Harangody, Celtics Dominate Raptors 122-102

After defeating the Raptors 93-79 less than a week ago, Boston and Toronto were back at it tonight. The result was the same tonight, as the Celtics earned a dominating 122-102 victory behind an impressive effort from rookie Luke Harangody.

Those who read my posts often know how big a 'Gody fan I am. As a white, undersized forward he shares a special place in my heart, right next to Scal.

The Notre Dame grad netted 17 points on 8-11 shooting from the field and pulled down 11 boards, recording his first career NBA double-double. I firmly believe this is a sign of things to come.

Paul Pierce scored a team-high 20 points while Ray Allen added 17 of his own on 6-8 shooting from the field. Nate Robinson (15), Glen Davis (14), and Shaquille O'Neal (12) all recorded double-digit points as well.

DeMar DeRozan scored 20 points for Toronto, while he and each of the other four Raptors starters logged at least 10 points. Andrea Bargnani and Linas Kleiza each tallied 17 points in the losing effort.

There was little hope for the Raptors in this one, even from the start. Boston scored 34 first quarter points, behind nine from Allen and eight from Harangody. The Celtics increased their 12 point lead to a 22 point one in the 2nd quarter, dropping 33 more in the frame. The 67 1st half points set a season-high for the C's, and at the break Boston was shooting better from the field (65.9%) than deep (60%).
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The Raptors were able to get as close as a dozen, after a Bargnani dunk early in the 4th quarter, but Boston extended it's lead from that point on. Von Wafer scored the Celtics last five points en route to a 122-102 victory.

With the win, Boston's 4th straight, the C's improve to 28-7, while the Raptors drop to 12-24. The Celtics return to action tomorrow night in Chicago, when they take on Derrick Rose and the Bulls. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.