Practice wrapped up about an hour ago in Waltham. As reporters were let in, Doc Rivers was speaking to the team about Helen Heinsohn, who passed away Monday. “She was just a courageous lady,” Doc said afterward.
Interviews were brief due to an NBA Player’s Association meeting. After he was done talking to reporters, Ray Allen called in stragglers Eddie House and Tony Allen, the last two players on the court. Both were shooting extra jumpers.
More talk today about Boston’s chippy reputation. Is this really a huge deal? It’s not like anybody’s pulling a Matt Light-Channing Crowder.
Kendrick Perkins, who leads the league in technical fouls with eight (Rasheed Wallace and Jermaine O’Neal are tied for second with four each), is probably tired of hearing about it. He may have been exasperated, but he was honest when asked to comment.
“I’m not trying to be out there getting techs,” he said. “You get caught up in the heat of the moment. It is what it is. I can’t change nothing. All I can do is go out there and try and control myself.”
You think Perkins is intense. Just watch Kevin Garnett take jump shots. The guy was dropping F-Bombs left and right — AFTER MAKES. That’s clearly part of what makes him (and Perk) effective. Watch Garnett enough and it becomes clear that it’s not an act.
“KG’s emotional about winning,” Rivers said. “It’s not…’I'm going to beat you up on the floor.’”
Lots of love for the Lakers these days.
Celtics/Warriors tip off Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
