Pierce Not Enough as Celtics Fall to Blazers

By Nathan in Celtics, Featured, Top Story ⋅ February 25, 2013 at 12:04am ⋅ Post a comment

Paul Pierce recognized that the rest of his team’s shots were off on Sunday night, so he took things into his own hands. Despite 23 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds from Pierce, the Celtics couldn’t overcome the Trail Blazers in Portland and fell 92-86.

Kevin Garnett hit a hook shot over LaMarcus Aldridge to knot the score at 86 all late in the fourth, but a Damian Lilllard and-one followed by a Wesley Matthews step-back three sunk the Celtics.

Garnett had 20 points and nine boards, but the usually steady Celtics’ bench had trouble getting it going in Portland. The reserves scored just 19 points on 7-for-26 shooting. As a team the Celtics shot just over 42 percent from the field and made just two of their 13 three point attempts.

Rebounding continues to be a huge issue for the Celtics on their current west coast road trip. Sunday, the Celtics were out-rebounded by the Blazers, 47-36.

Matthews led the Trail Blazers with 24 points and Nicolas Batum added 18 points and six rebounds for the Blazers. All the Blazers starters scored in double figures. J.J. Hickson had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Celtics look to finish their road trip strong as they travel to Salt Lake City to battle Al Jefferson and the Utah Jazz. The Celtics are currently 1-3 on their five game western road trip.

Tags: Damian Lillard, J.J. Hickson, Kevin Garnett, LaMarcus Aldrige, Nicolas Batum, Paul Pierce, Portland Trailblazers, Wesley Matthews