 - Celtics at Rockets

Live Game Update

103-99 Celtics, FINAL: The Celtics (3-1) get a nice win in Texas, as Kendrick Perkins and Ray Allen both had huge nights. Allen dropped 29 points before fouling out on a questionable call. Perk, playing in front of family and friends, owned Yao on both ends of the floor as the Celtics controlled the paint and the tempo of most of this game.

Allen did most of his damage against Tracy McGrady, who looked more than a step or two slow and failed to stay with Allen on the defensive end. Allen ran McGrady against picks most of the night, Reggie Miller style, before the Rockets finally switched up to put Artest on Allen in the waning minutes.

"It looked like Tracy was hobbled a little bit and we took advantage of it," Allen said. "The guys set some great screens and I got some good looks."

If anyone knows how to attack McGrady (not too mention knows his injury history), it would be Doc Rivers, who coached him with the Orlando Magic.

"Once [Allen] gets it going he's very difficult to stop," Rivers said. "I'm sure [McGrady's] not 100% yet."

All five starters scored in double figures for the Celtics, who visit Oklahoma City tomorrow night.

81-78 Celtics, End of Third: Rondo continues to play well, controlling the pace in a back-and-forth game in which the referees have been reluctant to blow the whistle despite some physical play. Perkins is having himself a nice night and has 15 points on 7/8 shooting.

Despite shooting 54% from the field through three periods, the C's have just a three-point lead.

58-53 Celtics, Halftime: After building a 16-point lead early in the second quarter, the Celtics endured a 20-7 Rockets run over 4:30 when the score went from a 43-27 edge to a 50-47 deficit. But the C's closed out the half strong and took a five-point lead into the half. Ray Allen has 12 points and four assists, while Perk and KG continue to work the glass.

Garnett, however, is having another rough shooting night, going just 2/10 in the half as his midrange jumper just wont go down. Ron Artest (9 points, 4 rebounds) has played well for the Rockets.

28-22 Celtics, End of First: The Celtics scored 14 of their 28 first quarter points on either dunks or layups, and the Houston defense, which coming into this game was among the best in the league, was nonexistent. The Celtics also out-rebounded the Rockets 16-9 in the opening stanza. Yao Ming picking up two quick fouls certainly didn't help the Houston cause.

Rajon Rondo led all scorers with 10 points in the quarter.

Bill Walker Activated

7:31 p.m.: Rookie Bill Walker has been activated for tonight's game, while reserve center Patrick O'Bryant will not dress tonight for the Celtics' game against the Rockets in Houston.

Walker, if you remember, got into it with Tracy McGrady during the Celtics preseason game against Houston in Manchester, NH.

Saturday, November 1 - Celtics at Pacers

Live Game Coverage

95-79 Pacers, FINAL: A 12-0 too-little, too-late run by the bench wasn't nearly enough, and the Celtics fall for the first time this season to start their three-game roadie. KG had 18 points and 14 rebounds but still didn't look like himself.

The only thing uglier than the Celtics' 24 turnovers tonight? Danny Granger's new $60 million smile. Granger lost his two front teeth diving for a loose ball, and now we know what he wants for Christmas.

Doc Rivers won't use the 4 a.m. arrival as an excuse, but when everyone looks a step slow and you turn it over that many times, the travel woes have to have played a role.

69-58 Pacers, End of Third Quarter: The turnovers continue to kill the Celtics. Twenty one turnovers and counting is making it tough to make any sort of sustained run to chip away at Indiana's double-digit lead. Paul Pierce is attacking the basket more, and it might be one of those nights where the Truth has to put the team on his back.

48-41 Pacers, Halftime: The Celtics got as close as three points, but the Pacers riding Granger and T.J. Ford and the emotion of their opening night. But 14 turnovers is crazy for a half, and the Celtics will have to clean it up in the second half to get the win tonight. Five guys have committed at least more than one turnover here in the first half.

Given their 33% shooting, their isn't much to point to on the positive side for the C's, but Tony Allen did provide a nice lift off the bench with eight points.

27-17 Pacers, End of First Quarter: Danny Granger's 11 points are highlighted by an up-and-under scoop shot that you'll be seeing on the highlights tonight. The Pacers are looking to shoot at the first available opportunity, and so far it's working. The C's (8 turnovers) look a little sluggish, but a 4 a.m. arrival in Indianapolis will do that.

After Rough Opener, KG Rebounds in Game 1K

Friday, October 31 - Bulls at Celtics

Postgame Coverage

Celtics vs. Bulls: Recap | Box Score | Highlights

Live Game Coverage

96-80 Celtics, FINAL: Make it 2-0 for the C's, officially, after a game that was largely over after the first quarter. Pierce played 35 minutes, but KG and Ray Allen had light duty in making short work of the Bulls. A very professional win for the Celtics tonight.

70-54 Celtics, End of Third: Kendrick Perkins fouled out in just 21 minutes on opening night, and he's already got five personals through three quarters. Smoke 'em if you've got 'em, Perk...

With a comfortable lead and a game tomorrow night in Indiana (the Pacers' home opener), look for the starters to rest most of the fourth if possible. Garnett has 18/10, while Rondo has 14 and six dimes.

49-31 Celtics, Halftime: After a terrible shooting night on Tuesday (5-15), KG, playing in his 1,000th career game, has hit 7/10 for 16 points and seven rebounds, both game highs. And the paint dominance continues; the C's have a 30-12 edge in the lane.

And speaking of terrible shooting, the Bulls can't hit the ocean or the broad side of the proverbial barn. They're just 10/45 from the field. Tyrus Thomas is a brutal 1/10.

24-13 Celtics, End of 1st Quarter: By popular demand, live game updates are back. The Celtics dominated the paint here in the first quarter, as Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett all but marking their territory by posting eight points and seven rebounds between the both of them. The Celtics defense was tenacious, holding the Bulls to just 17% shooting and forcing seven turnovers. Offensively, the C's overwhelmed Chicago in the paint, 16-4.

Emotional Pierce Keeps C's in Check

Pregame Locker Room

The Chicago Bulls are in the house with this summer's No. 1 draft pick, point guard Derrick Rose. But despite the attention the rookie is receiving, the man of the day is the Celtics third-year point Rajon Rondo, whose rookie contract option was just picked up by the team earlier today.

In one of his more candid conversations with the media, Rondo talked about being happy with the team's no-brainer, and who wouldn't be, he said, having won a championship and returning the following year with the same team and a chance to repeat.

"I don't take anything for granted, but winning a championship helps," he said.

Asked about the possibility of being a Celtics' lifer, Rondo kept his head about him and commented on the business that, in the end, basketball is and will always be.

"You never know, it's a business," Rondo said after a pause. "Kevin [Garnett] was in Minnesota, I think 13 years, and he's in Boston now. So you never can say you want to be in one place throughout your entire career because, you know, General Managers can change, coaches can change, you never know what can happen."

But that's far along down the road, and Rondo knows he has a good thing going and wants to do what's best for himself and for the team.

"I love the organization right now, we're winning, that's what it's all about," he said.

- Couper Moorhead

Early Pregame

The locker room is about to open. With news of Rajon Rondo's option being exercised, we hope to catch up with him before tonight's game to get his thoughts...

Rondo Option Exercised

BOSTON, MA - The Boston Celtics announced today that the club has exercised the fourth year option on guard Rajon Rondo. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Thursday, October 30 - Practice

Cavs Set Physical Tone for C's Opponents

The ceremonies are over, the rings have been handed out, and the Celtics withstood their own sluggish start to get an opening night win against Cleveland Tuesday night. You couldn't ask for much more. So with all of that out of the way, the grind officially begins. Next up: the 1-0 Chicago Bulls, led by rookie head coach Vinny Del Negro and a standout rookie point guard, Derrick Rose.

"[The Bulls are] much improved. I was really impressed watching them the other night. Rose, he didn't have a great game, but you can already see that he's going to be a great player. He's already controlling that team, they're running at a better speed. His decision-making is what stood out," Rivers said of Rose, who finished with a not-too-shabby 11 points and nine assists (and four turnovers) in the Bulls' 108-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. "They're going to be a good opponent."

While the Bulls probably aren't as good as the Cavs on paper, they're not likely to play as physical a brand of basketball. The Cavs, with a seven-game playoff loss still fresh in their mind, seemed determined to push the Celtics around, and seemed to take particular interest in sending Rajon Rondo to the floor whenever he went to the bucket.

"I told him, 'It's nice to go to the foul line, it's better to go to the foul line shooting one.' You know what I mean? He took some hits and if he did that all year, that would be a concern," Rivers said. "You want him going at that speed all year and you want him getting to the basket without contact as much as possible, but this is a physical game."

To that end, Paul Pierce is expecting teams to try to lay the lumber on them every night.

"When you're the champs, teams are gunning for you. They're gonna try to find an edge. That's the way it is when you're trying to unseat the champs in any sport," Pierce said. "We've got to be ready to take everybody's best punch."

Wednesday, October 29 - No Practice

After Tuesday night's opening night victory over the Cavaliers, the Celtics will have Wednesday off before regrouping for practice on Thursday ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls.

Tuesday, October 28 - Cavaliers at Celtics

Postgame Recap

BOSTON - Paul Pierce exploded for 27 points and the Celtics capped a special night in style with Tuesday's 90-85 season-opening win over the Cavaliers at The Garden. Rajon Rondo had 14 points and six assists, while Leon Powe added 13 points as five C's finished in double figures.

The World Champion Celtics turned the page on their storybook turnaround Tuesday night when they handed out rings, and raised their 17th banner to the rafters.

Celtics vs. Cavs: Recap | Box Score | Ring Ceremony Video

More: C's Eye Repeat | Player Forecast | Ainge Promoted

Pregame Media Access

Lots of familiar faces at the Garden tonight with most national media outlets covering the game. The timing of the ring ceremony is throwing everybody off their routine, but Doc Rivers said there's no better distraction for which a team could ask.

If you find yourself wondering where LeBron and the Cavaliers are during the ceremony -- through the build up in your tear ducts, of course -- they've elected to stay in the locker room during the lengthy presentation.

Not that there's any hard feelings from the Celtics.

"First of all, I didn't know they were invited," Rivers said, laughing. "Number two, we're still going to have it. Because [LeBron's] not going to come, we're not going to cancel it. And number three, I wouldn't want to be there either."

"It's long, and secondly, they're giving us something that we want."

Much has been made of the Celtics carrying a shiny new target on their backs after topping the Lakers last summer, but Rivers said the team has actually gone through of bit of that before. This time, however, they've actually done something to deserve it.

"We were the beneficiary last year of being on every [magazine] cover and teams attacked us for that," Rivers said. "Because we hadn't won. I thought that they took that personally, you know, 'who're these guys, they haven't won anything.'"

The team just came out for warm ups, and for a moment it sounded like the playoffs last season. The arena isn't even full yet.

- Couper Moorhead

Opening Night Coverage

if you haven't checked CelticVision HD already, check out Paul and Doc talking about the challenge of repeating as NBA Champions, and what they expect from tonight's banner and ring ceremonies. By the way, tip off is at 8:00 p.m., but fans should be in their seats for a 7:30 ceremony. Be there early!

Couper Moorhead has today's game preview, while Peter Stringer checks in with a feature on the challenge of repeating that runs in the latest edition of Parquet, available exclusively at the TD Banknorth Garden.

Monday, October 27 - Practice

Check CelticVision HD for updates from Waltham including interviews with Coach Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Sam Cassell.

Sunday, October 26 - Practice

All 15 players, including rookie J.R. Giddens (bruised left hip, day-to-day) went through Sunday's practice at the Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint in Waltham on Sunday, and the troops will meet again at 11 a.m. on Monday morning for a final day of practice before Tuesday's season opener against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Celtics.com will have complete coverage from Monday's session...

Saturday, October 25 - Practice

The word from PR chief Jeff Twiss is that "everyone busted it pretty good today" in Waltham. One minor note, J.R. Giddens has a bruised left hip and is listed as day-to-day.

Friday, October 24 - Practice

After two days off, Coach Doc Rivers called Friday's practice, "sloppy, as expected." That said, sloppiness didn't stop the troops from playing hard.

Rivers said that in the next four days, the team needs to get "on the same page" and get it's timing down to where the team is "game-ready instead of preseason ready."

"We've got to understand it's gonna be 82 games of being attacked every night," Rivers said.

Check CelticVision HD for interviews with Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. KG was especially candid today talking about his legendary intensity and how it rubs off on his teammates.

Wednesday, October 22 - No Practice

After completing their exhibition season at 6-2 with a 101-90 victory over the New York Knicks, the Celtics will have two days off before returning to practice in Waltham on Friday.

Monday, October 20 - Practice

Celtics Waive Darius Miles

BOSTON, MA - The Boston Celtics announced today that the club has requested waivers on forward Darius Miles. The training camp roster now stands at 15.

Darius was a model citizen during his time here in Boston. He showed that he still has a lot of basketball left in him," said Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations/General Manger Danny Ainge.

Miles signed as a free agent on August 22, 2008. The 6'9", 235-pound forward appeared in six preseason games, averaging 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game.

Sunday, October 19 - Nets at Celtics

Rondo Sits, Pruitt Starts

Rajon Rondo's ankle sprain may have been mild, but it's enough to keep him out of today's preseason game against the New Jersey Nets. Rondo told reporters before Sunday's tilt that he could play if he needed to (i.e. if it were the regular season, he'd be suiting up) and hopes to practice Monday and play in Tuesday night's exhibition finale against the New York Knicks at MSG.

Check the Audio Archive for Doc Rivers' pregame interview.

Celtics vs. Nets: Live Scoreboard

Friday, October 17 - Knicks at Celtics

After sitting last night, the Big Three are expected to play big minutes, more like regular season minutes, in their preseason TD Banknorth Garden debut tonight against the Knicks.

Thursday, October 16 - Celtics at Nets

Big Three Sit While TA Drops 32 on Nets

Doc Rivers may have given Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett the night off, but Tony Allen was hard at work Thursday night, scorching the Nets for 32 points, 22 of which came in the first half.

"During the summer I worked on just taking what the defense gives me and putting pressure on the defense when I can," Allen said after the win. "I'm just trying to get better, game after game."

Meanwhile, Eddie House (21 points and five threes) and Brian Scalabrine (11 points and some solid defense) had nice games in the win as well. Despite House lighting it up, he was more annoyed with himself after the game for the shots he missed late (including two free throws down the stretch) and a key turnover rather than celebrating his hot shooting in the early goings.

"That's a bad shooting night at the end of the game," House said.

Check CelticVision HD for the highlights from the Meadowlands.

Tuesday, October 14 - Celtics at Cavaliers

Wallace Out, Pavlovic Doubtful for Tilt in Pittsburgh

The Celtics meet the Cavaliers in Pittsburgh, PA tonight, and the word from the Cavs is that Ben Wallace did not travel with the team for tonight's game, while swingman Sasha Pavlovic is listed as doubtful for tonight's game with a right ankle sprain.

Monday, October 13 - Practice

Perk Practices, Aims To Play in Pittsburgh

WALTHAM - Kendrick Perkins got his first taste of a full-contact practice since returning from shoulder surgery, and the Celtics brass were curious to see how he'd respond to taking some hits on the shoulder, it turned out that Perkins was the one delivering the blows on Monday.

"Perk looked good. He fouled a couple of people hard. Hit a couple of people with elbows. I saw three or four people grabbing their face today and I said, 'Oh, Perk must be back.' So that's what he does. He was good," Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said.

With one practice under his belt, Perkins will give it a go Tuesday night in Pittsburgh when the Celtics meet the Cavs again in another exhibition contest. The Celtics edged Cleveland on Friday night in Providence, RI.

"I don't know how much. I haven't talked to Eddie [Lacerte] yet," Rivers said.

"It was pretty good. I felt alright. My conditioning's a little off," Perkins said, also noting that his timing around the basket was a bit off as well. "I made it through today healthy and I'm just gonna keep building from here."

One guy who actually looked banged up was Leon Powe, who had his hand bent back the wrong way when he got tangled up covering a pick-and-roll Friday night in Providence. "My hand was stuck in a jersey, and he went that way, and I went the other way and it took my hand and bent it all the way back," Powe said.

As Powe talked about his hand, Brian Scalabrine was running through extended shooting drills with Ray Allen.

And finally, both birthday boys Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce enjoyed a serenade from rookies and new staff today. Rivers is 47, Pierce turned 31.

Check the Audio Archive for sound from Doc, Perk and Powe at today's practice...

Sunday, October 12 - No Practice

Technical Difficulties...

Celtics.com has been experiencing technical difficulties over the weekend associated with the NBA.com relaunch. Please bear with us as a few bugs are ironed out.

Saturday, October 11 - Rockets at Celtics

C's Win Another Nailbiter in Physical Contest

It may be preseason, but don't tell the Celtics they aren't allowed to play exciting basketball in October. A night after Bill Walker preserved a win by slapping the ball away at the buzzer, Gabe Pruitt canned a midrange jumper off the glass (he insisted after the game that, yes, indeed, he WAS aiming for the backboard) with six seconds to play that became the gamewinner as the Celtics beat the Houston Rockets 90-89 in Manchester, NH.

After the game, the C's locker room was rocking to the sound of loud rap music. Big Baby, clad in nothing but a towel, danced his way from the shower to his locker while his teammates chanted and egged him on, while reporters just took in the celebration.

When things finally settled down, and reporters huddled around Gabe Pruitt, KG and other vets were all over him. "Look at Gabe getting the media attention!" shouted KG, forcing Pruitt to hold back a grin as he tried to remain serious and finish his interview.

"I got a couple of good looks early, and that got me going," Pruitt said. For the last shot, it just felt good when I released it. It just happened to bank in."

As for the rest of the game, it was certainly chippy. Bill Walker took a nasty elbow from Tracy McGrady, one which was seemingly unprovoked. "[I was] just cutting hard, and I guess he didn't like the force I was cutting with. He tried to elbow me, so I guess we just got tangled up. I don't know what his problem was. I was cutting."

Eddie House and McGrady would later pick up technicals for continuing the conversation. Later in the game, Ron Artest and Paul Pierce played each other pretty physical. According to Doc Rivers, the Celtics have to be ready for teams to come after them. After all, they're the champs.

"Every game's been chippy so far. When you win it, people are going to attack you. You cant back down, but you have to be able to function through that stuff. I thought we did OK with it," Rivers said. "They're gonna get attacked, people are gonna talk trash. You've just gotta play through it all, no matter what happens."

Friday, October 10 - Cavs at Celtics

Celtics Edge Cavs as Allen Erupts for 25

The biggest question heading into this season was who will replace James Posey. But the question is quickly becoming, "Is Tony Allen the answer?"

Before the game, Allen was telling reporters that "Tony Allen isn't a story this year...Tony Allen fitting into the this team is a story." But despite downplaying his importance, he outplayed just about everyone on the court, Olympic gold medallist LeBron James (15 points) included.

Allen dropped 25 points, got to the line 16 times, grabbed four rebounds and handed out three assists in Friday night's 96-94 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Providence, RI. Allen was attacking the basket, went six-of-seven from the field and knocked down some outside shots as well, and played one heck of a ballgame.

"He attacks off the dribble, he's aggressive and he's tough to guard," Rivers said of Allen, who had just 11 in Wednesday's exhibition opener.

As for Allen, he was pretty nonchalant about the whole thing. While his teammates razzed him for doing postgame interviews as they were on the way out the door, Allen maintained he was just "taking what the defense gave me" and "staying within the offense."

And for a guy who claimed at one point before last season that he thought he had a chance to be a part of the "Big Four", Allen was showing for the first time on the court that his time may have come. "I know it's the Big Three, but there are no Big I's and little yous," Allen said Friday.

The Celtics will stay over in Providence and then head for Manchester, NH tomorrow for a Saturday night date with Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets. Unless something changes, according to Rivers, the Big Three will play some minutes tomorrow night, it's just unclear how many. And Sam Cassell, who missed Wednesday's game in Amherst and was in street clothes for tonight's tilt, is expected to play in the Queen City against the Rockets.

Thursday, October 9 - Practice

Different Vantage Point for Rivers as Spectator

Doc Rivers didn't get to see the Celtics' first preseason game up close and personal from the sideline, but he did get to watch it live on TV, which was something of a new experience for the coach.

"I was able to watch a lot. I made it home right towards the end of the first quarter and I was able to watch the rest on TV," Rivers said, noting that he could have arrived at the game after it started but opted against it so that he wouldn't be a distraction to his team. "[It's a] different vantage point from your house. The first eight minutes of the game was terrific, defensively and offensively. After that, I thought the game got sloppy."

Rivers also enjoyed Bill Walker's loud slam over Theo Ratliff, and while he cautioned that Celtics fans have gotten excited over young athletic players who could slam but never really panned out (um, remember Gerald Green?), the coach isn't worried about Walker flaming out given his competitive nature and all-around game.

"The dunk was nice, obviously because it was a dunk and he got on SportsCenter," Rivers said. "I thought he played under control. My favorite play was toward the end, he got the post play and scored with a minute and a half left."

Check CelticVision HD for more from Coach Rivers and a brief interview with Walker as well.

Wednesday, October 8 - Celtics at 76ers

Doc Handles Personal Issues, Thibodeau Handles Team, Media

Celtics 92, Sixers 98 - With Doc Rivers back in Orlando tending to personal matters, defensive guru Tom Thibodeau was at the helm for the Celtics' opening exhibition game, a 98-92 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Amherst, MA on the campus of UMASS.

While the team took the L thanks to poor execution by the reserves down the stretch, there were some positives to take out of their preseason debut. Patrick O'Bryant (10 points and eight rebounds) looked solid, especially in the first half, working under the glass and showing some nice post moves on the offensive end. Thibodeau admitted that it appeared O'Bryant "ran out of gas" in the second half. While Rajon Rondo and the Big 3 played about 17 minutes each, Doc Rivers had made it known that he didn't expect his stars to play long against the Sixers.

That said, the starters did stake the Celtics to a quick 16-4 lead to open the game, and the intensity resembled the same fire they displayed in last year's exhibition opener against the Raptors in Rome.

Rookie Bill Walker, who raised eyebrows in Newport last week with relentless, aggressive basket attacks, helped close out the first half with a pair of dunks, the first of which was a sweet alley-oop, and the second an absolute facial for old friend (should we emphasize "old"?) Theo Ratliff.

The Celtics will practice tomorrow in Waltham before bussing to Providence, RI to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, then invading ManchVegas (Manchester, NH) on Saturday night, when Yao Ming, Ron Artest, former Celtics-executive-turned-GM Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets face the 17-Time NBA Champions.

Tuesday, October 7 - Practice

Back To Work in Waltham

WALTHAM - After a day off and an early departure from Newport, the boys were back in town at the Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint prepping for Wednesday night's exhibition opener in Amherst, MA against the Philadelphia 76ers. Technically, the tilt at UMASS is considered a road-game, but given the proximity to Boston, it's kind of like an extra home game for the 17-Time World Champions.

If you're heading to Amherst and hoping to see The Big Three, Doc Rivers has some advice for you: "Get there early."

"I don't know what it is, but it won't be a lot," Rivers said on Tuesday of the number of minutes he's planning for Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett through the first 5-6 preseason games. "It's almost like the end of the [regular season] last year, where we played them, but we didn't play them a lot."

Along those lines, a safe bet would be for the starters to play the first 6-8 minutes of the game, and possibly some time in the second half.

One guy who won't be seen at all in Amherst is Sam Cassell, who left Tuesday's practice early to head home to Baltimore to tend to family issues. And while Kendrick Perkins will probably make the trip, he isn't expected to play in the first five preseason games, according to Rivers' comments last week.

Rivers said throughout camp that he wasn't going to play his stars big minutes in the preseason, so that means extended auditions for the rookies and young guys on the New England barnstorming tour. Rivers said on Sunday that the first week of training camp is too small a sample size to truly gauge where the rookies are at to this point, so it stands to reason that he'll have a much better idea after they get their feet wet in this week's exhibition games in Amherst, MA, Providence, RI and Manchester, NH.

Sunday, October 5 - Day 6

Early Departure

NEWPORT - After a week in Newport, Doc Rivers decided to bring the team back to Boston and give the boys Monday off, rather than keep them here for the final scheduled day. With the first preseason game on Wednesday night (technically a road game in Amherst, MA) against the Philadelphia 76ers, a little time off is probably a good thing. The team will leave Newport on a 5 p.m. bus back to Waltham.

Rivers said that Newport was a great location for camp, and suggested that if the team were to establish a permanent training camp location for future seasons, Newport would certainly be a candidate.

We'll have video from Doc and more on today's final session in Newport later this afternoon. In the meantime, we've got to start packing...

- Peter Stringer

Saturday, October 4 - Day 5

Open Scrimmage at Salve

9:00 p.m. - The Celtics staged an open scrimmage for NBA TV and the students and faculty of Salve Regina University Saturday night, and the green team (starters, veterans) overcame an early 9-0 run by the white team to earn a 47-40 decision after 30 minutes of play. Box scores weren't available for the contest, but by our calculations, Eddie House (unofficially) had 16 points to lead the White Team (reserves and rookies) while Ray Allen was in double-figures for the Green team (starters and veterans).

Friday, October 3 - Day 4

Scal Beats the Buzzer

2:37 p.m. - The attitude here is upbeat, and guys are cheering each other on. You couldn't ask for much more camp kumbaya (actually, we're still calling it "Ubuntu", come to think of it) than the Celtics are getting here at Salve Regina. Yesterday, Paul Pierce was handing out more chest bumps than Eddie House's son did in the postseason. And today, it was high-fives all around as Brian Scalabrine drained the game-winning threeball at the end of the final scrimmage game of this morning's practice session.

"We drew it up for Scal," Coach Doc Rivers said, noting that Ray Allen, who delivered the pass to Scalabrine, was the decoy on the play and it worked to perfection. "The entire team knew they'd go for Ray."

"Then ending was perfect. It was a lot of end-of-game situations," Rivers said of Friday's session.

Scalabrine wasn't the only one who had a strong session. According to Rivers, Darius Miles had perhaps his best practice of camp, despite thinking yesterday that he might need the day off.

Instead, Miles gave it a go and felt good.

"I'm used to four or five days of two-a-days," Miles said. "My first couple of days in Portland, we didn't have a day off until December."

The Celtics will have tomorrow morning off, and will practice tomorrow night in front of lucky Salve Regina students who won a raffle, as well as some school faculty and donors.

Thursday, October 2 - Day 3

Another One-and-Done for C's; Walker Impressing

2:08 p.m.: The original training camp schedule called for two-a-days all week, but Doc Rivers now thinks that going hard for one long session is better in the long run than doubling-down on workouts each day.

"If I beat three guys, we had to practice this afternoon. We'll have to go to the videotape," Rivers said, laughing about the footrace at the end of practice in which he sprinted against the team with an evening session cancellation hanging in the balance. "We didn't do a lot of doubles last year. We couldn't, it took an hour to get there [in Rome]. We're going three hours, two-and-a-half hours, [so] we don't need to do doubles."

What stood out to Rivers today was the play of rookie Bill Walker, who has been attacking the basket relentlessly in the last few days of scrimmage. Walker has finished at the rim with a few loud dunks already, not to mention a coast-to-coast finger roll toward the end of Tuesday's morning session.

"Billy Walker is playing extremely well right now. J.R. [Giddens] has to catch up. But he'll get there," Rivers said, noting that it's tough for the rookies to not be in awe of their All-Star teammates. "[Walker] attacks the basket as you saw today, and we're telling him it's a competition. They're your teammates, and it's a competition. I thought today, [Walker] came to play basketball and not be a spectator."

On the other hand, Rivers said that Giddens is still spectating. "Everything's new for him. J.R.'s at that point where all young guys get at; he's thinking instead of playing," Rivers said. "That doesn't go away for a while, so that doesn't concern us at all."

The good news is, help is on the way. Ray Allen spent several minutes with Giddens after practice handing out pointers from things he observed in the scrimmage, and Paul Pierce had a similar chat with Walker while others were handling media interviews.

Ray Allen gives J.R. Giddens a little mentoring after Thursday's practice at Salve Regina.
Peter Stringer/Celtics.com

Speaking of the Big Three, Rivers also noted that despite their heavy playing time in the exhibition season last year, you won't be seeing as much of Pierce, Allen and Kevin Garnett in the preseason this time around.

"Not as much as last year. Last year, we didn't know each other," Rivers said. "Early on, they won't play as much. The last two games, they'll play a lot."

Rajon Rondo hasn't stopped making passes in training camp. In fact, he's even delivering perfect spirals to his teammates. With practice over, a football emerged, and Rondo and Ray Allen decided to work on their go patterns. Rondo, of course, once dreamed of playing in the NFL before eventually finding his way to basketball. Check CelticVision HD this afternoon for some behind the scenes footage of their impromptu football game.

Also, look for more video updates from Rivers, Pierce and Tony Allen later this afternoon.

Morning Session Underway

11:02 a.m.: Word from the sidelines at Salve is that the team is having a "spirited" practice this morning. We'll have more when the morning session wraps up; look for an update around 2 p.m. or so.

Wednesday, October 1 - Day 2

Night Session Cancelled

5:30 p.m.: After two days of hard practicing, Doc Rivers gave his guys the night off from a scheduled 6-8 p.m. practice. They'll return to the practice floor at Salve Regina tomorrow morning.

Doc Praises O'Bryant

The boys went pretty hard again Wednesday morning, and earned high praise from Coach Doc Rivers for their intensity.

"We had a great practice today. The end was sloppy, I didn't like that part of it, but the first two hours, [we had] great focus. The execution was tremendous," Rivers said. "For a second day practice, it's one of the better ones I've been around."

On the flipside, Kevin Garnett told reporters that he didn't feel he himself had a good practice in colorful terms that we won't print here. But he agreed with his coach that overall, today's session was intense.

"I'm never happy with my performance. But that's me [looking] for perfection," Garnett said. As for the team? "[There was] a lot of hard work, diving on the floor, Doc was talking trash, it was a great day today."

Rivers said he was impressed with Patrick O'Bryant's effort today, and for the second straight day while Kendrick Perkins is unavailable for contact, O'Bryant got the nod with the first unit.

"Patrick had a hell of a practice. He was great today," Rivers said, noting that if he figures out how to play alongside Garnett, "things could be pretty good for him."

Check CelticVision HD for today's video interviews with Doc, Paul, Ray and Kevin, and a little behind the scenes footage of Paul describing his first day of practice at Kansas, and how it relates to CSN sideline reporter Greg Dickerson's attire yesterday. This is the kind of stuff that goes on when practice wraps.

Morning Update

First off, Couper Moorhead checked in with Darius Miles, who's hungry to make his comeback with the Celtics.

Meanwhile, we'll have more updates from today's morning session this afternoon. And to be clear, training camp practices, like all Celtics practices, are closed to the public. Thankfully, Celtics.com has you covered.

Tuesday, September 30 - Camp Opens in Newport

NEWPORT, RI - The Celtics started off camp with a hard three-hour practice this morning at Salve Regina, and while Coach Doc Rivers said it was apparent that the team's conditioning needs some work, he liked his team's energy and thinks that they have a leg up with so many returning players who already know his system.

"I thought our guys came with the right energy," Rivers said of the morning session, which ended right around 1 p.m. "It's different from last year. A lot of our guys can pick up stuff quicker. The guys returning [know our stuff]."

One guy who knows the stuff but can't show it is Kendrick Perkins, who's still restricted to non-contact drills only, and spent the end of Monday morning's session watching teammates scrimmage. Perkins got some extra midrange shooting in at the end of the session, but according to Rivers, he isn't expected to really take part in any of the training camp or play in at least the first four exhibition games.

"Hopefully I can get back into the contact work. I did all the drill work today," said Perkins, who told reporters he expected to wait another week or so before he could resume contact activity. "Just waiting on the doctor's orders."

With Perk on the shelf, newcomer Patrick O'Bryant got the nod to play with the green team alongside Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo.

"Patrick gets to play with the starters all practice. That can't hurt a guy like him. He's the only other tall guy," Rivers said, noting that while the media's been talking about Posey's departure, he's more concerned with the absence of P.J. Brown. "Patrick has a chance to take that role."

As for the Posey role, Darius Miles is hoping to compete with Tony Allen for those minutes, and Rivers liked what he saw out of Miles this morning, even if it was brief. But given that he's been all but out of the league for the past two seasons, Rivers will take what he can get.

"I thought by mid-practice he was spent, but he fought through it and played," Rivers said of Miles, who he says has "great instincts and feel" for the game.

Evening practice sessions are closed, so barring any major news, the next update will be tomorrow afternoon. Check the Audio Archive for sound bites from Doc, Paul and Ray.

Monday, September 29 - Cassell Re-Signs with Celtics

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that they have re-signed guard Sam Cassell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Cassell, a 6'3", 195 pound guard, is a veteran of 15 NBA seasons. Cassell won his third NBA title as a member of the Celtics last season after signing mid-season from the L.A. Clippers. Cassell averaged 7.6 points and 2.1 assists in 17 regular season games with the Celtics last season and finished the season with combined averages of 11.2 points and 3.9 assists per game. The 2003-04 All-Star scored 20 or more points 10 times last season including a season-high 35 points against the Indiana Pacers on November 7. He scored a high of 22 points with the Celtics against the Knicks on April 14.

Monday, September 29 - Media Day

Media Day is upon us today, as the Celtics will smile for the cameras and talk to every outlet under the sun before embarking on the voyage to Newport, Rhode Island for their 2008-09 Training Camp.

Celtics.com will have complete coverage tonight from Waltham, with photos, video and more.

Friday, September 26 - Tickets on Sale Today at 10 a.m.

Individual game tickets for each Celtics home game are on sale Friday, September 26 at 10 a.m.

Fans will be able to purchase tickets online at Celtics.com, by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX, or by visiting the TD Banknorth Garden Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Due to overwhelming demand, fans are strongly encouraged to order early to increase their chances of securing tickets.

Buy Tickets: Tickets on Sale at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, September 24 - Individual Game Tickets on Sale Friday

BOSTON - Individual game tickets for each Celtics home game will go on sale Friday, September 26 at 10 a.m. Fans will be able to purchase tickets online at Celtics.com, by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX, or by visiting the TD Banknorth Garden Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Due to overwhelming demand, fans are strongly encouraged to order early to increase their chances of securing tickets. Random number distribution will begin at approximately 9 a.m. at the TD Banknorth Garden Box Office for fans choosing to purchase at that location.

For the second consecutive season, the Celtics have capped season ticket sales on loge and balcony levels and have now started a waiting list for fans desiring to purchase season tickets.

Press Release: Celtics Individual Game Tickets On Sale Friday at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, September 24 - Trophy Tour Visits Maine

AUGUSTA, ME - Governor John E. Baldacci announced today that 2008 World Champion Celtics players Tony Allen, Leon Powe, and Brian Scalabrine will accompany the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy to the rally being held in Portland on Wednesday September 24, presented by TD Banknorth. Also joining the trophy at events in Portland and Orono will be Celtics legend JoJo White and Team President Rich Gotham.

"I am pleased to roll out the 'green' carpet in the State of Maine for 2008 World Champions Tony Allen, Leon Powe, and Brian Scalabrine. These three players handled themselves with great class and dignity on the court all year and have earned the respect of their peers and fans alike. It is an honor to have them in Portland," Governor Baldacci said. "It is also exciting to welcome JoJo White to our State. He is a basketball great who had a tremendous career with a legendary NBA franchise."

"We are really looking forward to celebrating a day of Celtic Pride and sharing the 2008 NBA Championship trophy with our many loyal Celtics fans in Maine," Celtics Team President Rich Gotham said.

"TD Banknorth is proud to be an official partner of the 2008 World Champions and thrilled to bring the trophy to its home base of Portland, Maine," President and Senior Commercial Lender for TD Banknorth Maine Larry World said.

The NBA Championship Trophy will first be on display to the general public at The Expo in Portland. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. with events scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Following a short rally at noon, fans will be invited to see the trophy from 12 - 2 p.m.

From 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., the trophy will be on display at the Alfond Arena on the University of Maine campus in Orono.

In addition to the current players, members of the Celtics front office are expected to join the entourage for the rally in Portland. Members of the Celtics Dancers and the team's mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun, will be accompanying Celtics legend JoJo White to both events.

Governor Baldacci previously announced that September 24, 2008 will be proclaimed Boston Celtics Day throughout the State of Maine in honor of the visit.

Mainers are encouraged to bring a camera to both events for photos with the trophy and Celtics personnel. Both events are free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 20 - Remembering Red

Red Auerbach was born on September 20, 1917, so on what would be his 81st birthday, Celtics.com takes another look back at his legacy. We're guessing that somewhere, the legendary coach and patriarch enjoyed #17 this year.

Remembering Red Auerbach

Friday, September 19 - White House Recap

It was a busy day for the Celtics in Washington, D.C. on Friday, as the team flew in just after 12 p.m., toured the White House and then were honored by President Bush in a special ceremony. The team got the red carpet treatment upon arrival, getting a special exception to fly the team charter into Reagan National Airport and then bussing right onto the grounds of the White House just outside the East Wing.

Upon arrival, the team took a private tour of the White House. Players, coaches and staff visited the famous Green Room and Red Room, as well as the Cross Hall, and even posed for exclusive pictures where cameras typically aren't allowed. Hey, it's good to be the champs.

The visit with the President capped an incredible 2007-08 campaign, and the details of the Celtics' remarkable one-year turn-around certainly weren't lost on the Commander in Chief.

"It's amazing how sports works, isn't it? At the beginning of last season, few would have predicted how this season would have ended," the President remarked. "After all, the Celtics had finished with the second worst record in the NBA. And the two-decade championship drought was pretty likely to continue -- at least that's what the experts said. There's a lot of experts in life these days..."

After Bush's address, Paul Pierce and company presented the President with an autographed team ball and a personalized Celtics jersey, and then pledged a donation of $100,000 to the Red Cross for Hurricane Ike relief. A meet and greet in the State Dining Room with a few senators, some servicemen and servicewomen and even a few lucky fans followed.

"We started the season at the Vatican and ended at the White House," quipped Vice President of Media Relations Jeff Twiss on the bus ride back from the White House. "That's pretty neat."

Thursday, September 11 - Players Working Out in Waltham

The Celtics practice facility in Waltham has been buzzing the last few weeks with players getting in workouts on and off the basketball court. With 12 guys in today, there's plenty to report. We caught up with Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and rookie Bill Walker to see how their offseason's are coming along with training camp in Newport, RI just a few weeks away on September 30.

Also of note today: Balfour, who will be producing the Celtics championship bling, was in Waltham after the workouts to size players and coaches for their championship rings.

Peter Stringer has more from Waltham with a full story and video interviews with Pierce and Allen.

Wednesday, September 10 - Celtics, Rivers Extend Deal

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that they have extended the contract of Head Coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are pleased to be able to extend Doc's contract. Doc molded a championship team last season through his leadership and we are confident that he is the man to lead this franchise on the court now and in the future," said Danny Ainge, Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations/General Manager.

Celtics Extend Contract of Head Coach Doc Rivers

Tuesday, August 26 - Giddens, Celtics Make It Official

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed 2008 first round draft pick J.R. Giddens. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Giddens, a 6'5", 215-pound guard from the University of New Mexico was selected with the 30th overall pick. He is the first player from the University of New Mexico to have been drafted by the Celtics. The former Lobo shared Mountain West Conference Co-Player of the Year honors as a senior when he averaged 16.3 points and a league-leading 8.8 rebounds in 33 games played. Giddens earned First Team All-Conference honors as a senior and earned Honorable Mention All-MWC honors as a junior. Giddens transferred to New Mexico after his sophomore season at the University of Kansas. The 23 year-old was named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week a record five times during his senior season.

Friday, August 22 - C's Ink Miles and Walker

Danny Ainge was busy on Friday, signing a pair of forwards to round out the Celtics roster. Ainge reached deals with second round draft pick Bill Walker, and free agent forward Darius Miles.

"Darius has been in twice for workouts with us and has impressed us with his progress, health, and attitude," said Danny Ainge, Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations/General Manager. "Darius will have the next couple of months to prove to myself and Coach Rivers that he can help us win."

Ainge was also excited about officially sealing the deal with Walker, whom the Celtics acquired from the Washington Wizards on draft night. Walker has spent much of his summer working on rehabbing an injured knee that he hurt during draft workouts.

"Bill's hard work and skill development this summer has given us the belief that he can be in our short-term plans as well as our long-term plans," Ainge said.

Press Releases: Darius Miles | Bill Walker

Wednesday, August 6 - Schedule Released

The NBA officially released its schedule at noon on August 6, and the World Champion Boston Celtics will tip off the action on Tuesday, October 28 when they host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Garden.

Other highlights include an NBA Finals rematch on Christmas Day with Kobe and the Lakers in Los Angeles, Kevin Garnett's return to Minnesota on November 21, and a Sunday afternoon showdown on March 1 with the Detroit Pistons.

Regular season tickets will go on sale on Friday, September 26, 2008.

Celtics Schedule: List View Schedule | Printable PDF

Ticket Access: Premium Seating | Club Green

Wednesday, July 23 - House, TA Officially Re-Signed

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have re-signed guards Tony Allen and Eddie House. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Tony Allen Release | Eddie House Release

Wednesday, July 16 - O'Bryant Officially Signs

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed free agent center Patrick O'Bryant. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

O'Bryant, a 7'0", 249lbs center, has appeared in 40 career games for the Golden State Warriors posting averages of 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. The former Bradley Brave played in eight games for the Bakersfield Jam of the Development League last season with averages of 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. The ninth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft netted a career-high 10 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on November 16, 2007.

O'Bryant is slated to meet the Boston media in Waltham on Thursday morning at The Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint at 11:30 a.m.

Official Press Release

Tuesday, July 15 - Posey: "One Day at a Time"

Free agent forward James Posey was among the attendees at the Celtics' Championship DVD release party at the TD Banknorth Garden on Monday night, and he was peppered with questions about his free agent status by media members and fans alike. Posey, for his part, said few words, and the words he did say, he repeated several times.

"It is what it is," Posey said of his situation. "You just gonna take it one day at a time and that's how you go about it."

Is he any closer to making a decision about where he'll play next year?

"Ah, I'm taking it one day at a time. That's my approach," Posey said. "At the end of the day both sides are gonna do what's best for themselves and that's just how it ends up."

Posey compared the free agency process to college recruiting, saying that everything was speculation and talk.

"You just sit back and wait and see what happens," Posey said. "I just take it one day at a time and in due time, things will happen."

In the meantime, Posey can expect to start hearing from Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, both of whom said Monday night that they intended to campaign for Posey to return to Boston for next season.

Reserve point guard Eddie House, also a free agent this summer, told reporters on Monday night that he'd like to return to the Celtics, but feels he's due a raise and some security after winning a championship this season.

Monday, July 7 - Pierce To Get MRI, Doesn't Expect Surgery on Knee

BOSTON - Paul Pierce talked to a few reporters on Monday at his annual summer basketball camp at Basketball City just around the corner from the TD Banknorth Garden on Monday, and said that he'll be getting an MRI on his knee but doesn't expect to have to undergo surgery.

Pierce said the knee is still sore, but is getting better, and noted that he's been treating his injury "like a sprain that normally takes three-four weeks."

"I've still got some soreness in it, so hopefully it's nothing major requiring surgery," Pierce said. "I plan on getting in there this week, getting the treatment and the MRI and making sure I take care of my body. I doubt if I need any surgery. It's getting better and better. I'm gonna get the MRI just to take the extra precaution but I don't see any surgery in my future and I just plan on getting treatment until it's all the way healed."

In the meantime, Pierce said he and his teammates have been soaking up the love since winning the Celtics 17th World Championship.

"It feels good now, man, truthfully, knowing your the best. You feel the love when you're out in the public," Pierce said. "It's kind of hard on the people out in L.A., they're happy [for me] but they're sorry because they're from there. But it's what it is, the Boston Celtics are World Champs."

Pierce said he's already been re-watching some of the Finals games and reliving the glory of his first NBA title.

"When you win it, you don't understand the magnitude of it and the significance of it until you get a chance to watch it," Pierce said. "Some of the stuff I was out there doing, I couldn't believe it myself."

And now that he's finally reached the top of the mountain, Pierce has no designs on coming down next year.

"The craziest thing about this is, I'm happy that we won it, and I'm kind of coming down off it again, but last week I've been thinking, 'We've got to do this again', you know? And that's what's going to motivate me next year. You get a taste of it and you want more."

Along those lines, Pierce is already planning his offseason workout schedule, and said he plans to be in the Boston area for most of the summer to get that done. This week, his while his camp is in session in Boston, Pierce plans to spend some time doing some "light bike riding" at the Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint in Waltham.

"As far as stuff with the basketball, I plan on really getting into it after I get back from the ESPY Awards," Pierce said.

You can watch the entire Pierce interview on Celtics.com. Check it out on the CelticVision HD page.

Wednesday, July 2 - Baby, Pruitt Share Summer Plans

WALTHAM - Glen Davis certainly had a memorable rookie year with the World Champion Boston Celtics, but after a little bit of celebration in the Bahamas, he's ready to get back to work and spend his summer in tropical Waltham, Massachusetts.

"I'm gonna live at the gym," Davis told reporters on Wednesday. "I ain't going anywhere. I'll be up here probably eight weeks. We don't start until September 30 so I want to be at a point eight weeks from now and then cruise to September 30."

The goal for Davis, in his own words? "Just maintain my conditioning, maintain my body, be fit and ready to play."

Peter Stringer has more with Big Baby, while Couper Moorhead checks in on Gabe Pruitt...

Stringer: Summer School: Davis Plans To Camp Out in Waltham
Moorhead: Pruitt Looks To Make Leap in Second Year

Perkins, Walker Have Successful Surgeries

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that center Kendrick Perkins and second round draft pick Bill Walker both had successful surgical procedures today at New England Baptist Hospital. Perkins underwent arthroscopic left shoulder surgery while Walker underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery. Both surgeries were preformed by Team Physician Dr. Brian McKeon and was assisted by Dr. Alan Curtis and Dr. John Richmond. No timetable has been set for their return.

Free Agent Camp Numerical Roster

11 Davis, Glen
13 Pruitt, Gabe
60 Brown, Bobby
62 Cook, Omar
63 Shakur, Mustafa
67 Mays, James
68 Hawkins, David
69 Butch, Brian
70 Anderson, Alan
71 Basden, Eddie
72 Gaines, Charles
73 Morris, Randolph
74 Noel, David
75 Roberts, Lawrence
76 Pettway, Aaron
79 Covile, Ryvon

Celtics roster players under contract denoted in bold.

Tuesday, July 1 - Rookies Meet the Media

Erden Going Back Overseas; Giddens and Walker Hope To Stick

Just days after being drafted by the 2008 World Champions, J.R. Giddens, Bill Walker and Semih Erden made their official Celtics debut at the Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint in Waltham on Tuesday afternoon.

All three players met the press along with Executive Director of Basketball Operations and General Manager Danny Ainge, and while Erden said he'll be returning overseas to play out the final year of his contract, Giddens and Walker talked about being excited to join the Celtics and what it will take for them to earn a roster spot at training camp in October.

Celtics.com has you covered with reaction from Giddens, Walker and Erden, as well as Ainge.

Stringer: Giddens Excited at Chance with Champs
Moorhead: Walker Hopes To Get Healthy, Earn Spot with C's

More: Video Interviews with Ainge and the Rookies

Monday, June 30 - Introductions Tomorrow

Giddens, Walker and Erden To Meet Media in Waltham Tuesday

The Celtics' 2008 NBA Draft picks, J.R. Giddens, Bill Walker and Semih Erden, will have an informal meeting with the media in Waltham Tuesday afternoon at the Sports Authority Training Center in Waltham. Celtics.com will have complete coverage following their availability.

Friday, June 27 - 2008 NBA Draft Recap

Doc Giddy To Grab Giddens at #30

Admittedly -- and understandably -- Doc Rivers was not fully prepared for the 2008 NBA Draft following the Celtics' title run. So Danny Ainge made it easy on him, handing Rivers four scouting tapes following the Rolling Rally.

The subject of one ended up being selected by the Celtics with the 30th pick of the draft: 6'5" guard J.R. Giddens, senior from the University of New Mexico. Giddens had just worked out for the Celtics the day before the draft, and it didn't take much to sell Rivers.

Celtics Giddy To Grab Giddens at #30

Thursday, June 26 - 2008 NBA Draft

C's Swap for Kansas State's Walker, Grab Turkish Center

The Celtics stayed aggressive on draft day, trading for the draft rights to No. 47 pick Bill Walker from the Washington Wizards in exchange for cash considerations.

With the final selection in the draft the Celtics took center Semih Erden from Turkey.

Giddens, Rivers Meet Media

Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers and first-round pick J.R. Giddens met the Boston media tonight. Rivers talked with reporters in person in the visitor's locker room at the TD Banknorth Garden while Giddens talked to the press via conference call in the Garden press room.

You can hear both interviews in the Audio Archive.

C's Take Giddens at #30

The Celtics select New Mexico senior guard J.R. Giddens with the #30 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Giddens averaged 16.3 PPG and 8.8 RPG last season while shooting 52% from the floor. Giddens shared Mountain West Conference Co-Player of the Year honors as a senior. He also earned First Team All-Conference honors.

Pre-Draft Media Availability

Doc Rivers met with the Boston media about 30 minutes before the Draft began, and you can listen to the interview in the Audio Archive.

Pre-Draft Report

After last season's 24-win campaign, the Celtics were expected to pick at the top of the draft and hope for a franchise savior. But after a Draft Lottery disappointment, which turned out to be the best thing that could happen to the team, Danny Ainge started wheeling and dealing and laid the foundation for Banner 17.

Tonight in the 2008 NBA Draft (7 p.m., ESPN) the Celtics pick dead last in the first and second rounds, and the stakes are decidedly lower. But given Ainge's history of unearthing impact players late in the draft (Does the name Leon Powe ring a bell?), the Celtics are hoping to find some young talent that can help the team down the road.

Friday, June 20 - Pierce, C's Honored at Fenway

Pierce Throws Out First Pitch

FENWAY PARK - Despite a massive (and quick) downpour that struck the Fenway neighborhood as soon as their Duck Boats took the field, the Celtics weren't about to let a little precipitation preempt their second parade in two days.

The 2008 NBA Champions -- man, is that cool to type or what? -- were introduced at Fenway Park Friday night before the Red Sox took on the St. Louis Cardinals, whom coincidentally, the Sox beat in 2004 for their 86-year-drought-breaking World Series title.

The C's rode three Duck Boats and carried four Larry O'Brien trophies onto the field for a trip around the warning track before ducking back under the bleachers to take cover from the rain. Minutes earlier, as they loaded up the boats and turned around on Lansdowne Street, the team was serenaded by lucky fans who happened to be just arriving at the park minutes before the first pitch. Players posed for photos and reached out for high fives before riding through the gates and onto the field at Fenway.

Paul Pierce was scheduled to throw out the first pitch just before 7 p.m. -- something he envied teammates Kevin Garnett (who took the mound last season on August 2, 2007) and Ray Allen for doing last summer since they did the honors before he ever did. Finally, after an hour-plus rain delay, The Truth and the Celtics charged back out onto the field and then Pierce took the mound flanked by teammates and the four golden trophies.

Clearly amped up by chants of "M-V-P" from the Fenway Faithful, Pierce was hopping up and down on the mound before toeing the rubber. After taking a deep breath, Pierce shook off Sox catcher Jason Varitek not once, but twice, only to deliver a pitch that was out of the zone, up and away, to the point that Varitek couldn't even control the delivery.

Perhaps he should have stuck with Tek's call afterall...

Either way, Pierce had a great laugh about it, while teammates enjoyed it as well. Coach Doc Rivers delivered the ceremonial "Play Ball" declaration, and the Red Sox, clad in Celtics green jerseys for the occasion, took the field for their game with the Cardinals.

The Celtics are helping themselves with 14 rebounds, but they have also missed many of their inside attempts, the main reason they are shooting 36.8% from the field.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

The media masses are in the building for tonight's nationally televised game and most of the Hornets were talking pregame, about, unsurprisingly, former Celtic James Posey. Peja Stojakovic brought up all the little things that Posey does which don't show up on the stat sheet, while Tyson Chandler said that a championship-player like Posey was the missing piece for a Hornets team loaded with talent.

"We were 3-15 [in Washington]," Daniels said. "It's like, nah, nah, that was cool."

As for the Celtics, they apparently had a rough time flying in last night. Thankfully they got to see Posey before the game, and, according to Doc Rivers, received some of those world famous James Posey hugs. Doc also used the upcoming matchup with Chris Paul to show how far Rajon Rondo has come as a point guard.

"This year they're calling it a matchup," Rivers said. "Last year they weren't saying anything."

- Couper Moorhead

James Posey on Receiving a Championship Ring from the Celtics

Thursday, December 11 - Celtics at Wizards

Celtics Set New Franchise Mark

Game Info: Recap | Box Score

Big Three Among Leaders in All-Star Balloting

Center Kendrick Perkins faces a considerable uphill battle. His 24,777 votes place him ninth among Eastern Conference centers; Dwight Howard is the league's leading overall vote-getter at 775,933.

Rajon Rondo did not appear in the league-leaders for votes announced this afternoon on NBA.com.

Tuesday, December 9 - Practice

Monday, December 8 - No Practice

After winning their 12th straight game, the Celtics will take Monday off and are expected to return to the practice floor on Tuesday in Waltham.

Sunday, December 7 - Celtics at Pacers

In-Game Coverage

T.A. Active and Available

Tony Allen, who missed the Celtics' last two games with a mild right ankle sprain, will be dressed and available for duty tonight against the Pacers.

Saturday, December 6 - Practice

Friday, December 5 - Trail Blazers at Celtics

Live from Courtside

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

- Couper Moorhead

Thursday, December 4 - Practice

No Practice for T.A. Today

Doc Rivers, like everyone else, is expecting big things from the big man who was once the apple of many eyes, the Celtics' included, in the 2007 NBA Draft.

- Peter Stringer

Check the Audio Archive for interviews with Doc Rivers, Kendrick Perkins, Sam Cassell and Rajon Rondo.

Wednesday, December 3 - Pacers at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Rondo did have 11 boards and 12 assists to go with five points against San Antonio last season.

It seems that as Danny Granger goes, so go the Pacers. He didn't score a point in the third.

- Couper Moorhead

T.A. Out Tonight

And, answering a burning question for some intrepid media members, Rivers said that Granger reminds him of a cross between the Orlando Magic's Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.

"You win, you get to stay a little bit," Rivers said. "[You] lose, you hope Danny Ainge is on your side."

- Couper Moorhead

Tuesday, December 2 - Practice

A Dish Best Served Lukewarm?

You can listen to the full interviews with Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo in the Celtics.com Audio Archive.

- Peter Stringer

Monday, December 1 - Magic at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Rondo had another impressive outing, scoring 16 point to go with 16 dimes. The Celtics improve to 17-2; the Magic drop to 13-5. Not bad.

The only things keeping the Magic in the game are 17 second-chance points and 24 from Rashard Lewis. Orlando hasn't scored a single fast-break bucket.

- Couper Moorhead

Ray Allen, who's been on fire over his last five games coming into tonight, is once again stroking the ball. He's got 14 to lead the Celtics.

- Peter Stringer

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

"What's his impression of me after I won a ring?" Perkins said. "I don't watch people like that. I'm not a fan of everybody."

Perkins did concede that Howard is a good challenge, but added that he plays Kevin Garnett every day in practice, and Howard doesn't have a better post game than KG.

One of Doc's "good" talents took the time to explain what makes him a good coach.

"He has the perfect balance of it all."

- Couper Moorhead

Rivers Named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month

Press Release: Doc Rivers Named NBA Coach of the Month

Saturday, November 29 - Celtics at Bobcats

Live Game Coverage

Celtics captain Paul Pierce says that playing so many back-to-backs early in the season will pay off down the road when the Celtics gear up for the postseason.

"These back-to-back games can be pretty tough, but we are grinding them out," Pierce said. "These back-to-back games get us prepared for the playoffs. I'm just glad we are able to get them done."

Celtics 66, Bobcats 62, End of Third: Richardson and Wallace each have 15 points for the Bobcats, who are keeping it close in a low scoring affair.

Early Pregame Update

Friday, November 28 - Sixers at Celtics

Live from Courtside

102-78 Celtics, Final: The fourth was essentially 12 minutes of garbage time. And that's good news since the starters got some well-earned rest; only Ray Allen played more than 30 minutes.

The Celtics have a 7 p.m. game in Charlotte tomorrow night.

Garnett, Perkins and Ray Allen all have eight points apiece for the Celtics; Brand's 12 points leads the Sixers.

Elton Brand did get it going for the Sixers, scoring 10 points in the opening stanza.

Pregame Media Access

Check the Audio Archive for pregame remarks from Allen, Paul Pierce and Head Coach Doc Rivers.

Early Pregame

The locker room is just about to open, so we'll have pregame notes just before tipoff at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 27 - Thanksgiving

No Practice

The Celtics are off today to enjoy the holiday, and they will return to the court Friday night when the Philadelphia 76ers come to the TD Banknorth Garden.

Wednesday, November 26 - Warriors at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Game Recap | Box Score

Rondo's third-quarter line is even more impressive when you throw in his pair of steals and an assist in the period. And in case you wondering he's yet to turn over the ball all night.

Remember all of those points in the paint in the first quarter? It's been largely jumpshots in the second quarter.

Moment of Silence

Pregame Media Access

As for the Warriors and their new acquisition Jamal Crawford, who was just at the Garden last Tuesday with the Knicks before the trade, Rivers says Crawford is a perfect fit for Golden State.

"He plays exactly the way they play. I think it's a really good move for them," Rivers said. "It's a great move for him. I don't know if players, when they get traded, see that right away."

Tuesday, November 25 - Practice

This Talk Might Not Be Cheap

The concern for the Celtics is that when a player is a assessed his 16th technical of the season, he is automatically suspended a game by the NBA. Perkins is well aware of the rule.

"I'm an emotional guy, but it's not anything I can't change. I can control it," Perkins said. "I blame it on myself. I'm a man. Nobody makes me do that."

As long as it's directed the right way and revolves around the game, Rivers, who played against Jordan, Bird and Magic, doesn't mind his team talking a little trash. After all, they are the champs.

- Peter Stringer

Monday, November 24 - Off Day

The Celtics will have Monday off and return to the practice floor on Tuesday morning before facing the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night at the Garden.

Sunday, November 23 - Celtics at Raptors

The Celtics once again demonstrated why they are the reigning powers of the Atlantic Division.

Ray Allen registered 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field and Kevin Garnett posted 15 points as Boston cruised past host Toronto, 118-103, on Sunday for its fifth straight triumph.

The C's, who defeated the Raptors earlier this season in dramatic fashion when Paul Pierce led a furious fourth-quarter comeback, never trailed in this one as they improved to 6-1 on the road.

Celtics Assign Walker to Utah Flash

Video Highlights

Saturday, November 22 - Travel Day

Friday, November 21 - Celtics at Timberwolves

Game Preview

Walker Joins Giddens in Utah

Thursday, November 20 - Pistons at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Kendrick Perkins also helped the Celtics on the glass, coming up with five rebounds in the period.

Looks like Ray Allen's free-throw fundamentals talk before the game was more pertinent than we thought, as the Celtics are 8-of-15 from the line.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

- Couper Moorhead

Early Pregame

Game Preview | Buy Tickets

Holy Cross Honors C's Legends

- Peter Stringer

Tuesday, November 18 - Knicks at Celtics

Live from Courtside

We'll have more in postgame...

- Peter Stringer

For this to be a game, it looks like the Knicks are going to have to shoot their way back into it.

- Couper Moorhead

Knicks 28, Celtics 26, End of First: For awhile it looked as though the Celtics' (somewhat) slow starts would continue, but they've done a strong job controlling the tempo and the paint.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

"It just happens, it's the game of basketball," Powe said of the hits underneath the basket.

"KG, he's crazier than me," Perkins said. "What do you want me to say? If I said anything else I'd be lying to you."

- Couper Moorhead

Early Pregame

Brian Scalabrine, first off the bench Saturday night, will get the start in KG's place as expected, so as to not disrupt the cohesion of the second unit.

Couper Moorhead will have more from tonight's pregame media access.

- Peter Stringer

Monday, November 17 - Practice

Rested C's Ready for Knicks

"They're putting a ton of points on the board so we're going to have to have a hell of a defensive night," Rivers said.

Check the Audio Archive (right column) for audio from today's practice from Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and Brian Scalabrine.

Saturday, November 15 - Celtics at Bucks

Giddens Headed for D-League

Press Release: Celtics Assign Giddens to Utah Flash

Friday, November 14 - Nuggets at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Not much from the bench tonight. Non-starters have contributed just six points; five of those belong to Eddie House.

The C's are getting killed in the paint, 26-14, and their jumpers aren't falling, either.

Wednesday, November 12 - Hawks at Celtics

Live from Courtside

Hawks 102, Celtics 103, Final: Paul Pierce does it again. The Hawks put their best foot forward tonight, and they even appeared to have the game won after a Marvin Williams three from the corner, but Pierce (34 points) hit the backbreaker with 0.5 seconds left over the outstretched arms of Al Horford to make the Celtics 8-1.

For such a tightly contested game -- one that got close to playoff level -- the final play was decidedly simple.

"The things that stick out is that they're a lot more defensively sound than they were a year ago," Garnett said. "It's entertaining, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a rivalry."

- Couper Moorhead

Zaza Pachulia will not be returning in the second half after suffering a sore shoulder (AC joint). Someone else will have to remind the Hawks that really, "nothing easy."

-Couper Moorhead

To his credit, Solomon Jones tried to rekindle his team with a brief standoff with Perkins after a hard foul, but things dispersed quickly and Perkins shared some choice words with the Hawks' bench.

-Couper Moorhead

We're looking for carry-overs from the playoffs series, but so far there hasn't been much in the way of physicality.

- Peter Stringer

Pregame Media Access

Tonight, a reserved Bibby stayed on the topic of the Hawks' unbeaten standing, while most words out of Perk's mouth were off-key lyrics.

Both Bibby and Hawks' coach Mike Woodson credited their seven-game series with the Celtics for the team's play, and defensive effort.

"It was huge," Woodson said of the series. "You couldn't draw it up any better. It left a great taste in these guys mouth in terms of their direction."

- Couper Moorhead

Monday, November 10 - Raptors at Celtics

Live from Courtside

- Couper Moorhead

Of the starters, only Kendrick Perkins came out of the game (4 fouls), so it's up to the bench to keep the run going.

- Couper Moorhead

Pregame Media Access

The top two teams in the Atlantic Division are facing off tonight, and as you can imagine, there's a few more members of the media around then there was for the Milwaukee Bucks barnburner.

If you ask most NBA fans over thirty who they think the coolest player of all time was, Walt "Clyde" Frazier would surely be one of the first names out of their mouths. If you want a less trendy, darkhorse pick for that discussion, though, throw out Raptors' coach Sam Mitchell, who's voice alone is keeping cool alive.

-Couper Moorhead

Early Pregame Report

After blowing the Pistons out at the Palace, the Celtics return home for their first Atlantic Division game of the year, hosting the Toronto Raptors.

In the house tonight watching from the seats: Dino Radja, who played three seasons with the Celtics in the mid-90s. Radja posted career averages of 16.7 points and 8.4 rebounds.

Couper Moorhead will have more from Doc's pregame presser just before tipoff...

Sunday, November 9 - Celtics at Pistons

"I just took advantage of what the defense gave me. Coach said, 'Just attack', and that's what I did," Tony Allen said.

Ray Allen, who had 17 to lead the starters, liked what he saw from TA and the rest of the reserves.

Tony Allen noted that the bench understands its role.

"We're supposed to come in with energy. We've got to be that lift for the starters if they're not getting it done early," Tony Allen said.

Rajon Rondo continues to be a target for opposing teams trying to intimidate him with some stiff shots, whether it was Rasheed Wallace's blind backcourt pick or a few hard hits on Rondo's drives.

Saturday, November 8 - Open Practice

Check CelticVision HD for interviews with Doc Rivers and Ray Allen from today's sesssion.

Friday, November 7 - Bucks at Celtics

Recap | Box Score | Perkins, Pierce Come Up Big vs. Bucks

89-101 Celtics, FINAL: Soctt Skiles summed it up in his postagme address. "They pretty much owned us [in the paint] from beginning to end," Skiles saif of the Celtics win over the Bucks Friday night at the Garden. Despite Milwaukee jumping out to a 25-12 lead to start the game, and shooting somewhere around 70% from the field, the Celtics put the clamps down and returned to the defensive form that made them champs last season. By game's end, the Bucks had shot under 40%, and the Celtics had the game tied up with a few minutes to play.

Given the team's recent travel woes, lack of rest and practice, a sloppy start didn't surprise anyone on the Celtics bench. But you really can't argue with the team's subsequent recovery.

Not one to blow his own horn, Perk said he's not out there looking for the block, and besides, he had some amends to make; he had five turnovers.

"I was messing up so bad on the offensive end that I had to make it up on the defensive end," Perkins said. "As long as I keep protecting the paint, [the blocks] will come."

Kendrick Perkins, who had a huge game Tuesday night in Houston, blocked four shots in the first half as the CEltics dominated the paint. How about a 38-12 points in the paint advantage? Impressive.

Pregame Update

The Michael Redd-less (high ankle sprain) Milwaukee Bucks are in the house tonight, the first Celtics opponent in a brutal stretch which features six games in the next eight days, bookended by the boys in purple. With little time to catch their breath over that period, Doc Rivers said the team's only practice will be tomorrow, which will be open for a Celtics sponsor.

"We're going to have what I guess you'd call a practice tomorrow," Rivers said. "We don't see a decent practice until December, because of the [schedule]."

"For some reason, it's just not going in right now. Some are long, some are short, but I'll get a rhythm," he said. "Once I get a rhythm, I'll lock in."

- Couper Moorhead

Wednesday, November 5 - Celtics at Thunder

Live Game Update

"I got a little sprained hand I suffered last night," Pierce said of the minor injury. "I haven't been shooting the ball well, but I'm going to keep shooting until I get out of the slump."

While the Celtics fell behind early in the first quarter, the C's made the rally in the second period when the reserves took the floor.

"I really thought the second unit did a good job," Pierce said. "They played with energy, took the lead and we never looked back."

Heralded second-year player Kevin Durant finished with 17 points, but he disappeared for most of the second and third quarter and if that's the case, it could be a long, long year for the Thunder.

The Celtics, meanwhile, improved to 4-1 and will return home Friday night to host the 3-2 Milwaukee Bucks at the Garden.

70-55 Celtics, End of Third: The C's started to pull away from a young Thunder team in the third quarter, outscoring them 19-11 behind strong play from Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. Allen struggled early but started finding the groove and socred 10 of his 14 points in the third, while Rondo has nine assists and some nice plays on the defensive end.

The Celtics have clamped down on defense, coming up with nine steals and holding Oklahoma City to just 34% shooting.

Delays have plagued the game, from net issues to floor moisture that had ball boys mopping up with towels between baskets late in the half.

Tuesday, November 4 - Celtics at Rockets

Live Game Update

Allen did most of his daamage against Tracy McGrady, who looked more than a step or two slow and failed to stay with Allen on the defensive end. Allen ran McGrady against picks most of the night, Reggie Miller style, before the Rockets finally switched up to put Artest on Allen in the waning minutes.

"It looked like Tracy was hobbled a little bit and we took advantage of it," Allen said. "The guys set some great screens and I got some good looks."

If anyone knows how to attack McGrady (not too mention knows his injury history), it would be Doc Rivers, who coached him with the Orlando Magic.

"Once [Allen] gets it going he's very difficult to stop," Rivers said. "I'm sure [McGrady's] not 100% yet."

All five starters scored in double figures for the Celtics, who visit Oklahoma City tomorrow night.

Despite shooting 54% from the field through three periods, the C's have just a three-point lead.

Garnett, however, is having another rough shooting night, going just 2/10 in the half as his midrange jumper just wont go down. Ron Artest (9 points, 4 rebounds) has played well for the Rockets.

28-22 Celtics, End of First: The Celtics scored 14 of their 28 first quarter points on either dunks or layups, and the Houston defense, which coming into this game was among the best in the league, was non-existant. The Celtics also out-rebounded the Rockets 16-9 in the opening stanza. Yao Ming picking up two quick fouls certainly didn't help the Houston cause.

Rajon Rondo led all scorers with 10 points in the quarter.

Bill Walker Activated

7:31 p.m.: Rookie Bill Walker has been activated for tonight's game, while reserve center Patrick O'Bryant will not dress tonight for the Celtics' game against the Rockets in Houston.

Walker, if you remember, got into it with Tracy McGrady during the Celtics preseason game against Houston in Manchester, NH.

Saturday, November 1 - Celtics at Pacers

Live Game Coverage

Doc Rivers won't use the 4 a.m. arrival as an excuse, but when everyone looks a step slow and you turn it over that many times, the travel woes have to have played a role.

Given their 33% shooting, their isn't much to point to on the positive side for the C's, but Tony Allen did provide a nice lift off the bench with eight points.

After Rough Opener, KG Rebounds in Game 1K

Friday, October 31 - Bulls at Celtics

Postgame Coverage

Celtics vs. Bulls: Recap | Box Score | Highlights

Live Game Coverage

70-54 Celtics, End of Third: Kendrick Perkins fouled out in just 21 minutes on opening night, and he's already got five personals through three quarters. Smoke 'em if you've got 'em, Perk...

And speaking of terrible shooting, the Bulls can't hit the ocean or the broad side of the proverbial barn. They're just 10/45 from the field. Tyrus Thomas is a brutal 1/10.

24-13 Celtics, End of 1st Quarter: By popular demand, live game updates are back. The Celtics dominated the paint here in the first quarter, as Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett all but marking their territory by posting eight points and seven rebounds between the both of them. The Celtics defense was tenacious, holding the Bulls to just 17% shootin and forcing seven turnovers. Offensively, the C's overwhelmed Chicago in the paint, 16-4.