Even with a full lineup, the New Jersey Nets are not going to be good. With their three best players-Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries-all out with injuries, the Boston Celtics took advantage last night by winning the preseason-esque game 89-70 at TD Garden.
Boston's fourth win in a row was accomplished without Ray Allen, who sat out with the flu. I guess that proves that he's not a robot constructed by UConn coach Jim Calhoun.
New Jersey (1-6) is on another smooth path to a lottery pick which is a positive thing given next year's draft that should be loaded. Did I mention that they're moving to Brooklyn, NY?
The only two subplots that remotely interest me from this forgettable game were the performances of Nets rookie MarShon Brooks (17 points in his first NBA start) and Celtics second-year guard Avery Bradley (11 points, 2 steals, 1st NBA 3-pointer). Like myself, Brooks graduated from Providence College so it's extremely gratifying to see him make such an impact already coming out of a small school and a recently awful team.
I have hated on Bradley since the Celtics drafted him. He seems like a nice kid but I just wonder what dad, uncle or AAU coach was in his ear to leave Texas after one season. He simply wasn't ready for the rigors of the NBA. However, maybe after this game he'll gain some confidence and start to produce. Everybody knows how old the Celtics are so as their youngest player, he could have value.
Paul Pierce had a game-high 24 points, six rebounds and five assists. Kevin Garnett had 14 points and 12 rebounds while Brandon Bass had 15 points and a career-high 13 points off the bench.
Jordan Farmer (11 points) was the only other Net to score in double-figures.
Boston's bench outscored New Jersey's 36-31 in what will likely be a high-water mark for the regular season.
In a truly putrid first half, Boston led 18-17 after the first quarter but thanks to Brooks' 15 points, New Jersey was up 35-34 at halftime. The Celtics rolled to a 29-12 third quarter and 26-23 fourth quarter.
Things figure to pick up as the Celtics end their five-game homestand with three matchups with quality opponents: Indiana, Dallas and Chicago.
The Pacers (4-2) are at TD Garden on Friday night and it's not hyperbole to say I think Indiana will be in the 4-6 range when the Eastern Conference playoffs are set. They are an unsung young team with some talent (Danny Granger, Darren Collison, Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansbrough). Who knows, maybe Larry Bird will grace us with his presence.
UPDATE 1/5: Allen didn't practice today and he's questionable for tomorrow night.
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