Jermaine O’Neal - Center Cleared To Go, But Wrist Still Problem

BOSTON HERALD
By Mark Murphy
In what has become a predictably common occurrence, Jermaine O’Neal missed his ninth game of the season last night, including his third straight, with a sore left wrist.

The Celtics [team stats] center saw a specialist in Boston yesterday, and according to general manager Danny Ainge was cleared to play. The problem is that he wasn’t ready last night after getting that clearance.


“He saw an expert, but we’ve been swamped so I didn’t talk to him,” coach Doc Rivers said before the C’s 102-96 win over Milwaukee last night. “We’ll just figure it out after that.”

The issue, according to Ainge, is lingering soreness. This is the same wrist that O’Neal decided not to have surgery on last season, electing instead to play as much of the rest of the way as possible.

“He’s seen the hand specialist,” said Ainge. “I just heard that he’s been cleared to play sometime soon. It’s been bothering him for awhile, but I have no idea when he’ll be back.”

O’Neal, clearly showing the ravages of time, has also missed time this season because of a sore left shoulder and soreness in both of his knees.

Quicker is better

The good news, as far as Rivers is concerned, is that he has basically been forced to put a quicker starting lineup on the floor in O’Neal’s absence.

Kevin Garnett, who has arguably had better success defending centers this season, played that role last night, and finished in rare form with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double. Guarded by the smaller Drew Gooden, Garnett made a beeline for the paint.

“I actually like this lineup,” said Rivers. “I was thinking of doing it regardless, to be honest. We got out to a great start last night and couldn’t sustain it. We played one good quarter, and then we stole the game at the end, which shouldn’t happen.”

Protecting the rock

The Celtics, as evidenced by their 18 turnovers during Tuesday’s win over Cleveland, have miles to go before they conquer their turnover issues.

“We’ve been talking about the hockey assist. The problem is that I don’t think our guys understand hockey,” said Rivers, not entirely joking. “But make the pass that leads to the pass, and we would be better served if they did that.”

But the message, if nothing else, appears to have registered.

“I think too often we’re trying to make the home run play, when we just have to be simple out there, moving the ball to the guy in front of you, and then him moving it,” said Ray Allen.

“Some of the greatest in the history of any sport did the simple things over and over again. That’s what makes you great in the long run, and the same thing goes for teams. You know what they’re doing, but they just keep doing it over and over again.

“There’s nothing complicated about it. And then nine times out of 10, the defense is going to make the mistake.”

Rivers, told of Allen’s home run comment, laughed.


“He’s repeating me,” said Rivers. “Al Maguire, Rick Majerus, Mike Fratello, I’m trying to think of all the guys I’ve been around, but they’ve all said it. If you’re repeating what I say, then you must be listening.

“That may not mean they’re doing it, but at least they’re listening. That’s been a statement of mine for the last month.”

Though the Celtics [team stats] had some bad stretches last night, they finished with only 12 turnovers.

Long-lost home

The Celtics haven’t played at home since their Feb. 15 loss to Detroit. Considering how back-loaded their schedule is with road games, the experience of being at home may be a little strange.

“It’s funny. When I got to the apartment last night it was like wow, I haven’t seen this place in a while,” said Rivers. “I think it will feel a lot like that in the second half for us. We’re going to do a lot of traveling.”

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