Written by Ryan McNeill, HoopsAddict.com
BOSTON CELTICS
Recap Rewind: Heading into the Celtics game with the Timberwolves, Ricky Davis promised that he would stick it to his old teammates. With 0.2 seconds left Davis followed through with that promise as he nailed a jumper to secure a win for his Timberwolves and extend the Celtics losing streak to 18 games.
Notable News: Paul Pierce missed his first eight shots from the field in his return against the Nets (the worst 0-fer to begin any game of his NBA career)... The Celtics went 2-22 without Pierce... Wally Szczerbiak is sidelined with a sprained left ankle... The Celtics play six of their next seven games on the road... Antonio McDyess and Chris Webber combined to shoot 17-for-22 against Boston on Tuesday... Pierce leads the Celtics in points scored despite missing almost half of the season... Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (the tallest player in the NHL at 6'9") posed for pictures with Shaquille O'Neal before the Celtics game on Wednesday... Boston had a strong first quarter against Miami (27 points) but scored 31 points in the second and third quarter combined.
Fast Forward: After their game on the 14th against the Bucks they don’t play again until the 20th (which should allow Pierce and Szczerbiak to be healthy again).
NEW JERSEY NETS
Recap Rewind: After playing five games this week the Nets finished on a high note by winning their last three games. The problem for Nets fans is that the Raptors finished a three-week stretch where they went a sizzling 9-3.
Notable News: Tyronn Lue ripped the heart out of Nets fans last Sunday with a buzzer beater to give the Hawks a win in overtime... The Nets missed eight free throws in the fourth quarter and were 20-of-34 for the game against the Hawks last Sunday... The Nets loss to the 76ers on Tuesday was their second loss in overtime in 24 hours.... Richard Jefferson is still at home rehabbing his right ankle. He has progressed to the point of swimming as part of his rehabilitation. The Nets are 3-7 without him... Mikki Moore set a career-high by making nine free throws against the Celtics... The Nets played their 12th set of back-to-back games Saturday. They are 6-6 in the first game and 4-8 in the second.
Fast Forward: The Nets host the Spurs on Tuesday and then visit Toronto on Wednesday. Both teams should provide a tough test for the Nets, but if they can win both games they will be able to close the gap between themselves and the Raptors for the Atlantic Division crown.
NEW YORK KNICKS
Recap Rewind: While most of their division rivals played four or more games this week, the Knicks had a relatively easy week with just two games. New York took care of the Clippers on Tuesday, but lost to Utah in overtime on Saturday.
Notable News: Because he feels slighted about not making the All-Star team Eddy Cury recently got a tattoo "Bruised Never Broken" written across his chest... The Knicks rallied from 10 down in the first half to beat the Clippers on Tuesday. The rally was sparked by Stephon Marbury who scored 12 of his 15 points in an early second-half run... Jerome James had his third straight start when the Knicks played the Jazz on Saturday. Why isn’t David Lee getting the chance to start ahead of James?... Despite not eating all day and battling a stomach bug, Mehmet Okur still managed to score 29 points against the Knicks... Francis hadn't played since Dec. 29 because of tendinitis in his right knee, but is looking to return to the court next week.
Fast Forward: With games against a struggling Lakers squad and a Warriors team still in transition following their nine-player trade last month, the Knicks have a chance to win two straight games heading into the All-Star break.