[NBA] Boston Celtics Thread

[Tealey7]

Game Review

Last night we played the Magic. Did the Celtics make me happy on the night of my birthday?

Originally Posted by nba.com

BOSTON, Feb. 12 (Ticker) -- Paul Pierce again had no problem seeing 30.

Pierce scored 31 points and rookie Ryan Gomes provided his best game of the season as the Boston Celtics posted a 102-94 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Clearly the first scoring option on a young team, Pierce is asked to carry the offense on a nightly basis, something the small forward has had little trouble doing of late.

Pierce reached the 30-point mark for the fourth straight game and for the sixth time in the last seven contests by making 10-of-21 shots from the floor and 11-of-14 free throws. He also helped the Celtics take the lead in the fourth quarter.

"We learned from the last game that if we move the ball, make the extra pass, what can happen," Pierce said. "We're going to the key guys we need to down the stretch and we're making the plays and that's why we ended up with the win."

After the Magic used an 11-3 run to tie the game at 84-84, the Celtics answered with a 12-4 surge to take the lead for good. Pierce had six points in the burst that Raef LaFrentz capped with two free throws with 90 seconds left.

Ironically, Pierce and Gomes were the only two Celtic starters without a three-point field goal as Boston made 10-of-14 from beyond the arc.

"In Paul Pierce, they have one of the best drivers in the game and unfortunately, we fouled him a little too much, didn't keep him in front of us enough," Magic coach Brian Hill said. "But they shot the ball extremely well from behind the three-point line, 71 percent for the game and got to the line."

A second-round pick out of Providence who has played sparingly, Gomes was effective in his second straight start, collecting season highs of 14 points and nine rebounds in 43 minutes.

"It's been good, especially that we got the win, that's been the great thing about it," Gomes said. "Going out there, starting the game, and being able to be out there for the finish (of games), it's been awesome. I've always been a guy that wanted to be in there at the end of games, rather than being in them at the beginning but both have been happening right now."

Injuries to frontline players Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins have forced Celtics coach Doc Rivers to play Gomes.

"Ryan Gomes, I thought, in the second half gave us phenomenal (minutes)," Rivers said. "Both halves were (good) but in the second half he really stepped up. He made a couple of (shots) for us, got some big rebounds but really, the starters were phenomenal."

Wally Szczerbiak scored 24 points, LaFrentz added 16 and Delonte West contributed 14 points and nine assists for Boston, which shot 50 percent (33-of-66).

Despite welcoming back forward Grant Hill, who had missed the last 13 games with a sports hernia, the Magic lost for the eighth time in nine games. The forward scored 15 points in 20 minutes.

"I felt fine the whole game," said Hill, who made 6-of-10 shots. "It's just rust and time. I hit some shots, but a couple of times I lost the ball, just little, subtle things. But it was a good day. I wish we could have won (because) that is the most important thing. But I feel good. I played 20 minutes and it would have been nice had we gotten the win."

Dwight Howard collected 24 points and 11 rebounds and Hedo Turkoglu scored 16 points for the Magic, who battled back from a double-digit deficit after the first quarter to pull within 47-45 at the half.

Orlando shot 50 percent (35-of-70) and committed 16 turnovers.

They did. They made me happy on my birthday by winning 102-94. That's a 2 game winning streak. Yay.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----16
F: Ryan Gomes----14
F: Paul Pierce----31
G: Wally Szczerbiak----24
G: Delonte West----14

Bench

C: Dwayne Jones----0
C: Michael Olokwandi----0
F: Brian Scalabrine----3
G: Tony Allen----0
G: Orien Greene----0

Current Standings

New Jersey: 27-22
Philadelphia: 24-26
Boston: 20-31
Toronto: 19-32
New York: 14-36

Our next game is on Wednesday at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

[Tealey7]

West to replace Nelson in T Mobile Rookie Challenge

http://www.nba.com/media/allstar2006/as06_index_mainhdr_logo_toyota.jpg

Originally Posted by celtics.com

Delonte West was planning on a few days off to enjoy his mother’s home cooking. Instead, he’s headed for Houston next weekend, where he will replace an injured Jameer Nelson on the soplalalalare team in the 2006 T-Mobile All-Star Rookie Challenge.

Since West was somewhat of a surprise omission from the original soplalalalare team roster, it’s more than appropriate that he will get to make the trip to represent the Celtics in Houston next weekend.

“I am happy to be selected as a reserve, but I felt I should have been there from the get-go,” said West.

Doc Rivers was also pleased to see his young point guard recognized by the league.

“That was a nice surprise, getting that call. He deserved it,” said Rivers, who added that while West has plenty to learn, he’s already helping the team win now. “It’s just nice because guys work their butts off and then they get rewarded.”

West, entrenched as the Celtics starting point guard, is averaging 11 points per game, along with 4.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds. West is also averaging 33 minutes per game for Boston. He battled injury woes last season, but has stayed healthy in his second year and progressed nicely.

“I’m learning something new every day, every game. I’ve learned a whole lot about the position and I’m still learning from Doc and the coaching staff,” said West, who’s started 48 games for Boston at the point this year.

The knock on West in his rookie year was that he’s injury-prone, but West, who wears body padding on his thighs and abdomen under his uniform, insists that staying healthy is no longer an issue.

“No more injuries here. Just block it out. As long as there’s nothing broken, the show goes on,” said West.

[Tealey7]

Game Preview

Last night we played the Cavs.

Originally Posted by nba.com

BOSTON, Feb. 15 (Ticker) -- With All-Star Weekend just days away, LeBron James and Paul Pierce showcased their own brilliance.

James had 43 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season as the Cleveland Cavaliers posted a 113-109 double-overtime victory over the Boston Celtics, who received a career-high 50 points from Pierce.


"It's a great matchup," said James, who shot 16-of-32. "We're two of the best forwards in the league, probably No. 1 or 2 in the Eastern Conference. I love to compete, Paul loves to compete. The difference tonight was just who won and who lost because we both played great games."

"Whenever you get two All-Stars on the court at the same time, you've always got that sense of pride," said Pierce, who grabbed seven rebounds and handed out eight assists. "We both have the upmost respect for one another and I think our competitive juices come out. It was a great night for both of us."

Pierce became the first Celtic to score 50 points since Hall of Famer Larry Bird on Nov. 10, 1989.

"The two shootouts I've been in I'm 0-for-2," Celtics coach Doc Rivers joked. "Larry and Dominique Wilkins and this one."

Pierce's night was cut short when he fouled out with 60 seconds left in the second extra session.

"I really got into a groove in the second half," Pierce said. "The guys were getting the ball to me. I felt good tonight. It was just a great game to be a part of."

Prior to fouling out, Pierce spilt a pair of free throws at the 1:14 mark to bring the Celtics within 108-107. On the ensuing possession, Pierce fouled out while guarding James, who split of free throws.

"I feel like when you've got two All-Stars playing together and guarding each other you've got to let some things go," Pierce said. "I didn't feel like my aggressiveness on defense really warranted a foul."

After Delonte West threw up an air ball, James scored on a driving layup for a 111-107 lead with 30 seconds to go.

Wally Szczerbiak converted two free throws 11 seconds later but James and Damon Jones sealed the victory by knocking down key foul shots.

"I had to take the challenge," said James, who guarded Pierce most of the game. "He was doing anything that he wanted. Every time he went to take a shot, even if he made it, I was making sure that I had a hand in his face. I just tried to do as much as I could to get him tired towards the end."

James and Jones scored on back-to-back possessions for a 97-93 edge with 3:27 remaining in the first overtime. But Szczerbiak hit a deep jumper with just over two minutes left.

Drew Gooden had a chance to gave the Cavaliers a four-point advantage but made just 1-of-2 free throws with 40 seconds to go.

Pierce converted a three-point play 16 seconds later tying the game at 102-102. James had a chance to win but missed a layup in the final seconds.

The Celtics held a 90-88 edge with just under two minutes remaining in regulation before James scored five straight points, including a one-handed dunk over West that brought the crowd to its feet.

Pierce tied the game at 93-93 with a pair of free throws with two-tenths of a second remaining after he was fouled on a jumper by James.

"It was a tough call," James said. "I thought I was in the right position. I thought I made a good play at the ball, stripped the ball away from him."

"I didn't really think about it," Pierce said. "I've blown some free throws early in the year with seconds to go. I just didn't think about it."

Michael Olowokandi knocked away the ball on the Cavs' final possession, sending the game to overtime.

Gooden scored 19 points and Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 14 for the Cavs, who shot 44 percent (41-of-92) overall.

Szczerbiak scored 17 points and West contributed 15 for Boston, which also shot 44 percent (40-of-89).

So it was an unlucky loss for the Celtics, 113-109 after 2OT.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----
F: Ryan Gomes----
F: Paul Pierce----
G: Wally Szczerbiak----
G: Delonte West----

Bench

C: Michael Olokwandi----0
F: Brian Scalarine----2
F: Gerald Green----0
G: Tony Allen----0
G: Orien Greene----5

Current Standings

New Jersey: 28-23
Philadelphia: 25-26
Boston: 20-32
Toronto: 20-33
New York: 15-37

Our next game is on Tuesday 21st against Utah.

[Tealey7]

Green sent back to D League

Originally Posted by celtics.com

BOSTON – The Boston Celtics announced today that the club has assigned Gerald Green to the Florida Flame of the NBA Development League (D-League).

Green was originally sent to the Fayetteville Patriots of the D-League on January 6, 2006. In eight games (including five starts) with the Patriots, he averaged 12.6 points, shooting 45.5 percent from the three-point line, to go with 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 26.5 minutes per game. His best all-around game came at Florida February 2 when he scored 15 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out 3 assists and swiped 3 steals. Green scored a season-high 21 points at Roanoke on January 27.

Green, a 6-8, 200lb forward was selected by the Celtics 18th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, coming out of Gulf Shores Academy in Houston, Texas. As a senior, Green averaged 33.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game on his way to being a two-time All-State selection. In his junior season he led Gulf Shores to a 39-2 record as he averaged 28.8 points, 13.0 rebounds and 6.0 blocks per game.

Green was named to the 2005 McDonald’s All-American Team where he won the Slam Dunk Contest and scored 24 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including 6-for-9 from three-point range. He was named MVP of the Reebok ABCD All-Star Camp in the summer of 2004

While we're on the subject...

D League to expand next season

Originally Posted by nba.com

NEW YORK, February 14 - NBA Commissioner David Stern announced today that the NBA Development League has awarded a team to Bakersfield, Calif. for the 2006-07 season.

The team will be owned and operated by Bakersfield Professional Sports, LLC, which includes businessmen Stan Ellis and David Higdon of Bakersfield, as well as Tet Yamalalalalaa and Steve Chase of Los Angeles.

"We are delighted to welcome our newest ownership group to the NBA Development League during what will be an important period of expansion," Stern said. "Stan Ellis, Steve Chase, Tet Yamalalalalaa and David Higdon, who combine business and marketing skills with basketball experience, will be a vital part of the D-League's growth."

Bakersfield's entry into the D-League will be called the "Jam" and will play its home games at Rabobank Arena. The NBA Development League currently includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Fayetteville Patriots (N.C.), Florida Flame (Ft. Myers), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Roanoke Dazzle (Va.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.).

"We are thrilled to offer such a fine entertainment product to Bakersfield. Being a part of the NBA family allows us to bring the most skilled basketball players on the planet that are not already in the NBA to Bakersfield," Ellis said. "Affordable ticket prices and great players at a world class arena is a combination that will bring thrills to Bakersfield basketball fans for years to come."

"I want to thank Commissioner Stern for his confidence in bringing Bakersfield into the D-League and the NBA family," Chase said. "This ownership group is committed to providing the team with all the tools necessary to become a championship organization."

D-League affiliations with NBA teams began with the start of the 2005-06 season as part of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement reached between the NBA and the NBA Players Association. Sixteen (16) NBA teams have already assigned 21 players to their D-League affiliates, including eight selections from the 2005 NBA Draft. Among those are three first-round picks in Martell Webster (6th overall) of Portland, Gerald Green of Boston (18th overall) and Julius Hodge of Denver (20th overall).

The NBA D-League began operation in November 2001 and has continually offered players the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA's umbrella. Thirty-eight (3 players have been called up to the NBA on 56 separate occasions. Eleven (11) former D-League coaches, six athletic trainers, 14 referees and 30 front office executives have also earned promotions to the NBA since the start of the league's inaugural season.

[Bamboooocha]

A wonderful thread dude!!!

[Tealey7]

Bamboooocha- thanks mate.

http://www.nba.com/media/allstar2006/as06_index_mainhdr_logo_toyota.jpg

The T Mobile Rookie Challenge

On Friday night, the T Mobile Rookie Challenge was played out to a packed house in Houston. Let's see how the teams got on.

http://www.nba.com/media/allstar2006/iguodala_300_060217.jpg

Originally Posted by nba.com

HOUSTON, Feb. 17 (Ticker) - Andre Iguodala used the Rookie Challenge to get an early start on the Slam Dunk Contest.

Iguodala had a series of slams as he scored 24 of his 30 points in the second half, leading the Soplalalalares to an easy 106-96 victory over the Rookies as All-Star Weekend began Friday night.

A second-year swingman with the Philadelphia 76ers, Iguodala usually is overshadowed by superstar teammates Allen Iverson and Chris Webber. He is better known for his defense, which has no place in this game.

After a quiet first half, Iguodala erupted with a flurry of dunks and 3-pointers as the Soplalalalares notched their fourth straight win. He made 13-of-17 shots - two of the misses were dunks - and was named MVP. Eight of the first 11 Rookie Challenge MVPs went on to play in at least one All-Star Game.

"A lot of great players have started out with this award, so hopefully the dream can continue," Iguodala said. In a sequence early in the second half, Iguodala had an alley-oop dunk, a 3-pointer and a breakaway rock-the-cradle dunk that gave the Soplalalalares a 61-48 lead.

Entered in Saturday's Slam Dunk Contest, Iguodala added a flying one-handed slam and a hammer jam off a lob off the backboard from Dallas guard Devin Harris to make it 69-53 with 14:06 to go.

Perhaps Iguodala's best dunk didn't count. A perimeter foul was called just as he began takeoff for through-the-legs one-hander that wowed the crowd at the Toyota Center.

"Tonight is different and (Saturday) I have a few things up my sleeve," said Iguodala, who scored 11 points as a rookie in this game last year. "Everything you saw today, you have seen before.


"When I am comfortable and am out there playing freely and confident like tonight, the sky is the limit," Iguodala said.

Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon scored 17 points and Boston Celtics guard Delonte West added 15 off the bench for the Soplalalalares, who shot 53 percent (46-of-87). "I thought Ben Gordon was going to get the MVP and I was actually looking forward to seeing him get it," Iguodala admitted. "I had no clue I would have this kind of chance this year. I just came here wanting to give us a chance to win the game."

Toronto Raptors forward Charlie Villanueva had 18 points and 12 rebounds and Houston Rockets guard Luther Head also scored 18 points for the Rookies, who shot 46 percent (39-of-85) but made just 7-of-26 3-pointers.

"It was a great night," Head said. "It's all about the fans, especially here in Houston. You know you have to give them something to cheer for." Gordon scored 12 points in a sloppy first half, helping the Sophs to a 52-45 lead. It was the lowest-scoring first half since the game went to 20-minute halves in 2001.

Who got the points?[/color]

Rookies

C: Andrew Bogut----14
C: Channing Frye----9
F: Danny Granger----9
G: Luther Head----18
G: Sarunas Jasikevicius----3
G: Chris Paul----8
G: Nate Robinson----13
F: Charlie Villanueva-----18
G: Deron Williams----4

Soplalalalares

F: Luol Deng----10
G: Ben Gordon----17
G: T.J Ford----3
G: Devin Harris----6
F: Dwight Howard----4
F: Andre Iguodala----30
C: Nenad Krstic----8
F: Andres Nocioni----13
G: Delonte Wrst----15

And the MVP Award goes to: ANDRE IGUODALA of the 76ers.

http://www.nba.com/media/allstar2006/Aiguodala_400_060217.jpg

[Bamboooocha]

No prob. Keep on the good work

[Tealey7]

All Star Saturday Night

Last night, the Slam Dunk Contest, 3 PT Shootout, Shooting Stars and Skills Challenge were played. Let's see how they went.

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Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest

So first the Slam Dunk Contest. The participants were Andre Iguodala, Nate Robinson, Josh Smith and Hakim Warrick.

Iguodala and Robinson were the only two left,after defending champ Smith and Warrick had been eliminated. It was then that legend Spud Webb was brought on court for a special dunk by Robinson. Webb put on his old Hawks jersey, and bounced the ball in front of him. Robinson hurdled Webb, caught the ball and slammed it down for a perfect 50.









So the winner was: Nate Robinson!



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Foot Locker 3PT Shootout

So the 3PT shootout was played between Ray Allen, Gilbert Arenas, Chauncey Billups, Dirk Nowitzki, Quentin Richardson and Jason Terry.

Originally Posted by nba.com

HOUSTON, Feb. 18 -- Perfect form doesn't do you any good if you don't have any legs.

Ray Allen has the sweetest shot in the world, as could be seen in his first-round performance of the 2006 Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout, when he scored 19 points, the highest score of the night.

But in the final round, he didn't have the legs. He was solid through three racks (10 points), but the fourth rack did him in, as he missed all five shots -- all flat and short -- from the left wing. That kept him from having a shot to even tie as he moved to the last rack. Tonight was not his night to become a two-time Three-Point Shootout winner.

Dirk Nowitzki, on the other hand, got stronger as his night went on.

"In the first round, I never really got comfortable out there," Nowitzki said, "[I] missed a lot of shots and never really got my rhythm. In the second round, I started off a lot better."

In that final round, Nowitzki also eliminated Gilbert Arenas, who for some reason, decided to start out in front of the players bench instead of opposite it, as all the other players did. He improved on his first round score of 14, bettering it by two, but in the finals, you really need to catch fire at some point during the round, and that didn't happen for Arenas.

It did for Dirk though, as he hit eight of his first 10 shots. He didn't think his 18 total points would stand up though.

"You have to sit there and watch Ray Allen, one of the best shooters in our game and you can't do anything about it."

He didn't have to though, and Nowitzki became the tallest Three-Point Shootout champion ever, surpassing Peja Stojakovic, the last repeat winner.

Quentin Richardson had a shot to repeat this year, but he couldn’t make it out of the first round, just like all the defending champions of All-Star Saturday Night. Richardson barely left the ground with his shot and although he looked good through four racks, he came up empty in the fifth, finishing with just 12 points.

So the winner was: Dirk Nowitzki!!!



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Playstation Skills Challenge

Quite a good game this. Players have to negotiate an obstacle course and put a set number of balls through a Quidditch goal. Fastest time wins. Participants: LeBron James, Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade.

Originally Posted by nba.com

HOUSTON, Feb. 18 -- Dwyane Wade had just won the 2006 PlayStation Skills Challenge and he was already thinking about next year.



"Vegas, here I come," he told reporters. "I'm in Vegas no matter what next year."

A perfect final round, one in which he didn't miss a pass or a shot, gave Wade the win over fellow 2003 draftee LeBron James, who took four tries to convert the first chest pass and lost by 7.6 seconds.

The two second round scores (26.1 seconds for Wade, 33.7 seconds for James) were both better than any of the scores in the first round, as the four competitors each made their share of mistakes. Chris Paul started the contest by missing one bounce pass and three outlet passes and moving a little slower than we're used to seeing from him.

Wade missed his first four shots from the top of the key. James missed three chest passes and two jumpers. That seemed to leave the door open for defending champion Steve Nash, but he missed a chest pass, a bounce pass and all five jumpers. Nash, like every defending champion of All-Star Saturday Night, finished last.

So what happened in that first round? Maybe it was a lack of competitive spirit, according to Paul.

"It ain't the playoffs," Paul said. "We were just out here to have fun. It's going to be fun to go out there and watch the dunk contest."

Wade was also looking forward to the Dunk Contest, checking to make sure that his interviews and photos wouldn't take too long, but he somehow managed to concentrate enough to beat his friend LeBron in the final round. The key was that top-of-the-key jumpshot that gave him trouble in the first round. In the second, he got some inspiration from his teammate on the sidelines.

"In the first round Shaq qas on the side saying 'Leave it up, leave it up!', and in the second round, I decided that I didn't want to hear his mouth no more."

"When I hit that jump shot, I kinda knew from there that I was gonna be holding that trophy up."

So the winner was: Dwayne Wade!!!



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Radioshack Shooting Stars

So here we are. The rosters for this event were:

Houston

NBA: Tracy McGrady
WNBA: Sheryl Swoopes
Legend: Clyde Drexler

San Antonio

NBA: Tony Parker
WNBA: Kendra Wecker
Legend: Steve Kerr

Phoenix

NBA: Shawn Marion
WNBA: Kelly Miller
Legend: Dan Majerle

LA Lakers

NBA: Kobe Bryant
WNBA: Lisa Leslie
Legend: Magic Johnson

There's not much I can say about this event, I don't understand it. The winners were: San Antonio!!!!!



Tonight is the 55th All Star Game. After all this excitement, the season gets back to normal.

[Tealey7]

The 55th NBA All Star Game

So here we are. The showpiece event of the All Star long weekend. East versus West in the ultimate grudge match that puts Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson's fight into the shade.

Originally Posted by nba.com

HOUSTON, Feb. 19 (Ticker) -- As the NBA All-Star Game came down to an MVP showdown in the final seconds, LeBron James got the upper hand on Tracy McGrady.

James scored 29 points, fueled a second-half comeback and disrupted McGrady's potential tying jumper as the Eastern Conference rallied for a 122-120 victory over the Western Conference in the 55th annual midseason showcase.

There was plenty of individual brilliance, led by James, the superstar swingman of the Cleveland Cavaliers who at 21 years old became the youngest All-Star MVP.

"He has a chance to maybe be the best ever to lace them up," said Detroit guard Chauncey Billups, who joined his Pistons teammates in sparking the second-half comeback. "At 21 years old right now, and doing what he's doing ... I mean, the kid should be a junior in college."

"The MVP was never in my mind," James said. "Just winning the ballgame was."

However, that would not have happened had the East not received some team play and defense, uncharacteristic for an All-Star Game, but provided by the quartet of the league-leading Pistons.

James spoiled the fun for McGrady, who appeared to rediscover his joy for the game in front of the hometown crowd at the Toyota Center and scored 36 points, nearly capturing MVP honors. But he came up one basket short.

"They (teammates) were doing their best to give me the ball at every opportunity down the court, free me up and give me shots," McGrady said. "It (MVP) was there if we would have won the game."

The West wasted a 21-point third-quarter lead and trailed, 117-107, after a follow dunk by James with 3:29 remaining. McGrady fueled a final surge with a free throw, 3-pointer and alley-oop hoop.

A driving dunk and tough fadeaway jumper by Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant around a miss by James pulled the West into a 120-120 tie with 32 seconds to play. Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson missed an elbow jumper, but Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade snatched the rebound and hit a floater in the lane for the winning basket with 16.6 seconds remaining.

"I was just doing what we always do and followed it up," said Wade, who made 9-of-11 shots.

The West went to McGrady, who rose for a jumper from the right wing but appeared to be hit on the arm by James. The airball was batted around and went to Bryant, who lost control to the East. Time expired as New Jersey's Vince Carter missed an alley-oop dunk on the other end.

"On his way up, I got a piece of his arm and a piece of the ball," said James, who made 12-of-21 shots. "I guess it was a great defensive play."

Asked if he was fouled, McGrady said, "Yes. Absolutely yes."

Wade scored 20 points, Heat teammate Shaquille O'Neal added 17 and Iverson 12 for the East, which has won the last two meetings and holds a 35-20 lead in the all-time series.

Billups had 15 points and seven assists as one of four Pistons off the East's bench. When they returned in tandem in the third quarter, they continued the comeback and flashed some of their trademark defense to hold the West to 50 second-half points.

San Antonio's Tim Duncan scored 15 points, Phoenix's Shawn Marion added 14 and Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers 12 for the West, which made just 4-of-26 3-pointers - all by McGrady. Bryant was 0-of-5 from beyond the arc and Seattle's Ray Allen was 0-of-7.

McGrady, who has been bothered by unspecified personal issues, appeared to put his problems aside. He scored 17 points in the first half and nine more in the first four minutes of the third period, posting an MVP pace.

"This was just an opportunity for me to have peace of mind and just go out and have some fun," said McGrady, who made 15-of-26 shots.

"The guys really tried to get T-Mac the ball," West coach Avery Johnson of Dallas said.

The West led, 74-53, before the East awoke behind James, Wade and Iverson. The trio hacked away at the deficit and a pair of 3-pointers by James made it 87-81 midway through the third period.

"He can get a jump shot whenever he wants, he can get to the basket almost whenever he wants, and he just does things so easy," said East coach Flip Saunders of Detroit, who became the fourth coach to win this game for both conferences.

The Pistons returned and continued the rally with some defense. Ben Wallace had consecutive blocks on Pau Gasol of Memphis and Richard Hamilton flipped in a shot to make it 96-94.

The quartet scored the East's first 11 points of the fourth quarter before O'Neal threw in a hook for a 107-101 lead with 7:38 remaining.

"I think we got the momentum right there," Wallace said. "I think even before that the momentum had begun to shift and that was a really big play right there. After that, we were able to take control of the game and get a win."

McGrady and James got off to quick starts and kept things entertaining in the early going. McGrady hammered home a lob off the backboard from Bryant and threw down a windmill dunk.

As promised, Saunders inserted all four of his Pistons at the same time with 3:38 left in the first quarter. As soon as they entered, O'Neal caught everyone off guard by throwing his second free throw off the backboard and slamming it home - but it was a lane violation.

Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace tried a lefthanded 3-pointer that drew no rim late in the opening period, which ended in a 28-28 tie.

Behind McGrady, the West took control in the second period. After a breakaway dunk by Allen opened a 56-45 lead with 3:36 left, Saunders actually called a timeout.

On the ensuing possession, Carter soared for a windmill dunk that missed - and caromed on the fly to the opposite 3-point circle. McGrady slammed home another lob from Bryant, and the West eventually opened a 70-53 halftime lead.

"The first two quarters was more entertainment than anything," McGrady said. "They came out in the third quarter and were ready to play ball."

Who got the points?

EAST

Starters

C: Shaquille O'Neal----17
F: Vince Carter----5
F: LeBron James----29
G: Dwayne Wade----20
G: Allen Iversen----12

Bench

C: Ben Wallace----0
F: Rasheed Wallace----2
F: Chris Bosh----8
F: Paul Pierce----7
G: Chauncey Billups----15
G: Richard Hamilton----6
G: Gilert Arenas----1

WEST

Starters

C: Yao Ming----5
F: Tracy McGrady----36
F: Tim Duncan----15
G: Steve Nash----2
G: Kobe Bryant----8

Bench

G: Tony Parker----8
F: Kevin Garnett----2
G: Ray Allen----8
F: Dirk Nowitzki----10
F: Shawn Marion----14
F: Elton Brand----12
F: Pau Gasol----0

So the East won a close game 122-120. The MVP went the way of the Eastern Conference. He now holds the record for the being the youngest MVP in the NBA All Star Game's history. The Cleveland Cavalier's LeBron James!!!!

[Tealey7]

Game Preview

After that little break, here we go again with the second half of the NBA season. The celtics will be hoping to string together a few good wins and get into the playoff places in time for the postseason. Our next game is tonight. It starts a four game, six day West Coast road trip for the Celtics, who will be hoping for good fortune and for a win.

Originally Posted by cnn.com

The Boston Celtics hope Paul Pierce can come close to duplicating what he did in the team's final game heading into the All-Star break.

After recording the highest-scoring game by a Celtic in more than 16 years, Pierce leads Boston as it opens a four-game road trip against the Utah Jazz .

Pierce had a career-high 50 points on 17-of-36 shooting from floor and 16-of-20 from the free-throw line before fouling out of Boston's 113-109 double-overtime loss to Cleveland on Wednesday.

Pierce scored 31 points after halftime to give him the best offensive performance by a Boston player since Larry Bird had 50 on Nov. 10, 1989.

''I really got into a groove in the second half,'' Pierce said. ''Guys were getting the ball to me. It felt good to me. You know, it would have felt a lot better if we would have been on the other side, but it was just a great game to be a part.''

Pierce played in Sunday's All-Star game at Houston and had seven points and two rebounds in 15 minutes for the East in its 122-120 win.

With four road wins, the Celtics are tied with New York and Charlotte for the fewest in the league. Boston has dropped seven straight on the road and has one win in 10 games away from TD Banknorth Garden in 2006.

Boston will also face Phoenix, Portland and the Los Angeles Lakers before returning home March 1 to face Miami.

Utah got a career-high 25 points from Devin Brown in its last outing last Monday, a 94-88 road loss to the Lakers.

After trailing 23-13 at the end of the first quarter, Utah watched Los Angeles go on a 23-7 run at the outset of the second period en route to a 50-32 halftime deficit.

''We lost the game in the second quarter,'' said Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko , who missed his first six shots and finished 2-for-12. ''It's so hard to beat the Lakers here when you get down by 20 points. We can't play like this.''

In his third game after missing a year with foot and hamstring injuries, Carlos Boozer had four points and three fouls in 13 minutes. He has yet to make his way back into the starting lineup, but has seen his minutes increase with each game.

Boozer signed a six-year, $68 million deal with Utah in July 2004.

The Jazz have dropped 10 of 16 since a three-game winning streak from Jan. 7-11. They are, however, looking for their fourth straight home win.

Boston and Utah have split the last six meetings in Salt Lake City.

Probable Starters



C: Raef LaFrentz
F: Ryan Gomes
F: Paul Pierce
G: Wally Szczerbiak
G: Delonte West



C: Jarron Collins
F: Mehmet Okur
F: Andrei Kirilenko
G: Devin Brown
G: Milt Palacio

[Tealey7]

Game Review

So it was our first game of the second half of the season. Against Utah. How did we do?

Originally Posted by nba.com

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 21 (Ticker) -- When Paul Pierce picked up his fourth foul seconds into the third quarter, the Utah Jazz may have had thoughts of building on their lead. Pierce had other ideas.

Pierce stayed in the game after the whistle and proceeded to score 17 of his 30 points in the period, helping the Boston Celtics snap a seven-game road losing streak with a 103-83 victory over the Jazz.


The Celtics had not recorded a win away from home since Jan. 10 at Atlanta and looked to be heading for another road setback as they faced a 14-point deficit late in the second quarter. They already had seen the loss of second-leading scorer Wally Szczerbiak, who suffered a deep left knee bruise three minutes into the game.

"(Heck) of a win for us," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "Everybody seemed like they answered the bell when we needed them to. Our best player (Pierce) caught fire. We put him in different areas to score, and that was big for us."

Boston got within 47-43 at the break thanks to 10 consecutive points from Delonte West in the final two minutes of the half. West's 22 points were one short of his career high.

"I thought we won the game at the end of the second quarter," Rivers said. "Delonte's offensive explosion got us back in the game, cut it to four, and gave us hope. That's something we needed. When Wally went down, you could see everybody's heads went down a little bit."

Pierce was able to shake off the foul trouble to put forth a masterful performance in the third. He was whistled for the infraction with 11:12 left and Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko made the ensuing free throws to make it 49-45.

Pierce's 3-pointer moments later gave the Celtics their first lead at 54-53 and started a personal run of nine straight points. In the closing minutes of the period, Pierce hit four straight free throws and assisted on West's 3-pointer that gave the visitors a 72-63 lead.

Despite the sharpshooting, Pierce focused on the other side of the ball as a major factor in Boston's surge.

"I think it was pretty much our defense (in the second half)," Pierce said. "Once we got in a zone, we started bothering them a lot and took away a lot of the things they were doing in the first half. We rebounded and we ran and we were able to take the lead."

West's 3-pointer, one of a career-high four in just five attempts, was part of a 19-4 run over the final five minutes of the third as Boston completed a 30-point turnaround over a span of 14-plus minutes. The Celtics' offense nearly was perfect in the third, shooting 92 percent (12-of-13) en route to 37 points.

"We got it going. I know I had it and I was feeling good," said Pierce, who has scored at least 30 points in six straight games. "I think the guys were really feeding off of what I was doing offensively. We were able to get layups and get to the free throw line, we mixed it up and took good shots, and that's what gave us the lead."

Utah never mounted any serious charge in the fourth quarter in suffering its fourth straight loss in the series and its third straight overall.

"We couldn't stop Pierce and we couldn't execute our offense," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "We didn't know if they were in a zone, man-to-man or what. (The Celtics) just waxed our ears back pretty good."

West added seven rebounds and seven assists and Michael Olowokandi, who saw extra playing time after Raef LaFrentz got into foul trouble, chipped in 12 points and 11 boards in his best effort since joining the Celtics in a seven-player trade with Minnesota in January.

"I was definitely thankful for the opportunity to go out there. After the game, I jokingly thanked Raef," Olowokandi said. "Collectively, it was a good team effort. We played our zone really well, and Delonte and Paul definitely stepped up. It was one of those different wins that feels really good because everybody contributed and everybody played well."

Szczerbiak was walking on his left leg after the game, but his status remains uncertain for Wednesday's game at Phoenix.

Kirilenko led the Jazz with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, the lone bright spot in a 34 percent (25-of-74) shooting effort for the hosts. Boston shot 58 percent (36-of-62) from the floor, including 8-of-12 from beyond the arc.

So it was a great win for the Celtics, 103-83.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----5
F: Ryan Gomes----13
F: Paul Pierce----30
G: Wally Szczerbiak----3
G: Delonte West----22

Bench

C: Michael Olokwandi----12
F: Dwayne Jones----0
F: Gerald Green----2
F: Brian Scalarine----4
G: Tony Allen----8
G: Orien Greene----4

Current Standings

New Jersey: 29-23
Philadelphia: 25-27
Boston: 21-32
Toronto: 20-34
New York: 15-37

Our next game is tonight against the Phoenix Suns.

[Tealey7]

Game Review

Our last game was on Wednesday night against the Suns.

http://www.nba.com/media/suns/MarioShawn300.jpg

Originally Posted by nba.com

PHOENIX, Feb. 22 (Ticker) -- Participating in All-Star Weekend did little to slow Shawn Marion and the break did nothing to stop the surging Phoenix Suns.

Marion scored a career-high 44 points and collected 15 rebounds and four steals as the Suns won for the 10th time in 12 games with a 103-94 triumph over the Boston Celtics.

Marion eclipsed his previous career high of 39 set against the New York Knicks in a triple-overtime loss January 2.

"I was the beneficiary of the team making the extra passes and I was knocking them down," Marion said. "I would never go out of character to try and get a career high when it is a close game like that. That is what happens when you play team ball. I was getting open shots and just taking what was given to me."

Coming off his third All-Star appearance, Marion got off to a flying start with 18 points in the opening quarter. He only had five points in the second period, but the Suns still held a 53-44 advantage at the break.

"It was important for us to get off to a good start early coming off the break," Marion said. "We just wanted to come out early and play with the same intensity we had before the All-Star break."

Marion again found his touch in the third quarter, scoring 11 points. Boris Diaw, who scored 20 points, gave Phoenix its biggest lead, 77-58, with a pair of free throws with 1:45 remaining in the period.

"It's simple. Sometimes you hit shots and sometimes you don't," Diaw said. "That's why this team is good. Every night it is always someone who is going to pick up the slack and score."

The Celtics won the opener of their four-game road trip at Utah on Tuesday. It proved to be a costly victory as forward Wally Szczerbiak bruised his left knee in the first quarter and was forced to sit out Wednesday's affair.

Also without center Kendrick Perkins, who has been sidelined of late because of a dislocated left shoulder, Boston was hard-pressed to post its first back-to-back road wins of the season.

However, the Celtics rallied behind Delonte West and teenage rookie Gerald Green, who led a 15-4 charge over the next 5 1/2 minutes.

"We are injury-plagued right now," West said. "We are missing a lot of our offense, so shots have to be made up and I am just looking a little more aggressively for my shot."

West, who scored a career-high 30 pointlalalala a long buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter and Green scored eight of his 13 points during the burst. Green capped the run with a dunk that made it 81-73 with 10:10 to go.

Boston eventually shrunk its deficit to 95-91 when All-Star Paul Pierce connected on a highlight-reel reverse layup with 2:31 remaining. Pierce, who primarily was guarded by Marion, finished with 20 points, ending his streak of six consecutive 30-point games.

"Shawn Marion's game was unbelievable," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "His defense on Paul Pierce and his rebounding was incredible. That was big time right there. You don't see many performances like that. This was one game when you knew Shawn was having one of those games. He was making buckets for us."

"I was really happy with the effort. With all the injuries, I thought our guys played great tonight," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "Our guys don't quit. We took most of the veterans out and the young guys got us back in the game."

However, All-Star Steve Nash and Diaw responded with a pair each from the line while the Celtics were held scoreless until West hit a 3-pointer in the waning seconds.

Nash, who was just 2-of-11 from the floor Wednesday, was hobbled after he twinged his left hamstring in practice Tuesday and hyperextended his right knee in the shootaround before Wednesday's contest.

That sucks, 103-94 loss. Damn.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----2
F: Ryan Gomes----11
F: Paul Pierce----20
G: Tony Allen----8
G: Delonte West----30

Bench

C: Michael Olokwandi----0
F: Gerald Green----13
F: Brian Scalarine----6
G: Orien Greene----4

Current Standings

New Jersey: 30-23
Philadelphia: 26-27
Boston: 21-33
Toronto: 20-34
New York: 15-38

Szczerbiak Injured

http://www.nba.com/media/celtics/szczerbiak_knee_utah600400.jpg

Originally Posted by "celtics.com"

Wally Szczerbiak has struggled with his left knee tightening up on him over the last few weeks and hoped that some rest over the All-Star Break would have him ready to go for the four-game West Coast road trip. But a first quarter collision with Milt Palacio at the 8:38 mark ended Szczerbiak's night in Utah Tuesday. Szczerbiak was backpeddling on defense trying to stop Palacio's layup, and the two players appeared to knock knees under the basket.

Szczerbiak initially stayed on his feet but then went to the floor in obvious pain, clutching the knee, which was already wrapped in a black brace. He was carried off the floor at the Delta Center by Michael Olowokandi and Dwayne Jones.

After picking up Szczerbiak, his teammates picked up their play and come away with their most impressive road win of the season, a 103-83 trouncing of the Jazz in which they shot 92% from the field in the third quarter and overcame a 14-point deficit to hang a 20-point loss on the home team.

Still, the Celtics are already shorthanded with Al Jefferson (ankle) and Kendrick Perkins (shoulder) still sidelined indefinitely. While Rivers is offering no official timetable on either's prospects for a return, he has sepculated in his pregame interview with Mike Gorman that Jefferson will likely be back sooner than would Perkins, but he wasn't making any promises about either playing in any games on the road trip.

As for Szczerbiak's knee, Rivers is just hoping that he can play through it.

"I was hoping it was a knee bruise then I saw him twist his knee and it was worse than it looked," said Doc Rivers in his postgame remarks. "They think it's a deep knee bruise. He could possibly play tomorrow, but I don't know, I hope."

X-rays were reportedly negative, and Szczerbiak was spotted by FSN's TV cameras walking around the locker room area under his own power after the first quarter during the broadcast, but there's no official indication at this time form the team as to the severity of Szczerbiak's injury. He is considered questionable to play in Phoenix tonight.

Szczerbiak's injury meant more playing time for Tony Allen, a guy who knows something about knee issues, and Brian Scalabrine, who filled in at small forward as Rivers had to shuffle his lineups again to compensate for being shorthanded. Gerald Green even made a cameo before garbage time and could be pressed into action if Szczerbiak can't go tonight in Phoenix.

Szczerbiak told The Boston Globe that despite his initial reaction on the floor after the collision, there's no structural damage to the knee.

"There's no tears, no sprains or anything like that, just a real bad hard hit," said Szczerbiak. "I felt a little cracking and clunking in the back, but that's pretty much what I've been dealing with."

Green Recalled Again[/size]

Originally Posted by celtics.com

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that the club has recalled Gerald Green from the Florida Flame of the NBA Development League (D-League).

Green was assigned to Florida on February 16, 2006. In one game with the Flame Green scored 6 points in 15 minutes. Overall Green has played nine D-League games, eight with the Fayetteville Patriots in a previous D-League stint, averaging 11.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Green, a 6-8, forward was selected by the Celtics 18th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, coming out of Gulf Shores Academy in Houston, Texas. As a senior, Green averaged 33.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game on his way to being a two-time All-State selection. In his junior season he led Gulf Shores to a 39-2 record as he averaged 28.8 points, 13.0 rebounds and 6.0 blocks per game.

Green was named to the 2005 McDonald's All-American Team where he won the Slam Dunk Contest and scored 24 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including 6-for-9 from three-point range. He was named MVP of the Reebok ABCD All-Star Camp in the summer of 2004.

[Tealey7]

Game Review

Last night we played the one team that contains no players that I have heard of, the Portland Trailblazers.

Originally Posted by nba.com

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 24 (Ticker) -- Paul Pierce again gave the Portland Trail Blazers a taste of what he has been giving the rest of the NBA this month.

Pierce reached the 30-point plateau for the eighth time in 10 February games, scoring 37 points as the Boston Celtics posted their fourth win in six games, a 102-92 triumph over the reeling Trail Blazers.


An All-Star forward, Pierce came into the game as the league's leading scorer in February at 32.4 points. One of his victims this month was Portland, which was strafed for 35 points February 10 in Boston.

"It doesn't matter who it's against, rather that it's just being the time of year to turn it up," said Pierce, who shot 14-of-25 from the floor. "Being the second half of the season, we're trying to make a playoff push and get into contention. I'm just wanting to pick up my play and get better as the season goes along."

Losers of eight of their last nine contests, the Trail Blazers held a 52-50 lead at the break behind the efforts of teenage rookie Martell Webster, who scored 17 of his season-high 24 points in the first half.

"I ran the floor hard and just tried to leave it all out on the court," said Webster, who connected on 9-of-17 shots. "My teammates were finding me, I was wide open for shots and they were going in."

However, Pierce almost singlehandedly got the Celtics back in front as he scored 10 points during an 11-3 burst to open the third quarter, including a 3-pointer with 9:56 remaining in the period that gave Boston a 57-54 lead that it never relinquished.

Portland never got closer than three points in the final period. The Blazers got within 93-90 on a dunk by Darius Miles, who scored 16 points, but Pierce's aggression sealed the win.

After drawing a foul and connecting on two free throws with 2:38 left, Pierce hit a remarkable reverse layup with 1:59 to go. He answered a driving layup by Miles with one of his own as the shot clock was winding down, making it 99-92 with 39 seconds to play.

"We had a pick-and-roll and I saw the lane open up so I just wanted to be aggressive with it," Pierce said. "My game is to be aggressive, so when it was there, I wanted to make sure and finish hard."

"He took over the game with his drives to the basket in the fourth quarter," Celtics forward Wally Szczerbiak said. "He puts so much pressure on the defense, doesn't settle for jumpers. When the double-team comes, he finds the open players, making it easier on him in the long run."

Szczerbiak hit three free throws in the final 11 seconds and scored 25 points and rookie Ryan Gomes collected 13 points and a season-best 17 rebounds for Boston, which has won two of the first three games of its four-game West Coast trip.

"We had a number of guys step up tonight - Ryan Gomes to be particular," Pierce said. "For a guy to be that size and go out there and do what he did, it was just a phenomenal game for him."

Gomes has started the last six games for the Celtics and has taken full advantage of the opportunity.

"Ryan has been great for us and he's just a terror on the backboard," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "Not only did we need his glass work but we needed his quickness. Without Ryan Gomes, we don't win this game tonight."

"Hopefully it can happen all the time," Gomes said. "I know a lot of guys are taller so I try and use my quickness and get a body on someone right away. I got a few boards early and just wanted to keep attacking the rim."

Portland dressed only nine players due to a two-game suspension of guard Sebastian Telfair, injuries to centers Joel Przybilla (knee tendinitis) and Theo Ratliff (sprained ankle) and the recent trades to acquire Voshon Lenard and Brian Skinner, who both attended the game in street clothes.

"I told the team before the game that we're not giving up and we're not giving in," Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. "I was really pleased with our effort and to see that the fans haven't given up on this young group of guys."

Yes!! We rock!! 102-96!! We won!!!

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----
F: Ryan Gomes----
F: Paul Pierce----
G: Wally Szczerbiak----
G: Delonte West----

Bench

C: Dwayne Jones----0
C: Michael Olokwandi----0
F: Gerald Green----0
F: Brian Scalarine----6
G: Tony Allen----4
G: Orien Greene----6

Current Standings

New Jersey: 31-23
Philadelphia: 27-27
Boston: 22-33
Toronto: 20-34
New York: 15-39

Our next match is on Sunday night against our rivals LA Lakers. That is part of what the NBA website is calling 'Rivalry Week' because loads of rivals are playing each other. Note: During the weekend I will hopefully update the first page where the roster is still from the beginning of the season before the blockbuster trade. Laters.

[Tealey7]

Game Preview

I'm looking forward to this one. Celtics versus LA Lakers in one of the many rivalry matchups this week. Here's a preview.

Originally Posted by nba.com

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- A struggling team away from home for much of the season, the Boston Celtics can finish a four-game road trip with no worse than a split after facing the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

The Celtics went into the All-Star break with a 4-20 road mark, among the worst in the NBA. But after splitting their first two games of the swing with a win at Utah and a loss at Phoenix, they gave themselves a chance at a winning record on the trek with Friday's 102-96 victory at Portland.

Paul Pierce continued his phenomenal play with 37 points and Wally Szczerbiak chipped in 25 for Boston, which saw rookie Ryan Gomes record 13 points and 17 rebounds in his sixth straight start.

Pierce, who shot 14-of-25 from the floor and recorded seven rebounds and seven assists, has scored at least 30 points in seven of his last eight games. He is averaging 32.9 points in 10 games this month.

That number is even better than the February output of fellow All-Star Kobe Bryant, who is averaging 31.1 points this month after a 39-point effort in the Lakers' 102-83 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.

Bryant needed 29 shots to reach that mark and the Lakers shot 36 percent (28-of-77) from the floor.

Los Angeles has won the last three meetings here against the Celtics and four of the last five overall.

Probable Starters



C: Raef LaFrentz
F: Ryan Gomes
F: Paul Pierce
G: Wally Szczerbiak
G: Delonte West



C: Chris Mihm
F: Kwame Brown
F: Lamar Odom
G: Kobe Bryant
G: Smush Parker

[Tealey7]

Game Review

On Sunday night the Celtics played the Lakers in one of the many rivalry matchups last week.

Originally Posted by nba.com

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 26 (Ticker) -- Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are long gone, but Paul Pierce and Kobe Bryant provided a nostalgic feeling as the Boston Celtics edged the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pierce scored 39 points and drilled the game-winning free throw with 3.7 seconds left, lifting the Celtics to a frantic 112-111 triumph over Bryant and the Lakers.


It was the fifth victory in the last seven games for Boston, which concluded an impressive 3-1 Western Conference road trip.

"Going 3-1 on this trip without Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins and even Wally (Szczerbiak) for one game is just a phenomenal trip for our basketball team," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "We are improving and we are becoming a team is what it is. We've got a long way to go before we are really, really a good team. We just need to keep it going."

Pierce has been outstanding of late, scoring at least 30 points in eight of his last nine games. The five-time All-Star is averaging a league-leading 33.5 points in 11 games in February.

Rookie Ryan Gomes had a season-high 19 points and 12 rebounds, Delonte West added 19 and 10 assists and Szczerbiak chipped in 16 for the Celtics, who had lost their last three visits here. Gomes has been particularly effective recently, averaging 12.6 points since replacing Perkins in the starting lineup seven games ago.

"A number of guys have really been giving us a lift," Pierce said. "A lot of guys have really grown up right before my eyes. Look at what Gomes has done in the starting lineup, and Delonte West has been a real key to this ballclub. If I don't have these guys, then I can't do what I do."

Bryant poured in 40 points and Brian Cook added 19 for Los Angeles, which has dropped eight of its last 12. The NBA's leading scorer, Bryant has 15 40-point games this season.

Although both franchises are far removed from their championship days of the 1980s, the Celtics and Lakers delivered an exciting contest to a sellout crowd of 18,997 and a national TV audience.

"This is a great, old rivalry," Rivers said. "Celtics and Lakers is not like it used to be, both teams need to improve. But there will always be something there. If we can both improve, I think it would be special for the league. That's all I wanted to see as a kid. I didn't want to see anyone else except Philly. I thought it was a three-team league for a long time."

Los Angeles trailed, 110-108, with less than a minute left when rookie Ronny Turiaf swatted a shot by Szczerbiak. The Lakers missed their chance to tie the game on the ensuing possession when Bryant missed a short runner in the lane.

But Boston rookie Orien Greene made just 1-of-2 free throws on the other end, and Los Angeles took advantage when Lamar Odom converted a three-point play to forge a 111-111 tie with 15 seconds left.

The Celtics ran an isolation play for Pierce on their last possession, but Bryant committed a reach-in foul with 3.7 seconds left to put Pierce at the line. Although he appeared to be intentionally giving a foul, Bryant insisted that referee Violet Palmer made a poor call.

"I didn't foul him," Bryant said. "That was a bad call. Terrible, not down the stretch of a game."

Lakers coach Phil Jackson agreed with his superstar.

"He reached behind to knock the ball loose, and (Palmer) made the call," Jackson said. "This is the second game where we've had inconsequential plays land us on the free-throw line in the last seconds of the game."

Pierce calmly sank the first free throw but missed the second. Luke Walton corraled the rebound before calling a timeout to give the Lakers one last shot.

After Walton did not see an open Odom cutting to the basket, he inbounded to Bryant, who missed badly on a fallaway 20-footer as time expired.

"I had two guys on me," Bryant said. "Somebody else should have been open. I had a tough shot that just didn't fall."

Trailing by four at halftime, the Celtics erupted for 37 points in the third quarter and entered the final period with a 91-82 advantage. But the Lakers went on a 9-0 run with Bryant on the bench to cut the deficit to 94-91 with 9:33 remaining.

The teams traded baskets over the next five minutes until West and Pierce drilled consecutive jumpers to give Boston a 108-101 cushion.

However, Los Angeles rallied to slice the deficit to 108-106 after Smush Parker's thunderous dunk with just over two minutes left. But Gomes converted a tip-in with 54 seconds left to push Boston's advantage to 110-106.

"The most important thing is we got the W," Gomes said. "My thing to do here is to just rebound. On that last play where I got the tip-in, its was just an aggressive drive by Orien and I was just able to sneak in there and get the tip-in."

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----6
F: Ryan Gomes----19
F: Paul Pierce----39
G: Wally Szczerbiak----19
G: Delonte West----16

Bench

F: Brian Scalarine----4
G: Tony Allen----6
G: Orien Greene----3

Current Standings

New Jersey: 31-25
Philadelphia: 28-28
Boston: 23-33
Toronto: 20-36
New York: 15-41

Our next game is a tricky one against the Miami Heat on Wednesday.

[Tealey7]

Game Preview

Tonight we play the Heat. Can we cool them off?

Originally Posted by nba.com

BOSTON (Ticker) -- Dwyane Wade may be running into the only player in the league who is hotter than he.

Wade tries to lead the Miami Heat to their seventh straight victory Wednesday when they hook up with Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics.

Averaging 32.2 points and shooting 57 percent during the winning streak, Wade has been the predominant factor in Miami's rise to a season-high 16 games over .500. The third-year superstar scored 32 points on 15-of-19 shooting in Sunday's 101-94 triumph over Toronto.

Fellow All-Star Shaquille O'Neal added 27 points and 11 rebounds for the Heat, who have outscored their opponents, 156-66, in the paint over the last two games and have shot at least 50 percent from the floor in a franchise-record five straight contests.

Boston has won five of its last seven games behind the outstanding play of its own All-Star. Pierce has scored 30 points in eight of his last nine contests and averaged a league-best 33.5 points during February.

In Sunday's 112-111 win against the Los Angeles Lakers, Pierce put the finishing touches on a 39-point performance by making the decisive free throw with 3.2 seconds left.

Rookie Ryan Gomes contributed a career-high 19 points and 12 rebounds and Delonte West added 19 points and a career-best 10 assists for the Celtics, who concluded their road trip with a 3-1 mark after opening the season 4-20 away from home.

Miami has won five of the last six meetings between the teams, including a 114-98 victory on February 6 in the lone encounter this season.

Probable Starters



C: Raef LaFrentz
F: Ryan Gomes
F: Paul Pierce
G: Wally Szczerbiak
G: Delonte West



C: Shaquille O'Neal
F: Udonis Haslem
F: James Posey
G: Dwayne Wade
G: Jason Williams

[Tealey7]

Game Review

Last night we played the Heat.

Originally Posted by nba.com

BOSTON, March 1 (Ticker) -- Antoine Walker is used to hitting big shots in Boston.

Walker scored all 13 of his points in the fourth quarter and Dwyane Wade added 24 and eight assists as the Miami Heat extended their season-high winning streak to seven games with a 103-96 victory over the Boston Celtics.

Making his first appearance at the TD Banknorth Garden since being sent to the Heat in a blockbuster five-team trade in the offseason, Walker received a warm ovation from the crowd when he entered the game with 4:21 left in the first quarter but went on to miss his first four shots and did not score through three periods.

"I was hoping he'd miss all night," said Celtics forward Paul Pierce, who scored 38 points. "I've seen him do that, too. Hey, if they're going to beat us, we'd rather Antoine than (Shaquille O'Neal) and Dwyane Wade."

The start was reminiscent of Walker's first return to Boston, when he had a dismal performance as a member of the Dallas Mavericks during the 2003-04 campaign. However, Walker found his touch in the fourth quarter to send his former team to its third loss in eight games.

"Anytime you come back and beat your old team it has meaning," said Walker, who played the first seven campaigns of his career with the Celtics and had a short stint with the club last season. "Early in the game I didn't get the looks I wanted and rushed the early ones. In the fourth quarter, I just told myself to stay aggressive. They were doubling (Shaq) a lot, so someone else was going to have to step up and make shots."

After the Celtics used a 16-5 run to take an 86-85 lead with 5:37 remaining, Walker hit a 3-pointer to quell the rally. Rookie Ryan Gomes answered with a jumper to forge an 88-88 tie before Walker gave the Heat the lead for good with a driving layup with 4:43 left.

"I just told him to keep shooting," said O'Neal, who collected 16 points and nine rebounds. "In the fourth quarter, I knew they were going to double from his spot, so I just said, 'Go to the spot' and he made good shots."

Boston drew within a point twice and faced a 97-94 deficit after Pierce split a pair of free throws with just under two minutes to play. Shandon Anderson and Walker each grabbed offensive rebounds on the ensuing possession, allowing Walker to hit a dagger 3-pointer with 55 seconds to go.

"You could tell he wanted it, man," said Wade, who was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month earlier Wednesday. "He did a good job of willing us to victory. You have to give a lot of credit to (Antoine) for this victory."

"You have to pick your poison with them," Pierce said. "We're concentrating so much on Dwayne Wade and we're doubling Shaq that you leave a guy like Antoine open for shots, and (he's) a guy who can hurt you. That's what happens."

Pierce made two free throws, but Jason Williams all but sealed the victory with another shot from the arc with 19 seconds left. Miami made 8-of-19 3-pointers.

Delonte West made four 3-pointers and scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter for the Celtics, who were returning from a 3-1 road trip.

Wally Szczerbiak scored all 12 of his points in the first half as the Celtics grabbed a 48-46 lead. Udonis Haslem had six of his 10 in the third period to help put the Heat ahead, 73-68.

The Celtics managed just 10 points over the final 5:57 of the session, committing a pair of shot-clock violations in that span.

"That one stretch really hurt us," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "I thought we really lost our intensity and started to watch them play."

So it was a 103-96 loss for the Celtics.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----8
F: Ryan Gomes----9
F: Paul Pierce----38
G: Wally Szczerbiak----12
G: Delonte West----20

Bench

C: Michael Olokwandi----0
F: Al Jefferson----7
F: Brain Scalabrine----0
G: Tony Allen----0
G: Orien Greene----2

Current Standings

New Jersey: 31-26
Philadelphia: 29-28
Boston: 23-34
Toronto: 20-37
New York: 15-42

Our next game is on Friday against the Indiana Pacers.

[Tealey7]

Game Preview

Our next game is tonight. It's against the Indiana Pacers.

Originally Posted by nba.com

BOSTON (Ticker) - Needing success on a critical four-game road trip, the Indiana Pacers have found it thus far.

The Pacers aim for three straight wins to begin the swing when they visit the Boston Celtics on Friday.

After suffering a pair of losses before the trip that dropped it a bit closer to .500, Indiana has picked up a pair of big wins to open the trek, including Wednesday at Washington.

David Harrison worked past a sprained ankle to score 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, lifting the Pacers to a 99-93 victory. Stephen Jackson led Indiana with 26 points and Peja Stojakovic had 19 and nine rebounds.

The Celtics returned from a 3-1 road trip in poor fashion with Wednesday's 103-96 loss here to Miami. Paul Pierce continued his stellar play with 38 points - his ninth 30-point game in his last 10 - and Delonte West added 20 in the setback.

After losing five straight to the Pacers, the Celtics have won two in a row, including an 85-71 victory on December 14 in the first meeting between the teams this season. Pierce had 25 points and seven boards and Indiana shot 33 percent (26-of-80) from the floor.

Probable Starters



C: Raef LaFrentz
F: Ryan Gomes
F: Paul Pierce
G: Wally Szczerbiak
G: Delonte West



C: Scot Pollard
F: Jeff Foster
F: Stephen Jackson
G: Peja Stojakovic
G: Anthony Johnson

So Jermiane O'Neal is still injured. Good news.

[Tealey7]

Game Review

Last night the Celtics played the Pacers.

http://www.nba.com/media/celtics/DWest_435_060303.jpg

Originally Posted by nba.com

BOSTON, March 3 (Ticker) -- Paul Pierce had to be glad the bank was open.

Pierce banked in a 3-pointer with 39 seconds remaining as the Boston Celtics overcame some poor free throw shooting for a 99-98 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

After averaging 33.5 points in February, Pierce began March with 38 points in Wednesday's home loss to Miami. Two nights later, he reached the 30-point mark for the 11th time in the last 12 games.

Pierce came through with his biggest shot in the final minute, banking in a shot from the top of the key over the outstretched arm of Stephen Jackson to snap a 96-96 tie.

"He stepped back and I knew I was going to take the shot," Pierce said. "I knew I had to get it up a little higher because Stephen Jackson really contested it really well. I got it up a little higher and banked it in."

Pierce made 13-of-25 shots but struggled at the line, going just 3-of-8. Boston was just 14-of-25 from the stripe overall.

After his second 3-pointer of the game went down, Pierce turned to the crowd and puts in palms in the air with a look of disbelief on his face.

"I remember when Michael (Jordan) walalalalaing all those threes against Portland," said Pierce, who was referring to Jordan's record-setting six 3-pointers in the first half of Game One of the 1992 NBA Finals. "I just wanted to do that."

After Fred Jones scored on a drive with 35 seconds left to pull the Pacers within 99-98, Pierce missed at the other end. Rookie Orien Greene corralled the offensive rebound and was fouled but was unable to convert either of his free throws, giving the Pacers a final chance.

Following a timeout, the Pacers went to Jackson, whose jumper from the left elbow bounced off the back of the rim as time expired.

"That was the shot we wanted," Jackson said. "It felt good. When it left my hands I thought it was going in. Things just didn't go our way tonight."

Delonte West added 17 points and seven assists and Raef LaFrentz collected 11, seven and 11 rebounds for the Celtics, who won for the third time in four games.

The Pacers built a 70-58 lead with 7:20 left in the third quarter on a 3-pointer by Jackson, who scored 20 points. But the Celtics rallied behind Pierce and West.

Pierce scored nine points and West provided energy with eight as the Celtics closed the quarter on a 23-8 surge to take an 81-78 lead entering the final period.

"We had them on the ropes and on their heels once we got up by 12," said Pacers guard Anthony Johnson, who had nine points and seven assists. "You could tell they were a little shaken. All we had to do was play tough for another three, four minutes and things would have probably swayed our way."

"I thought our first half was as soft defensively as we'd been all year," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who watched the Pacers shoot 54 percent (20-of-37) in the opening half. "We started the third quarter the same way but then our bench picked us up. Even though (our bench) was outscored, I thought they were the reason we won the game."

Greene was one of the bench players who provided a spark. He had five points, three assists, three assists and a steal in 25 minutes overall.

Peja Stojakovic scored 24 points - none in the fourth quarter - and Jones added 16 for the Pacers, who shot 51.5 percent (35-of-6.

"We have no one to blame but ourselves," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "You play a lousy third quarter and give up a bunch of turnovers, you're going to tempt fate with that kind of play over a 12-minute period."

Stojakovic scored 14 points in the third quarter but took just one shot in the final period.

So it was a close 99-98 win for the Celtics.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----11
F: Ryan Gomes----13
F: Paul Pierce----31
G: Wally Szczerbiak----13
G: Delonte West----17

Bench

F: Brian Scalarine----4
F: Gerald Green----0
F: Al Jefferson----5
G: Orien Greene----5
G: Tony Allen----0

Current Standings

New Jersey: 31-26
Philadelphia: 30-28
Boston: 24-34
Toronto: 20-37
New York: 15-43

Our next game is against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

[Tealey7]

Game Review

Last night we played the Raptors.

Originally Posted by nba.com

TORONTO, March 5 (Ticker) -- Morris Peterson provided the touch from outside and All-Star Chris Bosh added the punch in the paint.

Peterson scored 27 points and Bosh contributed 24 and 10 rebounds as the Toronto Raptors ended their six-game losing streak with a 111-105 triumph over the Boston Celtics.


A third-year forward from Georgia Tech, Bosh was one of 23 players invited Sunday to compete for a spot on Team USA. The 6-10 Bosh made 7-of-12 shots and 10-of-12 free throws, adding five assists.

"It's a really good feeling," Bosh said. "I can just concentrate on just going to the training camp and making sure I get a spot, instead of worrying if I'm going to make it. So now I can just focus, scout the guys that are on that list right now and just get ready for it when the time is right."

Peterson scored on a reverse layup and Bosh drained two free throws to help the Raptors build a 79-70 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Boston's Al Jefferson converted a three-point play to cut the deficit to 91-87 in the final period before Toronto responded with an 11-2 burst over a span of 2 1/2 minutes. Former Celtic Mike James scored five of his 20 points during the stretch.

Paul Pierce, who scored 33 points, had five straight points for the Celtics, closing the gap to 105-101 at the 1:02 mark.

"All of their scorers had a great game tonight," said Pierce, who added seven rebounds and five assists. "When they needed big shots, no matter who they went to, they made big shots."

Holding a six-point edge, Raptors rookie Charlie Villanueva pulled down a huge offensive rebound with 14 seconds left. James sealed the victory with key free throws in the waning moments.

"It's all about finishing at the end of the game and we were able to withstand their push," said James, who made 6-of-10 shots. "Pierce told me with one minute to go that they were going to come back and win and I'm glad we made him out to be a liar."

"Charlie is starting to get the picture by going to the boards and he got a very big offensive rebound for us tonight," Bosh said. "He can score and has a good low-post game and can definitely shoot the basketball and now he needs to concentrate on rebounding and playing defense."

Villanueva had 18 points and eight rebounds and Matt Bonner scored 15 points on 5-of-6 3-point shooting for Toronto, which shot 54 percent (34-of-63) overall and 11-of-24 from long range.

"Matt played a great game tonight," Bosh added. "He knocked down some big shots and played his role well tonight."

Wally Szczerbiak scored 23 points and rookie Ryan Gomes added 15 for the Celtics, who shot 55 percent (41-of-74) but fell to 7-22 on the road.

Guard Delonte West left in the first quarter due to a strained groin and did not return.

"We missed Delonte - he's always key for us - but we still scored 100 points and had a chance to win," Szczerbiak said. "I think you have to give them (Toronto) credit, they moved the ball really well and they made shots and we just couldn't overcome that."

So admittedly, we lost, 111-105. We really do suck. Where the hell is this team going? I'll give the Raptors some credit, they've got some good players. Bosh - pure class. Villanueva - a bright hope for the future.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----7
F: Ryan Gomes----15
F: Paul Pierce----33
G: Wally Szczerbiak----23
G: Delonte West----0

Bench

C: Dwayne Jones----0
F: Brian Scalabrine----3
F: Al Jefferson----13
F: Gerald Green----2
G: Tony Allen----2
G: Orien Greene----7

Current Standings

New Jersey: 32-26
Philadelphia: 30-29
Boston: 24-35
Toronto: 21-38
New York: 16-43

Our next game in this catastrophic disastter of a season for the Celtics is against the Wizards on Tuesday.

Pierce named to USA Men's Senior National Team for 2006-2008

He must be doing something right. Pierce has joined the elite of the USA basketball players. The roster for 2006-2008 is:

Carmelo Anthony (F)----Denver
Gilbert Arenas (G)----Washington
Shane Battier (F)----Memphis
Chauncey Billups (G)----Detroit
Chris Bosh (F)----Toronto
Bruce Bowen (F)----San Antonio
Elton Brand (F)----LA Clippers
Kobe Bryant (G)----LA Lakers
Dwight Howard (F/C)----Orlando
LeBron James (F)----Cleveland
Antawn Jamison (F)----Washington
Joe Johnson (G/F)----Atlanta
Shawn Marion (F)----Phoenix
Brad Miller (C)----Sacramento
Adam Morrison (F)----Gonzaga University '07
Lamar Odom (F)----LA Lakers
Chris Paul (G)----New Orleans
Paul Pierce (F/G)----Boston
J.J Redick (G)----Duke University '06
Michael Redd (G)----Milwaukee
Luke Ridnour (G)----Seattle
Amare Stoudemire (C)----Phoenix
Dwayne Wade (G)----Miami

[Tealey7]

Game Review

Last night we played the Wizards in what turned out to be a great game.

Originally Posted by nba.com

WASHINGTON, March 7 (Ticker) -- For the first time this season, Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics had the last word against Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards.

Pierce sank a difficult fadeaway 22-footer over two defenders at the overtime buzzer to give the Celtics a 116-115 victory over the Wizards.


"Another calm night," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers, whose team improved to 8-8 in games decided by three points or less. "I think we deserved that one after the last two times that we played them. We felt we stole this one tonight. But we felt they stole two from us, so we owed them that one."

Pierce scored 31 points and rookie Ryan Gomes added a season-high 27 for the Celtics, who had been victimized by late-game heroics from Arenas in each of the first two meetings this season.

"What really makes me excited is that it (ticks) Gilbert Arenas off because that's what he said the last time," Rivers said. "It was a great win for us."

On January 7, Arenas drew a questionable foul and sank two free throws in the waning seconds to give the Wizards a 103-102 home win over the Celtics. Eighteen days later in Boston, he did the same to snap a tie and give Washington an 89-87 win.

The All-Star guard had a chance to do the same Tuesday. With the score tied, 104-104, and time winding down, Arenas was being defended by Orien Greene. But the rookie cut off any driving lanes and Arenas settled for a pull-up jumper that missed.

Arenas was a handful in overtime, when he scored nine of his 39 points. His jumper, two free throws and three-point play gave Washington a 111-107 lead with 2:45 to go.

Gomes made two free throws before Pierce scored Boston's last seven points. He tied it with a pair from the line at the 53-second mark, then answered Antonio Daniels' two foul shots with a 3-pointer for a 114-113 lead with 28 seconds left.

Arenas drilled a 19-footer to give Washington the lead with 14 seconds to play.

"I just said to myself, 'I don't want to go to more overtimes,'" Pierce said. "I was going to try to do whatever I could to help this team win or else we were just going to lose and go home."

The Celtics went to Pierce, who started well above the top of the circle against Caron Butler, dribbled left along the sideline past a converging Arenas and buried a tough jumper while falling out of bounds as the horn sounded.

"I knew Gilbert Arenas was coming," Pierce said. "When he ran at me, I just kind of dribbled at him. It's tough for a guy to close out when you dribble right at them. Once he ran at me, I just tried to go that way. I think I'm stronger going to my left and pulling up anyway.

"I've shot that shot a number of times. I just knew I wanted the ball to take the last shot regardless, whether they double-teamed or triple-teamed. I got a good look once I jumped up and rose above the crowd, and I knocked down the shot."

The shot gave Boston a 5-3 record in one-point games.

"That's the most clutch shot this year from us, especially in the situation where we're fighting to get into the playoffs," said Gomes, who had nine rebounds and five assists. "It was a tough shot. That's what superstars do."

Wally Szczerbiak scored 23 points for the Celtics, who improved to 2-3 in overtime, winning for the first time since the season opener. He was jostling for rebounding position when Pierce launched the game-winner.

"I was right under the basket and it was money," Szczerbiak said. "Big shot. That was huge."

Antawn Jamison had 25 points and 12 rebounds and Butler scored 23 points for the Wizards, who have lost four of their last five games. Washington wasted a 10-point fourth-quarter lead and fell to 3-2 in overtime.

"These are the ones that are always tough," Jamison said. "For one, it should have never gotten to that point. But it did, and it came down to one shot. I think we did everything that you are supposed to do. We had two guys on him and he hit an unbelievable shot."

Boston played without point guard Delonte West, who missed the game with a strained right groin.

So West was injured, giving Greene his first start of his career in the NBA. We won 116-115 after OT.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----9
F: Ryan Gomes----27
F: Paul Pierce----31
G: Wally Szczerbiak----23
G: Oriene Greene----7

Bench

C: Michael Olokwandi----2
F: Gerald Green----0
F: Brian Scalabrine----0
F: Al Jefferson----12
G: Tony Allen----5

Current Standings

New Jersey: 32-28
Philadelphia: 30-29
Boston: 25-35
Toronto: 21-39
New York: 17-43

Our next game is tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers.

[Tealey7]

Game Review

So last night we played our divisional rivals, the 76ers. Let's see how we got on.

http://www.nba.com/media/celtics/Pierce-Sixers435.jpg

Originally Posted by nba.com

BOSTON, March 9 (Ticker) -- Paul Pierce had all the answers down the stretch.

Pierce collected his sixth career triple-double and continued his clutch shooting as the Boston Celtics stormed back with a late rally for a 104-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.


In a sensational all-around game, Pierce had 31 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. He scored eight points in the final 90 seconds to fuel a 14-2 run that gave Boston its fifth win in seven games.

"I'm just going out playing the way I know how to play," Pierce said. "We're just having fun, staying positive. We feel like we can win each game. We turned it around ever since we gained a lot of confidence out west and I think it's starting to carry over."

"Clearly, I think it's the best everybody has seen him play," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "I don't remember before I was here. I'm sure he's had some runs, but this is a sustained run. I don't think it's a lot of forced shots. Paul took 18 shots. It isn't like he took 35 shots, you know, and scored and did all the other things that he did."

In Boston's last two victories, Pierce had made the winning shot. He banked in a 3-pointer to beat Indiana on Friday and sank a tough 22-footer to defeat Washington on Tuesday. But the All-Star swingman had a lot of work to do after a 3-pointer by Kyle Korver gave Philadelphia a 97-90 lead with 2:19 to play.

"I think this is a different group of guys, honestly," said Rivers, whose team improved to 9-8 in games decided by three points or less. "They don't give up, they don't pout, they don't point. They just keep thinking."

A dunk and two free throws by rapidly improving rookie Ryan Gomes cut the deficit to 97-94 before a jumper by Allen Iverson made it a five-point game with 1:34 left.

Pierce sank a 3-pointer, then gave Boston a 100-99 lead with another 3-pointer with 27 seconds remaining.

"We just feel like we can keep it close, we are going to give ourselves a chance. A number of guys stepped up today," Pierce said.

Iverson had a jumper blocked by Tony Allen, leading to two free throws by Pierce with 21 seconds left. Andre Iguodala missed an open 3-pointer before Allen sealed it with two free throws.

"We gave away 3-pointers at the end," Iverson said. "You can't do that, especially in another team's house, one shot here and there and the crowd's back into the game and the momentum is on their side. Our defensive scheme at that point didn't get it done. We just have to play better defense down the stretch to have any chance to win the game."

Gomes had a season-high 29 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics, who won without injured point guard Delonte West (groin) for the second straight night. Allen and Orien Greene split the duties, which included guarding Iverson.

"Paul Pierce is one big reason for (winning close games) and Ryan Gomes has been on an unbelievable roll," Rivers said. "I ran one play for him the entire night and he didn't score on it so I decided not to run any more plays for him. Let him get it off garbage."

Known as "The Answer," Iverson scored 32 points but needed 31 shots. He scored 12 points in the fourth quarter but was upstaged by Pierce.

"(The game) got away when Pierce hit those two threes," Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks said. "He hit two threes, two big threes, he hit one coming down the floor, then he hit another one when they set a double screen for him right in front of me and that's where it got away."

Wally Szczerbiak scored 12 points for the Celtics, who survived 11 fouls in the fourth quarter. They improved to 2-1 vs. the Sixers this season, with the only loss coming in triple overtime.

Chris Webber scored 18 points and Andre Iguodala added 15 for the Sixers (30-30), who have lost two in a row in the final seconds but remained seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Webber did not play in the fourth quarter, which began with a layup by Greene that gave the Celtics a 72-71 edge but was followed by a 12-2 run by the Sixers. Two free throws by Iverson made it 83-75 with 8:13 to play.

"I (made that decision) because the guys we had at the time, we were going well," Cheeks said. "We built a nice little lead. Then when they started to make their run, it was actually too late to put him back in the game but we had a nice little lead and we kept making our little run and I elected to stay with the guys I had."

Webber could not remember sitting out an entire quarter.

"It's never happened," he said. "It's difficult. I didn't (get an explanation). I felt great. I felt really good. I was rebounding pretty well. I felt great."

"If I was a player with what he has on his resume, I would be upset not playing a whole quarter," Iverson said. "If I was in his shoes, I would probably feel the same way. Matter of fact, I know I would, and I might be a little worse, honestly."

So we won 104-101, leaving us with a 2 game winning streak. Pierce topped 30 and Gomes nearly did the same.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----6
F: Ryan Gomes----29
F: Paul Pierce----31
G: Wally Szczerbiak----12
G: Orien Greene----11

Bench

F: Gerald Green----0
F: Brian Scalabrine----0
F: Al Jefferson----6
G: Tony Allen----9

Current Standings

New Jersey: 32-28
Philadelphia: 30-30
Boston: 26-35
Toronto: 21-40
New York: 17-43

Our next game is on the 10th against Milwaukee.

Celtics celebrate Saint Paddy's Day

Originally Posted by celtics.com

BOSTON (March 8, 2006) - The Boston Celtics are inviting their fans to join them in celebrating St. Patrick's Day early on Sunday, March 12 when the team hosts the Denver Nuggets at 6 p.m. at the TD Banknorth Garden. That evening, the team will unveil a new uniform in honor of the holiday, and are encouraging fans to show their Celtics pride by wearing green from head to toe.

The first 2,000 fans wearing green who enter the arena Sunday evening will receive a Celtics Pride wristband, courtesy of the Celtics. One lucky fan, wlalalalast embodies the Celtics Pride spirit, will be selected out of the crowd during the game and awarded with a special Celtics St. Patrick's Day Paul Pierce jersey, autographed by Pierce. Prior to the game, fans can join Celtics mascot LUCKY and members of the Southwest Airlines Green Team on Causeway Street beginning at 4:30 p.m. Fans wearing green will have a chance to win tickets to the game, t-shirts and various other prizes.

The Celtics St. Patrick's Day uniforms will consist of their signature road green uniforms with gold and white striped trim and the wordmark "BOSTON" across the front of the jersey in gold letters with white trim. The team will wear the new St. Patrick's Day uniforms when the team travels to Memphis to play the Grizzlies on March 14, when the play the Miami Heat, nationally televised on TNT, on March 16; the Orlando Magic on March 17 and the Indiana Pacers on March 19. Fans can purchase the new Celtics St. Patrick's Day jerseys beginning Sunday at the TD Banknorth Garden Pro Shop and on Celtics.com.

Seats for the Denver game on March 12 are available now and start at just $10 in the Brooks Pharmacy Family Section. To purchase tickets, log on to www.celtics.com, call 1-800-4NBA-TIX or visit the TD Banknorth Garden Box Office.

Here's a small picture of the Celtic's St Patrick's Day kit.

http://www.nba.com/media/celtics/spd_szczerbiak_shoulder6090.jpg

[Tealey7]

Game Preview

This is our next game, against Milwaukee Bucks at our lace. The Celtics have a 2 game win streak, which makes a change in a season which has been littered with a few good wins and then consecutive losses. I can't complain about Pierce this season. He's been amazing and justified his selection in this year's All Star Game.

Originally Posted by nba.com

Milwaukee (29-31) at Boston (26-35) 7:30 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- Michael Redd and the Milwaukee Bucks look to end their recent slide when they visit red-hot Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics on Friday.

Since rolling to a 106-91 triumph over the Seattle SuperSonics on February 14, the Bucks have dropped seven of their last nine to fall to eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Milwaukee enters Friday's contest with a 2 1/2-game lead over ninth-place Chicago (27-34) in the conference standings. The Bucks hope to add to that cushion and bounce back from Wednesday's 123-116 loss to Sacramento.

Redd scored 32 points and T.J. Ford addd 24 and 12 assists for Milwaukee, which has dropped three straight.

Boston hopes to carry some momentum from Wednesday's crucial 104-101 victory over Philadelphia.

Pierce had 31 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to register his first triple-double of the campaign while rookie Ryan Gomes chipped in 29 and 11 boards for the Celtics, who have won eight of their last 12.

Pierce has been outstanding of late, scoring at least 30 points in a franchise-record seven consecutive games. After averaging a league-best 33.5 points during the month of February, Pierce has scored 32.8 points per game in March.

Probable Starters



C: Raef LaFrentz
F: Ryan Gomes
F: Paul Pierce
G: Wally Szczerbiak
G: Oriene Greene



C: Jamaal Magloire
F: Andrew Bogut
F: Bobby Simmons
G: Michael Redd
G: T.J Ford

[Tealey7]

Game Review

So last night the Celtics played the Bucks.

http://www.nba.com/media/celtics/pierce_435_060310.jpg

Originally Posted by nba.com

BOSTON, March 10 (Ticker) -- Sharpshooter Michael Redd and the Milwaukee Bucks made sure they didn't give up any ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Redd scored 26 points and Bobby Simmons added 18 and eight rebounds as the Bucks snapped their three-game losing streak with a 92-86 triumph over the Boston Celtics, whose postseason hopes took a hit.


Milwaukee had all five starters score in double figures and dominated the paint with 52 points as it moved into a tie for seventh place in the East with Philadelphia (30-31). The Bucks also moved five games ahead of the Celtics (26-36).

"This was a big win for us, there is no two ways about it," Bucks coach Terry Stotts said. "Boston has been playing well and we needed a win in a bad way. I was proud of our guys the way we gutted it out and we got a lot of contributions from a lot of people and we did a lot of little things that you have to do to win on the road."

Paul Pierce's three-point play gave the Celtics a 66-59 advantage with just over four minutes left in the third quarter. The Bucks stayed within striking distance, trailing by only two points at the end of the period.

Boston's Wally Szczerbiak and Brian Scalabrine opened the fourth quarter by hitting 3-pointers for a six-point bulge just two minutes into period.

But Simmons made a layup and Charlie Bell, who scored eight pointlalalala a floater in the lane as the Bucks went ahead, 86-82, with 3:17 remaining.

Trailing, 88-85, Boston had chance to tie after Bell fouled Pierce on a 3-point attempt with 13 seconds to go.

"I just tried to get up on him and I knew he was going to go for the three," Bell said. "I just wanted to make it tough for him and I think I got a little too close and him being Paul Pierce, he is going to get that call."

But the superstar swingman made just 1-of-3 from the line. Redd sealed the victory with four free throws in the final moments.

"I just probably got a little anxious thinking about overtime instead of making free throws," said Pierce, who had 24 points and eight assists. "I guess I'm human after all. I'm going to make some plays down the stretch and I'm not going to make some plays and tonight was one of those days and it wasn't my day."

"It was very vital that we came in here and got a win tonight and it helps our confidence as well," said Redd, who made 11-of-11 free throws. "We had been down and lost a couple of games in a row, but tonight definitely gives us a boost."

Pierce had scored at least 30 points in 13 of his last 14 games.

"To hold Pierce under 30 is an accomplishment to begin with," Stotts said. "Our guys worked hard on him, not only the guys covering him, but making him play in a crowd, doubling him some."

Jamaal Magloire scored 16 points and rookie Andrew Bogut and T.J. Ford added 11 apiece for the Bucks, who shot 43 percent (33-of-76) from the field.

"The team went to us early," said Magloire, who had eight rebounds. "Andrew had a good game, both rebounding the ball and scoring it, and ... that was the difference in the game."

Szczerbiak scored 18 points and rookie Ryan Gomes added 12 for Boston, which is five games out of the final playoff spot with 20 games remaining.

"We had our chances tonight in the game that we never really played great, never had any offensive rhythm," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "We had one stretch where we did; other than that, we didn't and we just didn't come through."

We lost. 92-86.

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----8
F: Ryan Gomes----12
F: Paul Pierce----24
G: Wally Szczerbiak----18
G: Oriene Greene----4

Bench

F: Brian Scalabrine----3
F: Al Jefferson----9
F: Gerald Green----2
G: Tony Allen----6

Current Standings

New Jersey: 32-28
Philadelphia: 30-31
Boston: 26-36
Toronto: 21-41
New York: 17-43

Our next game is tomorrow night against the Denver Nuggets.

[Tealey7]

Game Review

Last night we played the Nuggets in our special uniforms celebrating Saint Patrick's Day which is on Friday.

Originally Posted by nba.com

BOSTON, March 12 (Ticker) -- Paul Pierce showed Carmelo Anthony that it's not how you start, but how you finish.

Pierce matched Anthony with 36 points, including his team's last six, as the Boston Celtics edged the Denver Nuggets, 106-101.


In the first half, Anthony scored 26 points. He made his first 11 shots before missing a halfcourt 3-pointer at the buzzer. Pierce scored 20 points to keep the Celtics close at 58-56.

The contest remained tight thereafter. Rookie Ryan Gomes, who collected 11 points and 11 rebounds, tied it, 100-100, with a free throw with 3:46 remaining.

Already assured of his 15th 30-point effort in 18 games, Pierce began to show the late-game magic Celtics fans have enjoyed throughout his career. He began a 6-1 run with an authoritative dunk over Kenyon Martin and Ruben Patterson at the 2:43 mark.

"When you've got it going, you've got it going," Pierce said. "I just keep my focus down the stretch. That's the time I mostly concentrate and that's when I want the ball. Most players don't want it in that situation.

"In my case, when I take the shot, I feel either two things are going to happen. Either you are going to make it or you are going to miss. I'm just not afraid to fail, that's all."

Wally Szczerbiak, acquired a month ago, is astounded by Pierce's calm under pressure. "It's just amazing," Szczerbiak said. "He's such a smart basketball player. He lets the game come to him so easy and he never gets flustered. He just goes out there and uses his teammates, uses the plays, and he knows the offense inside and out.

"He's probably the best player in the league at changing speeds. He keeps the defense off balance and that's why he's able to do it every night."

Martin, who missed the previous four games with a sore left knee, split a pair at the line to make it a one-point game with 2 1/2 minutes to go.

However, Martin made a costly blunder as he hauled in the rebound of Delonte West's miss but made an errant pass that was stolen by Gomes with 1:08 left. Pierce sank a turnaround jumper 16 seconds later to make it 104-101.

"When Pierce made the two shots, he made it very difficult," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "We played a great game on the road. To have a chance to win on the road anytime is a good game. We just didn't finish the product tonight."

"It's not just the numbers," Celtics forward Raef LaFrentz said. "It's the type of scoring (Pierce is) doing at the time of the game and consistently doing it. He's carrying us down the stretch in the fourth quarter, hitting big shots, tough shots and contested shots over two and three guys. He's been phenomenal."

Anthony, who was just 3-of-9 from the floor in the second half, missed a layup on the other end and Pierce sealed the victory with a fallaway jumper over Patterson with 11 ticks on the clock.

"I was competing, trying to win. At the end, that's what it came down to," said Anthony, who was hampered by a tight hamstring in the fourth quarter. "(Pierce) had the ball in his hands. I think Boston did a good job of just getting him the ball down the stretch when they needed it."

Coming off a loss to Milwaukee, Boston gained some valuable momentum as it heads out on a four-game road swing through Memphis, Miami, Orlando and Indiana.

"(The win) was huge," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "You know going out on the road having lost two tough ones (if we lost this one) would not have been a good scenario for us. At least we know we can hang in games and win."

The Celtics (27-36) gained a half-game on idle Milwaukee but are still 3 1/2 games out of the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

"I told the guys we only have five games we can lose," Pierce said. "In order for us to make (the playoffs), we have to win 14 of the next 19 games. I feel confident, definitely, that we can do it. We've won four of our last six road games, so hopefully we have some confidence on the road that we can pull off some big wins."

Despite Pierce's heroics, Karl was more upset with his team's offense, which shot 6-of-16 from the floor and committed seven turnovers.

"We didn't lose the game with our defense, we lost the game in the fourth quarter with our seven turnovers and trouble getting shots against a zone and settling for threes," Karl said.

We won!!! The luck o' the Irish was with us!!! 106-101!!!!

Who got the points?

Starters

C: Raef LaFrentz----0
F: Ryan Gomes----11
F: Paul Pierce----36
G: Wally Szczerbiak----18
G: Delonte West----12

Bench

C: Kendrick Perkins----7
F: Al Jefferson----6
F: Gerald Green----0
G: Tony Allen----10
G: Oriene Greene----6

Current Standings

New Jersey: 33-28
Philadelphia: 31-31
Boston: 27-36
Toronto: 22-41
New York: 17-44

Our next game is tomorrow night against the Memphis Grizzlies.