The Boston Celtics lost the first three games this season for a variety of reasons. However, they might have won at least a couple of those games had they had the services of one Paul Pierce. Pierce is just that much of a difference maker.
The game last night against the New Jersey Nets was much like some of the early three games that the Celtics had lost. The team struggled to find any offensive rhythm. The team could not get their set plays off and the result was a wretched 34 point half. However, unlike the preciously mentioned first three games, Boston had Pierce to come to the rescue.
Pierce would erupt in the third quarter for nine points including two clutch threes to give Boston a comfortable lead. Pierce created more offense by driving to the basket and forcing the defense to respect him. This gave his teammates space to operate. The result was Boston scored 29 points in the third after the weak offensive outburst in the first half.
The bottom line is had Pierce been playing maybe the team beats the Knicks, Heat, or New Orleans. One knows that he would have had at least one quarter that he caught fire and rescued the struggling offense. This could have been the difference in close games against the Heat and Knicks. The blowout by New Orleans might not have happened had Pierce been able to get going early and make sure the Hornets never would have had the confidence of playing without he lead. I mean if nothing else Pierce playing would have been less time Sasha Pavlovic was on the floor and that always helps the winning cause.
The great news is Pierce is back and brings his solid offensive game to the table. Since his return the team is 4-0 and is climbing the Eastern Conference standings. Those that believed Boston was dead should have awaited to see what Pierce brought to the table. Clearly Pierce makes them a title contender and a tougher team to beat than without him. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!
