Celtics start life without Rajon Rondo with balanced, impressive win over Kings
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The Celtics played aggressive D and the Kings responded with poor ball movement. On more than one occasion, center DeMarcus Cousins was left with a guard checking him and his teammates did not bother getting him the ball.
The Celtics were dramatically different in running the floor, using long lead passes instead of the usual Rondo-as-the-first-outlet. It resulted in the Celtics running more than usual and more ball movement. No Celtic recorded more than five assists but they notched 22.
The Celtics said they are going back to basics, realizing they are now decisive underdogs in the Eastern Conference.
“We have to win every game, that’s how we think,” said Rivers. “We have to go in every single game and look at them as single games now, and try to win them. But it’s always nice to get off to a start like this.”
Gary Washburn can be reached at gwashburn@globe.com.
