Unlikely hero sparks Celtics
Saturday, January 08, 2011
With Kevin Garnett still nursing an injury and several starters finding themselves in early foul trouble, rookie Luke Harangody stepped to the plate Friday with his first career double-double as Boston won its fourth consecutive game, beating Toronto, 122-102, at the TD Garden.
Harangody played nearly 30 minutes and finished with a career-high 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Celtics, who are 5-1 without Garnett, but now 4-0 with point guard Rajon Rondo back in the lineup, finished with a season high in points Friday and led by double-digits for most of the night.Paul Pierce scored 20 points and Ray Allen finished with 17. Friday’s win improved Boston’s conference-leading record to 28-7; it was also the 3,000th victory in franchise history.
The Raptors (12-24) had six players reach double figures, led by DeMar DeRozan’s 20 points, and shot 50 percent from the field, but the Celtics won the battle of the boards and also dominated in the paint. Harangody provided the spark off the bench with Glen Davis and Pierce picking up three fouls apiece.
Boston will return to action tonight at Chicago, followed by a trip to Houston on Monday night.
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It