Jan

13

Celtics Pierce Raptors In Over Time 115-109 For Second Straight Win

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap 

Paul Pierce scored a game high 39 points, and the Boston Celtics won their second straight game over the Toronto Raptors although it took them overtime to finish the deed as they topped the Raptors Monday 115-109. The victory was the second half of a home and home series that started north of the border Sunday when the “Green Team” won a matinee game Sunday over Toronto 94-88. The 2 consecutive wins were the first for Boston since losing on Christmas Day to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

The Raptors would dominate the first half, as they grabbed a 23-19 lead at the end of the first quarter, and would extend their advantage to 54-45  as the two opponents went to their individual locker rooms at the half. Boston made a run late in the third as Paul Pierce drove the lane putting the ball up and in with 2:35 left in the period cutting the Toronto advantage to 71-69. The Raptors were able to create a little more distance between the two teams by the end of the quarter and were on top 78-74.

It looked like Boston was about to pull away with 2:15 left in regulation when Rajon Rondo hit a shot 4 feet from the basket, giving his team a 90-84 lead. But the Celtics could not hold onto the advantage, they were ahead 93-90 with 1 second left when Andrea Bargnani drained a 25 foot trey to tie the contest at 93-93, and send it into overtime. Pierce would hit the first 2 shots of the extra period, a 24 foot trey with 3:49 remaining, and then a long jumper with 3:11 left to play, putting the “Green Team” on top 98-93. Toronto could not get over the hump for the rest of the game.

Paul Pierce was the game’s high scorer as he dropped 39 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Kevin Garnett recorded a double-double, as he put up 20 points, grabbed 12 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals, while Ray Allen scored 12 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. Brian Scalabrine getting the start for Kendrick Perkins out with a shoulder injury had 11 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds, Leon Powe came off the bench and chipped in 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Andrea Bargnani had another good game for Toronto as the center scored 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal, while Chris Bosh recorded a double-double, 18 points, 11 boards, and 1 assist. Roko Ukic came off the bench with 16 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, Anthony Parker added 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Will Solomon had 10 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds. Boston now 31-9 will host the New Jersey Nets Wednesday, Toronto now 16-23, will play host to the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night.

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