When your entire team is outscored by a back-up point guard in the first quarter of a regulation NBA game, you’d think you’d be a little more tactful and respectful.

This was the response of Washington coach Randy Wittman when asked about the play of Avery Bradley in Sunday’s 88-76 Celtics win over the Wizards.

“I could have scored those lay-ups,” Wittman said. “I am being serious. We didn’t have anybody guarding him. When I was a player if you gave me four lay-ups o start the game. I’d have a pretty good groove on to make some jump shots. He ought to send us a postcard of thank-yous or something for allowing him to score. I’m sure he thought it was lay-up lines before the game.”

But Wittman was more frustrated at his own team’s incompetence than he was really cutting on Avery Bradley‘s 15 first quarter points on Sunday night.

To Wittman’s point, Bradley hit an 18-foot jumper and then two layups before a 3-points, another three layups. He started the game 7-for-7 en route to a career-high 23 points.

“My main focus is to play hard on the defensive end,” Bradley said. “I was fortunate enough that my teammates could find me in transition.

“I think that it’s just a confidence thing. I’m feeling more confident out there. My teammates make me feel more confident, more comfortable, so then I am knocking down more shots.”

Doc Rivers said he was glad Bradley finally proved what he’d been saying all season – that Bradley can shoot.

“Like I said it’s all about confidence,” Bradley said. “Sometimes I will go into the game being hesitant about shooting. Now if I go into the game if I’m open, I’m open. I’ve been shooting and I’ve been making.

“I just have to keep improving. Doc tells me things I need to improve on, not only him but my teammates, and I’m just hoping to learn whatever I need to get better.”

Now, with Ray Allen out again on Monday, he’ll be asked to do it again on Monday night in Charlotte. But he’ll have to do so nursing the sprained left ankle suffered Friday in Philadelphia.

“It was a little sore, it’s sore now, but I’m just going to get treatment,” Bradley said.

Doc Rivers was in rare form again Thursday, teasing Bobby Valentine in the process. (AP)

WALTHAM — Doc Rivers probably isn’t expecting any free tickets to Red Sox games from Bobby Valentine.

Rivers, who was back in rare form in front of a microphone on Thursday at the Celtics practice facility, was asked whether he has the kind of relationship with the new Red Sox manager that he had with Terry Francona.

Rivers was with the Knicks in the early 1990s while Valentine came onto the scene in New York in 1996 as manager of the Mets. The two lived in Stamford, Conn.

Rivers told reporters he didn’t get any free meals at Valentine’s restaurant, which is also in the birth city of the new Red Sox manager.

“I know Bobby a little bit, actually when I was with the Knicks one thousand years ago,” Rivers said. “I got to know him a little bit. We lived in the same town in Stamford. I ate a “Bobby V’s” quite a bit. I can tell you he doesn’t comp. I can tell you that much about him. I had to pay.”

As for Francona, Rivers said he keeps in touch with the former Red Sox skipper, who was a huge Celtics fan during his time in Boston.

“Tito, we talk,” Rivers said. “He’s one of my favorite people. I’ll miss him.”

Tracy McGrady tweeted this photo with the question: "Yes or no?"

A couple weeks ago, we discussed why the Celtics could and should offer 32-year-old free-agent shooting guard Tracy McGrady a contract. Well, based on his recent Twitter activity, McGrady probably won’t be landing in Boston anytime soon. Well, at least not for the $1-point-something million veteran minimum.

First, McGrady tweeted the accompanying Photoshopped photo of himself in a Lakers uniform, wearing the legendary Smush Parker‘s No. 1 jersey, accompanied by the caption: “Yes or No?.” T-Mac also expressed his desire to sign in Los Angeles last summer.

Of course, McGrady later tweeted, “let me clarify: the pic of me in a Lakers uni is just a repost from a follower that sent it to me, along w/ caption yes or no. #ingoodfun”

Hmm, I wonder if his agent got to him: “Ahhh, Tracy, you might not want to tip your hand about where you want to sign before teams are even able to offer you a contract. I mean, you’re a seven-time NBA All-Star who played in Detroit for an awful Pistons team last season for the veteran minimum. Just a suggestion, buddy.”

Then, as if McGrady hadn’t shunned Boston sports fans enough, he went on a Twitter rant about how the Yankees are better than the Red Sox …

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Thoughts of the Boston Red Sox are never far from the minds of fans at the Garden. During a second quarter timeout, “Sweet Caroline” blared through the speakers as a message reading “Game 7′s have become a tradition in Boston” appeared on the Jumbotron. Celtics jerseys will always reign supreme in this building but there are a noticeable number of Red Sox Nation members showing their support for the defending World Series champions today.

How hard is it to get a seat at Fenway? On Sunday night, Eddie House and Leon Powe were able to score last minute tickets to Game 3 of the ALDS between the Red Sox and Angels and watch the game from a luxury box. No word if they stayed all 12 innings after a long week of training camp.