Late miscues derail Celtics
Monday, November 22, 2010
Amir Johnson hit two free throws with 2.7 seconds remaining as the Raptors beat Boston, 102-101. Toronto (5-9) trailed by three points in the closing seconds, but a layup by Sonny Weems followed by a turnover by Ray Allen and a foul on Paul Pierce sent Johnson to the line for the game-winning free throws.
Pierce had an opportunity to win it on Boston’s final possession, but his shot bounced off the rim at the buzzer. The Celtics, who played without point Rajon Rondo (hamstring injury) have lost back-to-back games for the first time all season. They’re now 9-4, trailing Orlando by half a game for the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Until Sunday, Toronto had lost eight consecutive games against the Celtics. Andrea Bargnani led the Raptors with 29 points while Johnson chipped in with 17 off the bench, including 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. Toronto has now won three consecutive games following a 2-9 start.
The Celtics led, 101-98, following a pair of free throws by Glen Davis. Weems hit a quick layup on the other end with 18 seconds remaining and then Allen lost the ball in the backcourt when Johnson poked it loose from behind. Jose Calderon recovered on Boston’s end of the floor and quickly got the ball back to Johnson, who drove baseline and drew the foul on Pierce to set up the game-winning free throws.
Guard Nate Robinson, who started in place of Rondo, finished with a team-high 22 points (16 in the first quarter) while Pierce and Allen had 19 points apiece.
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