Practice report

The Celtics were back at it today in preparation for a rematch with the Brooklyn Nets. Brooklyn is coming off its spirited overtime win last night over their crosstown rivals, the New York Knicks.

Here's what went on today...

* The pick-and-roll was a major point of emphasis at practice today at both ends of the floor. Coach Doc Rivers had the team working on pick-and-roll defense for nearly two hours. There has been an increased use in pick-and-rolls so far this season due to the smaller, quicker guards the Celtics have gone up against. Added Rivers, "Teams take steps. To win titles you take a lot of steps. The first step for us was buying in, and I think we've done that. But now we've got to get it right. Second thing is pick and roll. It never stops. I would love to find that team where there's perfection, and you show up and say, 'Guys, we have nothing to practice on.'" As far as on the offensive side, Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger spent ample time after practice working on pick-and-rolls.

* Avery Bradley partook in pre-practice offensive skeleton drills today. However, he still isn't expected to return until the middle of December at the earliest. Doc Rivers did not have any news on Bradley's status. "I have no idea, honestly," Rivers said. "There probably is an update, I just haven't checked, honestly. I have no update." Happy belated birthday to Avery as well. He turned 22-years-old yesterday.

* Kris Joseph and Fab Melo have been recalled from Maine today. Joseph fully participated in practice while Melo did not. Dont' expect them here for long, though. Maine's next game is not until Friday, and Rivers just wanted them to stay fresh. "They don't have a game and we don't have a lot of players," said Rivers. "The greatest part about (the single-team affiliation with the Red Claws) is it's an hour and a half drive, and they can drive up and practice and go back home -- I don't know what (Joseph) calls home, Boston or Maine, but it's been a pretty good thing so far for us." Part of the Celtics' new affiliation with the Red Claws is that players are able to go back and forth as often as the Celtics please. So, for example, Joseph and Melo could attend the Celtics' shootaround on Friday, and then play in Maine on Friday.

* Rajon Rondo was nominated for the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award for the week of November 19 to November 25, but was edged out by Atlanta's Al Horford. On Sunday, Rondo tied John Stockton's 37-game double-digit assist streak. During the week, Rondo averaged 14.3 points, 15.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals a game for the week. On the other hand, Horford averaged 16.5 points, 9.8 boards, and 4.5 dimes a contest.