"That’s a good lineup,’’ Rivers said. "I love that lineup. That’s what we finished with because there are shooters galore, and it makes [Rajon] Rondo very productive because there’s nowhere to help.’’...."That becomes a center-less group, not helpless on the boards but with an emphasis on mobility and perimeter shooting." So this lineup could provide an excellent option for protecting a lead. But there will be situations when the Celtics will need to get stops. In fact, Rivers would prefer to put away games with defense, often saying the team should not have to score points in the late going if the defense is functioning properly. "The one thing we knew we were getting was energy,’’ Rivers said of Bass. "And we also knew we were getting a guy who could make shots. "His energy’s been great. He still has to pick up schemes defensively. I think he can be a great defender. Right now, he’s just struggling with our schemes. So, we’ve just got to keep drilling him.’’