The Celtics young players are breathing a little easier today knowing that Iverson is heading to Denver and they are staying here, at least until the next rumors start. But if the young players continue to progress and the team continues to win, that trade may not come. We can only watch and wait.

The news today is the Iverson trade to Denver and both the Globe and Herald have articles reporting it. Danny reinforces his stand that he isn't going to just give our kids away. That is good news.

In other news, The Herald discusses our corps of walking wounded. Soon we will have 14 ft of injured centers instead of 21 as Kandi has made it through 2 practices and hopes to suit up tonight. Gomes is planning a return to action tonight as well. In the absence of Perk, the team has committed to playing tough defense because they can't depend on a shot blocker and on Perk's defense to stop the play at the basket. Hopefully, they will continue to commit to tough defense when Perk comes back and we will be that much more effective. It is defense that has been winning games for us. It will be interesting to see how Doc deals with the rotation as we get players back from injuries.

The Herald Notebook begins with a fun recount of Pierce playing games with Patriots' tight end Daniel Graham. This team sounds like they have fun together and I can see why no one wants to be traded. They all genuinely like each other and have fun. With several of our young players picking up their games, a trade may not be necessary. Also mentioned in this article is the fact that Al may stay in the middle and Perk come off the bench at center.

The Globe Notebook reports that Jefferson may finally be realizing his potential. Doc attributes his recent spectacular play to the fact that he is finally healthy. Or it may be that the trade rumors lit a fire under him. Whichever it was, let's hope it continues because his play is a key to our continued winnning along with a committment to defense by everyone on the team. This article also reports that Wally may return quicker than originally expected.

The Green Room gives us 5 reasons for our current win streak. Credit Pierce rediscovering team play, Jefferson's continued spectacular play, Tony's reemergence as a player, solid point guard play, and Hustle, muscle and pride.

Draft Express has a player profile on Al Jefferson. Al credits defense as the reason for his own and the team's recent successes. Smart guy!!

In the Celtics.com article that reports Gomes' hopeful return tonight, there are questions about the bench scoring with Wally out. One reason I like Wally off the bench is that he shores up the scoring of our second team. In his absence, West and Green are going to have to pick up their scoring. This article also reports on a match between West and Gomes on NBA07 complete with trash talk from West.

Hoopsworld reports on our December so far, beginning with our improbable come back from 20 points down in New Jersey. If we are going to continue to win, we have to continue to play defense and have increased production from our bench especially as we head out West for a 5 game road trip.

Finally, it is game day with the Golden State Warriors coming to town. They have lost 8 in a row on the road and have been struggling lately. This could make them a dangerous team looking to break that streak. We can't take them for granted or get full of ourselves and get over confident. We need to come out and play hard for 48 minutes. I am looking forward to the day when this team can put together a good 48 minutes and build a lead and keep it. Join us tonight on Celtics Green for the play by play and for Q's every insightful commentary. Can we make it 6 in a row?