Daily Links - 2/9 (BSMW)

From Boston Sports Media Watch

The Celtics fell to the San Antonio Spurs at the Garden yesterday, 105-99 thanks in great part to 7 Spurs points in 1.4 seconds and the Celtics up by a point at the time. Roger Mason hit a three pointer to give the Spurs a two point lead, then the inbounds pass was stolen by Manu Ginobili, who was awards a clear path foul, hit two free throws, and then two more when he was fouled again since the Spurs were awarded the ball for the clear path foul. All in all, it added up to 7 points in just 1.4 seconds, giving the Spurs the victory.

Scott Souza chronicles the “instant” loss for the Celtics. Jessica Camerato has the Celtics losing the fourth quarter battle. Marc J. Spears has the Celtics once again a little lacking at the end of a close one. Mark Murphy has the Celtics squandering another fourth quarter lead. Jeff Howe has a look at what we saw at the Garden yesterday. Robert Lee has Roger Mason hitting the killer shot for the Spurs. Matt Castello looks at a happy homecoming for Matt Bonner against the Celtics.

Tim Weisberg says that the games this week against the Lakers and Spurs prove that the Celtics still have a ways to go. Lenny Megliola agrees that this team is vulnerable. Steve Bulpett says that the Celtics need to take care of business at home. Paul Flannery says that the Celtics and Spurs are more alike than we might think. Lee looks at the $15,000 fine Doc Rivers received for his comments about the officials in the Lakers game. Bill Doyle looks at some of the best and worst trades in Celtics history.

Kevin Gray looks at the big homecoming for NH’s Matt Bonner, who had a season high 23 points yesterday, and hit a bit shot in the final minute of play. Dan Shaughnessy has more on the pride of the Granite State. Rich Thompson also has a look at the homecoming for Bonner.

Souza’s notebook has Kendrick Perkins starting to get back in rhythm. Dell’Apa’s notebook has Ray Allen talking about what happened on the crucial inbounds pass that led to 4 quick free throws for the Spurs. Murphy’s notebook has Doc Rivers OK with the big fine he had to pay for yelling at the officials on Thursday night. He also has Phil Jackson taking more shots at Boston and the Celtics. Lee’s notebook has Gregg Popovich seeing a lot of similarities in Tony Parker and Rajon Rondo. Doyle’s notebook has more on Perkins regaining his touch.