NBA – Boston Celtics rest its starters against the Washington Wizards

The Boston Celtics head coach, Doc Rivers, made a clear statement about where his priorities were going to be. Once the Miami Heat crushed the Celtics by 100-77 and thus basically secured the No.2 seed in the Eastern Conference, Rivers made a simple concession: let them have it. The Celtics are not going to fight for a better seed, they rather give rest to the Big Four: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.

Because contrary to what happens with either the Orlando Magic, the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat or the Chicago Bulls, Doc Rivers has to deal with a simple fact: his team is a very veteran squad. Sure, his starters all know what it takes and what it feels to have won at least one ring (lets not forget that although not a starter, Shaquille O’Neal has more Championships rings than some franchises) but just as certain is the fact that they are old, and on the twilight of their professional careers.

With the exception of Rajon Rondo and perhaps Jermaine O’Neil, these group of guys need some rest, not because they are not well trained, or tired, but just because things start to change once you turn 30 years old, and most Celtics are a good bit pass that. Doc Rivers believes this mental break, this pause, could really payoff once the postseason begins. Sure, they have now given up the No. 2 seed, and are now matched up for a first round series against the New York Knicks, but a little rest could actually significantly improve the C’s chances of moving on.

This was also a good chance for the Celtics bench to prove that they have the talent and the prowess to one day, replace this extraordinary group of starting players. Doc Rivers has already announced that he will rest his key men during the season finale against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. So don’t keep your hopes up for an extraordinary preview of their playoffs matchup.

The Washington Wizards, on the other hand, took advantage of the situation and decided to work their way into a tight 95-94 win in overtime. John Wall led the way with 24 points, nine rebounds and three assists. It still didn’t help the Wizards from finishing yet another 23-58 season, that leaves them with absolutely no chance, not even close, of extending their season into the playoffs.

With a 55-26 season, the Boston Celtics will finish third in the conference, behind the leaders, the Chicago Bulls, which are seen a rebirth. Truth be said, the Bulls are playing like we haven’t seen them play, well, since those good old days of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Guided by the talents of the soon to be named seasons MVP, Derrick Rose, the Bulls are becoming quite an dominant force in the league.

The No.2 seed will then go to the Miami Heat, and its trio of superstars, that although having a regular season filled with brilliant runs and some disastrous streaks as well, have stayed strong and could become a referent in the Eastern Conference. They have the manpower to win the championship, but perhaps they lack the team efforts we can almost feel when it comes to both the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics.