Avery Bradley has emerged in his second season as one of the NBA's best defensive guards. When teaming with Rajon Rondo in the backcourt, Boston is capable of playing terrific perimeter defense.

“Avery’s just a tremendous defender,’’ Paul Pierce said. “Just having him on D-Wade, we knew he could guard pretty much a lot of these [shooting] guards in the league and the [point] guards. I think [Sunday] really gives him confidence to know he can guard the best. He should be on the all-defensive team if he continues to go like this. Not a lot of people know about him but I think everybody was able to see what he’s capable of.’’

Bradley is also developing a consistent mid-range jumper.

“I heard questions from all of you - Avery can’t make a shot,’’ coach Doc Rivers said. “I kept saying, ‘He can shoot the ball.’ You know, it’s funny how things happen. He started making shots because he was making layups first. And then he saw the ball actually go in the basket, even though they were layups, and now he’s making jump shots. But it’s amazing what the mind does. So I thought that just happened but it worked out well for him. And Keyon [Dooling], I just think, we forget how hurt he’s been, how many games he’s missed, with a new team. I just think he’s starting to figure everybody out, which is nice.’’