From today's Globe; the key [to the comeback] was shortening the rotation, mixing the reserves with starters, Rivers said. “We wanted to make sure the bench wasn’t in with five bench guys. We wanted one or two starters in together and I thought that helped them.’’

This is a sword that cuts two ways. The starters steady the reserves but the reserves energize the starters. The surprise is why Doc hasnt taken this approach more often.  He is in fact one of the few coaches to field an all-bench line-up.

River's m/o is about pacing;  “I’ve been stubborn trying to force rest with our guys."  No one has an argument with that. But, two lines?   I suspect its been counter-productive in a number of ways.  Far too often the offensive has stagnated. While the absence of a 2nd legit point enters into it, having Tony Allen, Quisy, or Glen Davis as your main scoring threat can be a problem.  Likewise, the limits of bigs like Semih, Paddy O'Bryant, or Curly Krstic are less exposed when on the floor with KG (not to mention the easy looks the got).  is it also possible the the vets are more inclined to tighten up if they sit for long stretches? in any case, one can only hope Doc builds one last nights success and continues to salt vets in with the subs.