Davis played a key role in the Celtics’ demise on New Year’s Eve against New Orleans, heaving up an ugly 3-pointer in the final minutes that enabled the Hornets to hold on for a win at the TD Garden. But in the three games since, Davis has shined in place of the injured Kevin Garnett. In three Celtic wins, Big Baby has dropped 15, 17 and finally a season-high 23 points, respectively, as the Celtics’ starting power forward.
So continues a breakout season for Davis, as the 25-year-old forward has established himself as one of the C’s rising stars. He gives most of the credit to coach Doc Rivers, who has helped Davis grow into the player he is today.
“He’s worked with me,” Davis said of Rivers after the Celtics’ win Wednesday over the Spurs. “He’s given me the opportunity to show what I’ve got, within the team. But he’s still hard on me. He’s still hard. It’s like a love-hate thing. You love him, but you’re like, ‘Oh, God. Pipe it down.'”
The relationship between Davis and Rivers has been rocky for over three years now. Rivers has gotten on Davis’ case constantly about his questionable decision-making, both on and off the basketball court. But with a little tough love, Davis has grown, and he’s more reliable now than ever.
“I’ve been saying it all year, he’s been terrific,” Rivers said. “Baby has his days, but overall, he’s had very few of them. He’s been terrific all year. He’s had a tremendous attitude — a team attitude in a contract year, which is very difficult. I don’t think he gets enough credit for that part of it. He’s just been fantastic. The minutes, playing him at four, playing at five, he’s just turned into a terrific player for us. Our record is where it’s at because Glen Davis is on our basketball team.”
While there’s still the occasional short-sighted comment in the media or ill-advised shot, Davis has gotten better. He’s become a player who understands his role.
For the most part.
“The only time he gets himself in trouble is when he forgets that he’s Glen Davis,” Rivers said. “I don’t know how you can forget something that big.”
