Paul Pierce is the latest Celtic to cause concern because of an injury.
Pierce, who averages a team-best 21.5 points per game, was a game-time decision last night because of a back strain, and scored the winning hoop in Boston's 92-91 decision over the Heat.
The five-time All-Star was injured in Wednesday's win over New Jersey, and didn't participate in yesterday's shootaround. Pierce, however, gutted it out for 30 minutes but struggled offensively, making 5 of 12 shots for 12 points and committing four turnovers.
"I didn't even know if I was going to play tonight," Pierce said. "But it's getting a little better and I decided to give it a go."
Guard Eddie House returned after missing the New Jersey game with a sprained left ankle suffered at Indiana Tuesday. He was scoreless in nine minutes and had two turnovers.
"I feel cool," said House.
Solid signing
The Celtics feel the Heat's loss of James Posey has been their gain.Posey was a key member of the Heat the last two seasons, including the 2005-06 championship team. But because of financial considerations, Miami was unable to re-sign Posey, Jason Kapono, and Eddie Jones during the offseason. Posey faced his former team for the first time last night.
"We knew we were going to be a [luxury] tax team if we tried to keep that team together, a real big tax team, so that's what we became," said Heats coach Pat Riley. "I regret losing all three of those guys. I'd love to have all three of them back, but it just wasn't meant to be."
During free agency last summer, there was a perception that the Heat lowballed Posey with their offer. So instead of returning to Miami, the 6-foot-8-inch, 217-pounder signed a one-year deal with the Celtics worth $3.2 million with a player option for next season.
"Things happen for a reason," Posey said. "Business decisions are made and things like that. At the end of the day both parties are going to do what they needed to do."
Posey said he keeps in touch with Heat guard Jason Williams, swingman Dorell Wright, and forward Udonis Haslem. Posey has fond memories of playing with Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade during the title run.
"I played for Coach Riley and with Shaq and D-Wade," Posey said. "I had the opportunity to win a championship, which we did. The opportunity to defend and repeat, it holds a special place."
Posey acknowledged he was too excited during last night's game and had to be calmed down by Kevin Garnett. Posey finished with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting and five rebounds, and guarded Wade on his attempt at the winning shot at the buzzer.
"I wanted to be out there every second," Posey said.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers pushed hard for Danny Ainge to sign Posey during the offseason. The nine-year veteran entered last night's game averaging 5.8 points and 2.8 rebounds.
"I called [Ainge] every 20 minutes on the day [Posey] was going to sign," Rivers said. "I wanted [Posey] because he was going to help us. You wanted him also so he couldn't help [the Heat], New Jersey, and everywhere else he was thinking about going.
"But he's been better than advertised, which I've said a million times. He's been great in the locker room. He's just a smart guy to have on your basketball team. He seems to have the right timing to say the right stuff. So, he's been great."
Happy meal
The Celtics are slated to fly to Orlando, Fla., today for tomorrow's game against the Magic. The team is scheduled to have dinner tonight at Rivers's home in the Orlando area . . . Jazz great Branford Marsalis, who attended Boston's Berklee College of Music, is slated to play the national anthem prior to the Celtics' game at Cleveland next Saturday.
