Ainge pulling strings

Come playoff time, the Celtics like to bring history to life. Former stars turn out en masse (many in official capacities) and find their faces plastered on the Jumbotron at the FleetCenter. Red Auerbach, Bob Cousy, Tommy Heinsohn, Jo Jo White, and Cedric Maxwell have been in attendance as the Celtics took on the Pacers. But conspicuously keeping a low profile has been executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

During Games 1 and 2, Ainge shuttled between the locker room, coach Doc Rivers's office, the vomitories on both ends of the court, and seats where friends and family sat. He was nowhere to be found on the Jumbotron.

Throughout much of the season, Ainge has kept busy scouting, preferring that the focus remain on Rivers and the players. But if you ask former Celtic teammate and current Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, Ainge is visible in the product on the floor.

"I haven't heard anyone joking lately about what the `vision' is for the Celtics franchise," said Carlisle. "You have to give Danny credit. This team has a great future, but it also has a present. As much as Danny was always kind of a mad scientist in terms of his ideas and perspectives, he was always steadfast in his commitment to his convictions."

What lies ahead

NBA commissioner David Stern stopped last night on his annual tour of first-round sites. Stern, as usual, complimented the quality of play in the postseason, but his pregame meeting with the media also included some news about a collective bargaining agreement and future plans for overseas exhibition games. Asked about an age minimum in the next labor deal, deputy commissioner Russ Granik said he is confident there will be some stipulation preventing a high school player from going directly into the NBA. The issue remains age of eligibility. That said, a somewhat more mature NBA soon could be on display in Europe. Stern noted that he is in discussions to have three or four teams hold training camps in Europe in 2006. The idea would be for the teams to play each other, as well as top European teams, in the exhibition season.

Going out with a bang

Reggie Miller may be retiring, but he has done anything but fade as the end of his career approaches. Miller almost singlehandedly carried the Pacers in the last couple of months with Jamaal Tinsley and Jermaine O'Neal sidelined by injuries. Early in Game 2, it was vintage Miller as the shooting guard was perfect from the floor in the first quarter, including 2 for 2 from 3-point range. He finished with 28 points. The resurgence does not surprise the Celtics' most seasoned veteran, Gary Payton. "That's the difference when a lot of your guys go out and then you get back the focus on you," said Payton. "They're running plays for him. He's getting his confidence back. He's getting a lot of shot attempts. Any good basketball player will adjust to that. He looks good to me. I'm happy for him, that he came back and he's going to leave this way on a good note.". . . Both teams were impressive from the free throw line: The Pacers shot 89 percent (16 for 18), the Celtics 83 percent (24 for 29) . . . Boston outrebounded, Indiana, 44-31 . . . For Game 3 Thursday night, the Celtics and Miller Lite will cohost a party at Champions in the Copley Place Marriott. There will be giveaways, including tickets, autographed merchandise, and a prize pack going for the fan who shows the most Celtic pride . . . Rain forced the Celtics to postpone their playoff block party until next Tuesday, before Game 5 at the FleetCenter.