BOSTON – The honest-to-gosh last game of the 2007-08 season of agony came and went for the Nets in a 105-94 defeat against the Celtics here last night, and both Vince Carter and Bostjan Nachbar were involved.
Even if their last games of the season should have been about a month ago.
Both are headed for MRIs on their respective ailments, Carter on his right ankle and Nachbar on his lower back. Carter then likely will head for arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose bodies in the ankle, but he maintained last night no decision has been made.
“I’ll go through the end of season physicals and go from there,” said Carter.
Nachbar’s course of action, either rest or injections to combat an inflamed disc, will be determined by the MRI scheduled for today. He said surgery is not an option.
Carter played 24 minutes and scored nine points as the Nets, without Josh Boone (knee) for a fifth straight game and with Nenad Krstic battling a sinus problem (and still getting a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double), finished their season at 34-48.
Carter injured the ankle against Boston on Nov. 10, and it has been an issue all season. But lately, he has played through it – and played well. Since the All-Star break – or since the trade of Jason Kidd – Carter averaged 22.7 points and shot .475 (233-of-491).
Nachbar, headed for unrestricted free agency, may have played his last game as a Net, though New Jersey remains his first choice.
Last night did have a different twist for the Nets. For the previous six years, they never went into a game knowing it was the last of the season. Until last night.
Celtics 105 Nets 94