An impressive closing argument in a most perplexing court case

“In my mind,’’ said Celtics coach Doc Rivers, “we’re nowhere near as good as we’re going to be. The road trip [the Celtics were 4-0] was sensational. We played solid basketball. But we’re not a 48-minute team. For us to achieve what we want to achieve, we have to become one.’’

The NBA really only offers up a small variety of games, and this was one we’ll call “Waiting For The Better Team To Make Its Move.’’ It had been a sticky game from the start, with the Bucks leading by a point (27-26) after one period, the Celtics up by a point (49-48) at the half, the teams knotted at 71 after three and, finally, the teams still deadlocked at 86 when Rajon Rondo drew an absolutely foolish foul near midcourt from Charlie Bell, a 30-year-old veteran who really ought to know better.

Rondo, who flirted with yet another triple-double (11 points, 9 rebounds, 13 assists) and who did all his scoring in the fourth quarter, swished both free throws. Kevin Garnett ripped down a Brandon Jennings miss and Kendrick Perkins made one of two free throws emanating from a clever Rondo tip-pass. Garnett switched out on Jennings to cause a double-dribble and Rondo stepped right into a casual 21-footer. Suddenly, it’s 91-86 and you’re saying to yourself, “What took you guys so long?’’

They weren’t done. They continued to lock the Bucks down on defense, and at the other end Garnett tosses in a free throw. Ray Allen sticks a three and Garnett (“The ball feels good coming off my hand,’’ ) buries a long straightaway two. And now the crowd is putting on the coats. They have seen what they came to see. It just took a while.

“We always say we want to close the games out,’’ offered Paul Pierce. “The last three minutes, we have certain plays we want to run, especially when we get the ball in Rondo’s hands, get the ball down to Kevin, and play inside-out. And our defense goes up another notch in the last three minutes, and that is something we emphasize in practice, and that is what we try to do late in the game.’’

This had to be an excruciating game for Doc and his assistants. The Bucks were allowed to hang around and hang around.