Back-To-Back Attack

Finally, the Celtics have won consecutive games this season--the last team in the NBA to do so. Just what the doctor ordered—-Doc Rivers, that is. The Coach has been pilloried in the press and rumored to be on the firing line--literally.

Captain Paul Pierce had 30 points, Ricky Davis 20, and Delonte West added 15 as the Celtics pummeled the Utah Jazz, 101-89.


Despite going 0-10 from the 3-point arc, the Celtics did other things right--like committing only 2 turnovers in the second half and scoring 29 points off Jazz turnovers.

Ron Artest Isn't Walking Through That Door

Good thing, too. The last thing this team needs is a loose cannon to disrupt the emerging mix of veterans and youngsters under the brilliant tutelage of Coach Doc Rivers.

The results of this hard work were evident in last night's satisfying 85-71 win over the similarly Artest-less Pacers. Captain Paul Pierce threw down 25 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the victory and Mark Blount (rumored by some as part of a trade for Artest) nailed a season-high 22.

But it was the defense, the hallmark of the great Celtic teams of the past, that shone brightly on this night at the Toronto Dominion BankNorth Garden (let's not forget that the place is named after Canadian bankers!). Maybe the Marcus Banks activation has lit a fire under the whole Celtics team. Good.

"Banks"North Garden?

Today marks the return to practice of Celtics point guard Marcus Banks. Missing around 2 months with a shin injury, he may be the spark the 16-time World Champs need to get their groove back after a sluggish road trip through the D***B Belt (politically-corrected for no apparent reason).

While Delonte West has performed admirably in the role, it has been, at times, a spotty record. Banks may be the needed element to put this offense right. Banks will be an unrestricted free agent after this year, so he has every incentive to light it up for the C's for the balance of this campaign.

More than anything, this squad need consistency from everyone other than Paul Pierce and Ricky Davis (who thought this guy would ever be a pillar of strength?).

NOT Slip, Sliding Away

Chances are Paul Simon was lurking somewhere in the stands. And Spike Lee and Billy Crystal. The Knicks still stink. So it was gratifying that, although the C's let a 14-point 3rd period lead slip away, they did not let the game slide into the "L" column.

Paul Pierce continues to let his manifold critics learn "The Truth", namely, that he is playing the best baketball of his career (29.9 pts, 11 boards in the last 4 games). The 102-99 victory helped the Celtics land in an effective 3-way tie for first in the division.

Ricky Davis had another strong game (27 pts.), hitting key free throws with under 10 seconds to go to help seal the win.