The Boston Celtics won their fourth straight game as they defeated the Toronto Raptors 122-102 Wednesday night at the TD Garden. The Celtics are now 3-1 against Toronto this season, the team they have faced the most this season. Friday night's victory also marked the Celtics 3,000th victory in Franchise history.
The Celtics had an overall great team effort, as for only the exception of Rajon Rondo, who needed just one more point, every Celtics starter including two bench players were in double figures Friday night. However, the Celtics were led by an unexpected hero as rookie forward Luke Harangody stepped up and put on a show.
In 27 minutes of play, Harangody came off the bench for the Celtics and gave them 17 points and 11 rebounds, his first career double-double in the NBA. Harangody hadn't seen major playing time like this all season, but he contributed to Boston's stellar performance in a big way. Harangody hadn't scored more than four points this season before Friday night.
Paul Pierce and Ray Allen continued their dominance against the Raptors as they turned in great performances for the Celtics on Friday night. Pierce scored 20 points on 6 of 10 shooting while he only played 28 minutes on Friday night, sitting out most of the fourth quarter after Boston stretched it's lead to 17 midway through the third quarter. Allen scored 17 points on 6 of 8 shooting, three of which were three-pointers. Like Pierce, Allen did not play most of the fourth quarter as he only played 30 minutes Friday night.
Shaquille O'Neal turned in his best performance in a while, as he reached double-figures in points for the first time since mid-December. O'Neal finished with 12 points on 6 of 9 shooting, but only played 21 minutes of the game.
Like Harangody, Nate Robinson had a solid bench performance for the Celtics on Friday night. Robinson finished with 15 points on 5 of 10 shooting. Robinson spelled Rajon Rondo, who only managed a quiet nine points and seven assists, just two days after his triple-double against the Spurs.
Glen Davis extended his streak to four consecutive games being in double figures in points, as he scored 14 points on 6 of 8 shooting. Davis shared time with Harangody on Friday night, but Davis played the longest of all five starters with 33 minutes of play.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers also had a highlight Friday night, as Rivers collected win number 308, which ties him with K.C. Jones for third most in franchise history.
Even though it was a great team effort Friday night, the night was about rookie Luke Harangody in his first big game as a rookie. Harangody had been questioned by many coming out of college by his shooting style as well as his shot selection, but he was able to prove his critics wrong Friday night. Harangody's performance Friday night energized the Celtics fans, as they chanted "Luuuke!" throughout the game. Certainly a great night for the Celtics second round draft pick from Notre Dame.
The Celtics end their home stand as they travel to Chicago to take on Bulls Saturday night at the United Center. Tip-off is expected at 8:00 p.m. EST.