I don't know if it was vital [to get the win], but it was big. We needed the win because I look at the whole picture. We still have a lot of work to do, but it was nice that we just played better. We played solid basketball.

They are the rare team that has three great players. Most teams have two - except Miami maybe has 2 1/2 with Shaq and Wade.

We played as soft as a team can be. They were tougher mentally, physically and there was no way we were going to win that game.

Paul was absolutely sensational tonight. I didn't realize they had 50 and 43. I knew they had a lot. I could sense that. I just didn't know it was that high. Pretty cool.

[Contrary to speculation, coach Doc Rivers says he didn't demand that the Celtics retain Blount.] The only thing I kept saying to Danny was, 'Assets, assets, assets,' ... When I talked with Mark, I liked what he told me. He kept talking about defense and, even though everyone told me he would not be back, he kept telling me that he wanted to be a Celtic. I told Danny and the owners, 'Here's a guy that wants to be in Boston.'

They're good. They've obviously hit a tough patch, but you know it's not going to last. Baron Davis is a hell of a player. He's one of the best point guards in the league. Everyone goes through a tough stretch. I just hope theirs lasts one more game.