Pierce Returns but Outcome the Same

Paul Pierce surprised everyone by playing in tonight’s game. He played 20 minutes but was obviously rusty shooting 4-16 and scoring 9 points with 4 rebounds and 1 assist. It was good to see him back. He wore a sleeve on his elbow and at one point was holding the elbow after it was hit. After shooting 1-11 in the first half, he did hit 3-5 in the second half.

But even with Pierce’s return, the result of the game was the same. Celtics lost their 17th game in a row, losing to the Nets 92-78. For the second game our shooting was atrocious, shooting only 34% from the field as a team. Doc should have a practice with nothing but shooting drills as our offense has gone south lately. Also we were out rebounded 45-40. We have been keeping our turnovers down somewhat and tonight had 15 turnovers to 18 for the Nets.

Delonte West was the only one hitting his shots as he was 8-16 for 21 points with 2 rebounds 1 assist and 3 steals. Rondo finished with 6 points on 1-7 shooting with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Telfair played 7 minutes and had 4 points with 1 assist. Allen Ray played 4 minutes and only registered 1 steal.

Scal started at the 4 and finished with 8 points on 2-8 shooting with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Al had another very solid night and won the Tommy Award for his 13 points on 5-13 shooting with 17 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Perk had 1 point, 3 rebounds and 1 steal in 16 minutes. He still looks like he is laboring with the foot injury as his motion seems limited.

Gomes had an off game shooting 2-8 for 9 points with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Green played 16 minutes and scored 7 points on 3-5 shooting with 2 rebounds and 1 block. Kandi and Powe both registered DNP’s.

As this streak continues, our offense has really gone downhill. We aren’t going to beat anyone shooting 34%. It seems like too many of the players are passing up open shots to try to dribble in or pass the ball off and as a result our offense seems to be stifled and when they do take the shots they just aren’t falling. This is something they are going to have to overcome if they are going to end this streak. Next up is the Wolves and you know that Ricky D and Blount aren’t going to want to lose to us so it isn’t going to get any easier, even with Pierce coming back. The sad thing is that individually, the players seem to be making progress but as a team, it just isn’t coming together. Hopefully it will come together soon or we could be setting a new NBA record for consecutive losses.

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