``We had to rely on offense tonight,'' he said. ``That's two games in a row.''

On the strength of their 39-point second quarter, the Warriors shot 49.4 percent for the night, far better than the 39.7 percent the C's were allowing before this one tipped off. And they came in allowing just 89.9 points a night.

``I'm disappointed with the way we won,'' said Paul Pierce. ``We win with our defense because we're a defensive team first.''

Another DNP

Patrick O'Bryant got a chance to go against his former team last night, but the prospects for him making a big mark on the Celtics effort were certainly minimal. The center was a DNP and has played just 22 minutes this season.

When word came out early that the Celts were hoping for a more concerted effort from O'Bryant, it's fair to say the Warriors weren't completely surprised.

``He's an interesting guy because he's 7-1 and he's got all the skills you need in Basketball,'' said Golden State coach (and former Celtic) Don Nelson. He's got a brain. . . .

``We were intrigued with him, too, for a while. I still think he'll make it some day. But anyway, it's not my problem.''

When Rivers was asked before the game by a Warrior beat writer where O'Bryant is figuratively, the coach pointed to the dressing room and deadpanned, ``He's in there.''

Added Rivers on a more serious note: ``He's coming along. Him and (assistant coach) Clifford Ray have been together far more than Patrick probably would like to. But it's been great for him, and in the few practices we've had, you can see the improvement. He's just got to keep working.''

Go to the video

After challenging a few of Kendrick Perkins' technicals by sending some video to the league, the Celtics are still waiting on a reply. But they're looking more down the line with their move.

``When you send film, they never really respond unless they're going to do something,'' said Rivers, who added that he doesn't expect any of Perkins' eight technicals to be rescinded.

``We're just trying to notify them that when it does happen to watch it more for the future than the past.''

But the Celts would still like to have a tech or two knocked off to push Perkins away from the 16-technical threshold that carries an automatic one-game suspension.

``Yeah,'' said Rivers, ``keep hope alive.''

Turkey treat

The Celtics will take Thanksgiving off, with Rivers flying down to Orlando after last night's game to spend the holiday with his family.

``It's my favorite holiday,'' he said. ``I think it's a good family holiday. No gifts. There's no greed involved - except for with your fork and knife.''

What's the coach's favorite dish?

``Dressing,'' he said, gaining some odd looks with the response. ``Stuffing, dressing. We say dressing in Chicago. Sausage is in it. Other than that I have no clue what my mom actually puts in it. I just know it's nice and fattening for sure.'' . . .

The Celts just saw Jamal Crawford in a New York Knicks uniform, and they got to face him again last night due to his trade west for Al Harrington last Friday.

He finished with 18 points, but was just 5-for-17 shooting from the floor, and added six rebounds and six assists.

``He fits right in,'' said Rivers. ``I think he's one of the best on-the-ball scorers in the league, and that's what (the Warriors) do. It just makes him more dangerous.''

Read the Celtics Insider at bostonherald.com.