Boston Celtics

Celtics, 27-16(1)

By Gary Dzen

1 minute to read

Paul Pierce took over at the end of the first quarter and has nine points to help the Celtics to a 27-16 lead after one.

Kendrick Perkins is likely to be a forgotten man tonight with the Raptors playing small, but the big man made his presence felt early by taking it strong to the hoop for a bucket on Boston’s first possession. The 6-foot-7-inch Joey Graham guarded Perkins in the early going.

Toronto’s early strategy seems to be to deny Kevin Garnett the ball at all costs. This gave Ray Allen three wide-open three-point attempts in the early going, but Allen missed all three. Allen took it to the hoop and converted on his next opportunity.

  • There are several small contingents of Raptors fans in the rafters tonight. The overall crowd is thin despite the matchup of two good teams. I’m guessing it’s the weather.
  • An intrepid fan has a sign “Keep Perk in the offense. He can score OVER his defender.”

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