Its the end of the regular season road for the Celtics as its game 82 tonight against the New Jersey Nets. The Celtics have nothing to play for, but the Nets could have their road entirely over if they lose tonight. The Nets will be playing for the playoffs this evening, while the Celtics will be playing because its on the schedule.
The Nets are led by Mr. Vince Carter, who has averaged 27.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.7 apg, and 1.46 spg while shooting 46% from the floor and 42% from three point land since joining the Nets. Jason Kidd has paced the team with 14.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 8.3 apg, and 1.83 spg. Nenad Krstic has been the post option with 9.9 ppg on 48.8% shooting. In the playoff push in April, Krstic is averaging 13.7 ppg on 52% shooting with 7.0 rpg, including one 28 and 11 opburst against Orlando.
These teams met on April 9th, with the Nets winning 99-86. Vince Carter went 18-32 from the floor (7-9 from three) to get 45 points to go with 7 boards, 4 steals, a block and 3 assists. Nenad Krstic had 17 points and 8 boards. Jason Kidd went just 2-6 to get 4 points, but had 9 boards and 17 assists. Cliff Robinson was terrific with 11 points on 5-9 shooting to go with 7 boards and 5 steals. No one played particularly well for the Celtics, who were led by 16 points, 6 boards, 4 assits and two blocks by Paul Pierce. Ricky Davis had 14 points, 6 boards, and 5 assists off the bench. Those two were the only Celtics in double figures. Antoine Walker had 6 points and just 2 boards. Raef LaFrentz was solid with 9 points, 8 boards, and 2 blocks. Gary Payton had 4 points and 8 assists. Delonte West had 8 points (3-7 shooting) to go with 2 boards, and 2 steals. Al Jefferson had 5 and 6 off the bench. Mark Blount shot 4-5 for 8 points and 4 boards in 14 minutes.
I know this game doesn't matter for us, but I'd like to win it because the Nets annoy me. I want to see Doc put Tony Allen and Marcus Banks on Jason Kidd and Ricky Davis on Vince Carter with Kendrick Perkins in the paint. Leave Al Jefferson and Justin Reed as the other two guys on the floor and see what the kiddos can do. But forget Delonte. He can't do much.
GAME 82: Celtics (45-36) vs. New Jersey (41-40)
