Pacers proved no pushovers
Rivers recalls early thumping
WALTHAM - The Celtics might not have drawn a red circle around the date on their calendars. But there is a heightened sense of awareness that tonight's opponent, Indiana, is the only team that has defeated them convincingly this season.
On Nov. 1, the Pacers took a 95-79 victory, providing a discouraging end to an extraordinary week for the Celtics, who had raised their 17th NBA championship banner and won twice in previous days.
But that defeat also signaled a wake-up call for the Celtics (17-2), who have gone 15-1 since and have a nine-game winning streak, best in the league this season.
"We do know they beat us, and I thought they played better than us," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said yesterday. "We struggled on both ends of the floor. Give them credit. If you look at their losses, they've lost more games at the buzzer than any team in the league.
"For us, we've got to play our game and we can't worry as much about what other teams are doing. We've got to keep trying to correct what we are not doing better."
The Celtics had taken a 96-80 victory over Chicago the previous night, then arrived at their Indianapolis hotel at 4 a.m.
"The tough part is having TV games when they are the first of a back-to-back," Rivers said. "The 8 o'clock start - a half-hour doesn't seem big, but it is, especially when you have a 2 1/2- or three-hour flight. But everyone goes through that, not just us.
"Indiana is very good. I think they will be a playoff team. They've just lost heartbreaking games, and eventually the basketball gods will turn their way. And when that happens, they'll be a good team."
Danny Granger sparked the Pacers (7-10) against the Celtics, scoring 20 points and displaying defensive tenacity; he had two teeth broken while contesting a loose ball with Pierce.
"Granger has turned out to be a star," Rivers said. "In the draft, he was the pick in front of us and we were cheering as he was falling towards us. But he never made it. We knew he would be good but we didn't know he would be this good this quick."
Technically speaking
The Celtics were assessed five technical fouls by referee Bob Delaney's crew against Orlando, bringing their season total to 39."I am concerned because we are at 39 and the next team is at 25," Rivers said. "I don't know what it is but somehow we've got to do a better job." Rivers said the Celtics' spirited play and support from the reserves has gained the attention of officials.
"Part of our makeup is our energy, and we're not going to stop being that," said Rivers. "We're an emotional team, that's part of our makeup. We can't get it to the point where we're getting techs, but you can't legislate guys having energy and having fun with each other. We're having refs, before games, now tell our guys to sit down, or stop standing up. And I'm thinking, that's a good image. When you are looking at a game and you see a team cheering and standing up, and then you look at another bench and they are all sitting down, which image would you want? So, I don't get that whole thing. So, I'm not going to legislate that."
The Celtics reserves have been standing until the team converts its first field goal.
"It's a big thing every night," Rivers said. "And it's not an act - that's who they are. We have lively guys on the bench. They are cheering for their teammates and not yelling things at the other team - they may be, but not a lot."
Against Orlando, Sam Cassell was ejected from the bench; Kevin Garnett was involved in a double-technical call with Orlando's Dwight Howard; Kendrick Perkins received his ninth technical of the season; and Rajon Rondo received the second technical of his three-year career.
"Rajon didn't deserve it for what he said," said Rivers. "But we have to have a better feeling about the game. I saw Bob Delaney say, 'Get away from him [another official].' And Rajon walks up and says, 'Can I ask you one question?' That's all he said, and he gets a technical. But if they are saying get away from him, then get away."
Allen probable
Guard Tony Allen sustained a sprained right ankle after driving into the lane early in the second quarter against Orlando Monday, then returned to action. He is probable for tonight. "There is a very good chance he may not be able to go," Rivers said. "But he may." . . . Guard Gabe Pruitt (virus) returned to practice and will be available.Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at fdellapa@globe.com 