Today in Boston Celtics history, Paul Pierce scored a total of 48 points in a 105-98 win over the (then) New Jersey (now, Brooklyn) Nets in 2001. The Inglewood native helped the Celtics find a way to the hard-fought win in overtime with his offensive outburst, putting up 34 field goal attempts and making just 13 of his shots from the floor that evening.
The Kansas alum was especially sizzling from beyond the arc in terms of efficiency, nailing five of his 8 attempts from 3-point range, and getting to the free throw line an absurd 18 times.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPierce converted an equally-sizzling 17 of his shots from the stripe that night.
Major health news
It was also on this date in 2020 that point guard Kemba Walker announced that he'd had a procedure on his knee to help with discomfort and pain the UConn alum had been dealing with for some time.
Mar 8, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroder (17) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker (8) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports"We decided it was best … not to rush back. We’ll take my time and get healthy," said Walker of the procedure. "I’ve had a pretty long run; I haven’t had much of a break since I signed here, so I think it’d be nice for me, to tell the truth."
Rest in Peace
Finally, it is also the date that seven-time Boston Celtics champion Jim Loscutoff passed away in 2015. Taken by Boston out of Oregon with the 4th overall pick of the 1955 NBA draft, Loscy -- as he was called as a nickname -- played his whole career with the Celtics.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 18: Celtics legends Tom "Satch" Sanders, Bill Russell, Frank Ramsey, Sam Jones, Tommy Heinsohn, Bob Cousy and Jim Loscutoff, members of the 1962 Championship team, celebrate for the 50th anniversary during half time against the Orlando Magic on April 18, 2012 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)A consummate team player who might not have had a lot of accolades outside of the organization, his contributions to those seven titles were recognized when the team retired his name to a banner instead of a number (at his request) after he ended his career as a player in 1964. Rest in peace, Loscy.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics history: Pierce 48 vs. Nets; Kemba knee surgery; Jim Loscy passes
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