12/27/12: Celtics @ Clippers Stat Pack

*The Los Angeles Clippers have had more steals than their opponent in their last 18 games, the 3^rd-longest streak in the NBA in the last 25 years.
–1^st: 1993-94 Atlanta Hawks (24 games)
–2^nd: 1993-94 Seattle SuperSonics (21)
–3^rd: 2012-13 Los Angeles Clippers (18)

*The Celtics and Clippers are 2 of the best in shooting percentage and ball handling this season. They both rank in the Top 5 in FG% and in the Top 10 in Assist to Turnover Ratio. This game could be determined by which team is better at shooting and ball handling.
–This season, the Celtics are 12-4 when having more assists than their opponent and 11-3 when having a better FG%.
–The Clippers are an impressive 17-1 when they have more assists and 19-1 when having a better FG%.

*The Celtics go as Jared Sullinger goes.
–The Celtics are now 5-0 when he shoots at least 60% from the field (minimum 3 field goal attempts)
–The Celtics are now 6-1 when he plays more than 20 minutes.
–Another note about Sullinger: his plus/minus of +21 on Christmas Day is a career-high for him.

*The Celtics have faced the Clippers on December 27^th five different times in NBA history, all have which been home games for the Clippers.
–The Clippers won the last 2 meetings on December 27^th.
–Before those 2 games, the Celtics had won the previous 3 meetings on December 27^th.

*After the Celtics victory on Tuesday, they are now 4-0 on at least 3 days of rest this season (excluding opening night against the Heat).
–Unfortunately for Boston, the next time the team officially has at least 3 days of rest going into a game will be after the All-Star break in late February.

*Jamal Crawford, who is on his 5^th team in the last 5 seasons, leads the NBA in single-player plus/minus at +245.
–For a bench player, that is an unbelievable accomplishment about one-third the way through a season.
–4 other Clippers players are in the Top 15 in single-player plus/minus this season.
–Kevin Garnett is the Celtics’ best plus/minus player at +84 (48^th overall).

*2012-13 PER Rankings (3 each for Celtics and Clippers in Top 50)
–1^st: LeBron James (29.7)
–3^rd: Chris Paul (26.4)
–9^th: Blake Griffin (23.5)
–26^th: Paul Pierce (20.9)
–27^th: Eric Bledsoe (20.8)
–36^th: Rajon Rondo (20.1)
–44^th: Kevin Garnett (19.2)

*The Celtics are 10-1 when holding opponents to fewer than 95 points this season.
–They held the Nets to 76 points on Christmas Day, the fewest for a team against the C’s this season.

*The Celtics are nearly unbeatable at home when Avery Bradley plays at least 10 minutes. The Celtics are extremely awful without Bradley on the road.
–Since beginning of 2011-12 season, the Celtics’ home regular season record when Bradley plays at least 10 minutes: 20-4 (.833).
–Their road regular season record when Bradley plays less than 10 minutes or not at all: 6-15 (.286).

*The Celtics regular season records with and without Bradley are also staggering.
–Regular season with Bradley playing at least 10 minutes: 34-15 (.694).
–Regular season without Bradley playing 10 minutes: 19-25 (.432).


*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
23. Adrian Dantley 23,177
24. Elgin Baylor 23,149
25. Paul Pierce 23,144            (Pierce needs 6 to move into 24^th place)

–All-Time NBA Regular Season Games Played–
14. Sam Perkins 1,286
T-15. Charles Oakley 1,282
T-15. Kevin Garnett 1,282            (Garnett needs 1 to move into sole possession of 15^th place)

12/25/12: Celtics @ Nets Stat Pack

*Since 2011-12 (including the postseason), the Celtics are 40-19 when Avery Bradley plays at least 10 minutes. When he does not, they are 23-30.
–I guess Rajon Rondo has as much confidence in this statistic as most Celtics fans because he said, “We’re going to be a completely different team, just with one player coming back. [Bradley is] the X Factor. He’s going to be the key to why we win the championship. He brings a lot to the team in terms of intangibles, the way he cuts offensively. His pressure defensively is going to raise everyone else’s pressure. His defense is going to make us a lot better.”

*Coming into Christmas Day, the Celtics have lost 5 straight road games, which is the team’s 2nd longest regular season streak of this type since 2007-08.
–Longest: 7 games (April to December 2011).

*Since the Nets’ last victory over the Celtics (November 28), the Nets have gone 4-8.
–In that span, the Celtics are 5-6.

*The Nets play at the lowest pace in the league this season (90.1 possessions per game).
–The Celtics play at the 17^th highest pace (94.1).

*On Friday, Jason Terry had his worst career FG% (6.7%) when attempting more than 10 shots.
–The Celtics are 6-2 this season when Terry has a FG% of at least 60% (7-11 otherwise).

*Via Zach Lowe: “Jason Terry needs to be more involved in Boston’s offense. Usage rate [is] a career low [and] that of a role player.”
–Although Terry’s usage rate is now only 17.2%, it’s changing for the better. He had a usage rate of over 21% in 3 of the last 5 games. In addition, he’s been deservedly getting more shots.
–Over Terry’s first 15 games with the Celtics, he averaged only 7.7 field goal attempts per game. He had at least 10 shots in only 3 of those games.
–In his last 11 games, he has averaged 10.7 field goal attempts per game. He has had at least 10 shots in 8 of those games.

*Chris Wilcox being out 3-4 weeks is a tough loss for the Celtics.
–Boston is 7-1 this season when Chris Wilcox plays more than 15 minutes (5-10 otherwise).

*The Celtics have been very good on at least 3 days rest this season.
–Excluding opening night against the Heat, the Celtics are 3-0 on at least 3 days of rest this season.
–The Celtics’ small sample statistics are a little skewed by the double overtime game with Dallas, but Boston still averages the team’s best free throw attempts (30.0 free throw attempts per game) and best rebounding (43.7 rebounds per game) on at least 3 days rest.

*Via ESPN: Coming into Tuesday, the Celtics have played 28 Christmas games all-time. Their 29^th in 2012 ties them for the fourth most Christmas games in NBA history.
–1^st: Knicks (48 coming into Tuesday)
–2^nd: Lakers (39)
–3^rd: Pistons (32)

*If the Celtics end up acquiring DeMarcus Cousins (21^st in Hollinger’s Rebound Rate), they would then have 3 of the Top 100 in Hollinger’s Rebound Rate. The Nets currently have 3 players in the Top 26.
–1^st: Anderson Varejao (23.4)
–2^nd: Reggie Evans (23.2)
–10^th: Kris Humphries (19.0)
–23^rd: Jared Sullinger (17.7)
–26^th: Andray Blatche (17.0)
–T-67^th: Kevin Garnett (14.3)

*For the first time in Paul Pierce’s career, he has scored at least 32 points in 3 straight home games.

*Via Elias: Pierce is the 2^nd oldest player in history with at least 35 points in consecutive games. The only older player to do this was Michael Jordan.

*The Celtics are 6-1 this season when Kevin Garnett scores at least 18 points.


*Around the NBA:

–Including the 2012-13 season, the Atlanta Hawks have started 16-9 in each of the last 3 seasons.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
23. Adrian Dantley 23,177
24. Elgin Baylor 23,149
25. Paul Pierce 23,136            (Pierce needs 14 to move into 24^th place)

In Nash’s Return, Lakers Rally From Down 14 To Win Fourth Straight

While it may not have been the prettiest win for the Los Angeles Lakers, it was one of their most impressive ones of the young 2012-13 NBA season. If it not had been for Steve Nash, who played for the first time since October 31, the Lakers would not have been able to win their fourth straight game, a new season-high for the team.

The Lakers entered the fourth quarter trailing by 13 points at Oracle Arena on Saturday night, but made a tremendous comeback against the Warriors. After shooting only 30 for 73 (.411) from the field and 5 for 18 (.278) on three-pointers in the first three quarters, the Lakers bounced back with fantastic shooting in the fourth quarter and overtime. In the final 17 minutes of the game, they shot 19 for 34 (.559) overall and 4 for 9 (.444) from deep.

Kobe Bryant, who spurred the comeback with his 13 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, credited Nash’s return to lineup as a huge part of the team’s success: “It's easy. It's very easy. It's beyond easy [to play with Nash].”

Mike D'Antoni also complimented the point guard, “The guy is a winner. There was a difference before the game. He changes everything. He changes the whole perspective.”

After missing 24 consecutive games due to a fractured leg, Nash ran the offense exceptionally well and played a remarkably high number of minutes in his return as he set new season-highs with 12 points and 9 assists. “To play 40 minutes after seven weeks was more than I could ask for,” Nash commented. “I know it will be sore and painful, but I'm used to that.”

Nash’s defense remains suspect though as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Jarrett Jack combined for 67 of the Warriors’ 115 points. As always, Nash was occasionally beaten off the dribble, but the Lakers understand that Nash’s positive attributes far outweigh his failures on the defensive end.

Nash’s last two buckets highlighted his night in Golden State. His first was a three-pointer with 1:46 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Lakers a 103-102 lead. Then in overtime, after Curry hit a three-pointer to bring the Warriors within one point of the Lakers, Nash scored on a fadeaway jumper to bring the Lakers’ lead back to three. That important jump shot forced the Warriors into attempting a three-pointer on their final possession of the night. Curry missed it and Los Angeles took the victory.

Nash and the Lakers now have two well-earned days off before their Christmas Day clash with the New York Knicks at the Staples Center. Los Angeles will be looking to get back to .500 for the first time since they were 8-8 about a month ago.

Avery Bradley May Return For Christmas Day

According to Mark Murphy, Doc Rivers said that Boston Celtics injured shooting guard Avery Bradley may return for the first game of the team’s upcoming road trip, Christmas Day at Barclays Center against the Brooklyn Nets. After having multiple shoulder surgeries during the offseason, the Celtics best on ball defender could make a huge impact for the team that struggled out of the gate this year.

It should not be overstated how well the Celtics have performed when Bradley has played. Since the beginning of the 2011-12 NBA season, including the playoffs, the Celtics have a 40-19 record when Bradley plays at least 10 minutes. When he does not, they are 23-30.

Bradley is one of the main reasons that the Celtics had the second-best defensive efficiency in the league last season. The 2012-13 Celtics have struggled to be consistent on defense, so it will be very important to see him return to the team after missing the Celtics’ first 26 games of the season.

Also on Sunday, Jessica Camerato reported that Celtics backup big man Chris Wilcox will miss three to four weeks with a sore right thumb injury. The Celtics need to find frontcourt depth soon via trade, but for the time being, Fab Melo should be called up from the D-League to help.

Steve Nash Will Return After A 24-Game Absence

The 2012-13 season can now begin for the 12-14 Los Angeles Lakers. There are multiple reports that Steve Nash will start Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena.

Nash will be returning from his fractured leg injury after missing 24 consecutive games. He has played in only two regular season games as a Laker and put up just 6.5 points and 5.8 assists per 36 minutes. Since it is such a small sample size of about 50 minutes, I am confident that Nash will be a huge help for this Lakers team.

Entering Saturday’s games, the Lakers are the only current non-playoff team to have a positive scoring differential. While the Lakers may struggle a little to bring Nash back into the fold, this team is on the rise. The Lakers look to extend their longest winning streak of the season to four straight games on Saturday. While it may not show tonight, Nash’s strong ball handling, passing, scoring and leadership will greatly benefit the Lakers in the long run.

12/21/12: Celtics vs. Bucks Stat Pack

*The Celtics are now 7-0 this season when Paul Pierce makes at least 3 three-pointers.

*The Celtics are 6-1 this season when Kevin Garnett scores at least 18 points.

*Rajon Rondo now has gone 3 consecutive games with fewer than 10 assists.
–This is only his 2^nd such streak of 3 or more games since the beginning of the 2011-12 season.
–The other streak: 4 games (January 14 to February 3, 2012).

*The Bucks like Fridays much more than the Celtics do this season.
–The Celtics are 2-4 on Fridays this season. This is their worst winning percentage on a day in 2012-13 (minimum 3 games).
–The Bucks are 4-1 on Fridays this season. This is their best winning percentage on a day in 2012-13 (minimum 2 games).

*Wednesday’s game was the first one in Pierce’s career that he shot better than 75% from the field on at least 15 field goal attempts.

*In addition, on Wednesday, Pierce became only the 2^nd non-big man this decade to score at least 40 points on 16 or fewer field goal attempts.
–The last 3 players to score at least 40 points on 16 or fewer FG attempts:
1. Paul Pierce (December 19, 2012): 40 points on 13 of 16 FG shooting.
2. Gilbert Arenas (February 25, 2006): 46 points on 13 of 16 FG shooting.
3. Reggie Miller (January 23, 1996): 40 points on 12 of 16 FG shooting.

*When Jason Terry is in the starting lineup this season, the Celtics are 11-6.
–When he does not start, they are 2-6.

*The Celtics have a 9-4 home record this season, the 4^th best one in the Eastern Conference.
–They have the 6^th worst road record (4-8) in their conference.

*The Celtics have a 5-7 (.417) record this season after a victory, which ranks as the 8^th worst winning percentage after a win in the NBA.
–They have a 8-4 (.667) record after a loss, which ranks as the 8^th best winning percentage after a loss.

*Before Wednesday, the last time Jason Collins fouled out was against the Celtics.
–In 23 minutes, Collins fouled out on Wednesday. He scored 1 point.
–In 22 minutes, as a member of the Hawks, Collins fouled out on May 1, 2012 (Game 2 of the first round series: Celtics won 87-80). He scored 2 points.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Free Throws Made–
11. Charles Barkley 6,349
12. Reggie Miller 6,237
13. Paul Pierce 6,236                        (Pierce needs 2 to move into 12^th place)

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
23. Adrian Dantley 23,177
24. Elgin Baylor 23,149
25. Paul Pierce 23,101            (Pierce needs 49 to move into 24^th place)

12/18/12: Celtics @ Bulls Stat Pack

*Before the Celtics victory over the Bulls on November 12, 2012, the Celtics had only won once in the previous 6 meetings.
–The Celtics’ 101 points on November 12 were the most by either team in the last 7 meetings.

*The Chicago Bulls are 10-3 this season in games in which they’ve attempted more free throws than their opponent (3-7 otherwise).
–Opponents have attempted more free throws than the Celtics in 15 games this season. The Celtics record in those games is 6-9 (6-2 otherwise).
–The Bulls attempted 31 free throws (24 made) and the Celtics attempted 16 free throws (16 made) in their first matchup this season. Those 7 missed free throws by the Bulls were the difference.

*Tonight is the Celtics’ first game on a Tuesday since opening night against the Miami Heat.
–The Celtics have played on each of the other 6 days since then.

*The Spurs came into Saturday’s game as the 5^th best three-point shooting team in the NBA, and they did not disappoint.
–The Celtics surrendered 12 threes to the Spurs, which was a season-worst for the Celtics.
–The Celtics are now 1-7 when giving up at least 8 three-pointers to an opponent this season in regulation.

*On Saturday, Tim Duncan tied his worst career field goal percentage when attempting more than 10 shots – 15.4% (2 for 13) on November 13, 2007 vs. the Lakers.
–The last time that Tim Duncan scored 5 or fewer points in a game was about a year ago (December 29, 2011).

*The Celtics have now lost 4 consecutive road games, their 2^nd-longest road losing streak since 2011-12. Their longest streak over the last 2 seasons: 5 games (February 10 to 22, 2012).
–The Celtics are also currently on a 4-game home winning streak.

*For the second consecutive game, the Celtics will be playing in a game where both teams are in the Top 3 in the league in Team Assists per Field Goals Made.
–1^st: San Antonio (.639)
–2^nd: Chicago (.636)
–3^rd: Boston (.631)

*The Celtics are now 0-4 this season in games that they used the starting lineup of Rondo, Lee, Pierce, Bass and Garnett.
–The starting lineup of Rondo, Terry, Pierce, Bass and Garnett is 9-4.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Regular Season Games Played–
15. Charles Oakley 1,282
16. A.C. Green 1,278
T-16. Kevin Garnett 1,278            (Garnett needs 1 to move into sole possession of 16^th place)

–All-Time NBA Minutes–
8. Gary Peyton 47,117
9. John Havlicek 46,471
10. Kevin Garnett 46,452            (Garnett needs 20 to move into 9^th place)
—            —            —            —            —            —            —            —            —
30. Walt Bellamy 38,940
31. Horace Grant 38,621
32. Paul Pierce 38,575            (Pierce needs 47 to move into 31^st place)

–All-Time NBA Three-Pointers Made–
6. Peja Stojakovic 1,760
7. Dale Ellis 1,719
8. Paul Pierce 1,717                        (Pierce needs 3 to move into 7^th place)

–Celtics History: All-Time Blocked Shots–
3. Larry Bird 755
4. Kendrick Perkins 646
T-4. Paul Pierce 646                        (Pierce needs 1 to move into sole possession of 4^th place)

–All-Time NBA Free Throws Made–
11. Charles Barkley 6,349
12. Reggie Miller 6,237
13. Paul Pierce 6,226                        (Pierce needs 12 to move into 12^th place)


For more Celtics coverage, follow Celtic-Nation and Adam Lowenstein on Twitter: @mycelticnation and @StatsAdam