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It wasn’t a healthy way for the Celtics captain and his teammates to end a four-game win streak, or to drop back under .500. But in a rare fit of pique, Pierce chose to question coach Doc Rivers’ decision that left him on the bench until that last 3:42. Asked if the result would have been different if he’d checked back in sooner, Pierce said, “I wish I was a fortune teller. I don’t think this would have been the outcome, though.” Asked if he was disappointed by Rivers’ decision, he said, “No comment,” but also said, “Maybe I should play a little more.” Pierce later said, “It’s not his job to explain that. The coaches make their decisions. But at the time we had a pretty good lead, so I could understand it.” Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, Doc Rivers 

Getting in shape has been an effort. A short training camp and preseason, combined with little practice time once the season began, have made conditioning an on-the-fly process. "I said it the first day of camp. … You could see it. It was clear, and it's just the way it was," Rivers said. "I anticipated it was going to take a while to get in conditioning and get right. I didn't anticipate the record. I thought we could still win games, and I've learned that you can't."It's tough when you're older and working on conditioning and you're playing younger (teams) and more athletic (teams) in shape. Those two things don't go together. I never knew that, and I now I do." USA Today

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers 

The fact the Celts did not show up physically prepared to handle the rigors of NBA basketball is a major indictment for a team that should know better. Clearly some players did not handle the lockout properly. “I don’t use it as an excuse, because it really doesn’t matter if you do,” Rivers said. “Our record is what it is, whether it’s lockout or not. We were not ready to start the season — bottom line, we were not. I said that in camp — you could see it — and we’re trying to get there. It’s difficult and we will get there, but it’s no fun losing games while you’re trying to get right. You shouldn’t be trying to get right when the season starts, and we are. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers 

Many people already have made up their minds after watching the Celtics stagger out of the 2011-12 gate, but coach Doc Rivers was asked if his aging club still has another run in its old bones. “I do, but I’d like to find out for sure and get us in shape and get us healthy and get us playing the right way — and then I could give you that answer,” Rivers said before Ray Allen went out with an injured left ankle in yesterday’s 100-94 triumph against the Wizards. “I did before camp started and I saw any of them walk in the door. When they walked in the door, I said, ‘Boy, we’d better get in shape quick.’ I do, but I’d like to have a real answer, and it’s very difficult to give you any type of answer right now.” Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Ray Allen, Doc Rivers 

The Celtics don’t see what all the fuss is about. “You don’t ever like hearing that. But listen, Danny and I are always on the same page,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “I don’t think he meant in any way that he was trying to trade anybody. I think that was the way it was looked at. I would say it’s a very strong possibility that we’re going to get this together and there’s a stronger possibility that every single guy will be here.” Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Trade, Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett 

Pierce hasn’t spoken to the reporters since the original report appeared on Tuesday, but teammate Rajon Rondo was able to relate to the situation. “It’s a business. I was heavy in trade talks this summer, so I guess it’s their turn now,” Rondo said of Pierce, Garnett and Allen. “I don’t know. It still could be me. You never know. It’s just part of the business.” Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Trade, Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett 

While coach Doc Rivers is rationing minutes to the starters, it is becoming apparent that he can lean on Pietrus for long minutes, if necessary. “I’m comfortable,’’ Pietrus said. “When I signed here, they took care of me. They took care of my knee, so I’ve got to give them back what they gave me. Obviously, the coach gives me a lot of confidence. “We just have to be patient with ourselves, man. We can see our chemistry is coming. All we need right now is just that one win - it can be against anybody - to get everybody to regroup and feel better.’’ Boston Globe

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Mickael Pietrus 

Adrian Wojnarowski: After seeing a photo of Kendrick Perkins after he reported to OKC camp 30 pounds lighter, Doc Rivers said: "I thought it was Harden." Twitter

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Kendrick Perkins, James Harden 

But in the face of creeping age — or maybe that affliction is now knocking down the door — the Celtics have gone into group therapy. “Tonight (before the game), Doc went through all of the guys’ responsibilities, and I think it was most needed,” said Garnett, who, despite the breakdowns, had his strongest offensive performance of the season with 21 points on 10-for-19 shooting. “He talked about guys’ roles out loud, in front of everybody, and I think it was beneficial. He gave an assessment of where I stand with everything, and I was just trying to be as unselfish as I could. “It’s tough — as my personal friends know, my basketball game is very similar to my life. I’m a giver first. I like to make sure that everything around me is comfortable, and that’s no different from basketball. I like to get Ray and Paul open, and (Jermaine O’Neal) and I have to be on the same page, very similar to how Perk and I used to be. So coach tells me, ‘Hey, look for your own every now and then.’ It’s on me every night to create that balance.” Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett 

We are quickly getting an answer to the question, "How much will the lockout affect the Celtics?" It's not what many, including yours truly, thought. It's as much, maybe more so, about conditioning and being able to play the meat grinder of a schedule and play it well. So far, the Celtics are, to be charitable, a work in progress. "It's been frustrating," coach Doc Rivers said after Friday night's 88-79 loss to the Bulls, who are in the midst of playing nine games in 12 days and are 7-1 so far in that stretch. It would appear they are in shape. "But listen, I'd rather have it now," Rivers went on. "You're going to go through adversity or stuff; I'd rather have it right now. Like I told our guys, I said, 'If you get through this, it'll make you a hell of a basketball team.' And I always use the word 'if' because you have to. You have to fight through it." ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Doc Rivers 

Celtics coach Doc Rivers didn't exactly express interest in bringing Wallace back to Boston Friday, but he did say that Wallace could return successfully if that was his intention. "He can play," said Rivers. "With everyone, it's conditioning. If he's in great condition, then I'm sure he can play. If he's not then I'm sure it's going to be tough for him to play." Rivers said he was not surprised that Wallace would be contemplating a comeback. "I was surprised that he retired, honestly," said Rivers. "Things didn't end great, but he did play well in the first half of that Game 7, and then the cramps and all that stuff took its toll on him. But I think he still had basketball left in his body ... I think sometimes you talk yourself into it, and then when you get home you think, 'What have I done?', and I think that's what he's going through. I think he thinks he left a year or two out there." Boston Globe

Boston Celtics, Free Agency, Doc Rivers, Rasheed Wallace 

Rondo finished with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting. He took it on himself to attack all night, and added seven assists, three steals and three rebounds. Garnett, who scored 16 points, was the only other Celtic to crack double figures. Could Rondo really be that far ahead of his teammates in the readiness stage. “What do you think?” said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. “I mean, honestly, what do you see? Yeah, he is. Ray’s right there. Ray is playing terrific too. And Kevin defensively is pretty good. Offensively we still have to get him going more. But Rondo is just playing terrific. And we’ve got to allow him to be terrific. We shouldn’t get in his way, and that’s what we’re doing. “This is his team right now, until everyone else gets going.” Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Doc Rivers, Dirk Nowitzki 

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the team was informed Monday afternoon that Jeff Green's surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm "went great" and that he hopes the process will allow Green to return to an NBA court at some point. "Surgery went well, he had surgery today -- they're saying it went great," said Rivers. "Obviously, our thoughts, our prayers, and every part of our being is with Jeff right now. "The second news we want to hear is that he'll be able to play again. That would be terrific. I don't care if it's with us -- I want it to be with us -- [but] I just want him to [be able to play again]. Really, at the end of the day, that's what we want." ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Injuries, Jeff Green 

Asked about the decision on Friday, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, citing Green's impending surgery, said he preferred not to discuss the matter. He did confirm it, however. It may have been nothing more than a goodwill gesture on the part of the Celtics to Green and his agent, David Falk, who said the team has been "phenomenal" in handling the situation. "It was not something we expected or bargained for, but coming as it did after such devastating medical news it was almost like an early Christmas present," Falk said. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Injuries, Jeff Green 

They're not running from reality -- "We're a 4-4 basketball team," coach Doc Rivers said. "That's what we are. You are what your record is." -- but they're also not dwelling on the increasing list of negatives that have developed in this young season, including an inability to get a win over a quality opponent (or dominate a game against a considerably weaker one). The Celtics vowed to learn from the lessons Indiana taught them and improve as a result. "We all have to do a better job," Kevin Garnett said. "I know I have to. And it's a [game] to learn from, early on in the year like this. Teaching points for these days coming up for practice, and hopefully we can apply them to the next game." ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett 

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he "had no problem with" David West's decision to reject a Celtics’ offer to sign a free agent contract with Indiana. “He had two good decisions," Rivers said before practice Thursday. "He could look at us as a team trying to win it right now and Indiana in the thick of it and they’re growing. To me it was a win-win situation, a good place to be.” Boston Globe

Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Free Agency, Doc Rivers, David West 

Sure, they miss Paul Pierce, though up until last night they didn’t have any trouble scoring. But in a rushed season when many teams are having logistical trouble, the Celtics may be one of the most lost. “It’s early,” said Rajon Rondo, echoing words spoken last night by Kevin Garnett and Keyon Dooling. “Maybe we’ll go 63-0 the rest of the way,” offered Brandon Bass. That won’t happen if they don’t shake the image that formed for their coach. “We looked old tonight,” Doc Rivers said. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, Doc Rivers, Rajon Rondo, Keyon Dooling, Brandon Bass, Kevin Garnett 

Garnett initially feigned ignorance. “What are you talking about?” he said then snapped, “Next question.” Doc Rivers wasn’t pleased with his team’s response down the stretch, but he also insinuated that the deck was stacked. “Fourth-quarter technicals are not allowed,” he said. “But the game has to be about the players. I thought both teams were complaining just the same, and we got two (fourth-quarter) technical fouls. The game has to be about the players.” Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Doc Rivers, Bill Walker, Kevin Garnett 

Gary Washburn: Doc: "The game has to be about the players, come on." A message to Joey Crawford #celtics Twitter

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Referees 

The venue for the game has not been finalized, but a number of former and current NBA players already have committed to participate. They include: Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen and Chris Bosh. Sources also said Baron Davis, Vince Carter, Alonzo Mourning. Jamal Crawford, Rudy Gay, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Amare Stoudemire, Blake Griffin, Tyler Hansbrough, Derek Fisher, Antawn Jamison, Juwan Howard, Quentin Richardson, Dahntay Jones, Brandon Knight, Jerry Stackhouse, John Wall, Dikembe Mutombo, Patrick Ewing and Doc Rivers are expected to play. Veteran WNBA star and all-time leading scorer Tina Thompson and former USC great Cheryl Miller also is expected to participate. ESPN.com

Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Paul, Rudy Gay, Doc Rivers, Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Tyler Hansbrough, Derek Fisher, John Wall, Dwight Howard, Alonzo Mourning, Patrick Ewing, Juwan Howard, Quentin Richardson, Antawn Jamison, Lockout, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Jerry Stackhouse, Baron Davis, Jamal Crawford, Barack Obama, Dikembe Mutombo, Dahntay Jones, Brandon Knight