--Kendrick Perkins bounced back fine from his strained left shoulder. More important in the long-term, this latest issue is not related to the two surgeries Perkins has had on the shoulder after dislocations, according to trainer Ed Lacerte. It is, however, the continuation of a problem that first arose in the preseason.
"I'm pretty confident that it's different than what I had before," said Perkins. "But it's like the third time I've strained the same muscle in the base of the shoulder (underneath and toward the back). I guess it's me putting so much pressure on it. Ed said it might not be the only time it happens this year. "Every time I strain that muscle, it spasms. Man, it's crazy. But I can't be afraid. I don't even worry about it like that. I can't do (anything) about it but try to strengthen it up."
--Doc Rivers likes to joke about Sam Cassell, but he's found him an even more valuable asset than expected.
"I love him on the bench whether we use him or not," Rivers said. "To me, he's more a part of the coaching staff than one of the players right now for us because of his knowledge and the way he helps us with the other guys."
Cassell has yet to play this season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It was a disgrace." -- Ray Allen, on the Blazers' basket with six men on the court standing even after officials called a technical foul.
