Open thread: Regular season game 36

Bullets Forever: Doc Rivers has gotten a lot of flack over the last few years over his coaching, but you can't argue with the results that they've been putting up this season.  Is this a case of the team winning in spite of their coach or did Doc just not have enough to work with the last few years?

Green Bandwagon: I wouldn't say the Celtics are winning in spite of Rivers. It is important that the players like him and by all accounts he has done a great job this year getting everyone on the same page. To be fair the Celtics were not that talented over the last few years. And when that happens fans/bloggers tend to propose trades, call for the general manager's job and demand that the coach be fired. I was no exception, although I don't remember going after Rivers as strongly as others did. In hindsight the Celtics were painfully young and immature. That said why did it take so long for Ryan Gomes and Rajon Rondo to get playing time? And how are the Portland Trailblazers getting it done with such a young team? Ultimately Rivers is neither is good as he looks right now nor as bad as he did last season. And if it does not work out I don't see myself blaming Rivers.

Bullets Forever: In the off-season the Wizards originally hired Tom Thibodeau to improve the Wizards' defense before having a change of heart and heading for Boston.  How has Thibodeau been able to transform the Celtics into such a defensive juggernaut?

Green Bandwagon: Tom Thibodeau's track record speaks for itself. At a certain point it is not a coincidence that every team that hires him plays good defense. And there is a reason he asked for a one-year contract this year. People around the league are starting to take notice. At the same time it sure helps to have Kevin Garnett anchoring the defense and a group of players that buy in. Thibodeau's efforts are definitely helped by the positive environment the Celtics organization created through a few trades and free agent signings.

Bullets Forever: Everyone knows about the Big 3, but who in your mind is someone that deserves more credit for the Celtics' success this season?

Green Bandwagon: I'd say the crazy thing is that it depends on the night. Rajon Rondo, Kenrick Perkins, Glen Davis, Eddie House, James Posey and even Tony Allen have all had big games and moments. From a pure basketball stand point Rondo probably offers the most. He plays annoying defense, shoots well and can get to the rim. Meanwhile, Perkins saves KG from banging with other team's big men. That's important. And when House is feeling it he gives the team an offensive spark for stretches. But I really think Posey is more important than the stats show. He is a versatile defender, can hit the three, finishes well around the hoop and is a great presence. Did he go a bit overboard after the win in Detroit? Probably. But the other Celtics genuinely seem to like him and he knows how to play basketball. Watching Posey on a day-to-day basis reveals all of the little things he does to help a team win. Overall Boston's bench is better than people realize.