The only chance Atlanta has in giving the C's problems ...

... is if Joe Johnson holds a grudge (boston.com):

Just after learning he made his sixth All-Star team, Celtics forward Paul Pierce's first reaction was: "Joe Johnson?"

Pierce was surprised that his ex-Celtics teammate, now with the Hawks, made the Eastern Conference team at guard over his current teammate, Ray Allen. Pierce was one of seven players voted in as an East reserve by the conference's coaches. Celtic Kevin Garnett already was voted in as a starting forward by the fans, while coach Doc Rivers and his staff earned the right to coach the East.

Johnson is averaging 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists for the 18-23 Hawks. Allen is averaging 18.2 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists for a Celtics team that is an NBA-best 36-8 after last night's 96-90 win over Dallas.

"I felt like [Allen] probably should have been over Joe Johnson," Pierce said. "That's just my opinion, though. They don't have a good record. They are not a .500 team. If that's the case, I think you should be on a .500 team or better.

"No knock on Joe Johnson. He's definitely an All-Star. He's definitely put up numbers and he is definitely a great talent in the NBA. But I think it also should do a lot with what you do as a team."

Pierce said "that's crazy" when he heard Allen didn't make it.

It's been a couple months, but it's possible that the former Celtic could have this "dis" still sitting in the back of his mind, eating away at him. So, what better way to show up his ex-teammate and prove that he's an All-Star calibre player than by coming out like gangbusters in the postseason*?

Of course, Johnson did have one chance to prove Pierce wrong after the All-Star break (sports.yahoo.com), and looked like pretty much anything except an All-Star (40 MIN, 9 PTS, 4-16 FG, 0-6 3PTers, 4 TO) ... We'll have to see if the playoff atmosphere doesn't stir something up inside of him.

Which reminds me ... The road to banner number 17 begins tonight, baby!




*Remember, the title of this post says that Atlanta could have a chance to "give the C's problems", NOT "win the series" ... After all, I ain't no dummy.