C's practice after much-needed days off for veterans

BOSTON (WHDH) -- The Celtics are back on the clock after a weekend off for many of the team's big names.

Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers is trying to get four new players acclimated with the system with six weeks to go in the regular while keeping his grizzled veterans rested and ready. And with a busy month ahead, that's easier said than done.

“They’re trying to find their own way. Forget finding the Celtics way. So it is a challenge, and if we are successful with one or two of them figuring it out, I’d be very happy," Rivers said.

The workouts have been beneficial for guys like Terrence Williams and Jordan Crawford. After all, Doc Rivers treats practices like precious tools to fine-tune his team this time of year. But days off are sometimes just as beneficial for veterans like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

“Mostly days off are great,” said Garnett.

And apparently those days off are paying off for KG.

“He has given us some more. We’ve given him some rest, we’ve done practices more off. In the past you could even approach the subject with him and this year, he wants the days off,” Rivers said.

“We’ve practiced so many times and playing so many games at this point you should be in a good enough rhythm. You should know when to get your rest and when to get in the gym and I think it’s better if we understand that,” Pierce said.

Back to back games start Tuesday in Philly for the C’s.