Marbury Had Stellar Debut

By: Brendan Tyman

Playing his first game in a Boston uniform, Stephon Marbury played well enough to help the Celtics beat the Indiana Pacers 104-99. He also received a rousing ovation from the Garden crowd when he was first stepped on the court in the final seconds of the opening quarter.

Marbury tallied 8 points and 2 assists in 13 minutes of playing time. He also keyed the 16-4 run for the Celtics early in the 4th quarter as he made a couple of nice driving layups. Rajon Rondo recorded 17 assists. Ray Allen led all scorers with 30. Glen “Big Baby” Davis added 18 points

This was a back-and-forth contest, but the C’s controlled the final frame until the Pacers made a late run to cut their 13 point defecit to 4. Davis converted a key 3 point play and the Celts made some clutch free throws down the stretch to hold on to the victory.

T.J. Ford put up 23 points for Indiana. Troy Murphy contributed with 20 points and 13 boards.

On Sunday, the Detroit Pistons come into town hoping to stay on track after a win over Orlando last night.

Tough Loss In LA

By: Brendan Tyman

After putting together one of their best displays of team basketball, the Celtics left their flawless play in Denver. They lost to one of the biggest laughingstock franchises in the NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers. LA has not been kind to Boston this year as the C’s have lost to both the Lakers and the Clippers at the Staples Center this season.

Boston had 21 turnovers and shot just 68 percent from the charity stripe. Despite playing through a dislocated thumb in the 2nd half, Paul Pierce finished with 20 points. Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo each scored 17.

Coming off a suspension for punching Louis Amundson in the face, Zach Randolph killed the Celts with 30 points and 12 boards. Marcus Camby also posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Baron Davis knocked down 16 and recorded 7 rebounds.

After the C’s took an 82-73 lead early in the 4th quarter, the Clips went on a 20-9 run to close the game.

Mikki Moore added 4 points and 2 assists in his Celtic debut.

The Celtics finished the 6-game swing with a record of 4-2 and now find themselves behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

C’s Add Moore, Possibly Marbury

By: Brendan Tyman

With today’s announcement of the signing of recently released Mikki Moore, the Celtics improved their roster as far as depth is concerned. The day got even better with the news of the New York Knicks buying out Stephon Marbury’s contract and likely coming to Boston.

Marbury brings some baggage with him because he has been known as a malcontent throughout his career. This move will work if he buys into the team concept that the Celts employ. He is playing for a new contract (think Manny Ramirez) and teams will refuse to sign him if he causes trouble.

On the court, Marbury gives the squad a legitimate backup point guard who can handle the ball. This will allow Eddie House to do what he does best, which is shoot. “Starbury” just needs to be a complementary player.

Meanwhile, Moore is a 7-footer who brings size and energy. He has played with the C’s before when he was signed to a 10-day contract in 2002-’03.

Overall, the Celtics gain depth with these moves at a needed time. After trading Sam Cassell and Patrick O’Bryant last week, they created roster spots for these moves to happen. It could not have come at a better time as Boston currently has 10 players active with Tony Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Brian Scalabrine being out for an extended period.

These signings could determine how the Celtics perform in the playoffs because Marbury and Moore will be able to compete come playoff time since they were signed before Sunday, the deadline for organizations to add ballplayers who could be placed on the playoff roster .

Boston Paces by Phoenix Without Garnett

By: Brendan Tyman

The Celtics defeated the Suns by a 128-108 score. Without Kevin Garnett out, the Celts were led by the strong backcourt play of Rajon Rondo (celebrating his 23rd birthday today) and Ray Allen.

Rondo tallied 32 points with 10 dimes as he schooled Steve Nash throughout the contest. Allen added 31 and missed the first free throw in his last 72 attempts. Paul Pierce finished with 26 points despite starting 1 for 8.

The C’s shot 63 percent from the field and put up 16 points on the break.

Jason Richardson led Phoenix with 21 points. Nash knocked down 19 with 11 assists. The Suns just refused to play defense. They were missing their leading scorer, Amare Stoudemire, who had eye surgery on Friday.

Boston is currently 3-1 on this West Coast trip. They will be in Denver tomorrow night as they square off against the Nuggets.