Washburn With Toucher & Rich: Should Avery Bradley Start Over Ray Allen?
The Boston Celtics held the Miami Heat to just 72 points on Sunday and rolled to a 91-72 victory. Rajon Rondo recorded his NBA-leading fifth triple-double this season and Paul Pierce led the team with 23 points.
Gary Washburn spoke with Toucher & Rich about the run the Celtics are one, the Miami Heat and the job Doc Rivers has done this season.
After the way the Celtics team handled the Heat, is this team capable of making a real run at a championship?
"They're playing really well, and they're not healthy and they're playing basketball that we never thought they were capable of three months ago," said Washburn.
Avery Bradley has given the team a huge boost with his speed and defensive play. The Celtics are 10-1 with Bradley in the starting lineup, so when Ray Allen returns what will Doc Rivers do? Should he ride Bradley's hot hand and have Ray come off the bench?
"I don't think you do. I think you obviously give Avery more minutes; you allow him bigger roles, you allow him not only to back up Rajon Rondo, but now Ray Allen," said Washburn. "But I think you keep Ray in the starting lineup."
How much did this win change Washburn's opinion of the Celtics' chances against the Heat in a seven game series?
"I do think defensively, now they're a different team."
The guys took a look at the job Doc Rivers has done this season. Since the All-Star break, the Celtics are one of the best in the leauge. Has this been Doc's best coaching campaign, considering all the things he's had to deal with?
"This team has just been dealt blow after blow with injuries. They were obviously suppose to have Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Wilcox, Jeff Green, they were suppose to have a very deep bench and he's worked with what they've had."
