Pruitt playing for a permanent role
Gabe Pruitt's exhibition audition with the Celtics turned into a starring role last night.
Pruitt made his first start for Boston, guiding the team for 43 minutes, 48 seconds at point guard in an 83-66 win over the Nets. Pruitt scored 11 points and had game-high totals of 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 turnovers.
"He understands what we needed from him," forward Paul Pierce said of Pruitt. "He got guys set up in the right spots and he swung the ball, he was aggressive. But what I was most impressed about him was his defense. If he plays defense like that, we may have something - he could solidify a backup role."
Pruitt replaced Rajon Rondo, who was held out for precautionary reasons (ankle), but is expected to return for the final exhibition at New York tomorrow.
Pruitt had 14 points and seven assists in the Celtics' 111-108 win over the Nets in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday.
The Celtics have held out Sam Cassell while going 5-2 in the exhibition season, mostly using Pruitt and Eddie House at point guard.
Pruitt's offensive poise and defensive versatility might give him the edge over House at the position. The Nets, playing without Vince Carter, produced little at point guard, starter Devin Harris going 0 for 8 from the field.
"I think I showed I can play with the Big Three," Pruitt said. "I can be on the floor if they need me. I can play solid, and putting me on the floor won't be a step back."
Said coach Doc Rivers of Pruitt: "It's funny, he was so tired, had all these bruises on him, he was grabbing everything. I told him, 'You did what [Allen ] Iverson has done for 10 years. You know, he plays 82 games, 45 minutes a night. Get used to it. It's something you would like to get used to if you could.' "
Value-added stat
The Celtics are stressing limiting turnovers, Rivers said.
"We're starting to understand the value of the basketball but we haven't exhibited it," Rivers said. "I think they get that - what turnovers do to your team. But I don't think we've put it in play yet. Our young guys are starting to understand how we want to play every night. They don't have it yet, but they are playing with a heightened sense of urgency. I don't think we were great last year in that department.
"In the playoffs, our turnovers were cut down by a turnover and a half. The speed of play was slower in the playoffs, that is part of reason for that. We want to score, we want to run, we want to push it up, and we want to value the ball. We play so hard defensively, it's a shame to get it back and give it right back to the other team."
Tender tableau
Rondo said the decision for him to remain out was made by Rivers and trainer Ed Lacerte. "I was in the lineup, but after [warmups] I came out," Rondo said. "I'm all right. It's a little tender but it will be fine." . . . Center Kendrick Perkins scored a preseason-high 18 points, converting 14 on dunks and follows . . . The Nets (2-2) converted only once from the field in the first 8:03 of the second half. The Celtics sealed the victory with a 12-0 run for a 60-42 lead with 7:04 left in the third . . . Former Celtics owner Harry T. Mangurian Jr., whose team won the title in 1981, died Oct. 19 at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., of acute leukemia. He was 82.
Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com. 