The Celtics were very close to winning both the games they dropped this week, but they didn't. Paul knows that it comes down to the details.
"When you play the top teams in the league, it comes down to the little things," said Pierce, who had 19 points and eight rebounds. "I just thought the last couple of games at home it was 1- or 2-point games. Defensive transition late in the game, covering for one another [defensively], one possession [situations], it's like the playoffs . . .
"One play can kill you. Every possession counts, and we've got to understand that when we play against the top-tier teams like the Spurs and the Lakers."
For his part, Doc agreed:
"When you play the top teams in the league, it comes down to the little things," Rivers said. "Defensive transition late in the game, covering for one another. One-possession (games), it's like the playoffs. One play can kill you. Every possession counts and we've got to understand that when we play against the top-tier teams like the San Antonio Spurs and the Lakers."
He keeps a positive attitude though:
"Well it tells me that we're really good, because we've not played with our A-game "¦ and we still had a chance to win both," coach Doc Rivers said. "Both games we had the lead. And gave it up. Gave up points, which is not like us. In a sick way I guess I'd rather be down and not be able to score than up and give up baskets, because we're a defensive team. You know what I'm saying. But we clearly have to improve."