The influence of the injured Kevin Garnett was felt by the Celtics, at least in the first half of their 105-103 overtime loss to the Bulls yesterday in their playoff opener. Garnett, dressed in a gray suit, was on the bench and participated in timeout strategy discussions and delivered a pep talk to Glen Davis.
But Garnett retired to the locker room for the second half.
Asked why, coach Doc Rivers said, "Guys, Kevin is not playing in these playoffs. I'm not answering Kevin Garnett questions. I didn't even notice, honestly, until someone told me that he wasn't on the bench, and I could care less.
"He was on the bench in the first half and we were down 8 points. So this is about the players in uniform. Kevin is gone and he ain't coming back. The guys in the uniforms have to play."
Garnett, who has not set a date for surgery on a spur in his knee, was declared out for the playoffs Thursday.
Before the game, Rivers said of Garnett's bench role, "He's fine with it. I just don't know if he'll be comfortable with it and we'll be comfortable with it. I'm just worried about guys in uniform, not suits and ties, to be honest."
Rivers on conspiracy/deception speculation regarding Garnett: "I haven't heard [that], I don't pay much attention. Getting tired of it, actually."
Brian Scalabrine also was on the bench and will return to practice Tuesday.
"If he can get through our practices, he can get through the contact of a game," Rivers said. "With our practices, with Leon [Powe] and the guys, and no refs, he'll get hit, for sure."
"Danny is doing well," said Celtics managing partner Steve Pagliuca, who visited Ainge after the game. "Progressing well. I saw him after the game. He's in great spirits and he's ready to get back home.
"They wouldn't let him watch the game. We talked about the game. He was disappointed we lost, but we will bounce back."
Ainge did confer with Rivers before the game.
"He's giving me advice, so he's feeling better," Rivers said. "He told me I should be eating right and working out more because I'm under more stress than he is. And I told him he's stressing about me stressing - to relax."
Ainge offered no tactical advice. "Just, 'Good luck,' " Rivers said. "I hope he stays away and relaxes, that's what he should do. I know he's not going to do that, but he should do that."
Marc J. Spears of the Globe staff contributed to this report; Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com. 
