Rivers calls out Heinsohn

Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reports that the Magic used some motivational tapes to get ready for last night’s Celtics game. Magic coach Doc Rivers explained that the team listened to tapes of Celtics color commentator Tommy Heinsohn in the locker room before beating the Celtics 101-95.

``I thought our guys had some extra zest going into this game,'' said Rivers, whose club lost to the Celts twice in December. ``They heard a tape of Tommy Heinsohn before our game. I don't know how the tape got into our locker room, but it just did, and basically he belittled every single player on our basketball team.

``I thought our guys took that personal,'' he added. ``Coach his own team or his guys and leave us alone. We'll do our own job. It's good that guys responded with that win.''

Tracy McGrady added, ``(Heinsohn) must think Larry Bird is still playing. When he disrespects us like that, sure it's going to be on our minds.''

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Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics

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New owners ready to offer a little extra

Peter May of the Boston Globe reports that the Celtics may loosen the grip on their wallet long enough to sign an additional player once the new owners take control next week.

The league will announce no later than Monday that the owners have approved the sale of the team to Irv Grousbeck, Wyc Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca, and The Abbey Group. Once that happens, the new group may allow the C’s to add someone to the roster.

They have played this season with the minimum of 12 players, mostly because of the luxury tax implications of adding any salary to the roster. The new owners are believed to be willing to add at least one player, and don't be surprised if the name of Dana Barros surfaces.

Barros would love to stay home in Boston and play for the Celtics and remains an unsigned free agent. He also has point guard skills and specializes in 3-point shooting, two qualities that Celtics coach Jim O’Brien would love in a player.

Barros would be able to be signed for the $1 million veteran's minimum, prorated. The Celtics would absorb about half of that.

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Boston Celtics

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Riley warns against optimism

Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel reports that Heat coach Pat Riley is warning against being too optimistic after a 3-1 road trip. He wonders if his young roster will produce another "go to" guy to help push the 9-19 Heat into the playoffs.

They have Eddie Jones who has taken the leadership role on the club. They have Brian Grant averaging almost a double-double and playing tough interior defense. Occasionally a third player steps up and produces. "In order for us to win, it's got to be done together. Otherwise, we're not going to get there," Riley said after Thursday’s practice.

The lack of dominant teams in the East give the Heat a hope of possibly making the playoffs, but games like Monday’s loss to the Cavaliers make Riley doubt his team. "This whole thing in trying to do the best that I could, that's good for your children to say. `Daddy, I'm trying to do the best that I could do,'" Riley said. "In the pros, that isn't it. I don't want to hear that.

"`Daddy, I am doing what is necessary to succeed.' That's what I want, and sometimes that takes more than just doing your best.''

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Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers

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