Wednesday Bolts - 11.5.08

• Our good buddy Joe did a nice little interview with John Karalis of Red's Army: I notice that this year’s Celts are playing much faster (pace 96.3, 3rd in the league vs. last year 90.9, 20th in the league). Has there been an emphasis on playing faster or has it been more of a result of the teams you’ve played so far? John: “Part of it is a comfort level that didn’t exist last year. Last year, they were just getting to know one another. Now, all these guys know where the other will be on the court at all times. Rajon Rondo’s further progression means he’ll be able to push more, and go to the hole more, rather than sit and wait and give it to one of the “Big 3.” That comfort level also exists on the defensive side. That comfort level allows for smoother rotations, more hands on passes, and more chances to get out and run.”

• CelticsBlog.com previews tonight's game: "The Celtics are playing in their second set of back to back games of this young season. They didn't fare well in their first back to back situation, falling to the Pacers by double digits on the second night of that set after blowing out the Bulls in the first. The Celtics were undefeated in the second of back to back games last season and hopefully will get back to that trend with this game ... The Celtics played a very tough game against the Rockets that went right down to the wire with KG playing 36 minutes, Ray Allen 35 minutes and Pierce 44 minutes. Even Perk played 35 minutes. Add that to the fact that they had to travel after the game and fatigue could be a problem in this game."

• Darnell Mayberry on how the Celtics help promote the league: "The Boston Celtics are back on top of the NBA world as they make their lone visit to the Ford Center tonight to face the Thunder. But the celebration of the Celtics’ success stretches from Massachusetts to Minnesota, from Orlando to Oklahoma City. The adulation stops at the feet of Thunder coach P.J. Carlesimo. "It wouldn’t have bothered me if they stayed down as they had been for a while,” Carlesimo said. "That’s me. I’m not anti-Boston but I didn’t really care.”

• ESPN.com has P.J. Carlesimo at No. 3 in its Coach of the Year watch: "Seattle didn't crack the win column until game No. 9 last year. Playing in Oklahoma City, the Thunder accomplished the same feat in game No. 3."

• Sports Illustrated has Russell Westbrook at No. 10 in its rookie rankings: "After tweaking his ankle in the team's final practice before the regular-season opener, Westbrook turned in a pair of so-so games in losses to the Bucks and the Rockets. But the 19-year-old point guard shone Sunday in a comeback victory over the Timberwolves, getting consecutive steals down the stretch and scoring the last of his 14 points on a layup that put the Thunder ahead for good. "We're going to have to be scrappy to win games," Westbrook, who's averaging 11.0 points through three games, told The Associated Press."

• This made me chuckle. Want to buy one of the magnet schedules that were FREE (well, other than the price of the ticket...) at the last home game? Don't worry, they're on Ebay!

• And the Thunder signed former Arkansas big man Steven Hill to be cut at a later date: "Hill, who went undrafted this year, averaged 4.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots as a senior with the Razorbacks last season. Hill was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year during his junior season after averaging 2.8 blocks and 1.1 steals."