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Notes from Detroit ...

Email|Link|Comments (0) Posted by Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff May 24, 2008 12:45 PM

DETROIT-- The Celtics held a shootaround at The Palace of Auburn Hills this morning and seemed in very good spirits.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the team is completely healthy and eager for the game.

"I feel good," Rivers said. "I felt the same going into Game 2, going into Game 1. I hadn't changed my feelings about my team all year, for the most part. I like our basketball team."

The Celtics are 0-6 on the road in the playoffs, but did win their lone regular-season game in Detroit.

On Boston's preparation to play on the road, Rivers said: "We have the same preparation. We assume we'd have to win one eventually. Now we do."

The Pistons had shootaround in their practice facility which is next door to The Palace of Auburn Hills.

When asked about Ray Allen's shooting struggles that ended in Game 2 against Detroit, Rivers said: "The whole Ray thing... Are you guys (the media) going to get off of that any time soon?"

As media availability was drawing to a close this morning, former NBA coach and ESPN radio analyst Dr. Jack Ramsay gave Allen some pointers.

Rivers added: "(Allen's) been great. We don't make a big deal over the points and all that. We just want to make him the right plays offensively and defensively."

On his team's health, Rivers joked: "Pretty good. (Bill) Belichick told us not to talk about injuries any more."

Among the Pistons and WNBA Shock banners that hang in The Palace of Auburn Hills is also oddly a banner in honor of Bon Jovi for all of his sold-out concerts at the arena.

Several of the players were asked about the nearby Stanley Cup Finals and other than Sidney Crosby they probably couldn't name any other players and barely knew the teams.