BOSTON — The stunning resurgence of Jerry Stackhouse continues.
The veteran swingman, who as recently as three weeks ago wasn’t even expected to crack the Nets’ rotation, again proved to be a vital piece off the bench. Stackhouse finished with a season-high 17 points on 5-for-6 shooting — all from 3-point range — as well as making a pair of foul shots in the Nets’ 95-83 win over the Celtics last night at TD Garden.
“I’d be lying if I thought we’d be where we are right now, this fast,” Stackhouse said. “But we’ve improved every game. I think guys’ focus and attention to detail in practice and in our film sessions has been the difference and hopefully it can continue because we have so much more stuff we need to put in to really take that next step.
“I’ve got to say I’m pleased with where we are right now, because through our growing pains we’ve been able to string together wins.”
Last night’s performance was the second straight game the Nets got a big performance from Stackhouse, who finished with 14 points in Monday’s win over the Knicks. Since he entered the rotation after MarShon Brooks sprained his left ankle before the game in Orlando on Nov. 9, the Nets are now 8-1 in games Stackhouse has played in this season.
“It’s got to be the right situation, and this is the right situation for me,” Stackhouse said. “The last couple years, I probably could have done this. I mean, I was in a playoff series last year [with Atlanta] and didn’t even get into the game.
“It is what it is. I’m happy about where I’m at right now, and the role that I have with the team as a player-coach, and kind of being an extension of Avery and the coaching staff in the locker room. … I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
* With the win, the Nets kept pace with the Knicks atop the Atlantic Division, and now hold a perfect 4-0 record against division foes. They also have gone 7-1 against the Eastern Conference this season, and are 6-2 against playoff teams from last year.
* Because of his ejection, Rajon Rondo’s 37-game streak with at least 10 assists was snapped. Rondo was tied with John Stockton for second all-time, behind Magic Johnson’s 46 games in a row.