ther than outscoring the opponent - always the safest route - there have been other bellwether barometers for the Celtics this season. They always win when Antoine Walker has seven or more assists. They always win when Paul Pierce has 10 or more free throw attempts.

Well, two out of three ain't bad.

Prior to Thursday night's 84-82 loss to the Suns, the Celtics had been 8-0 in games in which Pierce had 10 or more free throw attempts. He had 13 against the Suns - and both he and coach Jim O'Brien volunteered afterward they felt that wasn't enough.