Celtics Shoot The Lights Out, Rip Raptors 118-103

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

The Boston Celtics shot an amazing 61.6% (45-83) from the floor, and 58.8% (10-17) as they beat up the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre Sunday 118-103. The win for Boston was the club’s fifth straight. Ray Allen led seven Celtics players in double figures with 21 points, as they dominated this contest all the way through.

Toronto big man Jermaine O’Neal started the game for the Raptors but was ineffective after re-injuring his left knee Friday night against the New Jersey Nets. O’Neal had surgery on the knee last year, causing him to spend a major portion of last season on the injured list. He was taken out of the game Sunday in the second quarter, after falling while attempting a shot. O’Neal told reporters after the game that the pain from his knee was keeping him from being productive. He thinks he should be ready to play Wednesday when the Raptors face the Charlotte Bobcats.

Without the veteran big man, Toronto was no match for the “Green Team.” The Celtics grabbed a 32-20 lead at the end of the first quarter, and the Raptors never recovered. Boston led by double digits the entire second quarter and was up at the half 59-49. It officially became a blow out by the end of the third as the score was 95-73. The fourth quarter was 12 minutes of garbage time.

Ray Allen had 21 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, in the Boston victory. Kevin Garnett put in 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steals, 1 block, Rajon Rondo also contributed 15 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 rebounds. Tony Allen came off the bench with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, Kendrick Perkins added 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block. Paul Pierce scored 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, Eddie House had 11 points as he came off the pine, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 block.

Toronto forward Chis Bosh led all scorers with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block. Jose Calderon had 14 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, Andrea Bargnani also with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Anthony Parker also ended up with 14 points, 2 steals, 1 rebound, Kris Humphies off of the bench scored 11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal. Boston after the win is now 13-2, Toronto falls below .500 at 6-7.

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