Pierce Carries the Celtics

by Green17 on Nov 29, 2009 8:20 AM EST in Boston Celtics News & Links

I was going to write this article, or ask one of our authors to tackle it, but it seems as though Frank Dell'Apa at the Globe beat me to it. Particularly in the last few games, Paul Pierce has put the team on his back and pulled them to victory. That's not going to surprise anyone, we've seen Paul do this for 11 years now.

Just looking at the games this week, friday against the Raptors, Paul had 18, 5 and 7 in a balanced Celtics attack, but put down a dunk that made Chris Bosh look like he really was a used car salesman. The game before that against the 76ers, Paul put up 27, 6 and 6. Sunday against the Knicks, even though it was KG who hit the winner, it was Paul that won the game for the Celtics as Paul's line for the game was 33, 9 and 6. For the season he's averaging 20, 5 and 4, right around his career totals, in two fewer minutes per game.

Dell'Apa made some great observations on Paul's shooting numbers this year.

He is hitting 51.5 percent from the field, 46.3 percent on 3-pointers, and 84.9 percent on free throws. His career bests are 47.1 percent (2006) from the field, 41.2 percent (1998-99) on 3-pointers, and 84.3 percent on free throws (2007-08).

"I’m taking better shots,’’ Pierce said. "It’s the combination of a lot of things. It’s the offense, getting to open spots, it’s working every day. I’m just trying to get better and I’m working at it.’’

And Doc went about as far as one can in highlight Paul's great play

"He’s the MVP in the league as far as I’m concerned,’’ Rivers said. "Just all the things - leadership, preparation, his intensity on the floor, scoring, assisting. Even on nights he didn’t have big numbers, he made the timely baskets or made a timely defensive play. He’s just been very impressive.

"I just think he’s doing everything, making the extra pass. Early on [in Friday’s 116-103 win over Toronto], he had five shots he could have taken and passed them up to get to the next pass. He saw the action that led to the next action. He had a bunch, a ton of hockey assists, or soccer assists.

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Well, I thought so!

“Frank Dell’Apa at the Globe beat me to it.” Me, too!

When’s the last time you saw Paul Pierce make a desperation drive? Times past, he could be counted on to make desperation drives in traffic. Now, the Captain is picking his spots. And doing it with killer efficiency. If he has a lane, he takes it, but he’s just as apt to kill teams with pull-up jumpers and dagger threes, or hit the open man. .. Dont have the numbers in from of me, but his shooting % seems to be up. And while he has been scoring at critical points in the first 5 games, he isnt doing it by demanding the ball and forcing the issue, but by reading the situation and finding open space. Relying on craft, he has become more efficient.

http://www.celticsblog.com/2009/11/3/1112534/crafty-pierece-picking-his-spots

by Tenacious D on Nov 29, 2009 9:18 AM EST reply actions

The Truth, The Captain, The MVP, The Best

by makaveli on Nov 29, 2009 9:18 AM EST reply actions

His Defense Has Been Pretty Good Too

He epitomizes John Wooden’s dictum “Be quick, but never hurry.”

by Brickowski on Nov 29, 2009 9:24 AM EST reply actions

Along with another Wooden gem...

“Basketball does not build character…it merely reveals it.”

by Title 18 on Nov 29, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions

Oh ....Captain my Captain

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Nov 29, 2009 10:13 AM EST reply actions

He is a complete player

Paul has improved each and every year in the league. His game is so mature now, he forces nothing, always gives exactly what the team needs. He always could score, he still can, but is an excellent passer and decision maker on offense, gets the team into its sets when it needs to be settled down. He rebounds, defends at a high level, he is doing it all. It is easy to overlook this story line since he has been our “star” for so long now, but he really has evolved into one of the best all around players in the league.

by KJ33 on Nov 29, 2009 10:25 AM EST reply actions

Actually he hasn't improved every year

From 2003-2006 he regressed. But he has improved in each of the last three years.

by Brickowski on Nov 29, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

Regressed?

Please quantify, a bit of hyperbole to say he regressed during the prime of his career.

by KJ33 on Nov 29, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions

He Regressed.

Too many turnovers, lacadasical defense. His nadir came in game 7 of that first round playoff series against Indiana.

by Brickowski on Nov 29, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions

And The Post Game Press Conference after Game 6

L’affaire Tinsley.

by Brickowski on Nov 29, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions

he’s building himself a hof career. don’t overplay him doc. nice and steady goes it. he seems to have more hops this year.

by nazzbo on Nov 29, 2009 10:52 AM EST reply actions

It`s starting to look like the "Bad, Old Days" again...

Paul Pierce is all we`ve got…and he has to carry virtually the entire team.

by Title 18 on Nov 29, 2009 11:35 AM EST reply actions

Brick and Title 18 on a road trip together

Brick: Dude you got us lost!!!! You have no clue what you are doing!!! Keep in mind I am not being negative…just being a realist …you suck at driving.

Title 18: No worries Brick my man…..the car is going to breakdown soon and so we won’t get much more lost….

Brick: The car is going to break down?

Title 18: Yeah……..we’ve been traveling for about two hours now and nothing has happened yet so…it’s bound to happen soon.

Brick: Get in the back seat and shut up, I’ll drive….gaawd you suck.

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Nov 29, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

by the way

I really enjoy reading both of your posts on a daily basis and think you two are true fans…so no “hatin” intended to either one of you guys.
Just had a visual image of you two on a road trip together and had to express it…..i have flashbacks from the 70’s often…

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Nov 29, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

Not offended, Master Po

My recent, over-the-top negativity is really nothing more than a juvenile “defense mechanism”.

I`m hoping the Celts win every time they take the floor…but, at the same time, trying to distance myself from them emotionally.

Even though I was all pumped-up heading into this season, I now view the Celts as having no chance whatsoever in winning the 2010 crown.

IMHO, what we`re seeing right now is no slump. I see it as a foreboding trend that will continue throughout the Spring.

I know you go back to the 1967-68 Celtics. As for me, I am still irate over a buzzer-beating shot by Hal Greer, to force OT, and an eventual Boston loss, in Game 4 of the ECF.
The date was April 9, 1965!!!!!

by Title 18 on Nov 29, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

I stand humbled "older fan"

I was born a pessimist by the way ….I am either always right…..or pleasantly surprised when I am not…..

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Nov 29, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions

That is the only "logical" way to approach sports...

…as well as life!

by Title 18 on Nov 29, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions

He seems to be seeing the game in slow motion, and anticipating where he needs to go to be open.

He could not do that if the other guys weren’t there for decoys. And Perk’s offensive play is making it easier for him as well.

by johnnymost on Nov 29, 2009 12:08 PM EST reply actions

The Captain has carried this team to 4 or 5 wins this season. He is so unbelievable. Anybody who says he is too old hasn’t watched a game. He takes over whenever Rondo isn’t playing well and I just love the way he plays. he has matured so much since his younger days and its great to finally see him getting the respect he deserves.

by Bigpapi34 on Nov 29, 2009 1:48 PM EST reply actions