BROOKLYN, N.Y.Prior to Boston's 102-97 loss to Brooklyn, Courtney Lee talked about his role with the C's this season.
"All of us new guys are adjusting," Lee told CSNNE.com. "We all know that you might have one role for one game, and it might be different for another game. You just have to stay ready to help when your number is called."
And on Thursday, Lee put on the kind of performance that showcased why the Celtics were so giddy as a franchise in being able to swing a deal to land him.
Lee tallied 13 points and nine rebounds, both season highs, off the C's bench.
"Courtney just came out and played," said C's coach Doc Rivers. "He didn't think about if he was starting, or not starting, how many minutes, who's playing. He played basketball tonight. When he does that, he's a great basketball player."
Kevin Garnett was among the Celtics who recognized Lee having one of his stronger performances as a Celtic.
And it could not have come on a better night with Rajon Rondo (right ankle) unable to play.
"With Rondo out, everybody had to pitch in and do different things tonight," said Kevin Garnett. "Courtney played great tonight. His energy, and the fact that the was going from Joe (Johnson) to Deron (Williams) to whoever else had it going, I thought his energy was good tonight."
But the energy Lee brought to the floor Thursday night has to become more consistent.
Not only with him, but with the entire Celtics roster.
"Like I said, it's a process," Lee said. "And we're all getting better, getting to know each other's game and how to play well with each other. We'll be fine."
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