At least Avery Bradley can still play defense

Here's the good news. Avery Bradley hasn't forgotten how to play defense. Chances are, he was even a little rusty and will keep getting better.

Green Street " Fast Break: Grizzlies maul Celtics in a fourth straight loss

Bradley started opposite Mike Conley and held the Memphis guard to two shots (a successful 3-pointer and a runner from 6 feet) and two assists in 13:22 of shared floor time in the first half. In Conley’s remaining first-half minutes (8:22), he made 4-of-6 shots and generated three assists. In other words, even if Bradley’s offense was rusty (1-4 FG), he’s still effective on the defensive end.

But alas, it wasn't enough savioring for the whole team to turn around in one night.

Rapid Reaction: Grizzlies 93, Celtics 83 - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston

Bradley sat for an 18-minute stretch before playing the final 70 seconds and finished with four points on 2-of-6 shooting with a steal over 19:31. He was minus-12, highlighting Boston's first-unit struggles.

I'm perfectly willing to be patient with Bradley. It is the rest of the team I'm at wits end with.

Bonus quote:

What did it feel like for Mike Conley when Bradley would go to the bench? "Relief. It was like I could breathe a little bit."

— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) January 3, 2013