By Jessica Camerato
CSNNE.com
BOSTON -- Glen Davis was tired, and understandably so. In less than 48 hours he had played a game in Cleveland, flown back to Boston, and played another game the following night.
Along the way, he logged nearly 60 minutes on the court.
Of course Davis isn't the only athlete to go through this grind. Back-to-back contests in different cities is part of the NBA lifestyle.
But Davis did more than just play in two basketball games.
He played some of the best basketball of his career.
In the two games, Davis posted 33 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 assists off the bench. Add in last week's game against the New Jersey Nets and he is averaging 17 points and shooting better than 56 percent from the field (22-of-39 field-goal attempts) in his last three outings.
Boston Celtics
"I've just been getting the right shots at the right place," Davis told CSNNE.com. "Playing within the offense, knowing when I've got to shoot it, knowing when I shouldn't shoot it. My teammates have been hitting me while I've been open."
Davis explained his efficiency nonchalantly, but this is a significant improvement in his game. Last season he averaged 6.3 points (43.7 FG) in 17.3 minutes. This season Davis' role in the Celtics second unit has increased.
Part of it has to do with injuries -- Davis is bumped up in the rotation with Kendrick Perkins and Jermaine ONeal sidelined. Another part has to do with the fact that he has been a major contributor off the bench. His name has already been mentioned in Sixth Man of the Year conversations.
"He's just playing good team ball," said Shaquille O'Neal. "He's taking the wide-open shot when it's there and he's shooting a high proficiency."
Davis began the season on a rocky note when he expressed uncertainty about his role on the Celtics. Now he's riding the trust Doc Rivers has instilled in him. There is no more questioning his place on the team - or his shot on the court.
"I've been taking the open shots," he said. "There's no need to hold back, especially if it's within the offense. It's Doc having more trust in me, making sure I do what I have to do. He just says play your role, do what you've got to do."
The less Davis holds back, the further ahead the Celtics can go.
Jessica Camerato is on Twitter at http:twitter.comjcamerato