Rivers: No extra rest for first-teamers
NEW ORLEANS - Celtics coach Doc Rivers plans on having the same frame of mind the Patriots had over the final stretch of the regular season.
The reigning AFC champions didn't rest their starters as they raced to a 16-0 regular-season record. The Atlantic Division champion Celtics are 55-14 after last night's 113-106 loss to the Hornets and hold a 5 1/2-game lead over the Pistons in the Eastern Conference.
"We are just going to play our guys," Rivers said. "Clearly, you want to cut down minutes. But I'm not a big believer, the same like the Patriots. You don't change what you're doing.
"You may rest them in games as far as how many minutes they play. But no, you just keep playing because of rhythm. You need rhythm. It's a rhythm game."
Ray Allen agreed. "I don't want to get to the point where you lose rhythm," he said. "We have to keep forcing our hand like there is no tomorrow so we don't get too big for our own britches.
"You have to continue to build and always get better and for everybody to keep doing the same thing over and over again. We have a good enough rotation."
A major concern entering the season was how much Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce would have to play. But with the team displaying depth and winning by large margins, their minutes have not been a problem.
Garnett entered last night's game averaging 33.7 minutes per game; he averaged 39.4 last season for Minnesota. Pierce was at 37 minutes per game, same as last season. And Allen was averaging 36.9, down from 40.3 with Seattle last season.
"We're trying to become a part of history," Allen said. "It's bigger than all of us. We have to sacrifice everything we do."
Rivers also has given the team rest by rarely having practices of late, instead getting work done during longer shootarounds. He did say he will continue trying to get newcomers Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown more comfortable with solid minutes.
"Doc has been very strategic in the way we've handled business this season," said Allen. "When we get in the gym, we know we're going to be in the gym and we know what our job is."
Executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge strongly backed Rivers's plan.
"Doc is very much aware of the health and state of mind of every player on this team," Ainge said. "He will make decisions based on individuals and go accordingly to get ready for the playoffs."
Pollard rehabbing
Injured center Scot Pollard is back in Boston, walking on crutches and rehabilitating his surgically repaired left ankle. Pollard is out for the season after having surgery recently in Indianapolis. Ainge said Pollard's spirits "seemed OK" as of Friday. "He had some high goals this year and he was looking forward to an opportunity," Ainge said. "Scot has been through injuries before, but it doesn't make it easier." . . . Rookie forward Glen Davis went home to Baton Rouge, La., Friday to visit his grandmother and sisters. The former Louisiana State star said this trip is his first back home since being acquired by the Celtics last year. Davis rounded up nearly 50 tickets for friends and family for the sold-out game - beating Brown, a former Louisiana Tech star, by 20. "It feels good being back home, being back in this arena," said Davis, who did not play last night. "It's a great feeling to be back home. You only want to go back home for a little while. I'm out here for a couple of days and I'll be back to Boston." . . . Tony Allen was back on the active roster after missing the previous game with a sore lower back, but he didn't play due to a coach's decision . . . Rivers stayed the night in New Orleans and is slated to go to Raleigh, N.C., today to watch his son, Jeremiah, play in the second round of the NCAA Tournament for Georgetown.
