Asked about criticism from former Celtic Gary Payton, now a television commentator, Garnett replied, "I didn't get myself to be in the All-Star Game or be a starter. That's [Payton's] opinion. In a situation where fans get to vote you in, and it's out of your control, then it's just that.

"I'm not going to apologize for something people want to see or for [them] showing appreciation for myself. But I'm grateful. That's [Payton's] opinion and, some things we know, everybody has one, and that's what it is."

Solid pine

The loss of P.J. Brown and James Posey after last season raised major questions about the strength of the Celtics' reserves. But Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said before the Celtics took a 124-100 win yesterday that he has not noticed a dropoff on the Boston bench.

Asked about the Celtics' recovery from a 2-7 slump, Carlisle said, "They are back now.

"Every team is going to go through a tough stretch, even when you are winning 85 or 90 percent of your games.

"They are experienced and they are deep, well-coached. They look plenty deep to me. Tony Allen [currently injured] is a very good player. Posey didn't play the same kind of game, but [Allen] is a young player and he's gotten good experience the last two or three years.

"They are going to make it work. I know Danny Ainge, and he's going to be aggressive to help the team get better, with trades, if he can, and if he can't, by making them better in other ways."

Turn for the better

Allen (right ankle) returned to practice, watched by strength and conditioning coach Bryan Doo, before missing his 11th successive game. It was the first time Allen had jogged on the ankle since injuring it. He said the swelling has been reduced but he is unable to go full speed or cut side to side.

"I am moving a lot better," Allen said. "That was my first time testing it. The swelling is fine. The tendon is still strained. We have to do a little bit more [electrical stimulation], a little more massaging. That's why it's day to day. When it feels good when I plant, that's when I know I really can play."

Coach Doc Rivers said Allen's style of play might have to change to fit into the team's recent emphasis on ball movement.

"The bench has been playing well the last two or three weeks," Rivers said. "They have a great rhythm, great trust, the ball moves. When Tony gets back he is going to have to get into that rhythm."

Barea: `Home' game

The Mavericks' Jose Juan Barea, who attended Northeastern, said he considered the game a homecoming. "I just saw a couple teammates and some friends," said Barea, who scored 8 points. "We just went out to dinner. I visited the school and just hung out. It's always good to be back home. I love where I'm at - great team, great owner. I just want to keep doing what I'm doing." ... Former Celtic Gerald Green has been trying to improve his game from a mental standpoint by working with Dallas assistant Mario Elie, a former American International College star who won three NBA titles. "It's every day," said Green, who was on Dallas's inactive list yesterday. "We've come to games 45 minutes before our first bus since the preseason. After practice we get our extra work in. Every day, he is always on me. Even when I'm not playing, he's asking me about the defensive schemes. He tells me I always have to be prepared at all times. Early in my career when I was here I wasn't really prepared for the intensity. But now I know you have to think this game."

Really perking up

Center Kendrick Perkins (shoulder) has played in three straight games after missing five games. "It hasn't been a long time, but it's amazing how fast you lose conditioning," said Rivers. "He has his game rhythm back, and playing the back-to-back [Wednesday and Thursday] was good for him; it's a shock to the system." Perkins had 8 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes ... The Celtics' 74-point first half was their highest total in a half since scoring 77 in a 119-93 victory over Denver in the third game of last season.

Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com