Garnett acknowledged the team’s frustration and pledged support for coach Doc Rivers.
“These are dog days man, really,’’ Garnett said. “We’re going to see who’s fair weather, who’s with you. Whatever Doc’s going to do, we’re going to support all the way.
“Frustration starts with the man in the mirror. I’ve definitely got to do better. I’m going to watch tons of film, continue to try and better myself, continue to be the glue, and just stay supportive.
“You don’t win anything in the first month. I’d rather go through it now than later.’’
Bass starts
Rivers on Brandon Bass starting in place of Jermaine O’Neal: “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. Actually, I’ve been thinking about it since camp - before camp started. It was a lineup I wanted to get to, because I thought it gave us more versatility and I thought our rotations were easier when you bring Jermaine in for Kevin, you stay big.
“And, what I’m trying to do is always have Jermaine or Kevin - just size - on the floor more. So, it just didn’t work out because, unfortunately for Brandon [10 points], he got great shots and didn’t make any.’’
The Celtics are averaging 16.6 points in the opening quarter in the last five games, shooting 33 percent.
No doubting Tom
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau is not writing off the Celtics’ chances this season. In fact, the former Celtics assistant believes the team soon will be playing like the one he knew from 2007-10.
“I think they’ll be fine,’’ Thibodeau said before the game. “Jermaine and Kevin give them the shot-blocking, two 7-footers up front. And [Paul] Pierce is a huge part of that defense, so him being out slowed them down a little bit.
“But they’ll be the same. They’re a well-balanced team, they play great defense, their rebounding will come around.’’
