Must C’s: Mad Brad on the mic

The Celtics are 7-3 since the All-Star break with impressive wins in Milwaukee and Denver and things are looking up in Boston. Head coach Brad Stevens seems encouraged with his team’s play of late, but once in a while, even his even temperament can be tested.

As the first quarter came to a close in Portland, Damian Lillard trips and flops to the floor for two free throws with the Celtics in the penalty. The usually cool and collected Stevens, well, wasn’t.

You can’t blame Coach. Just as much as players and coaching staffs need to recognize time and circumstance, referees should know that Dame is hunting for a cheap foul to get to the line. With 2.4 seconds left of the clock, that’s really the only option and to his credit, Lillard baits the officials and gets the call.

The Celtics are down 60-57 to the Trail Blazers at halftime.