Open practice recap

Doc Rivers put the Celtics through a challenging practice session on

Tuesday afternoon.

For the second time this season, the Celtics held an open practice to members of the media and USI, a corporate partner of the team. 

Doc Rivers and his staff put the C's through a tough two-hour session. It included half-court defensive rotations where the point of emphasis was "denying and extending," strength and conditioning exercises led by Bryan Doo, the team's strength and conditioning coach, pick-and-roll drills, and concluded with nearly an hour of scrimmaging. 

While the team covered a lot, the main point of emphasis was on defense. "Well we're getting it. It's just going to take time," coach Doc Rivers said. "I thought we were a lot better today. We work on a lot of principles and tendencies." 

When asked about the defensive work, Jason Terry responded, "Just staying consistent with your system, staying disciplined, and just knowing your assignment. That's just what we're working on, and it's repetition. If you don't do it during practice, you won't do it in a game. So we're just putting an emphasis on it here, and hopefully it'll carry over to the game tomorrow." 

In other news...

*Kevin Garnett has always been one to provide some interesting words, as was the case Friday night after the game with his "hyena" speech to teammates. Today, he gave credit to a rookie, a rarity for a guy like him. Garnett said of Sullinger, "He's a great rebounder, his IQ is unbelievable, he can pass the ball. He reminds me a lot of Perk, man, when we had Perk here. Obviously not the defensive player that Perk was, but as far as IQ, moving the ball and being unselfish, he's a great teammate." When someone gets compared to Kendrick Perkins, who was a staple on defense alongside Garnett during his stint with the Celtics, that's saying something. But still, like with everything else, let's give it some time, but so far so good.

*The Celtics will host the Washington Wizards tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. Check back tomorrow for a preview and other news.