February 8, 2010

We're a Defensive Team First

After a two-game absence due to a foot injury, Paul Pierce returned to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, but even he couldn’t propel the Celtics past the Orlando Magic.

Orlando stole a 96-89 road victory, and afterward, the Truth didn't mince words about Boston's defensive letdowns.

"We’re a defensive team first, and we shouldn’t allow teams to score 36 points," said Celtics captain Paul Pierce of Orlando's 36-point outburst in the third frame which turned an 11-point Celtics lead into a 14-point deficit. "Especially at home."

The Boston Herald noted that perhaps Paul’s leg might have affected him during the game.

"The Celtics captain, not moving particularly well, finished with 13 points and as many turnovers (three) as he had steals. He lasted for 30 somewhat belabored minutes in the 96-89 Garden loss to the Magic."

No. 34, however, was quick to shoot down that theory, never wanting to make excuses.

"The foot was a little bit sore, but I don’t think it restricted too much of my movement," said Pierce. "Like I’ve said, it’s soreness on the top part of my foot, so as far as my lateral movement up and down, it really didn’t matter."

The Truth did score 13 points and pulled down four rebounds. He also snagged three steals in the loss. Despite his nagging injury, No. 34 felt that it would be good to get some games in before the All-Star Break to determine where his body is physically. As The Boston Herald reported:

"Pierce also believes he needs to play these next two games to: 1) Build a rhythm for the West Coast road trip that follows the All-Star break, and; 2) Determine whether he can play in the All-Star Game.

"It’s definitely important, because I want to go into the break with a little momentum," he said. "We have a tough stretch coming up when we go out West, so I definitely want to get these next two."

As for the All-Star Game, it's obviously not the most pressing of the issues so The Truth will simply take a wait-and-see approach.

"See how it feels," Pierce said of whether he plans to play in the All-Star Game. "See how it feels tomorrow and Wednesday, and then see how it goes through the All-Star Game. If things don’t work out then they’re not going to work out."

Paul is still adjusting to the pain and inconvenience of the injury, but he plans to keep playing.

"But I’ve been able to move around on it. Even the day after I could walk on it. It’s odd – I’ve never had a sprain in that part of my foot. The hardest part is putting on the shoe."

NEXT UP
Paul and the Celtics travel to The Big Easy to take on Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST and can been seen on CSNHD or listened to on WEEI.

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