Basketball - Pierce’s Return Bring Cheer To Boston Ce

After losing 16 games on a trot, Boston Celtics had something to cheer about. Paul Pierce is all set to make his return after being out for 24 games with a stress reaction in his left foot and an infected left elbow.

Pierce was suppose to return earlier but an elbow infection was the main culprit in delaying that. Pierce stayed in the hospital for two night and underwent a minor surgical procedure to relieve the swelling in his elbow and is now okay and fit to return.

Celtics will be very happy to have Pierce back because he is the leading scorer and averages 26.6 points per game. Pierce too is very happy to come back and said that his foot was his major concern while the elbow was still a little sore but it was not a big thing. In a recent game against New Jersey Nets, Pierce came onto the court with 4:12 remaining in the first quarter and a minute later he assisted Al Jefferson’s layup.

Celtics’ coach Doc Rivers said that initially he would limit Pierce’s playing time to 15 or 20 minutes per game and would gradually ease him back into the rotation. At the moment, Celtics are struggling close out games and Rivers said that he would like to keep Pierce fresh for the fourth quarter.

Before Pierce got injured, Celtics were 10-14 and after his injury they were 2-22. Celtics’ last win was on January 5, 2007 in Memphis.

Even though Pierce is back, Celtics are still a player short. Forward Wally Szczerbiak has sprained his left ankle in a game against Miami which they lost. Szczerbiak is expected return just before the All Star game.