12/03/2009 - 17:43
Paul, Cs Look to Continue Streak
by
Ward Lucas
Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics seek their sixth consecutive victory when they face the Spurs on Thursday night in San Antonio.
With both clubs logging consecutive wins for their last five games, the media has dubbed this matchup as a sample of what's to come at NBA season's end: KRGV.com reported:
In a possible preview of the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics will pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs tonight at the AT&T Center.
Both teams are riding five-game winning streaks, while the Atlantic Division- leading Celtics own a 14-4 mark and will continue a four-game road trip tonight. Boston has won the first two tests of the swing and is coming off Tuesday's 108-90 victory at Charlotte thanks to 27 points from sharp-shooting veteran Ray Allen.
The Spurs will look to control No. 34's and company's balance and ability to post double-digit points in an effort to continue their stride. But The Truth and a rolling Cs attack will have something to say about that.
Despite scoring a season-low eight points on Tuesday, Paul is still averaging 20.2 points per game over Boston's five-game winning streak. In two games against San Antonio last season, The Truth averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game.
ROAD WARRIORS
The Spurs have won four in a row at home this season, but the streak could be broken if more recent history repeats itself for Paul and the Celts. KRGV.com reports:
Both teams split a pair of meetings last season, with each club winning on the road. Boston has won four of the last five matchups in the series, but the Spurs own a 19-4 mark in the past 23 encounters. The Celtics have won three in a row after losing their previous 15 trips to the Alamo City.
It's also important to note that the Cs, at 7-1 away from home, boast the NBA's best road record this year. In Boston's eight road games, Paul has dropped an average of 15.7 points per game.
Boston's last three wins at AT&T Center were reminiscent of the Celts of old when they scored 20 straight victories against the Spurs from 1980 to 1990. While those are big shoes to fill, Paul and this generation of Cs have indeed charted their own legacy against the Spurs. A Spurstalk.com blogger quantified Boston's more recent milestones:
91-85, March 17, 2007: Tim Duncan suffers first loss to Celtics, who are led by Paul Pierce's 30 points.
93-91, March 17, 2008: Defending NBA champions drop their fourth straight, blowing a 22-point third-quarter lead to the eventual champs.
80-77, March 20, 2009: Spurs' Tony Parker misses four free throws in final 49.8 seconds.
Beating the Spurs on Thursday and continuing the streak is statistically probable, but history shows the game will be tight and winning won't be an easy feat with Tim Duncan in the Spurs' starting lineup. Duncan averaged 19 points and 11 boards per game against Boston last season.
NEXT UP
After a day of rest, the Truth and the Celtics are ready to settle the series score against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. Game three of the Cs road trip starts at 8 p.m. EST at the AT&T Center in San Antonio and the game airs on TNT and WEEI.
RELATED STORIES
Celtics, Spurs collide in Alamo City (krgv.com, Dec. 3, 2009)
http://www.krgv.com/sports/nba/san/story/Celtics-Spurs-collide-in-Alamo-...
Spurs vs. Celtics Preview (CBSsports.com, Dec. 2, 2009)
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gamecenter/preview/NBA_20091203_BOS@SA/celt...
Monroe: Former teammates to meet when Spurs face Celtics (Spurstalk.com, Dec. 3, 2009)
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3883715
