Celtics notes: Mavericks' reserves steal show

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By Jessica Camerato
CSNNE.com

BOSTON - With players like Shaquille ONeal, Delonte West, and Glen Davis in the second unit, the Celtics have one of the top benches in the NBA.

Then again, having Shawn Marion and Jason Terry in the reserves isnt too shabby either.

The Mavericks received 30 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals from Marion and Terry combined on Friday during their 101-97 win over the Celtics.

Marquis Daniels led the Celtics with 10 points off the bench while Davis added six boards. The Mavs bench outscored the Celtics, 30-24.

This isnt the first time this season the Celtics reserves have been topped by the Mavs. They were outscored, 35-21, in the Mavericks November 8 win.

If I look at this game and the last game we played against them, its the guys that come off the bench that youve got to limit their production, said Ray Allen. I think they have a few guys that had an impact on the game in both games. If we could match bench production, our bench has to be better than theirs.

Davis Taking Shots at They Come

There was a stretch this season when Glen Davis was attempting 14, 15, as many as 18 shots per game. He embraced his increased offensive role while stepping into the starting lineup for an injured Kevin Garnett.

But now that Garnett has returned, Davis shot attempts have become less frequent.

On Friday against the Dallas Mavericks, he took just three shots, tying a season low. He finished the game with only two points in 20 minutes.

Not to worry, though, for Davis. He still grabbed six rebounds while being tasked to guard Dirk Nowitzki (29 points).

The ball just didnt flow my way tonight, he told CSNNE.com. Thats just how it is. Youre going to have times when youre going to get 12, 13 shots. But some nights you arent going to get that. Thats just what it is.

Doc Not Stressing Over Schedule

The Celtics will face the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat in a span of eight days. Playing one of those teams is a tough enough match up in itself, and all three in a row is even more of a challenge.

But rather than get overwhelmed by the opponents at hand, Doc Rivers is looking forward to going up against high-caliber competition.

I was concerned about it anyway because theyre just good teams, but not overly concerned than in any other stretch, he said. Its just good teams coming in -- no different in any game, just a lot of good teams. So itll be good for us. I look forward to it.

After losing to the Mavericks on a last-second shot, the Celtics know they have to stick to their defensive intensity in these upcoming games.

We just need to watch our defensive executions, said Davis. We need to make sure that we have our defensive assignments in tact.

Jessica Camerato is on Twitter at http:twitter.comjcameratonba

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