WALTHAM – Their weekend was spent getting reacquainted with the East Coast time zone after spending four days in London.
The Celtics arrived back in the Untied States on Friday afternoon after playing the Philadelphia 76ers in England on Thursday, and the NBA gave them four days off before the next game.
So coach Brad Stevens had the Celtics practice on Saturday afternoon, take Sunday off, and then they’ll return to the practice floor this afternoon.
“Today was not about rocket science,’’ said Stevens following the workout Saturday. “It was about getting our legs going and making sure we were running up and down the court. We did everything non-stop.
“I’ve done these (long trips) a few times in the summers and we played in Hawaii a couple of times when I was at Butler. I felt getting a workout in as soon as possible, you usually felt a little bit better. The day you needed to rest was usually the next day.’’
Stevens said he thinks the Celtics are in good shape as they resume their schedule this week.
“Credit our sports performance staff,’’ he said. “I thought we did a great job traveling over there. I thought the plan of attack coming back was good.’’
Stevens said he struggled with the time difference the first couple of days in Europe.
“(The players) probably transitioned way better than I did,’’ said Stevens. “I wasn’t feeling too great until about Wednesday afternoon (the third day).
“I wound up going for a long walk Wednesday afternoon with my wife (Tracy) and that was it. That was the only thing I did the whole time I was there. For the most part, I didn’t see much.’’
Stevens was asked if he was recognized by fans in London while he was out walking.
“ I had to get my ID off the bus because they wouldn’t let me in on the court,’’ said Stevens. “I don’t get recognized anywhere, which is great. I actually much prefer that.’’
Pelicans are next: The Celtics begin a three-game homestand Tuesday night when the New Orleans Pelicans are at the TD Garden.
The Pelicans are coming off a 123-118 overtime win over the New York Knicks on Sunday with Anthony Davis getting 48 points and 17 rebounds.
This will mark the Garden debut as a member of the Pelicans for Rajon Rondo, the former Celtics point guard.
The 31-year-old Rondo is averaging 7.5 points, 7.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds. The Pelicans are his fourth team since leaving the Celtics in December 2014.
Tony Allen, another member of the Celtics’ 2008 championship team, is also in his first year with the Pelicans.
Allen, who has appeared in 22 games, is out after suffering left fibula fracture on Dec. 10.
Kyrie, Gronk together: Kyrie Irving’s new Nike commercial includes Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. “He makes the commercial that much better,’’ said Irving. “I love his interviews. I love what he offers to the city of Boston and Massachusetts and to the Patriots. He’s an unbelievable athlete, and watching that dude do interviews is hilarious.’’... At 34-10, the Celtics own a 31/2-game lead over the Toronto Raptors (29-12) in the Eastern Conference. The slumping Cleveland Cavaliers (26-16), who host the Golden State Warriors tonight, are seven games back and just one game ahead of the fourth-place Miami Heat (25-17).
