Of the 47 games the Celtics have played this season, Walter McCarty has appeared in just 24. McCarty has not been injured. Just not needed.

But things are beginning to change for the sixth-year veteran, a major contributor in the Celtics' 104-91 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday at the FleetCenter. McCarty played a season-high 33 minutes and collected 12 points, three rebounds, two steals and one assist.

His 12 points, coming on 4-for-7 shooting from the 3-point stripe, tied a season high. More importantly, two of his long-range baskets came during the decisive fourth-quarter run.