After the first timeout, the Celtics showed a video montage of Perkins’s best moments in Boston. He received another standing O and raised both arms in acknowledgement.
Perkins, whose first season with the team was 2003-04, became a dependable starter and helped the club win the 2008 NBA title.
He said he was anxious about the potential reaction.
“To be honest, I don’t know. I was confused,’’ he said after the Thunder’s 97-88 victory. “The whole day I was confused, especially yesterday. I really didn’t know what to expect. Mentally I was just out of it. I didn’t know whether to shoot the ball, pass the ball, hug the guy. I ain’t know what to do. I’m just really glad it’s over.
“I’m just glad we play in two different conferences so I don’t have to keep going through this emotional breakdown.’’
Perkins picked up two first-quarter fouls, and (of course) argued the second one with official Pat Fraher. He said his teammates joked with him to remember not to set screens for Rondo, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce.
The Celtics have struggled without Perkins’s toughness but he said he is convinced his former team will reach the playoffs.
“They’re going to be good,’’ he said. “They’re making the playoffs and then whatever team they gotta face, I feel sorry for that team.
“I say they are going to hit their stride late February going into April and win 10 or 11 games in a row and sneak into the seventh or sixth [seed] and make some noise in the playoffs. That’s what I believe.’’
Remember me?
Overshadowed by the return of Perkins was the first NBA game in Boston for former Boston College standout Reggie Jackson, the Thunder first-round pick who has become their primary reserve point guard.
Jackson played 8 minutes last night, picking up two assists and a steal. He has gotten more playing time since Eric Maynor was lost for the season with a torn right ACL. Jackson said he is prepared for the increased role.
