Celtics Title Town

It wasn't a perfect win Monday night against the Bobcats. But not every win is a work of art. Despite the Celtics losing a large lead once again. You could say a lesson has been learned. No the Celtics haven't learned to keep the foot on the glass, but what they have learned is that don't lose the game completely. The Celtics ended the game winning by 11, and they put the Bobcats away.

“Tonight was a definite let-up,” said Doc Rivers, who chose to wear a suit instead of a well-tailored hoodie last night. “I thought the Houston game was, as well. But the other teams are NBA teams, and they’re going to keep fighting and making shots.

“It’s nice that we can catch it instead of losing those leads and then losing the game.”

Rivers rightfully lauded the way his lads began against the then-9-27 Bobcats, pushing the pace and getting good looks in transition after locking down on defense.

“I thought actually after that — toward the last two minutes of (the first half) and in the third and fourth quarters — we kind of played in spurts, which is a bad habit to get into,” he said. “But we’ll take the win.”

A lot of teams lose their edge in a game. They get a large lead, and it's just human nature.

“I don’t know if it is or it isn’t,” said Rivers. “I thought we did it at times tonight. You know, every coach I talk to about (the Bobcats) says the same thing: They just keep playing. That’s hard to do, but it’s really nice to see. Those guys, I mean, they started off so well (7-5 this season) and then went on the struggle. Yet they come out and put the effort out every night. They’re giving you their best.”

Rajon Rondo went for a triple-double during the game, then shrugged afterward.

“They get paid like we do,” he said. “They made a run, and we finally stopped them.”

I like what Rondo said here after the game. Isn't it the truth. We all expect the Celtics to win big, but we don't think for a minute that the other team despite their record still gets paid to come out, and at least fight for a win.