Paul Pierce needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror NOW before playoffs.

[chambers]

I read constant criticism of Rondo, Baby, Green, the Perk trade, Troy Murphy coming up short...I could go on...and some of it is warranted.
What I don't see is criticism that should be aimed at Paul Pierce and his complete lack of effort or care in this home stretch.
Ray is trying for the most part, KG is playing his heart out and Rondo has picked it up and started getting back on track.
Paul was given credit for holding his chin up while Rondo was struggling after the trade and pulling us through some tough games.
But I am extremely worried that he just doesn't care very much right now. His effort on defense is unlike anything I've seen from him in the past 4 years. It's like it's 2005 again. Guys blowing by him, his constant refusal to make the extra pass to an open Ray Allen over and over.
Has anyone noticed this common pattern lately?
1) Pierce gets the ball at the high post.
2) Pierce gets a screen for isolation, dribbles across and his defender covers him in time, forcing Pierce into a bad pass or a bad shot.
3)Opposing team gets the ball and sprints down the court for a fast break (including Pierces man).
4) Paul Pierce is off camera still arguing/chirping with the referee in a manner which reminds me of Kobe Bryant.
He is jogging up with one eye on the play whilst barking at the ref.
Meanwhile the other team has scored an easy two points and has had time to get back on defense.

I hate to criticise these guys because I love them but I haven't heard many people giving him a hard time at all.
Okay he's still scoring nicely but his overall effort on the defensive end is really concerning.

I'm sure he'll pick it up after some time off before the playoffs but just because he is scoring 15-20 points per game doesn't give him the right to turn into Tracy Mcgrady. (Harsh but that's the way I feel about his effort at the moment).
I feel like in his post game interviews he is talking about himself- particularly vs Chicago and Miami in two crucial games where his lack of effort was a major factor. Deng and Lebron simply punked him.

breathe in....breathe out....

[GreenFaith1819]

Well, I don't know...I didn't see all of the CHI game, but I know that in the MIA game tonight Paul seemed to be giving it his all...

If anything, Rajon Rondo seemed indifferent tonight. PGA appeared as though they wanted the game.

This team's motor is Rajon Rondo, and if he is not engaged, for whatever reason, The Boston Celtics cannot win.

[Change]

sarcasm  Right?

[letsgoblue86]

His lack of effort didn't seem to affect his performance too much: 23 pts and 7 rebs on 9-14 shooting.  Although he made a couple of Tony Allen-esque plays today with his passing.

[throwedoff]

Wat??? he'seen playing te best ball on this team lately today he had 24 points on 9-14 shooting and 7 rebounds it's hardly Pierce's fault IMO

[chambers]

This is what a I mean.
He is scoring well but his defense is not up to par.
It's like scoring 20 points gives him a free pass.
He's the key to shutting down tan opposing teams point forward.
He shouldn't be jogging back and arguing with refs.
Deng and Lebron both >Pierce recently.

[GreenFaith1819]

His lack of effort didn't seem to affect his performance too much: 23 pts and 7 rebs on 9-14 shooting.  Although he made a couple of Tony Allen-esque plays today with his passing.

And even with those mistakes....if a certain PG was doing his job then maybe Paul wouldn't need to have the ball in his hands...

Look - I've harped on Rajon enough tonight. I haven't been this negative on a Celtics player in a long time.

But Rajon Rondo did not look Celtic-Like to me, tonight. I love the player, but for a guy to have huge games against the likes of San Antonio, NY, NOH, MIA (3 Times, at least)...and then seem indifferent tonight?

Un-Celtic.

[vinnie]

I thought Pierce was the best celts' player today.

[Carhole]

This is what a I mean.
He is scoring well but his defense is not up to par.
It's like scoring 20 points gives him a free pass.
He's the key to shutting down tan opposing teams point forward.
He shouldn't be jogging back and arguing with refs.
Deng and Lebron both >Pierce recently.

You are flat out wrong, I would love to watch the film with you. LBJ always gives him trouble. But deng hit OPEN jumpers late in that game to score his points and PP has had excellent effort on defense and on the glass since the trade - I repectfully disagree with your premise

[Carhole]

PS - he was also the only player today not to have a negative plus minus (not that I love that stat) I just have felt so much the opposite since the beginning of March. I feel like he has had bad games but his energy and toughness has been consistent

[KungPoweChicken]

Pierce and Garnett were the only players who showed up tonight. Moreover, Pierce has been the best Celtic player all year.

[Edgar]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHLkPlIQGeY

PP

[ejk3489]

I thought Pierce played pretty well offensively, but he had way too many careless passes that led to turnovers and eventually points in transition by the Heat. I thought that really killed us.

And I don't expect many people to agree with you. I think it's only acceptable to put the blame on Rondo and/or Baby.

[dasani]

Good post. At this point everyone is suspect.

[Jaycelt]

  Wow       

 We obviously weren't watching the same game.