Next up: Cleveland

By Gary Dzen

April 10, 2009

1 minute to read

Celtics coach Doc Rivers was asked after tonight’s game if Sunday’s showdown with the Cavaliers, who clinched the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win tonight, had any added meaning.

“Yeah, I mean, they’re a great team,” said Rivers. “They’ve been unbelievable at home. You’re playing the Cavs. They’re the best team in the East right now. So, yeah, I think both teams will be fired up to play each other. There’s no doubt.”

Ray Allen, on the other hand, was harder to rouse. You excited, Ray?

“Nope,” said Allen. “As much as we’d like to win, it’s hard to say there’s anymore…we’re going to end up being there. They take care of what they have to take care of and we take care of what we have to take care of. I think we know where we stand. It will be a great win on the road for us [if we win], and that’s what we’re looking forward to.”

Allen, the classiest NBA player you could ever dream of, was more effusive about receiving the Red Auerbach award before tonight’s game. In it’s fourth edition, the award is given to “a Celtics player who best exemplifies the spirit of what it means to be a Celtic”, according to a press release from the team. Previous recipients include Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Al Jefferson.

“Its an honor everyday to come here and play in front of these fans, so to be able to be recognized is a great honor for me,” said Allen. “I think just by being here in Boston, I think it just elevated somewhat of my legacy. Obviously winning a championship, but playing in this storied franchise…I couldn’t have anything better happen to me.”