Shira Springer of the Boston globe reports that Baron Davis? consecutive games streak ended last night. Davis had played in every one of his 252 career games until missing last night?s game against the Celtics with back spasms. The decision to sit out last night was tough for Davis to make, but it was the right way to go since pain has clearly limited his effectiveness.

Davis doesn?t know when he will return to the court. He will continue to stretch and work out and evaluate his back on a daily basis.

''[The pain] never leaves,'' said Davis. ''Sometimes even when I look like I'm moving a lot better, then my spasms will come. It's just something that I've dealt with throughout the year, that I've played with throughout the year. It feels weird not being able to play.

''It was really after the Knick game [Saturday] when I talked to a lot of my friends and family on the phone. They were telling me I didn't even look like myself. Talking to some of the veteran guys like Stacey Augmon and Elden Campbell... They gave me some good advice as far as, if you can play and play to your full capability, then play. But if you can't, then it's not worth it because I'm only in my fourth year and I've got a long career ahead of me.''

Davis is second on the team in scoring (16.6 points per game) and first in assists (8.3).

Even though Davis and Boston guard Paul Pierce are close friends, Pierce was glad to see Davis out of the lineup on Sunday. ''When their All-Star player isn't playing, the guy who makes them go ... I look forward to playing against him, but hey, if you're trying to get a win and he gives them their best chance of winning when he's out there ... it's to our advantage.''