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Celtics fans from the Paul-Pierce Era had a few moments of concern in the pre-season, and even into the early regular season. The Celtics had certainly improved themselves by acquiring All-Stars Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, not to mention Scot Pollard, Eddie House, and James Posey. But even Paul-Pierce fans had to admit they saw a couple of troubling signs from the Captain.
1. Driving into traffic, even when the "traffic" represented a double or triple team
2. Trying to plow through the traffic with his head down, instead of hitting the open man
3. Turning the ball over or taking ill-advised shots as a result of 1. and 2.
Part of the problem stemmed from the fact that Pierce was the only starter on the floor when he fell into old habits. The other part of the problem is that he hadn't learned to trust his teammates, understandable, of course, given that he had been surrounded by young and undependable players for two straight years.
Not so any more.
Pierce is still driving to the hoop and drawing multiple defenders, but now he is pulling up and spotting open teammates, such as second-unit member Eddie House, who's been draining 3s like he was shooting layups.
Additionally, Tony Massarotti, from the Boston Herald, reports that Pierce is defending like the old Paul Pierce, the Paul Pierce who when he came into the league got the toughest assignments on defense. Last night he drew THREE charges. I certainly don't remember him doing that at any time last year.
Over the first four games, Pierce is shooting 48% from the floor, including 8-15 and 10-15 efforts the last two nights. He is also averaging close to 5 caroms and 5 dimes per game.
Finally, when was the last time in the history of humankind that the Top 10 plays of the night included TWO clips of Paul Pierce PASSING????
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