AP News, February 3rd, 2007
The Boston Celtics lost their franchise-record 14th consecutive game Friday night, falling 100-89 to Elton Brand and the Los Angeles Clippers. Brand had 26 points, 19 rebounds and four blocks, and Cuttino Mobley added 20 points for the Clippers, who have won seven of their last eight.
Tim Thomas scored 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, five of them during a 7-0 stretch in which L.A. turned a 71-69 deficit into a 76-71 lead.
The Clippers never trailed after Thomas' free throws snapped a 71-71 tie.
Rajon Rondo, making his first career start, scored 23 points for the Celtics. Al Jefferson added 21 points and Delonte West had six points, 11 assists and a career-high 11 rebounds.
The once-proud franchise has not won a game since beating Memphis on Jan. 5. The only thing the Celtics and Grizzlies are competing for these days is the top spot in the draft lottery and a chance to select Ohio State's Greg Oden or Texas' Kevin Durant.
The most decorated team in NBA history, the Celtics have won 16 championships but none since 1986 _ by far the longest drought in franchise history.
Right now, they'd settle for a win.
In addition to their overall streak, they've lost a franchise-record 11 consecutive home games and are a league-worst 4-19 at home. Boston is 2-20 since Paul Pierce went out with a stress reaction in his left foot.
West hit a long jumper to cut the deficit to four points, 83-79, with 5:46 left. But Mobley sank a 3-pointer and, after Gomes made one free throw, Thomas hit a 3 to give the Clippers a nine-point lead.
Notes:@ Brand was poked in the eye by Rondo in the third quarter but did not have to leave the game. ... The Celtics fell to 2-1 with Scalabrine in the starting lineup. ... Pierce shot before the game and played one-on-one against Wally Szczerbiak, albeit not at full speed. Coach Doc Rivers said Pierce can put full pressure on his foot now and could return soon; there was no timetable for him to come back, though. ... The Celtics lost 13 in a row in 1993-94 and 1996-97. ... The Clippers have beaten Boston three straight times. ... The Clippers are 9-3 since Sam Cassell returned from an eight-game absence with a left heel injury.
