March 30, 2009

Weekend of Wins

Boston racked up a pair of wins over the past weekend, largely because of the Truth.

Sunday night, Paul used a 20-point second half to get the Boston Celtics a road win 103-84 over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Truth, who finished with 27 points, three rebounds and three assists, and the Cs scored 15 of the fourth quarter’s first 20 points to take control of the game. The bench helped out as Eddie House finished with 16 points and Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who’s starting in place of KG, finished with a double-double, 19 points and 10 rebounds.

"I thought our whole bench played well," No. 34 said to the Boston Globe. "If you talk about Eddie, you've got to talk about Stephon, you've got to talk about Mikki Moore. Those guys, in the second quarter really gave us a spark, and it kind of carried over for the rest of the game."

Paul is the only Celtic that has played in every game this season. The Cs have seven games left in the regular season with five home games.

"Good home stretch here over the next couple weeks," Paul said to The Boston Globe. "Some time for us to get together some wins. With the playoffs right around the corner, get some bodies healthy, hopefully, these next two weeks, we can do a little of both."

THE TRUTH REGAINED HIS TOUCH
After a anomalous three-game period where Paul did not score in double figures, he's found his stroke. 

"He just loves basketball," coach Doc Rivers said to The Boston Globe. "He never sits out a practice even when he says he's going to not practice. He's just a wonderful guy to have on your team, obviously talent-wise, but the other stuff - when the young guys are tired and Paul's going the whole practice, it's tough for them to be tired.”

That drive was needed when the Cs got into foul trouble.

“When Baby [Davis] went out and we had foul trouble, I told [Paul], 'I've got to ride with you,' Rivers said, “[Paul said] 'Oh, I feel great, I'll play all night.' And that's how he feels every night."

NO. 34 SEALED THE DEAL
Paul’s made four free throws in the final minute to help the Cs get a 99-93 road win against the Hawks on Friday night.

Paul finished with 21 points, four rebounds and five assists.

The Cs had to play without KG, but No. 34 said the team can’t complain about injuries.

"We can't cry over spilled milk," Paul said to The Boston Globe. "Hopefully, [Garnett] can just be healthy for the playoffs. Right now, that's the main concern. Kevin is going to do what he needs to do to get back out there. Meanwhile, the guys have to do what they need to do to step up."

The Captain got some help from Big Baby who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

No. 34 and the Cs have won three games over the Hawks, including two on the road, after the Hawks won three home games and forced the Cs into a Game 7 in last year’s first-round playoff series. They play Atlanta once more in Boston.

IT IS PAUL ON TWITTER
In case you haven't heard, the Truth is on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/paulpierce34. And he is tweeting himself.

NEXT UP
No. 34 and the Cs head back home to take on the Bobcats on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM Eastern Time.

RELATED STORIES
Mind over matter for Celtics (The Boston Globe, Mar. 28, 2009)
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/03/28/mind...
No Garnett is No Problem (Associated Press, Mar. 29, 2009)
http://www.patriotledger.com/sports/pros/x1239302657/No-Garnett-is-no-pr...
Pierce, Celtics Just Too Much (The Boston Globe, Mar. 29, 2009)
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/03/30/pier...