The Boston Celtics got back on track Sunday night as they were able to get back on track as they defeated the Toronto Raptors 93-79 on the road, this snapping their two-game losing streak.
Paul Pierce played a phenomenal game for the Celtics as he scored a game-high 30 points while collecting seven rebounds. Pierce had a great bounce-back game after scoring just 12 points against the New Orleans, a game where he was left kicking himself.
Sunday's game also marked the return of Rajon Rondo, whom started at point guard for the Celtics. Rondo only managed four points on eight assists in his return where he played 34 minutes. Even though he wasn't productive, Rondo's return hopefully marks the end of the Celtics struggles, who have been bit with the injury bug as of late.
Despite Rondo's return, the Celtics still have injury troubles as they were without Kevin Garnett for the second straight game, who sustained a leg injury in Wednesday's loss to Detroit.
Ray Allen also had a great game for the Celtics as he scored 23 points on 10 of 15 shooting, which included a 3 of 5 performance from three-point land. Allen played just 35 minutes, as he had Marquis Daniels to back him up rather than backing up Nate Robinson when he was the starting point guard.
With Kevin Garnett out, Glen Davis got the start at power forward for the Celtics. Davis put on a solid performance for the Celtics as he scored 15 points and racked up a game-high 11 rebounds. Davis will likely see more action as Garnett isn't expected to return until late next week.
With the return of Jermaine O'Neal, Shaquille O'Neal's minutes have seemingly gone way down. Shaq only managed seven points on six rebounds in 24 minutes played. While Jermaine O'Neal had similar stats with six points with four rebounds in 23 minutes of play. Shaq found himself once again in foul trouble, which caused him to exit the game early. With Kendrick Perkins still a few weeks away, the O'Neals will still split time at center.
Semih Erden sat out once again as he continues to have shoulder issues.
With Rondo returning to the lineup, Pierce looking as sharp as ever, and Kendrick Perkins set to return in a few weeks, the Celtics look to hopefully start another winning streak and prove that they are the team to beat in the NBA once again.
The Celtics look to win their second straight as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves Monday night at the TD Banknorth Garden. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. EST.