Boston Celtics

Miami, 52-45 (half)

By Gary Dzen

1 minute to read

Shaquille O’Neal continues to be a handful for the Celtics in the paint. The Heat center has 20 points and four rebounds at the half.

Before the game, Doc Rivers refused to believe O’Neal is in any kind of decline.

“This guy’s a dominant player,” said Rivers. “He’s been a dominant player. I don’t think people understand the effect Shaq has on the game. Just the way you have to prepare for him is exclusively different than anyone else in our entire league. Just how him being on the floor opens up driving lanes and shots for everyone else. He doesn’t have to touch the ball. The fact that he’s standing around the basket changes everything.”

  • Rivers has eight players available for tonight’s game. With all of the injuries taking place around the league, the Celtics coach thinks he knows one way to keep players healthier late in the season.

    “[We need] less games,” said Rivers. “Less preseason games. Longer preseason practice schedule. I’d take the games down to six or five and give the guys another week of camp. I really think that’s important. Guys get in great shape. Their timing is better as far as what you’re running offensively or defensively.”

  • What’s the easiest way to tell the Celtics are down to eight players tonight? How about looking at Boston’s first-half box score:

    Telfair: 10 minutes
    Powe: 12 minutes
    Ray: 21 minutes
    Gomes: 19 minutes
    Pinkney: 10 minutes

  • Ryan Gomes is leading the Celtics with 14 points at the break.

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