2001–02 Boston Celtics season

Season of National Basketball Association team the Boston Celtics August 2023 March 2026 Boston Celtics 2002 49 33 atlantic 2 3 Jim O'Brien Chris Wallace Paul Gaston Fleet Center Fox Sports Net New England WWZN Eastern Conference finals(lost to Nets 2–4) BOS The 2001–02 Boston Celtics season was the 56th season for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. Boston Celtics Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/ August 6, 2026 Season summary Off-season The Celtics received the tenth overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft, and selected shooting guard Joe Johnson from the University of Arkansas; the team also selected small forward Kedrick Brown out of Okaloosa-Walton Community College with the eleventh overall pick. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Three High School Stars Are Among First Four Chosen The New York Times June 28, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/28/sports/pro-basketball-three-high-school-stars-are-among-first-four-chosen.html?mcubz=1 July 15, 2022 Sheridan Chris High School Player Tops NBA Draft Associated Press June 28, 2001 https://apnews.com/article/6f39adc4be9ec92a86703829fae2e372 July 24, 2021 2001 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2001.html December 1, 2022 During the off-season, the team signed free agent Erick Strickland. Transactions ESPN November 1, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/transactions/20011101/index.html October 28, 2024 Celtics Sign Strickland United Press International November 1, 2001 https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2001/11/01/Celtics-sign-Strickland/98841004648651/ January 11, 2022 Regular season With the addition of Johnson and Strickland, the Celtics struggled with a 5–6 start to the regular season, but then won 12 of their next 14 games, and later on held a 28–21 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 7, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=7&year=2002 September 11, 2022 At mid-season, the team traded Johnson, and Randy Brown to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Rodney Rogers, and Tony Delk. NBA: Report: Celts Acquire F Rogers, G Delk from Suns ESPN February 20, 2002 https://www.espn.com/nba/newswire/2002/20020220/01301611.html October 24, 2024 Associated Press Boston Acquires Delk, Rogers from Phoenix Los Angeles Times February 21, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-21-sp-nbareport21-story.html October 20, 2022 Celts, Suns Make Trade; Jackson Set to Be Dealt Deseret News February 21, 2002 https://www.deseret.com/2002/2/21/19639160/celts-suns-make-trade-jackson-set-to-be-dealt July 24, 2021 The Celtics posted a seven-game winning streak in March, and won eight of their final nine games of the season, finishing in second place in the Atlantic Division with a 49–33 record, and earning the third seed in the Eastern Conference; the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 1994–95 season, ending a six-year playoff drought. 2001–02 Boston Celtics Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2002_games.html June 23, 2021 Paul Pierce averaged 26.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game, contributed 210 three-point field goals, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, while Antoine Walker averaged 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game, and led the Celtics with 222 three-point field goals, and Rogers contributed 10.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 27 games after the trade. In addition, Kenny Anderson provided the team with 9.6 points, 5.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game, while Strickland provided with 7.7 points per game, and Delk contributed 7.4 points per game in 22 games. Meanwhile, Tony Battie averaged 6.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, Eric Williams contributed 6.4 points per game, and Vitaly Potapenko provided with 4.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. 2001–02 Boston Celtics Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2002.html June 23, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Pierce and Walker were both selected for the 2002 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Eastern Conference All-Star team; it was Pierce's first ever All-Star appearance. NBA All-Star Game Rosters United Press International February 8, 2002 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/02/08/NBA-All-Star-game-rosters/6931013144400/ October 23, 2024 NBA.com Staff 2002 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2002 May 4, 2023 2002 NBA All-Star Game: West 135, East 120 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2002.html October 16, 2021 In addition, Pierce also participated in the NBA Three-Point Shootout, Basketball The Spokesman-Review February 10, 2002 C10 https://books.google.com/books?id=ApJXAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA9&dq=2002+NBA+Slam+Dunk+Contest+Jason+Richardson&article_id=1311,7430907&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0qLm6hKCQAxXR48kDHUkfCYI4ChDoAXoECAkQAw#v=onepage&q=2002%20NBA%20Slam%20Dunk%20Contest%20Jason%20Richardson&f=false October 17, 2025 NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html October 17, 2025 while before the mid-season trade, Johnson was selected for the NBA Rookie Challenge Game, as a member of the Rookies team. Rookie Challenge Today The Daily Gazette February 9, 2002 D3 https://books.google.com/books?id=5XIhAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA19&dq=2002+nba+rookie+challenge+morris+peterson&article_id=2443,2136771&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjS0d-e76uQAxXsnCYFHR1SB4c4ChDoAXoECA4QAw#v=onepage&q&f=false October 17, 2025 2002 NBA Rising Stars: Rookies 103, Sophomores 97 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2002_rookie.html October 17, 2025 Pierce finished in eleventh place in Most Valuable Player voting, while head coach Jim O'Brien finished in sixth place in Coach of the Year voting. 2001–02 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com//awards/awards_2002.html September 30, 2026 The Celtics finished 18th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 659,751 at the FleetCenter during the regular season. 2001–02 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2002.html January 25, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 2002 NBA playoffs, the Celtics faced off against the 6th–seeded Philadelphia 76ers, a team that featured All-Star guard Allen Iverson, All-Star center Dikembe Mutombo, and Derrick Coleman. The Celtics won the first two games over the 76ers at home at the FleetCenter, but then lost the next two games on the road, which included a Game 4 loss to the 76ers at the First Union Center, 83–81. Broussard Chris  Pro Basketball: Iverson Leads Charge, Forcing Decisive Game  The New York Times  May 2, 2002  https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/02/sports/pro-basketball-iverson-leads-charge-forcing-decisive-game.html July 4, 2026 Associated Press  Iverson and 76ers Force the Issue with Celtics  Los Angeles Times  May 2, 2002  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-02-sp-sixers02-story.html July 4, 2026 2002 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 4: Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers Box Score, May 1, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200205010PHI.html July 4, 2026 With the series tied at 2–2, the Celtics won Game 5 over the 76ers at the FleetCenter, 120–87, in which Pierce scored 46 points and made 8 out of 10 three-point field-goal attempts; the Celtics won the series over the 76ers in five hard-fought games, and advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 1991–92 season. Broussard Chris Pro Basketball: Sparked by Pierce's 46, Celtics Return to Glory The New York Times May 4, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/04/sports/pro-basketball-sparked-by-pierce-s-46-celtics-return-to-glory.html August 22, 2017 Wyche Steve The Celtics Pierce the 76ers' Bubble The Washington Post May 5, 2002 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/05/05/the-celtics-pierce-the-76ers-bubble/faf822c8-0a68-4a6f-9fec-9727a1b4a2df/ June 2, 2022 2002 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: 76ers vs. Celtics Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2002-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-76ers-vs-celtics.html May 4, 2023 In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 2nd–seeded, and Central Division champion Detroit Pistons, who were led by All-Star guard Jerry Stackhouse, Clifford Robinson, and Defensive Player of the Year, Ben Wallace. The Celtics lost Game 1 to the Pistons on the road, 96–84 at The Palace of Auburn Hills, Associated Press Pistons Just Point to the Defense Los Angeles Times May 6, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-06-sp-pistons06-story.html October 20, 2022 CBC Sports  Pistons Strike First Against Celtics  CBC  May 6, 2002  https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/pistons-strike-first-against-celtics-1.341470 July 4, 2026 2002 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1: Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons Box Score, May 5, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200205050DET.html October 20, 2022 but managed to win Game 2 on the road, 85–77 to even the series. The Celtics won their next two home games, including a Game 4 win over the Pistons at the FleetCenter, 90–79 to take a 3–1 series lead. The Celtics won Game 5 over the Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills, 90–81 to win the series in five games, and advance to the Conference Finals for the first time since the 1987–88 season. Associated Press Pro Basketball: Celtics Return to Eastern Finals The New York Times May 15, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/15/sports/pro-basketball-celtics-return-to-eastern-finals.html July 24, 2021 Lage Larry Celtics Rev Up, Eliminate Pistons The Washington Post May 15, 2002 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/05/15/celtics-rev-up-eliminate-pistons/b3e35ba6-cf89-42e0-a92a-8937c6b185cd/ June 2, 2022 2002 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Celtics vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2002-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-celtics-vs-pistons.html May 4, 2023 In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics then faced off against the top–seeded, and Atlantic Division champion New Jersey Nets, who were led by the trio of All-Star guard Jason Kidd, second-year star Kenyon Martin, and Keith Van Horn. The Celtics lost Game 1 to the Nets on the road, 104–97 at the Continental Airlines Arena, but managed to win the next two games, including a Game 3 home win over the Nets at the FleetCenter, 94–90 to take a 2–1 series lead. Robbins Liz Pro Basketball: The Nets Dig a Big Hole for the Celtics, and Then Fall In The New York Times May 26, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/26/sports/pro-basketball-the-nets-dig-a-big-hole-for-the-celtics-and-then-fall-in.html May 28, 2022 Pucin Diane Nets Buckle Under to Celtics Los Angeles Times May 26, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-26-sp-nbaeast26-story.html October 20, 2022 2002 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 3: New Jersey Nets at Boston Celtics Box Score, May 25, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200205250BOS.html July 4, 2026 However, the Celtics lost the next three games, including a Game 6 loss to the Nets at the FleetCenter, 96–88, thus losing the series in six games. Rhoden William C. Sports of the Times: Nets Prove They Are Better Team The New York Times June 1, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/01/sports/sports-of-the-times-nets-prove-they-are-better-team.html August 22, 2017 Wyche Steve New Jersey Fueled by Power of 1 The Washington Post June 2, 2002 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/06/02/new-jersey-fueled-by-power-of-1/ea78ef08-81af-481d-beaa-e62f2a3b9249/ June 2, 2022 2002 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics vs. Nets Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2002-nba-eastern-conference-finals-celtics-vs-nets.html May 4, 2023 The Nets would advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, but would lose to the 2-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in a four-game sweep in the 2002 NBA Finals. Associated Press Lakers Sweep Nets for Another Title The New York Times June 13, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/13/sports/basketball/lakers-sweep-nets-for-another-title.html June 3, 2022 Brown Tim O'Neal Is a Three-Peat MVP as Lakers Finally Cut Down the Nets Los Angeles Times June 13, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-13-sp-lakers13-story.html June 3, 2022 2002 NBA Finals: Nets vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2002-nba-finals-nets-vs-lakers.html May 4, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Anderson and Potapenko were both traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, Ford Chad NBA: Celtics Acquire Baker in Five-Player Deal ESPN July 23, 2002 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0722/1408668.html October 24, 2024 Broussard Chris Pro Basketball: Baker Goes to Boston in a Five-Player Trade The New York Times July 23, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/23/sports/pro-basketball-baker-goes-to-boston-in-a-five-player-trade.html July 24, 2021 Associated Press Baker Traded to the Celtics Los Angeles Times July 23, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jul-23-sp-nbanotes23-story.html October 20, 2022 while Rogers signed as a free agent with the New Jersey Nets, Nets Sign F Rodney Rogers United Press International August 14, 2002 https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/08/14/Nets-sign-F-Rodney-Rogers/12481029352346/ May 5, 2023 Associated Press Kings Get Bigger, Deeper by Adding Clark Los Angeles Times August 15, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-15-sp-nbanotes15-story.html October 20, 2022 Robbins Liz Pro Basketball: Though Nets Got Close, They Have Far to Go The New York Times September 27, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/27/sports/pro-basketball-though-nets-got-close-they-have-far-to-go.html December 31, 2021 Strickland signed with the Indiana Pacers, Staff and Wire Reports Stackhouse Goes to Wizards Los Angeles Times September 12, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-sep-12-sp-newswire12-story.html November 30, 2022 Pacers Ink G Erick Strickland United Press International September 11, 2002 https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2002/09/11/Pacers-ink-G-Erick-Strickland/78841031774801/ July 2, 2022 and Mark Blount signed with the Denver Nuggets. 2 Draft picks 2001 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 10 Joe Johnson SG United States Arkansas 1 11 Kedrick Brown SF/SG United States Okaloosa-Walton 1 21 Joseph Forte SG United States North Carolina Roster Boston Celtics 2001–02 #00703C white #C5B358 #000000 7 Kenny Anderson basketball G 6 0 168 1970–10–09 Georgia Institute of Technology 4 Tony Battie C 6 11 230 1976–02–11 Texas Tech University 30 Mark Blount C 7 0 230 1975–11–30 University of Pittsburgh 42 Kedrick Brown GF 6 7 222 1981–03–18 Okaloosa-Walton College 12 Omar Cook G 6 1 190 1968–05–22 St. John's IN 28 Tony Delk G 6 1 189 1974–01–28 University of Kentucky 40 Joseph Forte G 6 4 194 1981–03–23 University of North Carolina 0 Walter McCarty F 6 10 230 1974–02–01 University of Kentucky 5 Roshown McLeod F 6 8 221 1975–11–17 Duke IN 34 Paul Pierce GF 6 6 230 1977–10–13 University of Kansas 52 Vitaly Potapenko FC 6 10 280 1975–03–21 Wright State 54 Rodney Rogers F 6 7 235 1971–06–20 Wake Forest University 20 Erick Strickland G 6 3 210 1973–11–25 Nebraska 8 Antoine Walker F 6 8 224 1976–08–12 University of Kentucky 55 Eric Williams basketball, born 1972 F 6 8 220 1972–07–17 Providence College Jim O'Brien John Carroll Lester Conner Dick Harter Frank Vogel (IN) Inactive https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2002.html 2002–04–16 Roster Notes Rookie point guard Omar Cook also holds American citizenship, but he represents Montenegro in international play; he was signed by the Celtics on April 16, 2002, but never played for the team. Small forward Roshown McLeod was on the injured reserve list due to a nerve ailment in his lower left leg, missed the entire regular season, and never played for the Celtics. Celtics Activate McLeod Associated Press November 14, 2001 https://apnews.com/article/3ac131fa8e2fe36e78935b963274d8c4 May 28, 2022 Regular season Standings BOS BOS Game log background:#efe196; color:#008040 2001-02 game logTotal: 49–33 (home: 27–14; road: 22–19) y background:#008040; color:white October (home: 0-1; road: 1-0) Game Date Opponent Score Location Record |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 1 || Tue. Oct. 30 || @ Cleveland Cavaliers || 108–89 || Gund Arena ||1-0 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 2 || Wed. Oct. 31 || New Jersey Nets || 92-95 || FleetCenter ||1-1 |- y background:#008040; color:white November (home: 4-2; road: 2-3) Game Date Opponent Score Location Record |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 3 || Fri. Nov. 2 || Chicago Bulls || 96-82 || FleetCenter || 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 4 || Sat. Nov. 3 || @ Milwaukee Bucks || 99-105 || Bradley Center || 2-2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 5 || Wed. Nov. 7 || Washington Wizards || 104-95 || FleetCenter || 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 6 || Fri. Nov. 9 || Seattle SuperSonics || 104-94 || FleetCenter || 4–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 7 || Wed. Nov. 14 || Indiana Pacers || 101-93 || FleetCenter ||5-2 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 8 || Sat. Nov. 17 || @ Atlanta Hawks || 103-112 || Philips Arena || 5–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 9 || Wed. Nov. 21 || Atlanta Hawks || 85-92 || FleetCenter || 5–4 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 10 || Fri. Nov. 23 || Toronto Raptors || 89-91 || FleetCenter || 5-5 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 11 || Sat. Nov. 24 || @ Washington Wizards || 84-88 (OT) || MCI Center || 5–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 12 || Tue. Nov. 27 || @ Miami Heat || 84-83 || American Airlines Arena || 6-6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 13 || Thu. Nov. 29 || @ Orlando Magic || 99-89 || TD Waterhouse Centre || 7–6 |- y background:#008040; color:white December (home: 6-0; road: 5-5) Game Date Opponent Score Location Record |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 14 || Sat. Dec. 1 || @ New Jersey Nets || 105-98 (OT) || Continental Airlines Arena || 8–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 15 || Sun. Dec. 2 || @ Toronto Raptors || 85-69 || Air Canada Centre || 9–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 16 || Wed. Dec. 5 || Denver Nuggets || 95-80 || FleetCenter || 10–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 17 || Fri. Dec. 7 || Phoenix Suns || 109-102 (OT) || FleetCenter || 11–6 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 18 || Sat. Dec. 8 || @ Chicago Bulls || 84-87 || United Center || 11–7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 19 || Tue. Dec. 11 || @ New York Knicks || 102-93 (OT) || Madison Square Garden || 12–7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 20 || Fri. Dec. 14 || Chicago Bulls || 107-101 || FleetCenter || 13–7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 21 || Sat. Dec. 15 || @ Charlotte Hornets || 106-97 || Charlotte Coliseum || 14–7 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 22 || Mon. Dec. 17 || @ Philadelphia 76ers || 83-99 || First Union Center || 14–8 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 23 || Wed. Dec. 19 || Cleveland Cavaliers || 104-98 || FleetCenter || 15–8 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 24 || Fri. Dec. 21 || Utah Jazz || 98-92 || FleetCenter || 16–8 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 25 || Sun. Dec. 23 || Memphis Grizzlies || 85-80 || FleetCenter || 17–8 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 26 || Wed. Dec. 26 || @ Utah Jazz || 86-99 || Delta Center || 17–9 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 27 || Thu. Dec. 27 || @ Phoenix Suns || 82-84 || America West Arena || 17–10 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 28 || Sat. Dec. 29 || @ Los Angeles Clippers || 105-103 (OT) || Staples Center || 18–10 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 29 || Sun. Dec. 30 || @ Sacramento Kings || 94-109 || ARCO Arena || 18–11 |- y background:#008040; color:white January (home: 5-4; road: 3-4) Game Date Opponent Score Location Record |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 30 || Wed. Jan. 2 || Orlando Magic || 110-94 || FleetCenter || 19–11 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 31 || Fri. Jan. 4 || Miami Heat || 66-89 || FleetCenter || 19–12 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 32 || Sat. Jan. 5 || @ New York Knicks || 90-81 || Madison Square Garden || 20–12 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 33 || Mon. Jan. 7 || @ Orlando Magic || 87-98 || TD Waterhouse Centre || 20–13 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 34 || Wed. Jan. 9 || San Antonio Spurs || 90-93 || FleetCenter || 20–14 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 35 || Fri. Jan. 11 || Detroit Pistons || 104-90 || FleetCenter || 21–14 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 36 || Sat. Jan. 12 || @ Atlanta Hawks || 115-91 || Philips Arena || 22–14 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 37 || Wed. Jan. 16 || New York Knicks || 101-100 || FleetCenter || 23–14 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 38 || Fri. Jan. 18 || Houston Rockets || 101-104 || FleetCenter || 23–15 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 39 || Sat. Jan. 19 || @ Detroit Pistons || 91-94 || The Palace of Auburn Hills || 23–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 40 || Mon. Jan. 21 || Toronto Raptors || 106-97 || FleetCenter || 24–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 41 || Wed. Jan. 23 || Indiana Pacers || 98-94 || FleetCenter || 25–16 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 42 || Fri. Jan. 25 || Philadelphia 76ers || 90-106 || FleetCenter || 25–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 43 || Sat. Jan. 26 || @ Cleveland Cavaliers || 108-101 || Gund Arena || 26–17 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 44 || Tue. Jan. 29 || @ Milwaukee Bucks || 90-109 || Bradley Center || 26–18 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 45 || Thu. Jan. 31 || @ Toronto Raptors || 92-97 || Air Canada Centre || 26–19 |- y background:#008040; color:white February (home: 1-3; road: 4-4) Game Date Opponent Score Location Record |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 46 || Fri. Feb. 1 || Minnesota Timberwolves || 95-98 (OT) || FleetCenter || 26–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 47 || Sun. Feb. 3 || Los Angeles Clippers || 104-91 || FleetCenter || 27–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 48 || Tue. Feb. 5 || @ Charlotte Hornets || 82-79 || Charlotte Coliseum || 28–20 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 49 || Wed. Feb. 6 || Sacramento Kings || 85-102 || FleetCenter || 28–21 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 50 || Tue. Feb. 12 || @ Denver Nuggets || 110-93 || Pepsi Center || 29–21 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 51 || Wed. Feb. 13 || @ Golden State Warriors || 75-92 || The Arena in Oakland || 29–22 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 52 || Fri. Feb. 15 || @ Portland Trail Blazers || 107-104 || Rose Garden || 30–22 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 53 || Sat. Feb. 16 || @ Seattle SuperSonics || 79-99 || KeyArena || 30–23 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 54 || Tue. Feb. 19 || @ Los Angeles Lakers || 109-108 || Staples Center || 31–23 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 55 || Thu. Feb. 21 || @ Dallas Mavericks || 92-98 || American Airlines Center || 31–24 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 56 || Sat. Feb. 23 || @ Houston Rockets || 89-99 || Compaq Center || 31–25 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 57 || Wed. Feb. 27 || Milwaukee Bucks || 92-95 || FleetCenter || 31–26 |- y background:#008040; color:white March (home: 7-4; road: 4-2) Game Date Opponent Score Location Record |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 58 || Fri. Mar. 1 || Charlotte Hornets || 87-100 || FleetCenter || 31–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 59 || Mon. Mar. 4 || @ Philadelphia 76ers || 100-94 || First Union Center || 32–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 60 || Wed. Mar. 6 || Orlando Magic || 130-110 || FleetCenter || 33–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 61 || Fri. Mar. 8 || Detroit Pistons || 117-92 || FleetCenter || 34–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 62 || Sun. Mar. 10 || Washington Wizards || 98-91 || FleetCenter || 35–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 63 || Mon. Mar. 11 || @ Washington Wizards || 104-99 || MCI Center || 36–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 64 || Wed. Mar. 13 || New Jersey Nets || 97-89 || FleetCenter || 37–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 65 || Fri. Mar. 15 || @ Memphis Grizzlies || 103-97 || The Pyramid || 38–27 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 66 || Sat. Mar. 16 || @ San Antonio Spurs || 104-111 || Alamodome || 38–28 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 67 || Mon. Mar. 18 || Portland Trail Blazers || 91-100 || FleetCenter || 38–29 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 68 || Wed. Mar. 20 || Cleveland Cavaliers || 96-70 || FleetCenter || 39–29 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 69 || Fri. Mar. 22 || Philadelphia 76ers || 91-96 || FleetCenter || 39–30 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 70 || Sun. Mar. 24 || @ Detroit Pistons || 101-109 || The Palace of Auburn Hills || 39–31 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 71 || Mon. Mar. 25 || @ Miami Heat || 87-82 || American Airlines Arena || 40–31 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 72 || Wed. Mar. 27 || Golden State Warriors || 102-99 || FleetCenter || 41–31 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 73 || Fri. Mar. 29 || Dallas Mavericks || 82-108 || FleetCenter || 41–32 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 74 || Sun. Mar. 31 || Milwaukee Bucks || 110-80 || FleetCenter || 42–32 |- y background:#008040; color:white April (home: 4-0; road: 3-1) Game Date Opponent Score Location Record |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 75 || Tue. Apr. 2 || @ Indiana Pacers || 105-94 || Conseco Fieldhouse || 43–32 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 76 || Fri. Apr. 5 || Los Angeles Lakers || 99-81 || FleetCenter || 44–32 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 77 || Sun. Apr. 7 || @ New Jersey Nets || 102-90 || Continental Airlines Arena || 45–32 |- align="center" bgcolor="edbebf" | 78 || Mon. Apr. 8 || @ Chicago Bulls || 100-105 || United Center || 45–33 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 79 || Wed. Apr. 10 || Miami Heat || 70-65 || FleetCenter || 46–33 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 80 || Fri. Apr. 12 || New York Knicks || 107-92 || FleetCenter || 47–33 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 81 || Mon. Apr. 15 || @ Minnesota Timberwolves || 93-90 || Target Center || 48–33 |- align="center" bgcolor="#bbffbb" | 82 || Wed. Apr. 17 || Atlanta Hawks || 89-81 || FleetCenter || 49–33 |- |- | 2001-02 Schedule Playoffs Boston Celtics 2002 yes Boston Celtics First Round yes yes no 3 0 0 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 21 | Philadelphia | W 92–82 | Paul Pierce (31) | Paul Pierce (11) | Kenny Anderson (5) | FleetCenter18,624 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 25 | Philadelphia | W 93–85 | Paul Pierce (25) | Pierce, Walker (10) | three players tied (4) | FleetCenter18,624 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | April 28 | @ Philadelphia | L 103–108 | Paul Pierce (29) | Rodney Rogers (11) | Paul Pierce (7) | First Union Center20,689 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 1 | @ Philadelphia | L 81–83 | Antoine Walker (25) | Paul Pierce (8) | Kenny Anderson (8) | First Union Center20,904 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 3 | Philadelphia | W 120–87 | Paul Pierce (46) | Antoine Walker (9) | Pierce, Walker (6) | FleetCenter18,624 | 3–2 |- Boston Celtics Conference semifinals yes no 2 0 2 1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | May 5 | @ Detroit | L 84–96 | Antoine Walker (20) | Paul Pierce (10) | Paul Pierce (5) | The Palace of Auburn Hills20,252 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | May 8 | @ Detroit | W 85–77 | Paul Pierce (22) | Tony Battie (11) | Kenny Anderson (5) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 10 | Detroit | W 66–64 | Paul Pierce (19) | Tony Battie (10) | Paul Pierce (5) | FleetCenter18,624 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 12 | Detroit | W 90–79 | Antoine Walker (30) | Paul Pierce (17) | Paul Pierce (6) | FleetCenter18,624 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 14 | @ Detroit | W 90–81 | Paul Pierce (18) | Antoine Walker (13) | Kenny Anderson (6) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 4–1 |- Boston Celtics Conference finals yes no 1 2 1 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | May 19 | @ New Jersey | L 97–104 | Pierce, Walker (27) | Tony Battie (11) | Kenny Anderson (6) | Continental Airlines Arena20,049 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | May 21 | @ New Jersey | W 93–86 | Antoine Walker (26) | Paul Pierce (14) | Kenny Anderson (7) | Continental Airlines Arena19,850 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 25 | New Jersey | W 94–90 | Paul Pierce (28) | Antoine Walker (12) | Pierce, Walker (4) | FleetCenter18,624 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 27 | New Jersey | L 92–94 | Paul Pierce (31) | three players tied (9) | four players tied (4) | FleetCenter18,624 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | May 29 | @ New Jersey | L 92–103 | Paul Pierce (24) | Antoine Walker (13) | Kenny Anderson (6) | Continental Airlines Arena19,850 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 31 | New Jersey | L 88–96 | Kenny Anderson (18) | Antoine Walker (9) | Kenny Anderson (7) | FleetCenter18,624 | 2–4 |- BOS yes 2002 Player statistics Regular season Boston Celtics |- | style="text-align:left;"|Kenny Anderson basketball | 76 || 76 || 32.0 || .436 || .273 || .742 || 3.6 || 5.3 || 1.9 || .1 || 9.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Tony Battie | 74 || 73 || 24.6 || .541 || .000 || .677 || 6.5 || .5 || .8 || .9 || 6.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Mark Blount | 44 || 0 || 9.4 || .421 || || .811 || 1.9 || .2 || .4 || .4 || 2.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Kedrick Brown | 29 || 5 || 8.4 || .329 || .185 || .600 || 1.7 || .5 || .6 || .2 || 2.2 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Randy Brown basketball | 1 || 0 || 6.0 || .000 || || || .0 || 2.0 || .0 || 1.0 || .0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Tony Delk† | 22 || 16 || 25.9 || .349 || .299 || .733 || 3.6 || 2.3 || 1.0 || .3 || 7.4 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Joseph Forte | 8 || 0 || 4.9 || .083 || .000 || 1.000 || .8 || .8 || .3 || .0 || .8 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Joe Johnson basketball† | 48 || 33 || 20.9 || .439 || .273 || .769 || 2.9 || 1.5 || .7 || .2 || 6.3 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Walter McCarty | 56 || 0 || 12.8 || .444 || .394 || .684 || 2.3 || .7 || .3 || .1 || 3.8 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Milt Palacio† | 41 || 0 || 12.6 || .385 || .353 || .706 || 1.2 || 1.3 || .5 || .1 || 3.7 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Paul Pierce | 82 || 82 || 40.3 || .442 || .404 || .809 || 6.9 || 3.2 || 1.9 || 1.0 || 26.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Vitaly Potapenko | 79 || 9 || 17.0 || .455 || || .742 || 4.4 || .4 || .5 || .2 || 4.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Rodney Rogers† | 27 || 1 || 23.2 || .482 || .411 || .700 || 4.0 || 1.5 || .6 || .4 || 10.7 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Erick Strickland | 79 || 4 || 20.8 || .389 || .385 || .845 || 2.7 || 2.3 || .7 || .0 || 7.7 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Antoine Walker | 81 || 81 || 42.0 || .394 || .344 || .741 || 8.8 || 5.0 || 1.5 || .5 || 22.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Eric Williams basketball, born 1972 | 74 || 30 || 23.6 || .374 || .279 || .731 || 3.0 || 1.5 || 1.0 || .1 || 6.4 |} Playoffs Boston Celtics |- | style="text-align:left;"|Kenny Anderson basketball | 16 || 16 || 35.0 || .416 || || .800 || 3.1 || 4.8 || 1.3 || .0 || 12.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Tony Battie | 16 || 16 || 27.7 || .488 || || .619 || 7.6 || .8 || .6 || 1.9 || 6.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Mark Blount | 4 || 0 || 9.8 || .500 || || 1.000 || 1.8 || .3 || .5 || .5 || 1.5 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Kedrick Brown | 2 || 0 || 1.5 || 1.000 || 1.000 || || .0 || .0 || .0 || .5 || 2.5 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Tony Delk | 14 || 0 || 16.2 || .354 || .394 || .583 || 2.4 || 1.1 || .6 || .4 || 4.7 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Walter McCarty | 14 || 0 || 13.9 || .447 || .167 || .778 || 2.4 || .3 || .3 || .0 || 3.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Paul Pierce | 16 || 16 || 42.0 || .403 || .288 || .764 || 8.6 || 4.1 || 1.7 || 1.3 || 24.6 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Rodney Rogers | 16 || 0 || 24.6 || .426 || .365 || .886 || 5.5 || 2.1 || 1.0 || .4 || 8.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Erick Strickland | 12 || 0 || 9.8 || .282 || .200 || 1.000 || 1.1 || 1.4 || .4 || .1 || 2.9 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Antoine Walker | 16 || 16 || 43.9 || .411 || .385 || .781 || 8.6 || 3.3 || 1.5 || .4 || 22.1 |- | style="text-align:left;"|Eric Williams basketball, born 1972 | 16 || 16 || 30.4 || .500 || .467 || .739 || 4.4 || 1.3 || 1.6 || .3 || 7.8 |} † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Celtics only. Player statistics citation: Awards and records Paul Pierce, All-NBA Third Team See also Reebok Pro Summer League, a summer league hosted by the Celtics References Category:Boston Celtics seasons Boston Celtics Boston Celtics Boston Celtics Celtics Celtics