With Ray Allen joining the party late again, the Celtics' Big Three are back as a trio in the All-Star Game.
Commissioner David Stern yesterday named Allen the replacement for injured Orlando guard Jameer Nelson. For the second straight season, he will join teammates Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce on the All-Star roster as an injury replacement. The All-Star Game is Feb. 15 in Phoenix.
"I'm elated, ecstatic," Allen said. "Nine times [an All-Star] for me. When I think about where I came from with all the things I've wanted to do in my career, being in this game, it's a team game, to be recognized as one of the best, I'm always overjoyed. Regardless of how it comes, what team I was on, who my teammates were, to be considered one of the elite in this game is always an honor. I've always considered my time here in the league a privilege.
"I'm glad to represent this franchise because it's been one of the best. Also, being able to play alongside Kevin and Paul, I was so happy for them. But to be there alongside them is even a greater joy."
Allen is averaging 18.2 points after scoring 22 in last night's 110-109 overtime loss to the Lakers.
"[Allen] should have been on there, so it's really nice," coach Doc Rivers said. "Having those three guys on it is terrific. I was very happy with the news."
Revenge of sorts
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers had been anticipating a return to the Garden since losing in the NBA Finals in June.
"I'm still [angry], but it feels good to win this one," Bryant said. "This was important for us. I think the growth we had from last year to this year - when they went on those 8-0 runs, we kept our poise; last year 8-0 runs turned into a 15-2 run. That is something we couldn't weather and I think we've grown tremendously in our execution and our poise."
The Lakers were playing their third game in four nights on this trip, Bryant scoring 61 points at New York and 36 at Toronto. This time, he hit five field goals and had 10 points in the opening quarter, then shot 5 for 19 the rest of the way, winding up with 26 points. But Pau Gasol (24 points, 14 rebounds) made the difference.
"He played strong, he played physical," Bryant said. "That's what happens. A team against you is playing physical with you so you have to play physical right back.
"The best thing for us was to match their physical play. They are like the schoolyard bully - they take your lunch away. But I love that old-school stuff."
Rough stuff
Garnett recovered from the flu after missing wins against Minnesota (109-101) and Philadelphia (100-99) but fouled out with 4:22 remaining in regulation. That reflected the style of this one.
"I think there was a lot of chippiness," said Allen. "It's a playoff game. They still remember being in this building in June and being sent home with a frown on their face. That's what they sat home and thought about all summer."
Hot seats; same price
The Celtics announced yesterday that season-ticket balcony and loge prices will not be increased next season.
"After winning a championship and having another strong season, in other circumstances that would justify prices going up a bit," team president Rich Gotham said. "But we looked at what is going on around us [economically]. And we don't want to put up any barriers to people coming back."
Scalabrine eyes return
Brian Scalabrine (concussion) plans to join the Celtics for their Feb. 19 visit to Utah. Scalabrine, injured against Dallas Jan. 25, said he has been training on a treadmill and will be reevaluated Tuesday . . . Guard J.R. Giddens was sent to the Celtics' Development League affiliate, the Utah Flash. |
