In the News

2010 NBA free agents: Ray Allen makes Boston Celtics deal official, glad to be back
Ray Allen finalized his contract with the Celtics on Tuesday.

Ray Allen gets 2-year deal to return to Boston Celtics
Ray Allen is returning to the Celtics.

Ray Allen gets 2-year deal to return to Boston Celtics
Ray Allen is returning to the Celtics.

Celtics re-sign Allen for 2 years, $20M (AP)
The new Big Three will have another chance at a third trip to the NBA finals. Ray Allen confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday night that he has agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract to return to the Boston Celtics. The deal was first reported by ESPN. Allen, who turns 35 this month, was a free agent.

Allen agrees to two-year deal with C's
Boston's Big Three will remain intact. Ray Allen has agreed to a two-year deal for $10 million per season with the Celtics, FOXSports.com's Jeff Goodman confirmed Wednesday. The second year is a player option.

Allen agrees to two-year deal with C's
Boston's Big Three will remain intact. Ray Allen has agreed to a two-year deal for $10 million per season with the Celtics, FOXSports.com's Jeff Goodman confirmed Wednesday. The second year is a player option.

Celtics could look different next season (AP)
Doc Rivers is headed from pro basketball to the amateur game, and he may not be coming back. Ray Allen could end up elsewhere and Rasheed Wallace appears gone for sure. Although Kevin Garnett would like to have everybody back, next season's Boston Celtics could look quite different from the team that nearly won the 2010 NBA championship.

Celtics' 'Big 3' looking for title No. 2 (AP)
One banner in the rafters accomplished a lifelong goal for Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Another, and they're in the conversation with the great Boston Celtics teams of all time. "Everybody wants to have one. All the teams want to get there. But there have been a lot of great players who never did," said Tom "Satch" Sanders, who won eight NBA titles in a Celtics...

2010 NBA Finals: Ray Allen practices after Boston Celtics say he could skip
Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics attended practice Saturday after the team said he could skip it for family reasons.

Allen forced to miss media session (AP)
Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen missed Saturday's media session for the NBA finals because of a family matter. Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said Allen arrived at the TD Garden in time for practice. Twiss said Allen was given permission to miss the session on the off day before Sunday night's Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

2010 NBA Finals: Doc Rivers doesn't want to see Ray Allen leave Boston Celtics
Doc Rivers doesn't want to see Ray Allen leave Boston Celtics.

Fisher shines late as Lakers win Game 3 (AP)
Derek Fisher broke down the court after yet another miss by Ray Allen. Nothing between him and the basket, and nothing -- not even three hard-charging Celtics -- was going to keep the Los Angeles Lakers guard from finishing off a Game 3 victory. A hard foul from all three pursuing Celtics sent Fisher sprawling to the floor, but not before he laid in his fifth basket of the fourth quarter and...

Celtics earn split in Finals behind Allen's record
Ray Allen scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half with a record-setting 3-point shooting display and the Boston Celtics evened the NBA finals with a 103-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 Sunday night.

Allen, Rondo help Celtics even finals (AP)
The Boston Celtics evened the NBA finals with Ray Allen shredding the Lakers from the 3-point line -- and Rajon Rondo doing everything else from everywhere else. Allen scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half with a record-setting 3-point shooting display, Rondo completed a triple-double down the stretch and the Celtics handed Los Angeles its first home loss of the postseason, 103-94 Sunday...

Boston Celtics' Ray Allen sets 3-point record
Celtics' Ray Allen sets 3-point record with eight.

Allen hits 7 3s, Celtics lead at half (AP)
Ray Allen set an NBA finals record with seven 3-pointers in a half and scored 27 points, leading the Boston Celtics to a 54-48 lead at the break over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA finals on Sunday night. Allen tied the finals record for a game by hitting his first seven 3-pointers before his final attempt of the half spun out.

Celtics win in L.A. to even NBA Finals
Ray Allen and the Celtics get even with the Lakers.

Celtics hold off Magic rally, win Game 1 (AP)
The Orlando Magic finally met their match in the playoffs. Ray Allen scored 25 points, Paul Pierce had 22 and the Boston Celtics used smothering defense to beat the Magic 92-88 on Sunday in the Eastern Conference finals opener. Rasheed Wallace added 13 points as the Celtics built a 20-point lead, then held on late to snap Orlando's 14-game winning streak.

Celtics withstand late charge to put away Magic
Ray Allen scored 25 points, Paul Pierce had 22 and the Boston Celtics used smothering defense to beat the Magic 92-88 on Sunday in the Eastern Conference finals opener.

Celtics rout Cavs in Cleveland, lead 3-2 (AP)
The Boston Celtics pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers dangerously close to an early start to the Summer of LeBron. Ray Allen scored 25 points, Rajon Rondo scored all of his 16 in the second half and the Celtics, once thought too old to challenge for another title, beat LeBron James and the Cavs 120-88 in Game 5 on Tuesday night to move within one win of knocking the NBA's top team from the...

Celtics' big lead too much for Cavs to overcome
Rajon Rondo tied a team playoff record with 19 assists, Ray Allen scored 22 points and the Celtics, showing they're still very dangerous despite their years, opened a 25-point lead in the fourth and then survived Cleveland's comeback for a 104-86 win.

Rondo's 19 assists help Celts tie series (AP)
The window hasn't closed on the Boston Celtics. It's still wide open. Rajon Rondo tied a team playoff record with 19 assists, Ray Allen scored 22 points and the Celtics, showing they're still very dangerous despite their years, opened a 25-point lead in the fourth and then survived Cleveland's comeback for a 104-86 win on Monday night to even their semifinal series at 1-1.

Allen helps Celts oust Heat in 5 games (AP)
The Boston Celtics are heading to the second round of the NBA playoffs and a potential matchup with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ray Allen scored 24 points, making five 3-pointers in the second half, to help Boston beat Miami 96-86 in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night and eliminate the Heat.

Bucks win as Celtics rest Big 3 (AP)
Jerry Stackhouse and Luke Ridnour scored 17 points apiece, and the Milwaukee Bucks won their regular-season finale 106-95 on Wednesday night as the Boston Celtics rested their Big Three in preparation for the playoffs. With Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen sitting out to avoid possible injury, the lack of defense and excitement had spectators moving toward the exits midway through the...

Boston Celtics rest Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce in regular-season finale
The Boston Celtics are resting Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to avoid possible injuries before the playoffs.

Celtics rest Big 3 for finale (AP)
The Boston Celtics are resting Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to avoid possible injuries before the playoffs. The team's Big Three were not in the starting lineup against the Milwaukee Bucks in Wednesday night's regular-season finale, and coach Doc Rivers said they would not play. Rivers said a fourth regular starter, center Kendrick Perkins, wouldn't play either to make sure...

Turkoglu hurt as Raptors lose to Celtics (AP)
Rajon Rondo scored 21 points, Paul Pierce had 20 and the Boston Celtics capitalized on another injury to a Toronto player by beating the Raptors 115-104 on Wednesday night. Kevin Garnett scored 19 points, Ray Allen had 18 and Michael Finley 14 as the Celtics won their eighth straight over Toronto, sweeping the series for the second consecutive season.

Cavs make big rally but fall to Celts
Ray Allen scored a season-high 33 points, hitting his sixth three-pointer to give the Celtics a four-point lead with 48 seconds left, and Boston held on despite 42 points from LeBron James to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-113 on Sunday.

Allen, Celts escape LeBron's 42, Cavs' late rally
Ray Allen scored a season-high 33 points, hitting his sixth 3-pointer to give the Celtics a four-point lead with 48 seconds left, and Boston held on despite 42 points from LeBron James to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-113 on Sunday.

Celtics hold off Cavs despite James' 42 (AP)
Ray Allen scored a season-high 33 points, hitting his sixth 3-pointer to give the Celtics a four-point lead with 48 seconds left, and Boston held on despite 42 points from LeBron James to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-113 on Sunday. The win snapped a three-game home losing streak for Boston, and it kept the Cavaliers from clinching home-court advantage for the entire postseason.

Pierce, Rondo lead Celtics past Mavs (AP)
The Boston Celtics got the split they wanted with the Dallas Mavericks. Paul Pierce scored 29 points, Rajon Rondo added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the Celtics stretched their winning streak to four games with a 102-93 victory over the Mavericks on Saturday night. Ray Allen had 21 points for the Celtics, beaten by the Mavericks 99-90 in Boston on Jan.

Pierce helps Celtics outlast Rockets (AP)
No matter where Aaron Brooks ran Friday night, Rajon Rondo seemed to follow him. And when Houston's speedy point guard found space, another Boston Celtic seemed to step in front of him. Paul Pierce scored 26 points, Ray Allen hit five 3-pointers and had 19 points, and the Celtics snapped Houston's four-game winning streak with a 94-87 victory.

Big 3 help Celtics end Rockets' win streak at 4
Paul Pierce scored 26 points, Ray Allen hit five 3-pointers and had 19 points, and the Boston Celtics snapped Houston's four-game winning streak with a 94-87 victory over the Rockets on Friday night.

Celtics rebound by coasting to win vs. Pistons
Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Michael Finley scored 15 points apiece, helping the Celtics coast to a 119-93 victory over the Pistons.

Balanced Celtics cruise past Pistons (AP)
Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Michael Finley scored 15 points apiece, and Kevin Garnett had 14 points and eight rebounds on Monday night to help the Boston Celtics coast to a 119-93 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Boston rested its starters in the fourth quarter while beating up on a non-contender for the second straight home game.

Celtics rally past Wizards for fourth straight win
Ray Allen scored a game-high 25 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 17.1 seconds remaining, and the Boston Celtics rallied past the Washington Wizards 86-83 on Sunday.

Allen's late 3 caps Celtics' rally (AP)

Ray Allen scored a game-high 25 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 17.1 seconds remaining, and the Boston Celtics rallied past the Washington Wizards 86-83 on Sunday. Boston trailed 79-66 with 6:11 remaining and responded with a 20-4 run to close out the game with eight points from Allen and six from guard Rajon Rondo.

Rondo, Garnett lead Celtics past Sixers (AP)

Rajon Rando had 16 points and 11 assists, Kevin Garnett scored 22 points and the Boston Celtics handed the Philadelphia 76ers their fifth straight loss, 96-86 on Friday night. Ray Allen scored 16 points and Glen Davis had 12 for the Celtics. The aging Celtics -- they just added Michael Finley -- couldn't put away the lowly Sixers until the end.

Robinson, Rondo lift Celtics by Pistons (AP)

Nate Robinson scored 14 points in 16 minutes, Rajon Rondo added 15 points and 11 assists, and the Boston Celtics beat the Detroit Pistons 105-100 on Tuesday night. The Celtics, playing for the first time since a humiliating home loss to the NBA-worst New Jersey Nets on Saturday, got 18 points from Ray Allen.

Rondo gets Pierce-less Celtics by Knicks (AP)

Rajon Rondo scored 15 points and had 16 assists to lead the Boston Celtics to a 110-106 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night in a matchup of teams that traded with each other last week. Ray Allen added 24 points, Kevin Garnett 16, Marquis Daniels 14 and Kendrick Perkins 12 as Boston sent New York to its eighth straight loss.

Allen's surge powers Celtics by Blazers (AP)

Ray Allen scored 21 points, including eight straight early in the fourth quarter to stymie a run by Portland, and the Boston Celtics beat the Trail Blazers 96-76 on Friday night. Kevin Garnett scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half, helping the Celtics on the second night of a difficult West Coast two-step.

Celtics drop Lakers to first loss without Kobe
Ray Allen scored 12 of his 24 points in the third quarter and made 10 of his first 11 shots, leading the Boston Celtics to a 87-86 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.

Ray Allen helps Celtics top Lakers 87-86 (AP)

Ray Allen scored 12 of his 24 points in the third quarter and made 10 of his first 11 shots, leading the Boston Celtics to an 87-86 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. It was the defending NBA champions' first loss in five games since Kobe Bryant went down with a sprained left ankle.

Ray Allen sits, Celtics fall to Hornets (AP)

Darren Collison scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, helping the New Orleans Hornets hold on for a 93-85 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Peja Stojakovic scored 20 for New Orleans and Morris Peterson had 16 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double in more than two seasons.

Ray Allen scratched due to back spasms (AP)
The Boston Celtics scratched shooting guard Ray Allen from the lineup for the game Wednesday night against the New Orleans Hornets. The Celtics say Allen, who averages 16 points a game, has been bothered by back spams. The Hornets, meanwhile, say rookie shooting guard Marcus Thornton is ready to return from a lower back bruise that has sidelined him for three games.

Kobe's late hoop lifts Lakers by Celtics (AP)

Kobe Bryant sank a go-ahead fallaway jumper with 7.3 seconds left to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 90-89 victory over Boston on Sunday and send the struggling Celtics to their sixth loss in eight games. The Celtics, who led by 11 points in the fourth quarter, nursed a one-point lead until Paul Pierce was called for an offensive foul for pushing off as he jumped to shoot with 28 seconds left.

Ray Allen wants to remain with Boston Celtics this season and beyond
Ray Allen wants to remain with the Boston Celtics this season and beyond.

Celtics earn OT win in Garnett's return (AP)

Ray Allen was just 2 for 13 when he hit a 3-pointer with 42 seconds left in overtime to give the Boston Celtics a 98-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. LaMarcus Aldridge followed with a missed 3-pointer, and after a scramble at midcourt Allen wound up with the ball and passed it ahead to Tony Allen for the breakaway dunk.

Allen, Celtics nip Blazers in OT as KG returns
Ray Allen was just 2-for-13 when he hit a 3-pointer with 42 seconds left in overtime to give the Celtics a 98-95 victory over the Trail Blazers.

Celtics' Allen wants to limit fans' role in All-Star selection
Celtics star Ray Allen thinks the fans' role in selecting All-Star teams should be limited.

Boston Celtics' Ray Allen suggests limiting fans' role in voting for All-Star Game
Celtics guard Ray Allen thinks it's time to limit fans' influence in All-Star voting with Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady, despite having little to no impact this season, both headed into the final hours of voting in position to start.

Week 13 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em
Most of your Bucks are likely solid options heading into Fantasy Week 13, while veterans such as Ray Allen and Shaquille O'Neal might struggle. Our Sergio Gonzalez touches on that and more in his Start 'Em and Sit 'Em.




Pierce's 24 help Celtics rout Nets (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 24 points in 28 minutes and the Boston Celtics quickly turned a mismatch on paper into just that on the court, beating the New Jersey Nets 111-87 on Wednesday night. Ray Allen added 15 points and Rajon Rondo had 11 points and 14 assists for the Celtics, who are playing without All-Star Kevin Garnett (right knee) and reserve Rasheed Wallace (sore left foot), but would've had...

Rondo has triple-double as Celtics win (AP)

Rajon Rondo had 22 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season, Rasheed Wallace scored a season-high 29 points and the Boston Celtics beat Toronto 114-107 on Sunday for their seventh straight win over the Raptors. Wallace made five of Boston's 11 3-pointers. Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kendrick Perkins each scored 16 points for Boston, which had lost four of six...

Minus 3 starters, Celtics beat Raptors (AP)

Ray Allen scored 23 points, Rasheed Wallace added 16 and the Boston Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 103-96 on Saturday night despite missing three starters because of injuries. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for Boston and ended the Raptors' season-high five-game winning streak. Paul Pierce missed his fifth straight game after having a pair of minor surgical procedures for an...

Celtics without Pierce, Garnett, Rondo (AP)
Boston coach Doc Rivers opened his pregame press conference by joking that he was going to see some court time. It's a sign of what his lineup looks like due to a recent run of injuries. "I am playing tonight. Yes, I am," Rivers said. The Celtics' "Big Three" was reduced to one Friday night against Toronto -- forward Ray Allen.

Warriors come from 18 down, stun Celtics (AP)

Monta Ellis scored 37 points and converted two free throws with 2.3 seconds left, and the Golden State Warriors rallied from an early 18-point deficit to hand the Boston Celtics just their second two-game losing streak this season with a 103-99 victory Monday night. Anthony Randolph added 18 points and nine rebounds and scored six straight during an 8-2 run late in the third quarter to put the...

Baron beats buzzer, ends Celtics' streak (AP)

Baron Davis hit a long fallaway jumper at the buzzer, and the Los Angeles Clippers dramatically snapped the Boston Celtics' nine-game road winning streak with a 92-90 victory on Sunday night. Rajon Rondo scored 20 points for the Celtics, but missed two potential go-ahead free throws -- actually three, including another that was waved off -- with 1.5 seconds left in just the Celtics' second...

Rondo, defense help Celtics beat Magic (AP)

Rajon Rondo had 17 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, and the Boston Celtics bullied the Orlando Magic with strong defense in an 86-77 victory Friday. Ray Allen added 18 points and Tony Allen scored 16 in place of the injured Paul Pierce for the Celtics, who rolled to their 14th win in the last 15 games.

Celtics extend winning streak to 11 (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 19 points, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo added 18 apiece and the Boston Celtics won their 11th straight game, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 110-105 on Monday night. Rasheed Wallace added 15 points, while Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett each scored 13. Rondo had nine of Boston's 25 assists.

Celtics handle Grizzlies' rally, win 11th straight
Paul Pierce scored 19 points, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo added 18 apiece and the Boston Celtics won their 11th straight game, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 110-105 on Monday night.

Celtics win ninth straight, top Wizards (AP)

Rajon Rondo's driving dunk with a minute remaining broke a tie and led the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics to their ninth straight victory, 104-102 over the Washington Wizards on Thursday night. Rondo had 21 points and 11 assists, and Ray Allen had 18 and became the 32nd NBA player to score 20,000 points.

Celtics now 8-1 on road, top Spurs 90-83 (AP)

Kevin Garnett scored 20 points and the Boston Celtics won their sixth straight game, 90-83 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. Ray Allen added 15 points to help the Celtics improve to an NBA-best 8-1 away from home. They'll wrap up a four-game road swing Friday night at Oklahoma City.

Allen's 27, 5 3s lift Celtics by Bobcats (AP)

Ray Allen broke out of his shooting slump with 27 points, Kendrick Perkins added 21 points and 12 rebounds and the Boston Celtics cruised past the Charlotte Bobcats 108-90 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory. Led by Allen, the Celtics had little trouble slowing the Bobcats, who had won four straight.

Allen, Celtics slow Bobcats for fifth straight win
Ray Allen broke out of his shooting slump with 27 points, Kendrick Perkins added 21 points and 12 rebounds and the Boston Celtics cruised past the Charlotte Bobcats 108-90 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Garnett near-perfect as Celtics' rally beats Heat
Kevin Garnett scored 24 points on 11 of 12 shooting, Ray Allen delivered the big blow with a 3-pointer with 1:38 left and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the Miami Heat 92-85 on Sunday night.

Garnett helps Celtics rally past Heat (AP)

Kevin Garnett scored 24 points on 11 of 12 shooting, Ray Allen delivered the big blow with a 3-pointer with 1:38 left and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the Miami Heat 92-85 on Sunday night. Paul Pierce scored 15 points and Kendrick Perkins finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds for Boston, which opened a four-game road trip by winning its fourth straight.

Boston Celtics' Ray Allen says leaving ill son was difficult
Ray Allen says it was a difficult decision to leave his ailing 2-year-old son and join the Boston Celtics for the start of their four-game road trip.

Ray Allen back with Celts after visiting sick son
Celtics guard Ray Allen is spending time with his ill son and may miss the opener of Boston's four-game road trip. Allen was not at Celtics practice Saturday and coach Doc Rivers didn't know whether he would make the trip to Miami for the game against the Heat on Sunday night. Allen went to a hospital to be with his son Walker after Friday night's victory over the Raptors. Walker Allen was diagnosed with diabetes during the 2008 NBA finals.

Celtics' Allen spending time with sick son
Celtics guard Ray Allen is spending time with his ill son and may miss the opener of Boston's four-game road trip. Allen was not at Celtics practice Saturday and coach Doc Rivers didn't know whether he would make the trip to Miami for the game against the Heat on Sunday night. Allen went to a hospital to be with his son Walker after Friday night's victory over the Raptors. Walker Allen was diagnosed with diabetes during the 2008 NBA finals.

Celtics Ray Allen uncertain for upcoming road trip
Ray Allen uncertain for upcoming Celtics' road trip.

Celtics ride Allen, Perkins to third straight win
Ray Allen scored 20 points, Paul Pierce and Kendrick Perkins had 18 apiece, and the Boston Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 116-103 on Friday night.

Celtics win third straight, beat Raptors (AP)

Ray Allen scored 20 points, Paul Pierce and Kendrick Perkins had 18 apiece, and the Boston Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 116-103 on Friday night. Rajon Rondo had 12 points and 11 assists as the Celtics won their third in a row for the first time since opening the season with six straight victories.

Celtics lose again as Pacers extend run (AP)

Danny Granger scored 29 points and Dahntay Jones added a season-high 25, helping the Pacers defeat the Boston Celtics 113-104 on Saturday night. Granger was 6 of 9 on 3-pointers, had six rebounds and four assists after promising Wednesday night that the Pacers (4-3) would win their fourth straight. Boston (8-3) was led by Ray Allen, who had a season-high 24 but lost its second straight.

Celtics improve to 8-1, cruise past Jazz (AP)

Rajon Rondo had 14 points and 11 assists and the Boston Celtics beat the Utah Jazz 105-86 on Wednesday night to match their 8-1 start from their title-winning season two years ago. Boston has won two in a row since its only loss, to Phoenix on Friday. Kevin Garnett scored 18 points, Paul Pierce had 13 and Ray Allen 15 for the Celtics.

Celtics bounce back, keep Nets winless (AP)
Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce each scored 16 points, and the Boston Celtics bounced back from their first loss of the season to beat the winless New Jersey Nets 86-76 on Saturday night Ray Allen came alive after three dismal quarters to score eight of his 12 points in the fourth quarter for the Celtics (7-1), who lost 110-103 to Phoenix on Friday night, allowing 20 more points than in any previous...

Celtics move to 5-0, beat 76ers 105-74 (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 21 points, Rasheed Wallace had 20 and the Boston Celtics remained unbeaten with a 105-74 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. The Celtics improved to 5-0 even without the usual standout performances from Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Allen didn't score his first field goal until the third quarter and had five points.

Pierce has 20 in 3rd, Celtics rout Bulls (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 20 of his 22 points in the third quarter, and the Boston Celtics rolled to a 118-90 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night in the teams' first matchup since last spring's thrilling seven-game playoff series. Ray Allen had 20 points for Boston and Kevin Garnett, who missed the final 25 games of the regular season and the playoffs with strained ligaments in his...

Celtics rip Bobcats 92-59 in home opener (AP)

Kevin Garnett scored 10 points with seven rebounds over 26 easy minutes in his return to the Boston parquet on Wednesday night and the Celtics held Charlotte to a franchise-low in scoring and coasted to a 92-59 victory in their home opener. Ray Allen scored 18 points and was the only Boston starter to play in the fourth quarter as the Celtics followed their opening-night victory over Cleveland...

Celtics spoil Shaq's debut with Cavs (AP)

The reunited Big Three -- and Rasheed -- are one up on the Big Two. Paul Pierce scored 23 points, Ray Allen 16 and Kevin Garnett 13 in his first regular-season game since last March as the Boston Celtics beat Cleveland 95-89 on Tuesday night in the NBA season opener, spoiling the hyped debut of the Cavaliers with LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal.

Wallace addition gives Celtics Big 4 (AP)

The Big Three lost their biggest piece when Kevin Garnett's knee problems ended his season in March. Now he's back, Rasheed Wallace is here and the Boston Celtics may have a Big Four -- and a whole lot more that could add up to a second NBA championship in three seasons. "The chemistry, I saw it from day one," Paul Pierce said.

Celtics close preseason by clocking Cavs
The Boston Celtics rested two-thirds of their Big Three. Everybody else was up to the task. Eddie House scored 21 points as the Celtics rolled to a 96-82 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a preseason game Wednesday night. "We got a win. We closed the preseason out right," said House, who hit 8 of 14 shots from the field including three 3-pointers. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen didn't play for the Celtics, coach Doc Rivers saying before the game that he had also asked Paul Pierce to rest.

Balanced effort helps Knicks top Celtics (AP)

Nate Robinson scored 21 points, Al Harrington added 20, including the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:23 left, and the New York Knicks beat the Boston Celtics 108-103 in a preseason game Tuesday night. David Lee had 19 points and 16 rebounds, and Danilo Gallinari had his strongest outing of a poor preseason with 18 points for New York (4-2).

KG, Allen key Celts' fifth straight win (AP)

Kevin Garnett scored 21 points, Ray Allen added 20 and the Boston Celtics won their fifth straight, beating the Toronto Raptors 101-82 on Sunday. Eddie House scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth, while Rasheed Wallace, who sat out Boston's 106-90 victory over Toronto on Wednesday night because of a sore right ankle, returned to score five points.

Report: Celts offer Rasheed Wallace deal (AP)
The Boston Celtics have offered forward Rasheed Wallace a contract as part of a major push to land the coveted forward, according to a published report on Friday. The Boston Globe reports the Celtics offered Wallace a deal during a three-hour meeting in Detroit on Thursday. Celtics stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce joined general manager Danny Ainge and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck...

Report: Celtics meet with Wallace, offer deal
Rasheed Wallace may be joining Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in Boston.

Celtics win fifth straight, rip Suns (AP)

The Boston Celtics are once again looking like the team that won 19 in a row before an uncharacteristic midseason slump had people asking what was wrong with the defending NBA champions. Rajon Rondo had 23 points and seven assists before sitting out the fourth quarter with the rest of the starters, and Boston opened a 30-point lead before coasting to a 104-87 victory over the Phoenix Suns on...

Celtics rout Nets, win fourth straight (AP)

Ray Allen and the Boston Celtics wasted no time turning a rematch with the Nets into another rout. Allen scored 25 points to lead the Celtics to a 105-85 win on Saturday afternoon. The Celtics put the game away in the opening quarter, taking an 18-2 lead behind nine points from Allen. Boston had beaten New Jersey by 32 points at home on Wednesday.

Allen's 36 help Celtics end 4-game skid (AP)

Ray Allen scored a season-high 36 points, including eight 3-pointers, and the Boston Celtics withstood a late Toronto rally to beat the Raptors 94-88 on Sunday afternoon, snapping a four-game losing streak. Allen, who made a career-high 10 3-pointers against Charlotte on April 14, 2002, finished 8-for-10 from 3-point range on Sunday, making his first six attempts.

Celtics OK with possibly adding Marbury (AP)
The Boston Celtics are aware of Stephon Marbury's reputation. They're also aware they may need more depth to win another title. So if general manager Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers decide the banished New York Knicks guard can help them, the Celtics players sound willing to go along with it. "He's been a great talent in this league for a long time," All-Star Ray Allen said Sunday.

Celtics win club-record 19th straight (AP)

The Boston Celtics set a franchise record with their 19th consecutive victory on Tuesday night, getting 18 points apiece from Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 110-91. Kendrick Perkins had eight points and 11 rebounds, and Ray Allen scored 16 as the Celtics starters watched from the bench while reserves Leon Powe and Eddie House helped expand the lead in the fourth...

Celtics extend streak to 17, rip Bulls (AP)

Make it 17 in a row for the 17-time NBA champions. Ray Allen scored 27 points, Kendrick Perkins scored a career-high 25 on 12-for-15 shooting and the Boston Celtics earned their 17th straight victory on Friday night by beating the Chicago Bulls 126-108. Kevin Garnett scored 17, Paul Pierce had 16 and Rajon Rondo had 15 assists for the Celtics, who could tie the longest winning streak in franchise...

Celtics win 16th straight, defeat Hawks (AP)

The Boston Celtics looked to Kevin Garnett in the fourth quarter. Garnett scored 10 of his 18 points in the final quarter, and Atlanta's Joe Johnson missed a late free throw that would have tied it, helping the Celtics beat the Hawks 88-85 on Wednesday night for their 16th straight victory. After Johnson missed the second of two free throws with 2.7 seconds, Ray Allen made a pair of free throws...

Celtics improve to franchise-best 21-2 (AP)

Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Doc Rivers can boast they accomplished something Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy and Red Auerbach never did when their Boston Celtics teams were ruling the NBA: open a season 21-2. Allen and Pierce scored 22 points apiece, Garnett nearly had a triple-double, and Boston beat the Washington Wizards 122-88 on Thursday night for a 13th consecutive victory...

Allen has 35 as Celts win 12th straight (AP)

Ray Allen scored a season-high 35 points, and the Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers 122-117 in overtime on Sunday to increase their winning streak to 12 games. Kevin Garnett had 17 points, 20 rebounds and five steals, Paul Pierce had 17 points and eight rebounds and Eddie House had 15 points for Boston (20-2).

Celtics win 10th straight, beat Pacers (AP)
Rajon Rondo notched his first career triple-double and Ray Allen scored 31 points, leading the Boston Celtics over the Indiana Pacers, 114-96 on Wednesday night for their 10th straight victory. Rondo scored 16 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and handed out a career-high 17 assists. Kevin Garnett added 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Celtics, who matched their longest winning streak since their...

Why NBA defenses don't stay in a zone
Why don't NBA teams use more zone defenses? Charley Rosen says there are many reasons, including marksmen like Ray Allen.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/473967535" height="1" width="1"/

Celtics win ninth straight, beat Magic (AP)
Paul Pierce scored 17 of his 24 points in the third quarter to lead the Boston Celtics to their ninth straight win, 107-88 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Ray Allen added 21 points, Rajon Rondo had 16 points with 12 assists and Kevin Garnett scored 15 points for the Celtics (17-2) in a win over a top Eastern Conference rival.

Celtics hold off Bobcats, run reaches 8 (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 19 points to help the Boston Celtics win their eighth straight game, 89-84 over the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night. Kendrick Perkins had 15 points and 12 rebounds, Ray Allen added 15 points, Tony Allen had 11, and Eddie House and Kevin Garnett 10 each for the defending NBA champions.

Celtics win seventh straight, rout 76ers (AP)

Ray Allen scored 23 points and Kevin Garnett added 16 to lead the Boston Celtics to their seventh straight victory, 102-78 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Allen was 10-for-15 from the field, including 3-for-5 on 3-pointers. In the last three games, he is 13-for-19 from behind the arc. He scored 11 straight Boston points in the third quarter -- three baskets in a row from 3-point land as...

Celts rally from 14 down to top Warriors (AP)

Ray Allen scored 25 points, Rajon Rondo had a season-high 22 and the Boston Celtics overcame a 14-point, third-quarter deficit in a 119-111 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Paul Pierce had 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Kevin Garnett added 21 points and 13 rebounds for Boston, which won its sixth consecutive game.

Celtics win fifth straight, beat Raptors (AP)

Ray Allen scored 21 points and the Boston Celtics led from the start in winning their fifth straight game, 118-103 over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Tony Allen each scored 15 points for the Celtics, who have won 11 of 12 since a Nov. 1 loss to Indiana. Kendrick Perkins had 12 points and Paul Pierce and Eddie House each scored 11 in helping Boston score a season high.

Pierce, Allen carry Celts by Bucks in OT (AP)

Ray Allen wasn't so sure Boston would be able to pull it out in overtime. The Celtics hadn't scored in nearly three minutes and were fading fast in their eighth game in 12 days. But Paul Pierce hit a 3-pointer on a second chance, and he and Allen hit all six of their free throws, lifting Boston to a scrappy 102-97 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.

Pierce's 22 in 4th get Celts by Raptors (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 22 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Boston Celtics to a 94-87 comeback win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. Kevin Garnett added 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Ray Allen had 19 points for the Celtics (7-1). Boston scored 58 points in the second half after getting just 36 in the opening 24 minutes.

Celtics' D shuts down Thunder (AP)
Paul Pierce had 20 points and nine rebounds, Ray Allen scored 18 points and the Boston Celtics clamped down on the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 96-83 victory Wednesday night. After giving up 29 points in the first quarter, the defending NBA champions held the Thunder to 25 percent shooting over the next two periods and didn't let them match that point total for the next 26 minutes.

Allen's 29 help Celts hold off Rockets (AP)
Boston's Big 3 outplayed Houston's trio of stars Tuesday night. Ray Allen scored 29 points, Kevin Garnett added 14 points and 11 rebounds and the Celtics shut down Ron Artest and Yao Ming in a 103-99 victory over the Rockets. Tracy McGrady scored 26 points for Houston and tried to rally the Rockets (3-1) down the stretch against the defending NBA champions.

Celtics give Ainge promotion, extension (AP)
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been given a new title and a contract extension as the team kicks off the defense of its 17th NBA championship. The team announced Tuesday Ainge has been promoted to president of basketball operations. The terms of his contract extension were not disclosed. Ainge won NBA executive of the year after last season after engineering deals to bring Ray Allen and...

Celtics promote Ainge, extend contract
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been given a new title and a contract extension as the team kicks off the defense of its 17th NBA championship. The team announced Tuesday Ainge has been promoted to president of basketball operations. The terms of his contract extension were not disclosed. Ainge won NBA executive of the year after last season after engineering deals to bring Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to Boston. The new season is Ainge's sixth in Boston's front office.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/434766257" height="1" width="1"/

Celtics beat Knicks in preseason finale (AP)

Kevin Garnett had 14 points and nine rebounds, Ray Allen scored 12 points and the Boston Celtics tuned up for the start of their NBA title defense by beating the New York Knicks, 101-90 on Tuesday night. Eddie House led the Celtics with 20 points. Leon Powe added 19 points and 12 rebounds as Boston's big men overwhelmed an undersized New York lineup.

Big 3 return, but Celts lose to Knicks (AP)

Nate Robinson scored 19 points and Zach Randolph added 15 to lead the New York Knicks to a 104-97 victory over the Boston Celtics in a preseason game on Friday night. It was the first game back at the TD Banknorth Garden for the Celtics (4-2) since beating the Los Angeles Lakers in last year's NBA finals to claim their 17th title.

Tony Allen's 32 lift Celtics minus Big 3 (AP)

Tony Allen scored 32 points, 22 in the first half, to lead the NBA champion Boston Celtics to an 111-108 victory over the New Jersey Nets in an exhibition game Thursday night. The Celtics (4-1) played without Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, all kept out of action by Doc Rivers as a coach's decision and not because of injury.

Celtics to meet Bush to celebrate championship
The Boston Celtics will visit the White House to celebrate their 17th NBA championship with President Bush. The team will attend a ceremony Friday afternoon with the president. The Celtics plan to give him a personalized jersey and an autographed basketball. Boston beat the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in June to win its first championship in 22 years. On Thursday, fans lined up at the Connecticut state Capitol to see the championship trophy and former UConn star Ray Allen.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/396781280" height="1" width="1"/

Allen, Perkins expected to play in Game 6
Celtics coach Doc Rivers expects Ray Allen to play in Game 6 of the NBA finals after the guard skipped the team's shootaround following his overnight flight from Los Angeles. Boston center Kendrick Perkins participated in the workout and is likely to play Tuesday night after missing Game 5 against the Lakers with a shoulder injury. Allen stayed behind after the team left because his toddler son was undergoing medical tests after feeling ill.

Celtics expect Allen, Perkins to play (AP)
Celtics coach Doc Rivers expects Ray Allen to play in Game 6 of the NBA finals after the guard skipped the team's shootaround following his overnight flight from Los Angeles. Boston center Kendrick Perkins participated in the workout and is likely to play Tuesday night after missing Game 5 against the Lakers with a shoulder injury.

Big Three takes home title; Pierce wins MVP
It's the reason Paul Pierce stuck around when the losses mounted and the end was far from clear. The reason Ray Allen was acquired as a draft-day consolation prize. And the reason Kevin Garnett agreed to leave the only pro team he'd ever known. The Big Three has won the Big One. The Boston Celtics rode their three All-Stars to their 17th championship on Tuesday night, blowing by the Los Angeles Lakers with a stunning show of second-quarter scoring to win 131-92 in Game 6 of the NBA finals.

Celtics win 17th NBA championship (AP)

On a new parquet floor below aging championship banners, the Boston Celtics won their 17th NBA title and a first one -- at last -- for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen -- their Big Three for a new generation. After 22 long years, the NBA has gone green. Lifted by ear-splitting chants of "Beat L.A." from their adoring crowd, which included Boston legends Bill Russell John Havlicek and JoJo...

Celtics' success fuels popularity surge (AP)
After one of his many losses as coach of the Boston Celtics, an angry Rick Pitino admonished those who wanted instant success. "Larry Bird is not walking through that door, fans," he said. "Kevin McHale is not walking through that door, and Robert Parish is not walking through that door." But last summer Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen did walk through that door -- and fans, sponsors and plenty of...

Ray Allen's status for Game 6 not known (AP)

Boston guard Ray Allen left Staples Center quickly after Game 5 of the NBA finals Sunday night because of a health concern involving one of his children. The Celtics didn't give specifics, but released a statement in which coach Doc Rivers asked that, "You please respect Ray's privacy at this time, and we'll keep you up to date as best we can moving forward." Allen has a daughter, Tierra, and sons...

Signs good for Allen to return for Game 6
The Celtics expect Ray Allen to play when they try for a second time to win the NBA championship. Kendrick Perkins? Now that's a different story. Allen rushed from Staples Center after the Los Angeles Lakers' 103-98 win Sunday night that forced a sixth game Tuesday night in Boston. The reason: "health issues" involving one of his three children. Perkins watched Game 5 from the bench with a shoulder injury. His availability for Game 6 will be a game-time decision.

Celtics expect Allen for Game 6 after family issue
The Celtics expect Ray Allen to play when they try for a second time to win the NBA championship.

Kendrick Perkins? Now that's a different story.

Allen leaves quickly for child's health issue
Boston guard Ray Allen left Staples Center quickly after Game 5 of the NBA finals Sunday night because of a health concern involving one of his children. The Celtics didn't give specifics, but released a statement in which coach Doc Rivers asked that, "You please respect Ray's privacy at this time, and we'll keep you up to date as best we can moving forward." Allen has a daughter, Tierra, and sons Walter Ray Allen III and Walker.

Allen leaves quickly for child's health issue
Boston guard Ray Allen left Staples Center quickly after Game 5 of the NBA finals Sunday night because of a health concern involving one of his children. The Celtics didn't give specifics, but released a statement in which coach Doc Rivers asked that, "You please respect Ray's privacy at this time, and we'll keep you up to date as best we can moving forward." Allen has a daughter, Tierra, and sons Walter Ray Allen III and Walker.

Lakers send NBA finals back to Boston (AP)

Pack up the championship trophy and book a flight back to Boston, the NBA finals aren't over yet. The Los Angeles Lakers are headed East to try a historic comeback of their own. Kobe Bryant scored 25 points, including a decisive dunk in the final minute -- and Lamar Odom added 20 as the Lakers, playing with pride on their star-studded stage, prevented the Celtics from winning a 17th title with a...

Allen giving it his best shot in NBA Finals
On the verge of his first ring, Ray Allen is out of his slump and showing he can do more than just shoot, Mike Kahn says.

Celtics' Big 3 playing as 1 for title (AP)
Three stars. One basketball. Zero complaints. Boston's Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are playing for a championship in their first year together, finding success in the kind of selflessness only losing can teach. Their scoring is down. Their minutes are down. But their spirits are up, because after a combined 2,774 career games, they're about to play their first in the NBA...

Celtics back in NBA finals, oust Pistons (AP)

Boston got past an old nemesis to set up a matchup with another rival. Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Ray Allen had 17 and Kevin Garnett added 16 to lift the Celtics to an 89-81 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. Boston, which locked up with Detroit many times in the 1980s, will now rekindle another classic series in the NBA finals against...

Allen lifts Celts to 3-2 lead on Pistons (AP)

Ray Allen found his shooting touch just in time to put the Boston Celtics within one win of the NBA finals for the first time since the original Big Three. Allen scored 29, hitting a long 2-pointer after Detroit came within one point with a minute left, then he and Kevin Garnett each made a pair of free throws down the stretch as the Celtics beat the Detroit Pistons 106-102 on Wednesday night to...

Sheridan: Celtics' third wheel eludes third degree
Ray Allen continues to struggle in the playoffs, but Boston fans have been kind to him so far, Chris Sheridan writes.

Pistons/Celtics Gm. 5 preview
Instead of shooting down the Pistons, Ray Allen is killing the Celtics, Charley Rosen says. That must change in Game 5.

Celtics win on road for 2-1 series lead (AP)

Kevin Garnett led the Boston Celtics to their first win on the road in the playoffs. He had plenty of help. Garnett scored 22 points and was one of six players to make the Celtics' first six baskets, helping them build the first of many big leads en route to a 94-80 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night and a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

Celtics' Allen says he'll keep shooting
The Boston Celtics expect Ray Allen to rediscover his shooting touch before the Big Three becomes the Big Two and championship No. 17 becomes a pipe dream. The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference finals and took a 1-0 lead over the Detroit Pistons without much scoring from Allen, an eight-time All-Star closing in on 20,000 career points. In Boston's 88-79 victory on Tuesday night, Allen had just nine points - none of them on outside shots.

Celtics' Allen says he'll keep shootin
The Boston Celtics expect Ray Allen to rediscover his shooting touch before the Big Three becomes the Big Two and championship No. 17 becomes a pipe dream. The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference finals and took a 1-0 lead over the Detroit Pistons without much scoring from Allen, an eight-time All-Star closing in on 20,000 career points. In Boston's 88-79 victory on Tuesday night, Allen had just nine points - none of them on outside shots.

Celtics' slumping Allen to keep shooting (AP)
The Boston Celtics expect Ray Allen to rediscover his shooting touch before the Big Three becomes the Big Two and championship No. 17 becomes a pipe dream. The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference finals and took a 1-0 lead over the Detroit Pistons without much scoring from Allen, an eight-time All-Star closing in on 20,000 career points.

Allen needs to rediscover his touch
The Celtics are alive, despite Ray Allen's slump. But Boston won't survive Detroit if he doesn't return to form, Mike Kahn says.

Weary Celtics to face rested Pistons (AP)
Long after practice ended, Ray Allen was still on the court firing up jumpers. He was even making most of them. That overtime work Monday showed that, like his Celtics teammates, he had plenty of energy left after two intense seven-game series. And the usually smooth shooter was regaining his rhythm. Whether the Pistons still have theirs after a six-day layoff will become evident in Tuesday night's...

Ainge named top exec for Celtics' turnaround
Danny Ainge, who engineered the trades for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen that helped the Boston Celtics post the biggest turnaround in league history, was given the Sporting News NBA Executive of the Year award before Wednesday night's playoff game. "What he did off the court with this team, it made a lot of players and a lot of teams in the NBA aware that the Celtics were serious," Allen said before Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Sporting News names Ainge top executive (AP)
Danny Ainge, who engineered the trades for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen that helped the Boston Celtics post the biggest turnaround in league history, was given the Sporting News NBA Executive of the Year award before Wednesday night's playoff game. "What he did off the court with this team, it made a lot of players and a lot of teams in the NBA aware that the Celtics were serious," Allen said...

Celtics' turnaround nets top exec award for Ainge
Danny Ainge, who engineered the trades for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen that helped the Boston Celtics post the biggest turnaround in league history, was given the Sporting News NBA Executive of the Year award before Wednesday night's playoff game.

Celtics go up 2-0, James struggles again (AP)

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen found their shooting touch. LeBron James can only hope he left his in Cleveland. Pierce scored 19 points, Kevin Garnett added 13 with 12 rebounds, and Allen broke out of a seven-quarter scoring drought with 16 points to help the Boston Celtics beat the Cavaliers 89-73 on Thursday night and take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

LeBron says he'll be better in Game 2 (AP)
LeBron James says he won't miss baskets like he did in the series opener between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. Neither, James believes, will Paul Pierce or Ray Allen. James missed all but two of his 18 shots from the field Tuesday night in Cleveland's 76-72 loss, including a layup that would have tied it with 9 seconds remaining.

LeBron set to face Celtics' Big 3 in 2nd round
It's LeBron vs. the Leprechaun. For the first time in his pro career, LeBron James will go one on one in the postseason with basketball's most storied franchise - the Boston Celtics - who haven't won an NBA title since 1986, when he was a 2-year-old toddler dribbling only his food. But Cleveland's 23-year-old megastar is well aware of the Celtics' championship cache and Boston's Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.

Man sentenced for murder plot on Allen's step-dad
A psychologist was sentenced to 33 years in prison Friday for conspiring to murder the stepfather of Boston Celtics star Ray Allen.

Man sentenced in plot to murder Allen's stepfather
A psychologist was sentenced to 33 years in prison Friday for conspiring to murder the stepfather of Boston Celtics star Ray Allen.

Celtics go up 3-2 on Hawks, win 110-85 (AP)

Takedowns and menacing gestures. Double technicals and flagrant fouls. And the Boston Celtics are heading to Atlanta to try to deliver the knockout punch. Paul Pierce scored a playoff-high 22 points, and Ray Allen turned back the final Hawks' charge with three 3-pointers in a three-minute span of the third quarter on Wednesday night to help Boston beat Atlanta 110-85 and take a 3-2 lead in the...

Celtics cruise past Hawks 104-81 (AP)

Ray Allen scored 18 points and Kevin Garnett had 16 as the two newcomers who led the Boston Celtics to the NBA's best record sparked them to a 104-81 win Sunday night in their playoff opener against the Atlanta Hawks. Garnett stopped a 14-3 Hawks run with a jumper, starting a six-point Boston surge that made it 35-27 in the second quarter.

Celtics set NBA finals as target (AP)
The Boston Celtics have won just three playoff series in the 15 seasons since Larry Bird retired. If they win three this year, they'll be in the NBA finals. With Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, there's a good chance that will happen. "That's why we were brought here, to help win games to get us to this point," Allen said Thursday.

With Big 3 resting, Celtics beat Knicks (AP)

With his three All-Star teammates resting, Rajon Rondo had 23 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Boston Celtics to a 99-93 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night in what may have been Isiah Thomas' final home game as Knicks coach. Boston improved to 65-16 despite giving Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen the night off.

Celts' Big Three takes night off, sits out vs. Knicks
The Boston Celtics gave their Big Three a night off Monday, with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen all sitting out against the New York Knicks.

Celtics' Big 3 sit out against Knicks (AP)
The Boston Celtics gave their Big Three a night off Monday, with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen all sitting out against the New York Knicks. Reserve guard Eddie House (strained right adductor) also skipped the Celtics' last road game of the season. Boston has long since wrapped up the NBA's best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, but coach Doc Rivers let his starters...

Rivers plans to play Big 3
After sitting out the Celtics' victory at Charlotte on Saturday, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce lobbied coach Doc Rivers to play in Milwaukee on Tuesday night.

Garnett, Allen, Pierce return for Celts (AP)
The Big Three are back. After sitting out the Boston Celtics' victory at Charlotte on Saturday, stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce lobbied coach Doc Rivers to play in Milwaukee on Tuesday night. Rivers relented, and planned to play his stars about 20 minutes each as the Celtics continued to rest up for the playoffs.

Celtics give Big Three a rest for game vs. Bobcats
The Big Three are getting a rest. With the Celtics all but assured of securing the best record in the NBA, coach Doc Rivers has decided to rest stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.

Celtics' Big Three sit out vs. Bobcats (AP)
The Big Three are getting a rest. With the Boston Celtics all but assured of securing the best record in the NBA, coach Doc Rivers has decided to rest stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. None were scheduled to play Saturday night in Charlotte, even though a win would secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Celtics close in on top seed, beat Bulls (AP)

Ray Allen scored 22 points and the Boston Celtics moved a step closer to the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 106-92 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. Kevin Garnett scored 20 points and blocked four shots and Paul Pierce added 17 points for Boston, which won its fourth straight and remained six games ahead of Detroit in the conference standings.

Celtics end Hornets' 5-game win streak (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Kevin Garnett added 21, and the Boston Celtics moved closer to wrapping up the top record overall by avenging last weekend's loss in New Orleans with a 112-92 win over the Hornets on Friday night. Eastern-conference leading Boston (57-15) opened its advantage to six games over the idle Detroit Pistons with 10 games left.

Garnett's 30 lift Celtics over Suns (AP)

Kevin Garnett scored 30 points, sinking the final two to an "M-V-P!" chant echoing through the new Boston Garden, and Paul Pierce had 12 of his 27 in the fourth quarter to lead the Celtics to a 117-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Kendrick Perkins had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Ray Allen had 14 points and eight assists for Boston, which snapped a two-game losing streak.

Allen helps Celts complete Texas sweep (AP)

Ray Allen returned from a three-game injury absence and a long time on the bench in the fourth quarter to nail a go-ahead 3-pointer with 31.7 seconds left, lifting the Boston Celtics past the Dallas Mavericks 94-90 Thursday night. The Celtics completed an impressive sweep in the Lone Star State, becoming the first team to go 3-0 in San Antonio, Houston and Dallas since the Sacramento Kings in...

Rivers: Ray Allen likely out for C's vs. Rockets
Doc Rivers said Ray Allen likely won't play against Houston on Tuesday.

Pierce, KG lift Celtics by Spurs 93-91 (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 22 points, Kevin Garnett added 21 and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the San Antonio Spurs 93-91 on Monday night. Rajon Rondo added 20 points for the Celtics, who were still without Ray Allen, who missed his second straight game with a jammed left ankle. Sam Cassell had 17 points.

Celtics roll past Bucks 99-77 (AP)

The Boston Celtics managed an easy victory without one of their three stars Saturday night, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 99-77 as injured guard Ray Allen sat in a suit at the end of the bench. Even with Allen out of action because of a bruised left heel, the Celtics had no problem rebounding from their home loss to Utah on Friday.

Celtics guard Allen misses Saturday's game
Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen sat out Saturday night's game in Milwaukee, one night after hurting his left heel. Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Allen could play again as early as Monday's game at San Antonio. "It's nothing serious," Rivers said. "It's just a bruise in his heel, and we want it to go away. So the best way is rest." Allen was injured when he slipped and fell in the first quarter of Friday night's home loss to Utah and did not return. He traveled with the team to Milwaukee.

Celtics' Allen (heel) sits out game against Bucks
Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen sat out Saturday night's game in Milwaukee, one night after hurting his left heel.

Jammed ankle sidelines Celtics' Allen vs. Jazz
Boston guard Ray Allen left the Celtics' game against Utah on Friday night with a jammed left ankle and did not return for the final three quarters.

Celtics G Allen leaves with ankle injury (AP)
Boston guard Ray Allen left the Celtics' game against Utah on Friday night with a jammed left ankle and did not return for the final three quarters. The 32-year-old All-Star played the whole first quarter but did not come out for the second. The Celtics announced he had a jammed ankle, and after re-evaluating him at halftime said he would not return.

Celts pound Sonics for 10th straight win (AP)

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen each scored 18 points to lift the Boston Celtics to their 10th straight victory, 111-82 over the Seattle SuperSonics on Wednesday night. Paul Pierce added 14 points and 11 assists for Boston, which improved to 12-0 at home against the Western Conference. Kevin Durant scored 16 points for Seattle, which dropped its sixth straight and has lost 10 of 11.

Garnett leads Celtics to 50th win (AP)

Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 12 rebounds to help the Boston Celtics reach 50 victories for the first time in 16 years by beating the Philadelphia 76ers 100-86 on Monday night. Ray Allen scored 21 points and Paul Pierce had 17 in another stellar outing for The Big Three as they helped Boston celebrate the Big 5-0.

Celtics cruise to eighth straight win (AP)

Ray Allen scored 23 points and Paul Pierce added 19 to lead the Boston Celtics to a 119-89 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. Boston, which won its eighth straight, built an early lead on effective shooting and stout pressure defense. Memphis never got the margin under double digits after the 5-minute mark of the first quarter, dropping to 2-16 in its last 18 games.

Rondo's 16 assists propel Celtics to win (AP)

Ray Allen scored 22 points and Kendrick Perkins added 19 in the Boston Celtics' 108-100 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night. Rajon Rondo had a career-high 16 assists for the Celtics, who avenged their only double-digit defeat of the season, a 95-83 loss on Jan. 9. That snapped a nine-game winning streak.

James youngest to 10,000 but Celtics win (AP)

LeBron James returned from a first-half ankle injury to score 26 and become the youngest player in NBA history to reach the 10,000-point milestone, but the Boston Celtics got 22 points from Ray Allen to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-87 on Wednesday night. Kevin Garnett scored 18 with 11 rebounds for Boston to help the NBA's top team win its third straight and improve to 2-2 for the season...

Celtics cruise past Clippers 104-76 (AP)

Their longest losing skid of the season behind them, the Celtics head back to Boston with a modest two-game winning streak. "We started out with three tough games against three quality opponents and we faced some adversity, but we didn't waiver from what we've been wanting to do and what our goals were," the Celtics' Ray Allen said after Boston routed the Los Angeles Clippers 104-76.

Shaq gets first win with Suns (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 28 points and the Phoenix Suns gave Boston its first three-game losing streak of the season with a rugged 85-77 victory over the Celtics on Friday night. The Suns got their first victory with Shaquille O'Neal in the lineup. They lost 130-124 to the Los Angeles Lakers in O'Neal's Phoenix debut on Wednesday night.

LeBron, Allen lead East to All-Star Game win
The East blew a huge All-Star Game lead, but Ray Allen and MVP LeBron James proved to be too much for the West, Mike Kahn says.

Celts' new 'Big 3' find 1 ball is plenty (AP)
The Boston Garden crowd rose to cheer for the newest Celtics All-Star, and Ray Allen didn't even look up. After all, Boston's lead over the New York Knicks was withering away and the most important thing on his mind was, still, winning. "I was focused on what we were doing," said Allen, who was informed of his addition to the All-Star team at halftime of the Knicks game, Boston's last before the...

LeBron, Allen lead East's beasts
The East blew a huge All-Star Game lead, but Ray Allen and MVP LeBron James proved to be too much for the West, Mike Kahn says.

Allen, MVP James key East's All-Star win (AP)
In a proud city still restoring its unique beauty, the Eastern Conference repaired its own image. Ray Allen scored 28 points, making three straight 3-pointers in the final 3:15, and LeBron James added 27 as the East, widely considered the NBA's weaker half, beat the Western Conference 134-128 in Sunday night's All-Star Game.

New All-Star Ray Allen keys Celtics' win (AP)
Paul Pierce scored 24 points, and his newly minted All-Star teammate Ray Allen added 21 to help the Boston Celtics beat the New York Knicks 111-103 on Wednesday night and head into the break with a five-game winning streak. Leon Powe and Rajon Rondo had 18 points apiece, and sub James Posey had 11 rebounds for Boston.

Ray Allen replaces injured Butler in All-Star game
Ray Allen was added to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster by commissioner David Stern on Wednesday, replacing injured Washington forward Caron Butler. Allen's eighth All-Star selection means the NBA-leading Boston Celtics will again have two players in Sunday's game in New Orleans. Kevin Garnett was the top vote-getter in fan balloting, but had to pull out because of an abdominal strain. Celtics forward Paul Pierce is going as a reserve. The East will be coached by Boston's Doc Rivers.

Celts' Allen replaces Butler on East All-Star team
Ray Allen was added to the Eastern Conference All-Star roster by commissioner David Stern on Wednesday, replacing injured Washington forward Caron Butler.

Pierce leads Celts to fourth straight (AP)
Paul Pierce had 28 points and 12 rebounds, and the short-handed Boston Celtics beat the Indiana Pacers 104-97 Tuesday night to win their fourth straight game. Ray Allen scored 23 and Leon Powe added 16 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics (40-9), who were playing without injured starters Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins.

Pierce's 35 key Celtics' win over Spurs (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 35 points, Ray Allen had 19, and Rajon Rondo had 12 assists and 11 rebounds Sunday as the Boston Celtics beat the San Antonio Spurs 98-90. The Celtics improved to 5-2 since Kevin Garnett went out with an abdominal strain, and they'd better get used to it: Coach Doc Rivers said before the game that he isn't expecting his big man back before next weekend's All-Star break.

Celtics win on Powe's layup at buzzer (AP)

Kevin Garnett's old town gave him an emotional welcome on his return to Minnesota. Then KG's new team delivered a thrilling victory for its injured superstar. Leon Powe made a layup at the buzzer to lift Garnett's Boston Celtics to an 88-86 victory over the Timberwolves on Friday night. It was a wild ending to a memorable night -- even though the guy everyone came to see was unable to play.

Rondo stars for Celts in KG's absence (AP)

Kevin Garnett was out for the fifth straight game. Paul Pierce was recovering from the flu. And the rest of the Boston Celtics' starters just needed a little breather one day after an overtime loss and a late-night flight back home. "I was really trying to squeeze the game out of the bench today," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Wednesday night after the Boston subs played most of the fourth quarter...

Rondo picks up slack for KG-less Celtics (AP)

Point guard Rajon Rondo had a season-high 12 rebounds, following one of them with a putback layup with 42 seconds left to give the Celtics the lead, and Boston held on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 96-90 on Thursday night. Playing without Kevin Garnett for the third straight game, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen scored 26 points apiece to help the Celtics remain unbeaten against the Western Conference.

Paul, West earn first All-Star selections
Chris Paul and David West were picked for their first All-Star game Thursday night, giving the hometown Hornets a pair of players for the event New Orleans will host next month. Detroit, Phoenix and Washington also had multiple players chosen as reserves for the Feb. 17 game. Boston will only send two of its Big Three to the Big Easy. Paul Pierce was voted in by Eastern Conference head coaches to join starter Kevin Garnett, but Ray Allen fell short.

Celtics' other 'Big 3' rout Heat 117-87 (AP)

Ray Allen arrived at halftime, a white sweat jacket over his flu-riddled head, and took a glimpse toward the scoreboard. He probably felt much better. Boston's 'Big 3' were almost silent, and the Celtics still put a big beating on the hapless Miami Heat. Leon Powe scored a career-high 25 points, Rajon Rondo tied a career-high with 23 points and Tony Allen matched a season-best with 20 points as the...

Pierce, Allen lead Celtics over Sixers (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 14 of his 22 points in the third quarter to help Boston take the lead, and Ray Allen scored 10 of his 23 in the fourth when the Celtics pulled away to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 116-89 on Friday night. Kevin Garnett had 11 points, eight assists and six rebounds in Boston's second consecutive victory since their only losing streak of the season: a two-game skid -- and three...

Defense makes difference for Celtics
Ray Allen helped the Celtics end their short slump. But Charley Rosen was more impressed by Boston's dynamic defense.

Allen's 35 lift Celtics over Blazers (AP)

Ray Allen scored a season-high 35 points, Kevin Garnett had 26 and the Boston Celtics rebounded from their first consecutive losses of the season with a 100-90 win over Portland on Wednesday night. The Atlantic Division-leading Celtics, who had lost three of their last four games and two straight at home, also got 12 points from Paul Pierce and 10 from Eddie House.

Week 12 Fantasy Stockwatch
Another week, another edition of Fantasy Stockwatch from Jamey Eisenberg. Ray Allen, Kevin Durant and Hedo Turkoglu are declining while Pau Gasol and Kwame Brown are suddenly extremely valuable.

Week 12 Fantasy Stockwatch
Another week, another edition of Fantasy Stockwatch from Jamey Eisenberg. Ray Allen, Kevin Durant and Hedo Turkoglu are declining while Pau Gasol and Kwame Brown are suddenly extremely valuable.

Celts match best-ever start at 30-4 (AP)

Kevin Garnett had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Paul Pierce added 18 points and the Boston Celtics beat the New Jersey Nets 86-77 on Friday night for their 30th win of the season. Ray Allen scored 16 points as Boston (30-4) matched the 1959-60 champion Celtics for the best start in franchise history. Richard Jefferson led the Nets with 17 points, Vince Carter had 16 and Josh Boone added 14 and a...

LIVE: Ray Allen returns for Celtics vs. Nets


Celtics stunned by Bobcats in Boston
Ray Allen sat for the Celtics. Jason Richardson went off for the Bobcats. The result was the end of Boston's 9-game winning streak.

Hurt Celts Ray Allen, Davis sit out
Ray Allen and Glen Davis sat out Wednesday night's Celtics game vs. the Bobcats.

Allen has pinched nerve, likely to sit vs. Bobcats
Celtics guard Ray Allen has a pinched nerve in his neck and is doubtful for Wednesday's home game against the Charlotte Bobcats, coach Doc Rivers said. "It's not anything that's going to last," Rivers said after practice Tuesday, adding he expects Allen to play Friday at New Jersey. "It's a pinched nerve, it is what it is. From my understanding, it's day to day." Allen, who is averaging 18 points, doesn't know how he got hurt.

Ray Allen likely out vs. Bobcats with pinched nerve
Celtics guard Ray Allen has a pinched nerve in his neck and is doubtful for Wednesday's home game against the Charlotte Bobcats, coach Doc Rivers said.

'Other' Allen helps Celts down Grizzlies (AP)

Reserve Tony Allen filled in when Ray Allen struggled, scoring a season-high 20 points to help the Boston Celtics beat the Memphis Grizzlies 100-96 on Friday night while his more celebrated namesake was scoreless into the last 10 seconds of the game. Tony Allen scored 15 in the second quarter to help Boston take the lead for good, Paul Pierce scored 23 with 10 rebounds and Kevin Garnett also had...

Odom suspended one game for flagrant foul
Lakers forward Lamar Odom has been suspended one game for his flagrant foul Sunday on the Celtics' Ray Allen, NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson announced Tuesday.

Lakers' Odom suspended for flagrant foul (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom was suspended for one game without pay Tuesday for committing a flagrant foul in the fourth quarter of his team's 110-91 loss to the Boston Celtics. Odom threw himself into Ray Allen and knocked the Boston guard to the floor with 2:56 remaining Sunday night and the outcome already decided.

'Odd feeling' for Allen in Seattle
Ray Allen found it odd to return to Seattle on another team.

Ray Allen returns to Seattle as Celtic (AP)
As always, Ray Allen arrived at KeyArena hours early, getting his pregame shooting completed before anyone started arriving. Just like every other game he's played in the arena during the last five years, Allen started heading toward the SuperSonics locker room when he was done. Boston's All-Star guard then caught himself and realized on this night, he's a visitor.

Garnett leads James in All-Star voting (AP)
Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics are off to a fast start, and fans are taking notice. Garnett was the leading vote-getter for the 2008 NBA All-Star game with 1,186,690 votes when the second set of returns were released Thursday. Celtics forward Paul Pierce and guard Ray Allen were fourth at their positions in the Eastern Conference.

Pierce leads Celtics over Magic 103-91 (AP)

Paul Pierce had 24 points to lead balanced scoring from the Celtics' starters, and Boston raced to a 103-91 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. Rajon Rondo added 23 points and Ray Allen 22 for the Celtics (22-3), who have the best record in the NBA and avenged an earlier loss to the Magic.

Celtics' Allen eyes return from ankle injury
Guard Ray Allen said he hoped to return to the Boston Celtics lineup Wednesday after missing two games with a sore right ankle. Allen said he originally got the injury Nov. 24 in Charlotte when he rolled the ankle late in the fourth quarter. He said he tried to play through the pain, but took a seat when the lingering discomfort started to affect his jump shot. Allen shot around in practice Tuesday, but did not fully participate in the workout.

Allen expected to return Wednesday
Celtics guard Ray Allen did not travel to Toronto and missed his second straight game because of a sore right ankle Sunday. He is expected to return when Atlantic Division-leading Boston hosts Detroit on Wednesday. "He'll practice on Tuesday and play on Wednesday, I'm pretty sure of that," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "You never know, but I'm pretty much sure." Allen was injured against Charlotte on Nov.

Celtics G Allen sits out Sunday (AP)
Celtics guard Ray Allen did not travel to Toronto and missed his second straight game because of a sore right ankle Sunday, but is expected to return when Atlantic Division-leading Boston hosts Detroit on Wednesday. "He'll practice on Tuesday and play on Wednesday, I'm pretty sure of that," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said.

Report: Celtics' Allen out vs. Raps with sore ankle
A lingering ankle injury will cost Celtics shooting guard Ray Allen another game.

Celts rout Bucks without Ray Allen (AP)

Paul Pierce scored a season-high 32 points and Kevin Garnett had an easy 15 with seven rebounds on Friday night as the Boston Celtics overcame Ray Allen's absence to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 104-82 and match the franchise record with a 12-0 start at home. With Allen sitting out a game or two to rest a sore ankle, Tony Allen started and scored 11 with four steals while holding Michael Redd to seven...

Celts G Ray Allen out with ankle injury (AP)
Celtics guard Ray Allen was not expected to play in Friday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks because of a sore right ankle -- the first time any of Boston's new Big Three has been out of the starting lineup. Allen was injured against Charlotte on Nov. 24 but had started all 20 games this season, along with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

Davis leads Celtics over Kings 90-78 (AP)

Big Baby was the big man for the Boston Celtics. Rookie Glen Davis made his first start since taking his power game and cute name to the NBA from LSU and led Boston to a 90-78 win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night that kept the Celtics unbeaten at home. The young-looking 289-pound center had 16 points and nine rebounds, and made all 10 of his free throws as Boston improved to an NBA-best...

Celtics top Bulls for sixth straight win (AP)

Ray Allen scored 21 points, Rajon Rondo matched a season-high with 18, and the Boston Celtics continued their torrid pace by holding off the Chicago Bulls 92-81 on Saturday night. Boston was leading 86-70 after James Posey threw a behind-the-back pass to Allen with 5:23 remaining, but instead of cruising to a win, the Celtics had to hang on.

Celtics win, improve to 10-0 at home (AP)

The Boston Celtics are tearing apart teams at home like the days when Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish roamed the fabled parquet. Kevin Garnett scored 23 points and the Celtics improved to 10-0 at home with a 112-84 win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Paul Pierce had 18 points and Ray Allen 13 for Boston (16-2), which is off to the NBA's best start and its best home mark since...

Pierce, Garnett lead Celtics by Sixers (AP)

The Boston Celtics hung on against a feisty Philadelphia team thanks to their Big Three -- and a couple of big 3s, too. Eddie House and James Posey delivered decisive 3-pointers to help the usual, strong efforts of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen hold up for a 113-103 win over the 76ers on Wednesday night.

Celtics beat LeBron-less Cavs 80-70 (AP)

The Celtics easily overcame a slow start. The Cavaliers couldn't overcome the absence of LeBron James. With the NBA scoring leader missing his second straight game with a sprained finger, Boston beat Cleveland 80-70 Sunday despite limited contributions from two of their stars but with more outstanding defense.

Celts top Bobcats on Allen's 3 at buzzer (AP)

Ray Allen made a 3-pointer at the buzzer after Eddie House knocked away Jason Richardson's inbounds pass with 4.7 seconds left to give the Boston Celtics a 96-95 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night. Allen had missed 11 of his previous 14 shots in a flat performance for the Celtics, yet hit nothing but net on the jumper from the left wing, setting off a wild celebration for the...

Celtics roll to sixth straight home win (AP)

Ray Allen scored 21 points, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett both had double-doubles, and the Boston Celtics beat the Golden State Warriors 105-82 Wednesday night for their sixth straight home victory. Boston improved to 9-1 overall and has won its six home games by an average of 22 points. Garnett had 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Pierce added 19 points and 10 boards.

Celtics pound Nuggets in Boston
The Celtics' Big Three of KG, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen provided a preview of what's to come with a dismantling of the Nuggets.

Garnett scores 23 as Celtics topple Raptors
On this day, at least, Ray Allen was the obvious choice among Boston's Big Three to get the ball with the game on the line. Allen made the winning 3-pointer with less than 3 seconds to play, and finished with 33 points in the Celtics' 98-95 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. "A lot has been said about this team, what's going to happen at the end of games, who's going to take that shot," Allen said.

Allen's late 3 lifts Celtics in OT (AP)

Ray Allen made the winning 3-pointer with less than 3 seconds to play, and finished with 33 points in the Boston Celtics' 98-95 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Kevin Garnett scored 10 of his 23 points in overtime and added 13 rebounds, giving him double-doubles in both of his games for Boston this season.

Celtics exercise option 2008-09 on Rondo
The Boston Celtics have exercised their contract option on starting point guard Rajon Rondo for the 2008-09 season. The team is counting on the second-year pro to play that position in a lineup with stars Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Last season, the 6-foot-1 Rondo started 25 of the 78 games he played and averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 assists. He entered the 2005 draft after two seasons at Kentucky.

Celtics exercise option on PG Rondo (AP)
The Boston Celtics have exercised their contract option on starting point guard Rajon Rondo for the 2008-09 season. The team is counting on the second-year pro to play that position in a lineup with stars Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Last season, the 6-foot-1 Rondo started 25 of the 78 games he played and averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 assists.

ESPN The Magazine: A Fresh Coat
Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen have everyone's attention these days. Especially each other's, writes Chris Broussard.

KG has triple-double in Celtics' win (AP)

Kevin Garnett made a statement against LeBron James and the defending Eastern Conference champions. Garnett had 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Boston Celtics to a 114-89 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the teams' final preseason game on Friday night. Ray Allen scored 20 points and Paul Pierce 12 in a game that was more intense than most preseason contests.

KG leads Celtics past Cavaliers in Boston
Kevin Garnett had 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Boston Celtics to a 114-89 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the teams' final preseason game on Friday night. Ray Allen scored 20 points and Paul Pierce 12. Allen hit a pair of 3-pointers during a 15-5 run to close the third quarter, turning a close game into a blowout. Boston led 86-73 after three.

KG, Pierce sit as Boston falls to Philly
With Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett dressed in suits on the bench, the Boston Celtics lost for the first time in four preseason games 96-78 to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. Jason Smith had 16 points, while Andre Iguodala, Rodney Carney and Willie Green added 14 to lead the 76ers (1-4) in the game played at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Ray Allen, a former Connecticut standout, scored 16 points for the Celtics (3-1) and James Posey added 12 points.

NBA Preview: Atlantic Division
With KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, the Celtics look great. But Marques Johnson says the key for Boston will be PG Rajon Rondo.

Garnett 'more than excited' in debut win
Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen made their Boston debuts, and holdover Paul Pierce scored 22 points to lead the Celtics to a 101-61 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Brought in to revive the sagging Celtics after their second consecutive playoff absence, Garnett had 13 points and eight rebounds, and Allen scored 14 points before sitting out the fourth quarter. The New Big Three had seven points apiece in the first quarter as Boston opened a double-digit lead.

Celtics rip Knicks by 40 in home debut (AP)

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen made their Boston debuts, and holdover Paul Pierce scored 22 points to lead the Celtics to a 101-61 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Brought in to revive the sagging Celtics after their second consecutive playoff absence, Garnett had 13 points and eight rebounds, and Allen scored 14 points before sitting out the fourth quarter.

Happy home: Celtics debut KG, Allen at Garden
Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen debuted for the home crowd on Wednesday.

Garnett, Allen make debuts in Boston (AP)
The Boston Celtics' new highlight video isn't a collection of great plays from their NBA-record 16 championships. Not a series of clips from their more recent, forgettable seasons, either. Instead, the theme was "a very eventful offseason," with scenes from the news conferences and photo opportunities where Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen -- and Scot Pollard and Eddie House -- were brought in to turn...

Atlantic preview: Boston has eye on Finals
With Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the mix, can Boston leave the rest of the division in its dust? Charley Rosen previews the Atlantic.

KG, Celts drop Wolves in London
Somebody forgot to tell Ray Allen that the Celtics are Kevin Garnett's team. Allen scored 28 points Wednesday night to lead the Celtics to a 92-81 preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Garnett's first game against his former team. Garnett, who spent 12 years in Minnesota, scored nine points in less than 30 minutes at London's O2 Arena, but he helped in other ways. "When you have KG in the post, everyone wants to double him," said Allen, who was 5-of-8 from 3-point range.

Ray Allen, G - BOS
Ray Allen torches Wolves for 28 Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.

Garnett beats former team, Allen has 28 (AP)

Ray Allen scored 28 points and Kevin Garnett chipped in against his former team in the Boston Celtics' 92-81 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA preseason game Wednesday. Garnett, the 2004 MVP and 10-time All-Star, scored only nine points, but did enough off the ball to help the Celtics win in his first game against the Timberwolves.

Garnett posts double-double in Celts debut
Kevin Garnett had 19 points and 16 rebounds in his Celtics debut, and Boston ruined Andrea Bargnani's homecoming with an 89-85 preseason victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Paul Pierce added 21 points for Boston, while Ray Allen had an off night with only 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting. The start of the NBA Europe Live tour marked the Celtics' first game since Garnett and Allen joined the team, creating a "Big 3" with Boston veteran Pierce.

Ray Allen: NBA should expand to Europe (AP)
Ray Allen grew up eating fish and chips in England and enjoying Oktoberfest in Germany. No wonder he thinks European expansion would be a good idea for the NBA. "The league is making so much money, you've got to think how it's going to grow to the next level," Allen said Monday as the Celtics held the second day of training camp in Italy.

Higher expectations help Celtics' ticket sales grow
The buzz over the acquisition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen has led the Celtics to cap their season tickets sales for the first time since they played in the Boston Garden.

Garnett, Allen make Celtics hot ticket (AP)
The buzz over the acquisition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen has led the Celtics to cap their season tickets sales for the first time since they played in the venerable Boston Garden. "Winning is the best marketing," Celtics president Rich Gotham said Wednesday. "The second-best marketing is the hope of winning." The NBA's most decorated franchise was 24-58 last season and has won three playoff...