"It was a good win for us finally getting past the first round," said Paul Pierce. "But when the game was over and we were in the locker room, we really didn't have any time to think about Atlanta. We had to go and get ready for Cleveland."
The coaching staff had Cleveland on the brain even earlier. Coach Doc Rivers said yesterday that when the Cavaliers went up, 3-1, on the Washington Wizards more than a week ago, all the preparation shifted to LeBron James and Cleveland. Such is the nature of NBA life this time of year.
But while Cleveland had a day of downtime Saturday after eliminating the Wizards Friday night, the Celtics spent the weekend trying to finish off a frantic series with the Hawks that left an impression on guard Ray Allen, both literally and figuratively.
"That was the first time that we've really been tested and who we were and what we meant and what we stood for as a team," said Allen, sporting a nasty gash on his left shoulder. "Honestly, for myself, I like those moments.
"For us it's opened up the lines of communication. I've been on teams in the past that when you lose, you splinter apart. This team has always come together, and I think that's the sign of a true team."
Allen acknowledged that such a quick turnaround after a hard-fought series can be a little challenging mentally.
"You're split half and half because you have the feeling of celebration," said Allen. "You have the feeling of joy and euphoria, but at the same time you say, 'There is another grind that is about to take place.'
"We know how we approached that series. We knew every play that Atlanta was running, and now it's like you have to tune back in and start all over. You got the new booklet of all their plays, what they're going to run, and it's time to do it again."
Judging by practice, said Rivers, his players weren't that mentally or emotionally drained because they had taken the time Sunday night to go over the Cleveland material.
"I would say most of them have because they were already calling out their plays," said Rivers. "That's pretty good."
