Dynamic duo leads resurgent Celtics

The NBA has a long history of dynamic duos that have led their teams into battle.

Bob Cousy and Bill Russell. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

These formidable tandems have led their respective teams to new heights of success, and have the championship rings to prove it.

During the past two seasons, another impressive duo has emerged that could lead the Boston Celtics back to the promised land: Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce.

In the 2000-2001 season, Walker and Pierce put up some impressive numbers for the Celtics. They accounted for 51 percent of the Celtics points per game, 38 percent of the rebounds and 40 percent of the assists.

However, their joint efforts were not enough to salvage the Celtics season, as they finished in 5th place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, 20 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers.

This season, Walker and Pierce have led the Celtics to a surprising 23-15 record, which represents the team's best start in 10 years.

Boston is currently in second place in the Atlantic Division, behind the New Jersey Nets, and third place overall in the Eastern Conference.

The production of Walker and Pierce is amazingly similar to last season's, as they are accounting for 52 percent of the Celtic's points scored, 38 percent of the rebounds and nearly 40 percent of the assists.

Walker and Pierce were rewarded for their efforts when they were named Co-Players of the Month of December in the Eastern Conference.

For every successful duo in the NBA, there has been a successful supporting cast.

Cousy and Russell had Tom Heinsohn and Bill Sharman. Magic and Kareem had James Worthy and Michael Cooper. Michael and Scottie had Horace Grant and John Paxson.

Unfortunately for Walker and Pierce, their teammates have not stepped up their production, as no other Celtic has averaged double digits in scoring the past two seasons. If the Celtics are to contend for the Eastern Conference crown, and ultimately vie for a World Championship, Coach Jim O'Brien must figure out a way to get more production from players like Joe Johnson, Tony Battie, Erick Strickland and Kenny Anderson.

Without a more balanced lineup, an injury to either Walker or Pierce could spell doom for the Celtics.