Top > Sport > 2007 > February > 2007-02-13

Celtics on a Record Slump

The Boston Celtics dynasty includes a record 16 NBA championships, more than any other franchise. But it has been since 1986 that the city of Boston has cheered for Number 17, which has yet to come. This season has seen another record being set, even one that involves the magic number, and yet one that you will find not a single Celtic fan cheering for.

Friday night?s game against the New Jersey Nets ended with a 92-78 loss and the losing streak extended to 17, a franchise record, 13 of which are home game losses. The return of All-Star forward Paul Pierce, who has missed 24 games since December 20, 2006, was spoiled by the Carter-Kidd duo from New Jersey, who finished with 21 and 13 points, respectively. Kidd also added nine assists on their way to an easy win.

In the weeks without Pierce, the Celtics were a horrendous 2-22. He first sat out with a stress reaction in his left foot, then an infected elbow. His return was less than impressive, finishing the night with nine points on 4-16 shooting. Boston is fifth and last in the Atlantic Division, its 12-37 record the worst in the league. It has fans torn between hoping for improvement with the return of Pierce and wishing for the top lottery pick in next year?s draft, which might help them out with yet another young player and a brighter future.