Don’t believe players. They do read the papers.
“Our guys read, just like everyone else,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said.
Before treating the Knicks like they were their little brothers in a 107-73 opening-night Garden embarrassment, the Celtics read that the Knicks were the favorites in the revamped Atlantic Division. They heard that this was the softest part of the Knicks’ early-season schedule.
For emphasis, during the morning shootaround, Rivers whispered in his players’ ears about how last night should be a walkover for the Knicks.
Plus, the Celtics were motivated by being 0-2. In both games, Boston played well for three quarters before being unable to finish.
Last night, every Celtic in the building scored, except for Boston’s color analysts Tommy Heinsohn and Cedric Maxwell. Every time a Celtic was hot, he got the ball.
“We call it feeding the pig,” Rivers said.
Paul Pierce faded away one moment then drove to the hoop the next. He finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds.
Ricky Davis, the acrobatic but inconsistent guard, flew around dunking and laughing all night. He had 20 points, shooting high-percentage shots (dunks and layups) and finishing 8-of-11.
Gary Payton jawed with anyone who would listen – refs, teammates, the Knicks – as he played nothing like he did last year and everything like he did when he last wore green in Seattle. His numbers weren’t outstanding (nine points, six assists) but he controlled the game.
At one point between the second and third quarters, the Celtics scored 21 straight points.