BOSTON - Bucking their recent trends, the Boston Celtics stormed out of the gate and had one of their best opening quarters of the season, ultimately leading to a 44-38 lead over the Toronto Raptors at halftime here at TD Garden.
Boston made 12-of-20 baskets in the opening 12 minutes, allowing it to take a 29-14 lead heading into the second. The C's also looked much better on the boards, out-rebounding the Raptors, 14-9, overall and even 1-0 on the offensive glass.
Toronto opened the second half with seven straight point and was able to trim its deficit to 29-21, but the Celtics were still able to maintain their advantage entering the intermission despite the Raptors outscoring them 24-15 in the quarter.
Rajon Rondo spurred the Celtics on in the first, scoring 13 points and helping to lead Boston on a 21-7 run to close out the quarter. Rondo finished the half with 15 points and Kevin Garnett, who scored eight in the first quarter, scored 10 in the half. Meanwhile, Paul Pierce recorded just four points but had six assists and four rebounds.
DeMar DeRozan scored 10 points and Rasual Butler had eight points of the bench for Toronto. Boston made 18-of-40 field goals while holding Toronto to 16-of-42 shooting in the opening half.
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