Celtics making forward progress

WALTHAM -- When Antoine Walker switched from No. 88 to No. 8, it was the last time the Celtics' numbers dipped significantly with the power forward back in uniform.

Boston has compiled a 9-1 record since Walker arrived from Atlanta at the trading deadline Feb. 24. Upon rejoining the organization, Walker knew he needed to adjust quickly to his new teammates and vice versa. There was precious little time (just 27 games at that point) before the regular season ended. But no one in the organization could have envisioned the reconstituted Celtics would succeed so quickly.

The Celtics' record with Walker, plus their relatively commanding 4 1/2-game lead over the 76ers in the Atlantic Division, show the difference he has made.

The Celtics' scoring average has increased from 100.5 points before Walker to 107.8 with him. Boston is averaging 43.5 rebounds with Walker, up from 40.5. Paul Pierce appears more confident and recently collected the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award. With a loss to Minnesota the lone exception, the Celtics have pulled out games late in the fourth quarter.

But before giving Walker all the credit, coach Doc Rivers offered an important caveat. Walker's success represents the right blend of talent and team. Walker, who was asked to be the low-post presence Boston needed, has filled that role and then some.

"Antoine is the No. 1 reason [the trade] has worked," said Rivers. "It has to start with the guy. He was willing to come into a different system and he has played within that system. He has done a terrific job and been very efficient. And I think the way we play fits his game more."

According to Walker, he felt pressure to do it all with the Hawks. With the Celtics, he looks to fit in among a talented group, supplying what is needed on any given night. Rivers sees Walker as a scoring option, though the coach constantly needs to remind players to look for him inside. Even though Walker has taken on a more complementary role in Boston, his numbers have hardly suffered. His field goal percentage has improved from 42 percent with Atlanta to 48.5 percent with Boston. He has had small decreases in points (20.4 to 19.1), rebounds (9.4 to 9.1), and assists (3.7 to 3.1). "I'm just trying to play basketball to the best of my ability on this team, whether it's being inside or outside," said Walker. "I don't have any set agendas. I just go out and try to give 110 percent effort every night. I know my emphasis is needed inside, because we have a lot of guys that's on the perimeter. Me and Gary [Payton] try to do a lot of the posting up to create double teams. Also, [I try] to be a presence on the block."But the biggest difference may be the Celtics' disposition, courtesy of Walker. He is a vocal leader in a way that Pierce is not. He offers positive, constructive criticism in a way Payton does not. The Celtics' late-game success is no coincidence. Former teammate Eric Williams, who was in town with Toronto, knows firsthand how powerful a voice Walker can be.

"You need a personality on the court like that," said Williams. "That puts in a little bit extra for the team. They know that Antoine is going to be talking and doing this and that. People don't understand that's more a part of the game than anything."

Before Walker reteamed with Pierce, it was no secret the team's leading scorer believed he needed to do it all. He was shooting 44 percent and averaging 21.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. While those numbers have stayed basically the same, Pierce has become a more consistent performer, buoyed by Walker. The two often confer on the bench. When not sharing a good laugh, they talk strategy.

"[The improved play overall] is some of Antoine," said Rivers. "You have to give him his credit, not only because of his play, but because of his presence, his optimism. He's a positive guy on the bench, in the locker room. Starting to play well, adding Antoine, getting Gary back, all those things have helped us."

When asked if the adjustment period has gone better than expected, Rivers said: "Yeah, it has, because even though we're winning games, I don't think we're playing great basketball. We play great basketball in stretches during games. But you can see that we have a new guy on the team during games, that we get out of sorts at times. The key, though, is that we're winning." . . .
There will be another bone marrow drive to support trainer Ed Lacerte's friend, Janna Paster. The drive will take place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brierly Pond Condominiums in Millbury. For information on bone marrow donation, go to www.marrow.org.