Celts Beat Blazers, 96-78

Boston and Portland are scenic ports of call, but their basketball arenas are no bed and breakfasts for the NBA's gentlemen callers.

Courtney Lee replaced Rajon Rondo in the starting lineup and the Celtics got off to a quick start.  Jeff Green played well with 19 points and Jason Terry had 17.

Dee Brown converted two free throws with 16.5 seconds remaining and the Celtics survived four Portland scoring attempts to secure the victory.  The loss was Portland's second in a row.

Larry Bird led all scorers with 27 points, including three free throws in a row after Jerome Kersey was assessed a technical foul for arguing a call.



The Celtics started causing trouble early, riding a 20-4 second quarter run to a 56-33 halftime lead.

In addition to Kersey getting a technical, reserve forward Clifford Robinson was ejected from the game.  But not before faking out a helpless Boston fan.