``He's an interesting guy because he's 7-(foot-)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 Doc Rivers was asked before the game by a Warriors 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they're going to do something,'' said Rivers, who added that he doesn't expect any of Perkins' eight technicals to be rescinded.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.''

You again?

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 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.

``It's going to take him some time to fit in, but not much time. He plays exactly the way they play. I think it's a real good move for them.''

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