X-Man and 'Nique Can't Stop the Bleeding; Celtics Lose by 30 at Home

X-Man and 'Nique Can't Stop the Bleeding; Celtics Lose by 30 at Home

March 11, 1995

The Celtics have lost by more than 30 points at home seven times and only twice since 1970. But Xavier McDaniel is hoping that last night's 111-81 defeat against New Jersey will motivate them.

"Hopefully, the guys will play a little harder, a little more aggressively," McDaniel said. "We are definitely not out of this completely."



It was the Celtics' worst home loss since a 102-71 defeat against Indiana at Hartford Nov. 22, 1993.

Inside defense was probably the Celtics' worst shortcoming. They blocked no shots and the Nets had nine blocks, including four by Derrick Coleman.

"I don't know which group of guys is going to show up," McDaniel said, "the group which beat Phoenix and Orlando or the one last night. Most of the time, this is the team that has showed up. We are just going to have to go out and compete. We are just going to have to play harder, go all out.

"We sit and watch while the other team shoots, instead of running out and double-teaming like they do. We were walking out after them. We were letting them get great position, and all of a sudden, we are out of it."

Dominique Wilkins appeared disconsolate and was barely encouraged by the prospect of his former team, Atlanta, visiting tomorrow.

"I don't know what to say," Wilkins said. "This is getting ridiculous. It's disappointing. There is something we can do about it, but actually doing it is the problem. It's a difficult situation.

"I'm looking forward to playing Atlanta, but I am doing it on a down note, unfortunately."

The defeat could go far in determining the Celtics' playoff chances. But McDaniel was optimistic before the game.

"First, we want to get to the playoffs," he said. "But we want to get some momentum going into the playoffs and be playing hard and playing together."

A lot of success - before last night

The Celtics had won 72 of 99 previous meetings with New Jersey, including a 92-78 victory Feb. 4 . . . The Nets' proposed nickname change to the Swamp Dragons has been rejected by the NBA, according to a team source . . . Atlanta has won six of its last eight games.