ROLLING, ROLLING, ROLLING

     There seems to be a rivalry developing between the Celtics and Nets.  The Nets' Captain, Keith LaFavor, is determined to show the league that the Nets is the team to reckon with as opposed to the Celtics and 76ers.  The challenge is so intense that he decided to coach instead of playing, but that lasted until the second half of regulation when he decided to change into the team's uniform to enter the game.  That dress-up did not work against the defending champions.

     There is specuation about what we should expect from the Celtics since Sterling Hicks decided to sit out this season.  With two league Most Valuable Players remaining on the team, the Celtics are the defending champions and still in position to challenge any opponent.  The first half ended with the Nets leading 43 - 42 behind the scoring of #45 Lamont Shuford with 21 points.  Tim Sanks and Jerel Jackson combined for 21 points during the first half.

     The Celtics' defense and total team package dominated the second half by outscoring the Nets 39 - 23.  Coach/player Al Wilson, #2 Steve Woodson, #0 Jerald Mahone, and #15 Christopher None kicked themselves in gear to show the Nets why they are the defending champions.  Jerald Mahone is a new member of the Celtics and perfomed well with three significant 3-point shots.  Steve Woodson cracked down on shots made, at the basket, and grabbed rebound after rebound.  Shuford only scored 9 second half points for the Nets. 

     The scorers for the Celtics were #23 T. Sanks with 19 points, #24 J. Jackson with 29, #1 A. Wilson with 8, #15 C. None with 4, #0 J. Mahone with 9, and #2 S. Woodson with 12 points.

     The scorers for the Nets were #30 R. Patrick with 4 points, #45 L. Shuford with 30, #42 T. Reese with 9, #19 S. Howard with 3, #25 T. Tillis with 12, #22 N. Davis with 4, and #32 W. Walker with 7 points.

     The Celtics defeated the Nets 81 - 67.