What's Wrong With the Celtics?

No happy return for Sheed.

The second half woes continued for the Celtics as the Celtics dropped their 3rd straight and fell to 4-8 in their last 12. The Celtics fell to the under-performing and injury ridden Detroit Pistons on the road 92-86. Despite an 8 point halftime lead, the Celtics came out flat once again out of the break and scored a measly 30 points in the second half.

The real difference in the game was the Pistons' 15 more shot attempts which resulted in 6 more makes. A +10 rebounding margin which included a +8 job on the offensive end was the difference in the extra shot attempts for Detroit. Another determining factor in the loss was a Pistons bench that outscored the Celtics 43-12. The bench continues to put up weak offensive numbers with the absence of Sheed and Daniels from the second unit. The injuries to KG and Marquis have really exploited the lack of offensive depth the team possesses.

It appeared the Celtics may have had one more run left in them when they cut the margin to 4 with under a minute remaining. Following a basket the C's pressed hard and forced Richard Hamilton to dive for a ball as he fell out of bounds. Unfortunately the referees granted him a timeout even though he clearly did not have control of the ball. The result was terrible for the Celtics as they appeared poised to have the ball down 4.

Pierce and Rondo each scored 21 points and here are the statistics from tonight's game if you'd like to see them, but until this team starts winning the individual accolades have been pushed to the side in my eyes.

Garnett could be back when the Celtics take the floor Friday night at home versus the 25-17 Portland Trail Blazers. Look for KG to be as hungry as ever because he has seen his squad falter in many different ways over the 10 games he has missed.

NOTE:

• Rasheed Wallace was fined $35,000 for criticizing the officials following Monday's loss to the Mavericks. This was the second time Sheed was fined this season, and he kept ranting today following the fine saying the league expects players to play soft D on Dirk Nowitzki.
• Rumors of the Celtics' chances of acquiring Nate Robinson appear to be slim according to league sources.