Rondo: "It was my fault." KG: "Nah, it was my fault." Ray: "Rajon, that was all your fault bro.

This story seems odd. (Boston Herald)

For all of their postseason success, the Celtics still can get lost in internal squabbles.

For example, take a brief but intense first-quarter disagreement between Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett on Sunday.

“I had two guys arguing over a play yesterday, and I had to call a timeout because they couldn’t move past it,” Rivers said. “Two plays later you could see them staring at each other – it was over a defensive rotation – and that’s something you can’t have. It’s all right to disagree, but then you have to move forward.”

I realize arguments are going to happen — every team has arguments, and the C’s have known each other for awhile.  They’re like brothers.  They can say what’s on their chest and then leave it all on the floor after the game.  Nothing has to go back into the locker room.

But arguing so vehemently that you have to call a timeout?  That’s kinda crazy.

Still, I’m oddly excited by this story.  The Celtics are locked in.  They care about EVERY SINGLE play.  After they didn’t give a damn all season, I’m not going to be upset because they give three or four shits now.  As long as they can put this past them, I am completely fine with it.

Doc Rivers explained his own attitude on squabbles. (ESPN)

“Teammates are just like your immediate family, you have squabbles,” said Rivers. “For the most part, I try to let them say everything they need to say, so I know what side to take. Then I get in the middle.

“I encourage conversation, even heated. At the end of the day, it’s what you truly feel. Then you can move forward.”