In the News

Boston Celtics officially re-sign swingman Marquis Daniels to deal
The Celtics have re-signed swingman Marquis Daniels.



Celtics re-sign swingman Daniels (AP)
The Boston Celtics have re-signed swingman Marquis Daniels. The team announced Monday that it had signed the 6-foot-6 Daniels after his disappointing first season with the club. The seven-year veteran missed 28 games with a torn ligament in his left thumb that required surgery and averaged a career-low 5.6 points in 51 games.

Celtics re-sign backup swingman Daniels
The Boston Celtics have re-signed swingman Marquis Daniels.

Memphis Grizzlies' Tony Allen says he was overshadowed in Boston
Grizzlies guard Tony Allen said Friday he's ready to bring defensive toughness and championship experience to his new team as it guns for the playoffs this season.

Guard Matt Janning invited to Celtics camp - Matt Janning (G) Boston Celtics
Shooting guard Matt Janning, who went to school at Northeastern, has been invited to participate in training camp for the Celtics.

Avery Bradley says he is on the mend; ankle surgery sidelined the Boston Celtics rookie
Celtics rookie Avery Bradley says he is working his way back after ankle surgery.

Marquis Daniels re-signs with Boston Celtics for one year, $2.5 million
The Celtics continued reassembly of last season's roster Thursday, re-signing Marquis Daniels for the 2010-11 season.

2010 NBA free agents: Boston Celtics confirm point guard Nate Robinson re-signed
The Celtics confirmed that they have re-signed Nate Robinson.

Reports: Boston Celtics bring back Nate Robinson for 2 years
The Celtics reportedly agreed to a deal with Nate Robinson on Friday.

Report: Celtics, Robinson agree to deal
A Boston Celtics official says the team has reached an agreement in principle with guard Nate Robinson on a new contract.

Celtics, G Robinson agree on new deal (AP)
A Boston Celtics official says the team has reached an agreement in principle with guard Nate Robinson on a new contract. The official confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Friday because it had not been announced. The Boston Herald reported that Robinson will get $4 million a year for two seasons.

Team USA adds Rondo, Chandler, Lopez
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, Dallas center Tyson Chandler and Phoenix center Robin Lopez were added to the new-look national team roster on Thursday and will take part in training camp next week in Las Vegas.

Rondo, 2 others added to US roster (AP)
Rajon Rondo could play for the United States after all. The Boston Celtics point guard was among three players added to the new-look national team roster on Thursday and will take part in training camp next week in Las Vegas. Newly acquired Dallas center Tyson Chandler and Phoenix center Robin Lopez also were selected and will be among the 21 players who will compete for a chance to play for the...

2010 NBA free agents: Shaquille O'Neal has interested the Boston Celtics, but Danny Ainge says he doesn't think it's a real possibility
Danny Ainge has talked to Shaquille O'Neal, but thinks a deal is unlikely.

2010 NBA free agents: Boston Celtics officially re-sign Paul Pierce
The Boston Celtics officially re-signed forward Paul Pierce.

Pierce officially re-signs with Celtics (AP)
The Boston Celtics have re-signed captain Paul Pierce. The club made the official announcement Thursday, six days after a team official said it had reached an agreement to keep the star forward. The Boston Herald had reported that the contract is for four years with Pierce and the Celtics having a mutual option for the fourth year.

Nuggets sign Carter, Shelden Williams (AP)
Anthony Carter has signed a one-year league-minimum deal to stay with the Denver Nuggets, who also signed Shelden Williams. Carter, who has played his last four seasons in Denver, averaged 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 54 games last season, spelling Chauncey Billups and Ty Lawson. Williams, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward/center, played sparingly for the Boston Celtics last season, averaging 3.7...

Warriors sold for record $450 million (AP)
Golden State Warriors owner Chris Cohan reached an agreement Thursday to sell the franchise for a record $450 million to Boston Celtics minority partner Joe Lacob and Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber. "I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to be the next steward of this storied NBA franchise.

Warriors to be sold for record $450M
Golden State Warriors owner Chris Cohan reached an agreement Thursday to sell the franchise for a record $450 million to Boston Celtics minority partner Joe Lacob and Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber.

New Celtics C O'Neal wants to win now (AP)
Jermaine O'Neal knows he's nearing the end of his career and he saw Boston as his best chance to win a championship before he retires. So he left the Heat even as they were ramping up efforts to win a title in Miami. The Heat added LeBron James and Chris Bosh to Dwyane Wade this summer. O'Neal said he wants to win now, and not have to worry about the chemistry of a recently assembled...

Center Jermaine O'Neal signs contract with Boston Celtics
Jermaine O'Neal officially became part of the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, signing a 2-year deal for an undisclosed salary.

Report: Free agent Nate Robinson working on contract with Boston Celtics
Nate Robinson and the Boston Celtics are working on a contract for the free agent, reports the Boston Herald.

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.

Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins undergoes successful knee surgery
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins undergoes successful knee surgery.

Reports: Memphis Grizzlies sign former Boston Celtics forward Tony Allen
Reports: Former Celtics forward Tony Allen to a 3-year deal with the Grizzlies.

Celtics plan to sign Jermaine O'Neal (AP)
Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge says the team plans to sign six-time All-Star center Jermaine O'Neal. The contract is reportedly for the mid-level exception, about $5.76 million in the first year of a two-year deal. O'Neal has averaged 14 points and 7.5 rebounds in a 14-year career for Portland, Indiana, Toronto and Miami.

2010 NBA free agents: Jermaine O'Neal has agreed to a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics, according to a source
Jermaine O'Neal has agreed to a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics, according to a source.

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.

Jermaine O'Neal to sign with Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets or Boston Celtics
Free-agent center Jermaine O'Neal said Wednesday that he expects to sign with one of the three following teams in coming days: Dallas, Denver or Boston.

2010 NBA free agency: Sources: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks express interest in Shaquille O'Neal
Even at 38 years old, Shaquille O'Neal is drawing plenty of interest on the free-agent market. Boston, Dallas and Atlanta have all expressed interest in O'Neal, according to league sources.

2010 NBA free agents: Source says Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce agree on four-year deal
Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics have reportedly found a way to stay together.

Boston Celtics sign first-round pick Avery Bradley
The Boston Celtics signed first-round pick Avery Bradley on Friday.

NBA free agency: Reports: Paul Pierce agrees to deal to stay with Boston Celtics
Paul Pierce reportedly has agreed to a four-year deal to stay with Boston Celtics

Sources: Boston Celtics begin contract talks with Paul Pierce
The Celtics have begun contract talks with Paul Pierce, sources said on Thursday.

Doc Rivers says he's returning to coach Boston Celtics in 2010-11
Doc Rivers says he's returning to coach the Celtics next season, according to Boston-area media reports.

Report: Celtics' Pierce to opt out (AP)
ESPN.com is reporting Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce has notified the team he will opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent. Pierce's agent, Jeff Schwartz, told ESPN.com in a text message Tuesday night the All-Star forward will forfeit next season's $21.5 million salary for a chance to sign a new four-year deal worth more than $90 million.

Reports: Rivers returning to Celtics
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says he is staying with the team he led to the NBA finals twice in the last three seasons.

2010 NBA free agency: Sources say Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce opting out to become free agent
Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Paul Pierce has notified the Boston Celtics that he will opt out of the final year of his contract before Wednesday's deadline, which will make Pierce an unrestricted free agent.

Kendrick Perkins of the Boston Celtics says his recovery time from knee surgery could be six months
Kendrick Perkins says he'll need up to six months to recover from surgery on a torn ACL.

Celtics introduce Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody
The Celtics introduced Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody.

Celtics nab Gody - Luke Harangody (F) Boston Celtics
Celtics selected Notre Dame PF Luke Garangody with the No. 52 pick in the draft.

Doc Rivers plans to decide on his future by July 1
Doc Rivers says he'll make his decision on whether to return to Boston by July 1.

Source: Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace opts to retire
Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace is retiring, according to an NBA source.

Danny Ainge is shopping the Boston Celtics' first-round pick in the NBA draft (No. 19), according to a source.
Danny Ainge is shopping the 19th pick in the NBA draft, according to a source.

Danny Ainge says Doc Rivers should wait before decision
Danny Ainge says he wants Doc Rivers to take his time before deciding whether to return as Celtics coach.

Danny Ainge says Ray Allen's return 'most likely scenario'
Danny Ainge says Ray Allen's return to Boston 'is the most likely scenario.'

2010 NBA Finals: Nielsen Co. says 28.2 million watched Game 7 of Boston Celtics-Los Angeles Lakers series
Not since Michael Jordan's final championship has a pro basketball game drawn a bigger audience than last week's seventh game of the Lakers-Celtics series.

Rivers: Wallace plans to retire
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says that center Rasheed Wallace is probably going to retire.

Rasheed Wallace told Doc Rivers the night before Game 7 of the NBA Finals that he thought it would be his last game.
Rasheed Wallace told Doc Rivers the night before Game 7 that he thought it would be his last game.

Doc Rivers says he is 'leaning one way' as he ponders whether to stay with Boston Celtics or leave
Doc Rivers says he is "leaning one way" as he ponders whether to stay with Celtics or leave.

Celtics' Rivers: Wallace likely retiring (AP)
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says that center Rasheed Wallace is probably going to retire. Rivers said on WEEI-AM on Monday that Wallace told him before Game 7 of the NBA finals that he believed it was the last game of his career. Wallace has two years left on the contract he signed with the Celtics last summer.

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.

NBA opens potential offseason of change (AP)
New coaches for the NBA's winningest franchises. New superstars for some of the teams chasing them. Anything is possible in an offseason that could reshape the league, and it officially started after the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 on Thursday in Game 7 of the NBA finals to win their second straight championship.

2010 NBA Finals: Doc Rivers won't rush decision on whether to return as Boston Celtics coach
Doc Rivers won't rush decision on whether to return as Celtics coach.

Rasheed Wallace tries to talk to officials after Game 7 loss
Rasheed Wallace tried to talk to the referees after the Celtics lost Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Lakers to pay for championship parade (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers say they'll pay for Monday's NBA championship victory celebration, a more modest event than in past years. Lakers spokesman John Black said Friday the team anticipates spending around $2 million, including police overtime and other city services. The Lakers plan to celebrate Thursday's victory over the Boston Celtics with a parade from Staples Center to the...

Parents of Celts fan settle with Boston (AP)
The parents of a Celtics fan who stopped breathing and later died after Boston police took him into custody during 2008 NBA championship celebrations have settled with the city for $3 million. The settlement announced Thursday by a lawyer for the parents of David Woodman came on the same day the Celtics were scheduled to play the Los Angeles Lakers in the deciding Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.

Boston Celtics: Parents of fan settle with city for $3 million
The parents of a Celtics fan who stopped breathing and later died after Boston police took him into custody during 2008 NBA championship celebrations have settled with the city for $3 million.

Lakers rally past Celtics in Game 7 for 16th title
The Los Angeles Lakers have won their 16th NBA championship, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 Thursday night in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Doc Rivers chooses Rasheed Wallace to replace hurt Kendrick Perkins
Rasheed Wallace will start for the Celtics in place of injured Kendrick Perkins.

Wallace to start at center for Celtics (AP)
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Rasheed Wallace will start at center in Game 7 of the NBA finals. Wallace is replacing Kendrick Perkins, who sprained ligaments in his right knee Tuesday night in the first quarter of Boston's 89-67 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Rivers joked that he went with Wallace over Glen "Big Baby" Davis for Thursday's game because "he's old.

Celtics' Big 3 may be making last stand (AP)
Two NBA finals meetings in three years used to mean the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers were just getting warmed up. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson did this three times from 1984-87. Boston won all three when the teams squared off in 1962, '63 and '65; and repeated the feat three times in four years at the end of that decade.

2010 NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers-Boston Celtics Game 6 TV rating down
Television ratings for Game 6 of the NBA Finals were down from the last one between the Lakers and Celtics, which was also a blowout but crowned a champion.

2010 NBA Finals: Rajon Rondo takes 17 stitches for gash from Ron Artest
Rajon Rondo needed 17 stitches for a gash on his chin from a blow from Ron Artest.

Injured Celts C Perkins to miss Game 7
Boston center Kendrick Perkins' sprained right knee will keep him out of Game 7 of the NBA finals.

Celtics C Perkins out for Game 7 (AP)
Boston center Kendrick Perkins' sprained right knee will keep him out of Game 7 of the NBA finals. Celtics coach Doc Rivers confirmed Wednesday that his starting center won't play in the season finale against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, dealing a blow to Boston's hopes of winning its 18th championship.

Boston Celtics' Kendrick Perkins to sit Game 7 with torn knee ligaments
Kendrick Perkins said he will miss Game 7 of the NBA Finals with torn ligaments in his right knee.

Chief: Extra officers to monitor Game 7 in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck says he will be deploying hundreds of extra officers at the final NBA championship game between the Lakers and Boston Celtics.

LA chief: Extra police to be at Game 7 (AP)
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck says he will be deploying hundreds of extra officers at the final NBA championship game between the Lakers and Boston Celtics. Beck said Wednesday that he hopes to dissuade fans from congregating outside Staples Center after Thursday's game. Beck says he doesn't expect problems and mobile command units and a strong police presence should deter anyone...

Celtics' Perkins injures knee
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins was helped off the floor midway through the first quarter of Game 6 of the NBA finals Tuesday night with a sprained right knee.

Lakers rout Celtics, force Game 7 (AP)
Buckle up, Boston and L.A. These epic NBA finals are going to Game 7. Kobe Bryant made sure of it, with plenty of help from the rest of the revitalized Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 17 points and 13 rebounds, and the Lakers emphatically extended the NBA finals to a decisive seventh game with a 89-67 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 on Tuesday night.

Boston Celtics big man Kendrick Perkins leaves early with injury
Celtics center Kendrick Perkins left Tuesday's game with an apparent leg injury.

2010 NBA Finals: Boston police prep for crowds amid NBA Finals
Authorities are gearing up for crowd control around Boston as the Celtics take on the Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Police gear up for Boston celebration (AP)
Authorities are gearing up for crowd control around Boston as the Celtics take on the Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA finals needing one victory to secure an unprecedented 18th title. Massachusetts State Police say troopers, dog and mounted patrols will assist Boston police if the Celtics win Tuesday night and fans begin celebrating.

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's son OK after scare over the weekend
Ray Allen's son OK after scare over the weekend.

Celts overcome 38 by Kobe to win Game 5 (AP)
It's looking a lot like 2008 again, with Paul Pierce carrying the Boston Celtics to victory in the NBA finals and leading them to the brink of yet another title. Pierce scored 27 points -- his best performance of this year's finals -- and the Celtics withstood 38 points from Kobe Bryant to beat the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers 92-86 on Sunday night and take a 3-2 lead in the...

Celtics within one of title after Pierce bests Kobe
It's looking a lot like 2008 again, with Paul Pierce carrying the Boston Celtics to victory in the NBA finals and leading them to the brink of yet another title.

2010 NBA Finals: Rasheed Wallace, Kendrick Perkins say technicals won't affect play
Rasheed Wallace and Kendrick Perkins say they won't change the way they play despite being one technical away from a suspension.

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.

NBA Finals Game 4 earns best preliminary rating since 2004
The Boston Celtics' series-tying win earned the highest preliminary rating for Game 4 of an NBA finals since 2004.

Davis keys Celtics pulling even with LA (AP)
The Boston Celtics have tied up the NBA finals, and they owe it more to "Big Baby" than the Big Three. Backup Glen "Big Baby" Davis scored half of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Celtics bench as it pulled away from the Los Angeles Lakers to win 96-89 on Thursday night and even the best-of-seven series at two games apiece.

Big Baby boosts Celtics past Lakers, ties series
The Boston Celtics have tied up the NBA finals, and they owe it more to "Big Baby" than the Big Three.

Doc Rivers of Boston Celtics complains about refereeing, sends videotape to league office
Doc Rivers spent quite a bit of time Wednesday discussing the state of the officiating in the NBA Finals after sending a videotape to the league office documenting what he said were several uncalled offensive fouls against the Lakers.

Lakers survive Celtics to take 2-1 Finals lead
Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and Derek Fisher added 16 to lead Los Angeles to a 91-84 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night and give the Lakers a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals.

New Hornets coach plans up-tempo style
There was a twinkle in Monty Williams' eyes as he recalled all the times Doc Rivers yelled at him when they were together with the Orlando Magic. When Williams was introduced as the ninth head coach of the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday, he admitted the current Boston Celtics coach was right about one thing.

Lakers seize pivotal Game 3 in Boston
Lakers hold off Celtics in Game 3 thriller.

Paul Pierce to Los Angeles Lakers fans: 'We ain't coming back to LA!'
Paul Pierce tells Lakers fans: 'We ain't coming back to LA!'

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.

Hornets near naming Monty Williams coach (AP)
New Orleans Hornets spokesman Harold Kaufman says the club hopes to introduce Monty Williams as its new head coach by Tuesday. Williams has agreed in principle to a three-year contract, although some details are still being worked out. The Hornets began negotiating with Williams on Friday when it became clear that another top candidate, Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau, wanted to explore...

Finals prove you can be better with age (AP)
Except for his purple and gold uniform, Derek Fisher would fit right in with the Boston Celtics. After all, he's old. So is Kobe Bryant, when it comes to basketball years. Both are in their early to-mid 30s, just like the core of Boston's roster. Hold off on those old-timers' day games, though.

Chicago Bulls make contract offer to Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau
The Chicago Bulls have made an offer to Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau for their head-coaching vacancy.

2010 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics' Marquis Daniels (concussion) could play in Game 2
Marquis Daniels, who has been out with a concussion, is likely to be cleared to play Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Reports: Thibodeau to be Bulls coach (AP)
The Boston Celtics apparently will need a new assistant coach after the NBA finals. Tom Thibodeau accepted the Chicago Bulls' head coaching job Saturday, according to multiple media reports in Chicago. Celtics coach Doc Rivers would not confirm the reports before Boston practiced the day before Game 2 of the series, but both he and his players agreed that Thibodeau would be a good choice.

Sources: Tom Thibodeau turns down Hornets, who turn to Monty Williams
Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau has turned down the New Orleans Hornets contract offer, a source close to the situation said Friday.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge talks about Doc Rivers, Tom Thibodeau
Boston Celtics team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge believes head coach Doc Rivers will return for the final year remaining on his contract.

Cavs GM Ferry resigns after 5 seasons (AP)
Danny Ferry resigned as general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, a surprise decision that complicates the most important offseason in team history. Ferry's departure Friday after five seasons occurred two weeks after the club fired coach Mike Brown following the team's second-round loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs.

2010 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics-Los Angeles Lakers opener draws strong viewership
The opener of the Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals matched the teams' meeting two years ago for the highest preliminary rating for a Game 1 since 2004.

Kobe, Pau power Lakers past Celtics in Game 1
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers got tough in a 102-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals opener Thursday night.

Physical Lakers beat Celtics in Game 1 (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers got tough in a 102-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals opener Thursday night. Ron Artest scored 15 points after tumbling to the ground in a tangle with Paul Pierce in the opening minute of the 12th finals meeting in the NBA's most scintillating rivalry.

Source: Hornets don't enforce deadline, wait for Tom Thibodeau to answer coaching offer
The New Orleans Hornets' coaching search will last at least one day longer than expected after the Hornets chose not to enforce a deadline issued earlier this week to Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau.

Lakers lead 50-41 at halftime of Game 1 (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 12 points despite foul trouble, Pau Gasol added 11 points and seven rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 50-41 lead over the Boston Celtics at halftime of Game 1 in the NBA finals Thursday night. The 12th finals meeting between the NBA's most entertaining rivals opened with a chippy, rough-edged first half featuring 28 fouls and 27 free throws.

David Stern: Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers has a point in technical argument
David Stern says Celtics coach Doc Rivers has a point in technical argument.

2010 NBA Finals: Doc Rivers: Marquis Daniels out for Game 1, all other Boston Celtics healthy
Marquis Daniels is out for Game 1 and Doc Rivers says all other Celtics are healthy.

Lakers and Celtics resume rivalry in NBA Finals
For the 12th time, L.A. and Boston clash in the NBA Finals.

2010 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo, Rasheed Wallace full participants in practice
Rajon Rondo and Rasheed Wallace, bothered by back injuries, were full participants at Wednesday's Celtics practice.

Garnett still key to Celtics' success (AP)
The knee may never be the same. Kevin Garnett's heart hasn't changed a bit. No longer the dominant player he was when the Boston Celtics won the NBA championship two years ago, Garnett still plays with his same trademark intensity. Maybe even more now. "What was burning in me two years ago is probably intensified just because of last year," Garnett said Wednesday.

NBA Finals: Celtics coach Doc Rivers admits he's bracing for another Kendrick Perkins technical and suspension
Doc Rivers admits he's bracing for another Perkins T and suspension.

Gasol to miss worlds for champion Spain (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol says he will not help Spain defend its title at the world basketball championships because doctors say he needs a rest. Gasol says "present circumstances advise against my participation" in the championship in Turkey from Aug. 29-Sept. 12. Gasol and the Lakers face the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals.

Lakers, Celtics ready to renew rivalry (AP)
Phil Jackson knows the story by heart, even if his players only seem interested in the last two chapters. Their coach is steeped in the history of pro basketball's most compelling rivalry, familiar with every twist in the Boston Celtics' half-century of championship clashes with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo 'sore and stiff' but able to practice
Celtics guard Rajon Rondo 'sore and stiff' but able to practice.

Lakers hope for boost from Artest, Bynum (AP)
Although the Lakers' roster is remarkably similar to the group that lost the NBA finals to the Boston Celtics two years ago, Kobe Bryant sees two big reasons Los Angeles might have a better shot this time. Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum said Monday they hope to play major defensive roles in the rematch with the Celtics.

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce excited for NBA Finals, L.A. homecoming
Paul Pierce excited to return to NBA Finals, hometown.

2010 NBA Finals: Rajon Rondo and Rasheed Wallace of Boston Celtics limited at practice
Rajon Rondo and Rasheed Wallace were both limited at Monday's Celtics practice.

Lakers and Celtics set to renew rivalry (AP)
Here comes Kobe Bryant's chance against the team that beat him two years ago. He's far from the only Lakers great to fall short against Boston. Get ready for Lakers-Celtics, Part 12, the league's most storied franchises renewing their rivalry in the NBA finals. Boston beat Los Angeles in the 2008 finals, with a dominant defense that made life miserable for Bryant, that season's MVP.

Lakers oust Suns, get rematch with Celts (AP)
Get ready, Boston, for a rematch with Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant wrapped up a magnificent series with 37 points, Ron Artest added 25 and the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 111-103 on Saturday night to win the Western Conference finals. The Lakers and Celtics, the NBA's premier teams for much of the league's history, will meet in the finals for the 12th time with Game 1...

Celtics have time to rest before finals (AP)
Rajon Rondo hit the deck hard, grimacing after being fouled. Glen Davis played through dizziness from a concussion. Rasheed Wallace put up with a painful back. The Boston Celtics sure could use some time off. Now they're getting it with a five-day break between games before starting the final drive toward their goal -- a second NBA championship in three years and an 18th in club history, more...

Celts finish off Magic in 6 to win East (AP)
The NBA's most-decorated team avoided the biggest playoff collapse in league history and earned a chance to hang an unprecedented 18th championship banner from the rafters. Paul Pierce had 31 points and 13 rebounds, and little-used backup Nate Robinson gave the Celtics a boost with 13 second-quarter points as Boston beat the Orlando Magic 96-84 on Friday night, earning a chance to play for a...

Magic fail to rally from 3 games down (AP)
No historic comeback for the Orlando Magic, no second straight trip to the NBA finals. Dwight Howard and his underachieving teammates flopped in their bid to become the league's first team to overcome a 3-0 deficit when the Boston Celtics battered them 96-84 Friday night to clinch the Eastern Conference finals in six games.

Davis, Wallace available for Game 6 (AP)
Boston's Glen "Big Baby" Davis is back in uniform for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Magic. Celtics coach Doc Rivers says Davis can play Friday night against Orlando. The Boston forward blacked out on the court with a concussion in Game 5 on Wednesday by an inadvertent elbow from Magic center Dwight Howard.

Glen Davis likely to play in Game 6; Celtics still unsure on Rasheed Wallace, Danny Ainge says
Glen Davis likely to play in Game 6, according to Danny Ainge.

2010 NBA playoffs: Kendrick Perkins eligible for the Boston Celtics' Game 6 against the Orlando Magic after technical foul rescinded
Kendrick Perkins eligible for Game 6 after a technical foul was rescinded.

2010 NBA playoffs: Doc Rivers optimistic Glen Davis will play for Boston Celtics in Game 6
Celtics center Glen Davis, who suffered a concussion Wednesday, 'looked fine' Thursday, according to coach Doc Rivers.

Magic F Lewis has viral infection (AP)
Maybe this is why Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis has been struggling in the Eastern Conference finals: He's been playing with a viral infection. Lewis says he's been sick the "whole series" against the Boston Celtics. "Overall it effects you," he said after Orlando's shootaround Wednesday.

Magic get within 3-2, top Celtics 113-92 (AP)
Not ready to go home just yet, the only place the Orlando Magic are headed is back to Boston. Halfway to history. Taking another step toward overcoming an improbable 3-0 series deficit, Dwight Howard had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Magic to a 113-92 victory over the Celtics on Wednesday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Celtics C Davis leaves with concussion (AP)
Boston center Glen Davis was diagnosed with a concussion after being shaken up late in the third quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, needing to be held up by referee Joey Crawford to keep from falling. Davis was struck in face by Orlando center Dwight Howard's elbow, tumbling to the court as play went the other way.

2010 NBA playoffs: Kendrick Perkins ejected from Game 5; suspension next?
Kendrick Perkins was ejected from Game 5 of the Celtics-Magic series and may face a suspension

Celtics C Perkins ejected from Game 5 (AP)
Boston center Kendrick Perkins was ejected from Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals late in the first half after picking up a pair of technical fouls, his sixth and seventh of the postseason. Perkins was called for a foul, then picked up the two technicals -- which could be even costlier than the ejection.

2010 NBA playoffs: Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo: Feels fine after muscle spasms in Game 4
Rajon Rondo feels fine for Game 5 after suffering muscle spasms in Game 4.

Brown thanks Cavaliers for 5 seasons (AP)
Fired Cleveland coach Mike Brown has called his five years with Cavaliers an "exceptional experience." Brown, who has not publicly commented since his dismissal, issued a statement through the team Wednesday in which he thanked the Cavs for the opportunity to coach in Cleveland. Brown was fired in the aftermath of a second-round playoff collapse to Boston.

Magic hold on in OT to avoid Celtics sweep
Jameer Nelson made back-to-back 3-pointers in overtime, Dwight Howard had 32 points and 16 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics 96-92 on Monday night to avoid a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference finals.

Sources: New Orleans Hornets offer job to Boston Celtics' Tom Thibodeau
The Hornets have offered their coaching job to Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau, sources told ESPN.com.

Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo: Muscle spasms didn't affect performance
Rajon Rondo is back in the game for the Celtics after going to the locker room late in the first half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Celtics stars falter in Game 4 loss (AP)
Rajon Rondo had one of his worst game of the playoffs. Kevin Garnett threw away a pass with 43 seconds left. Paul Pierce missed two 3-pointers after that. The Boston Celtics are returning to Orlando for a game they didn't want to play because three of their best players in the Eastern Conference finals faltered at critical moments.

Magic win at Boston in OT to avoid sweep (AP)
Put away the brooms. Hold off on those "Beat L.A!" chants. The Boston Celtics still have some work to do before they can play for their second NBA title in three years. Jameer Nelson made back-to-back 3-pointers in overtime, Dwight Howard had 32 points and 16 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Celtics 96-92 on Monday night to avoid a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference finals.

Cavs fire coach Brown after 5 seasons (AP)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have fired coach Mike Brown after five seasons for failing to win an NBA title with LeBron James. Brown's dismissal has been expected since the Cavs were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs. In five seasons, Brown, who had one year left on his contract, went 272-138 (.663) and was the league's coach of the year in 2009.

Celtics go for sweep of Magic
Or are you sensing a Boston sweep?

Magic win in OT, prevent Boston sweep
The Magic avoid a sweep and stay alive in Boston.

Battered Magic on brink of elimination (AP)
From start to finish, the Orlando Magic were dominated by the Boston Celtics. It happened in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night. And it can happen for the entire series if the Celtics complete a sweep Monday night. The team that rolled through the first two rounds against Charlotte and Atlanta without a loss was handed a 94-71 beating by the fiercely determined and energetic...

Celtics rip Magic, take 3-0 series lead (AP)
The Boston Celtics moved a win away from their second NBA finals trip in three years, and the defending Eastern Conference champions barely put up a fight. Backup Glen "Big Baby" Davis scored 17 points and Rajon Rondo added 11 points and 12 assists on Saturday night to lead the Celtics to a 94-71 victory over the Orlando Magic and a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven East finals.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett knocks down Orlando Magic's Stan Van Gundy
Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy knows what a hit from Kevin Garnett feels like.

Despite fan chants, Los Angeles Lakers not looking at Boston Celtics
The Lakers said they aren't thinking about a Finals matchup with the Celtics.

Celtics looking to end home woes (AP)
The original Boston Garden is long gone, and so is the fear in opponents' eyes when they play the Celtics on their home floor. So don't expect the Orlando Magic to be too intimidated when they arrive for Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals. "We've won there before, and there's no reason we can't do it again," forward Rashard Lewis said Friday...

2010 NBA playoffs: Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics won't look ahead to Los Angeles Lakers
Paul Pierce, Celtics won't look ahead to potential matchup with Lakers.

Ref suspended for throwing ball at fan (AP)
Referee Joe DeRosa has been suspended without pay for throwing a ball at a fan during halftime of an NBA playoff game in Orlando. DeRosa will miss the next game he would have been scheduled to work. At halftime of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between Orlando and Boston, DeRosa was walking to the scorer's table to get the warm-up jackets for his crew.

Celtics guarding against overconfidence (AP)
Two wins away from the NBA finals, the Boston Celtics have plenty of reasons for confidence. But overconfidence? Don't count on it, no matter what Paul Pierce said. Before leaving the court after Boston took a 2-0 lead over the Orlando Magic with a 95-92 win on Tuesday night, Pierce said in a live 60-second television interview that the Celtics were coming home to close it out.

Paul Pierce again denies tweet; other comments irk Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers
Paul Pierce again denies tweet; other comments irk Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

Wait for free agency is on in NBA (AP)
Doc Rivers knows his Boston Celtics aren't the NBA's biggest story right now. Take a back seat, Celtics, despite being on the cusp of another trip to the NBA finals. Same for you, defending champ Lakers. The Magic and Suns, well, they're basketball afterthoughts right now as well. Unless you're in Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando or Phoenix, the NBA's final four might almost be like a...

Lakers fans are right: Bring on Boston
Can we please fast forward to Lakers-Celtics?

NBA reviewing spat between fan, ref
The NBA is investigating an incident between referee Joe DeRosa and a fan at halftime of Tuesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between Orlando and Boston.

NBA looking into incident between referee Joe DeRosa and fan
The NBA is investigating an incident between referee Joe DeRosa and a fan at halftime of Tuesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between Orlando and Boston.

Pierce, team defense carrying Celtics (AP)
Freed from the burden of trying to guard LeBron James, Paul Pierce is back to his high-scoring ways. That plus tenacious team defense have the Boston Celtics rolling in the Eastern Conference finals. They swept the first two games at the home of the Orlando Magic and now have time to rest their old bodies before Game 3 on Saturday night in Boston.

Daniels' stepfather arrested, subdued with stun gun during Game 2
The stepfather of Boston Celtics guard Marquis Daniels was arrested and subdued with a stun gun during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic.

Stepfather of Boston Celtics' Marquis Daniels Tasered at Game 2
The stepfather of Celtics guard Marquis Daniels was subdued with a stun gun during Game 2 of the Eastern finals.

Daniels' stepfather arrested at Game 2 (AP)
The stepfather of Boston Celtics guard Marquis Daniels was arrested and subdued with a stun gun during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic. The Orlando police report shows 55-year-old Willie L. Buie was charged with resisting arrest with violence during Tuesday night's game.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Paul Pierce denies tweeting about sweeping Orlando Magic
Paul Pierce denies tweet that suggested a Celtics sweep of the Magic.

Magic's frustration evident in loss (AP)
They lost their cool, then lost the game. And if that wasn't bad enough, the Orlando Magic might have just lost any realistic hope of returning to the NBA finals. With frustration evident and the season very possibly slipping away, the Magic lost Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals to the Boston Celtics 95-92 on Tuesday night, falling behind 2-0 in the best-of-seven series and putting...

NBA looking into incident between referee Joe DeRosa and fan
The NBA is investigating an incident between referee Joe DeRosa and a fan at halftime of Tuesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals between Orlando and Boston.

Celtics hold off Magic, take 2-0 lead (AP)
The Boston Celtics might just roll back to the NBA finals if they keep this up. Paul Pierce scored 28 points, Rajon Rondo had 25 and the Boston Celtics again avoided a late collapse to take a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 95-92 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 on Tuesday night.

Celtics again escape collapse to put away Magic
Paul Pierce scored 28 points, Rajon Rondo had 25 and the Boston Celtics again avoided a late collapse to take a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 95-92 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

Cavs begin assessing what went wrong (AP)
The Cleveland Cavaliers began their offseason review. It didn't begin with Mike Brown being shown the door. Brown remained in place as coach on Monday as the Cavs began working on their assessment of what went wrong this season. Cleveland was ousted from the playoffs last week by the Boston Celtics, who upset the NBA's top regular-season team in six games.

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 try to give Magic the Cavs treatment
Boston bounced Cleveland, but Orlando has been perfect in playoffs

Magic's Barnes to start Game 1 despite ailing back
Orlando Magic forward Matt Barnes will start against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals despite recent back spasms.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Matt Barnes of Orlando Magic to start vs. Boston Celtics despite back spasms
Orlando Magic forward Matt Barnes will start against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals despite recent back spasms.

Magic F Barnes hurts back, plans to play (AP)
Magic forward Matt Barnes has missed practice because of back spasms but expects to start in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston. Barnes said after Saturday's practice that he feels pain in the lower-left side of his back. The injury recently flared up after first occurring in Game 3 of the Magic's second-round sweep of Atlanta.

Healthy Celts face playoff-perfect Magic (AP)
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy was watching Boston blow past Cleveland in the last round and thought it was some sort of replay from the Celtics' 2008 NBA title run. These days, it might be hard to tell. The resurgent Celtics are healthy again and looking to take down the playoff-perfect Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals starting Sunday.

Knee keeps Perkins out of Celts practice (AP)
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins is taking some time to rest his sore right knee before the Eastern Conference finals. Perkins was held out of practice on Saturday. He wore wraps on both knees for most of the session and kept ice on the right one toward the end. Perkins is expected to be the team's main option for guarding Magic star Dwight Howard when the best-of-seven series begins in...

2010 NBA playoffs: Kendrick Perkins misses Celticss practice; should play Sunday
Celtics center Kendrick Perkins missed Saturday's practice with a sore knee but should play Sunday against the Magic.

Orlando Magic's Matt Barnes expects to start with ailing back
Magic forward Matt Barnes has missed practice because of back spasms but expects to start in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston.

Magic's Matt Barnes misses practice
Magic forward Matt Barnes has missed practice because of back spasms but expects to start in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston.

Celtics-Cavs clincher draws huge numbers (AP)
The Boston Celtics' series-clinching victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals is the second-most watched basketball game ever aired on ESPN. The broadcast Thursday night drew a 6.6 rating on the cable network and averaged 6,552,000 households and 8,983,000 viewers.

Cavs owner says Brown hasn't been fired (AP)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are keeping coach Mike Brown -- for now. Team owner Dan Gilbert refuted a report Friday that Brown had been fired. He says the team is "going through the evaluation process" and stressed the team would not react emotionally after "unexpectedly" losing to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs.

Celtics eliminate James, Cavaliers in 6 (AP)
The Boston Celtics sent LeBron James and the Cavaliers back to Cleveland to admire all of their regular-season accomplishments. It's the Celtics who are still in the chase for an NBA title. Kevin Garnett scored 22 points and added 12 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo had 21 points and 12 assists to beat Cleveland 94-85 in Game 6 on Thursday night.

James faces uncertain future after loss (AP)
With no title again for Cleveland this year, LeBron James will have to decide if it's time to go look for it elsewhere. Helped by James' costly turnover early in the fourth quarter, the Boston Celtics pulled away to beat the Cavaliers 94-85 on Thursday, ending the Eastern Conference semifinal series and starting Cleveland's summer of anxiety.

Celtics hand LeBron, Cavaliers early playoff exit
The Boston Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 94-85 victory over Cleveland in Game 6 on Thursday night, sending LeBron James and the Cavaliers into an early offseason destined to define the future of the franchise.

Cavs try to stay alive in Boston
Will LeBron shoulder the load in a do-or-die Game 6?

2010 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics treating Game 6 versus Cleveland Cavaliers as if it's Game 7
Celtics treating Game 6 versus Cavaliers as if it's Game 7.

2010 NBA Playoffs: LeBron James confident Cleveland Cavaliers can come back against Boston Celtics
LeBron James isn't listening to the nationwide criticism of his listless Game 5 performance against Boston.

James ignores critics after 'off' night (AP)
LeBron James isn't listening to the nationwide criticism of his listless Game 5 performance against Boston. Instead, the league's two-time MVP is focusing on delivering in Game 6 on Thursday night in Boston as the Cavaliers try to fight off elimination and force a Game 7. James scored just 15 points on 3-of-14 shooting in Tuesday night's 120-88 loss to the Celtics, the largest home...

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 steamroll Cavaliers to take series lead
The Boston Celtics have put the Cleveland Cavaliers dangerously close to an early start to the Summer of LeBron.

Cavs may switch LeBron on to Rondo
Cavaliers coach Mike Brown says LeBron James might play more defense on Boston guard Rajon Rondo in Game 5 of their playoff.

2010 NBA playoffs: Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics is ready for the LeBron James treatment on defense
Rajon Rondo of the Celtics is ready for the LeBron James treatment on defense.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Paul Pierce: 'There's nothing wrong with me'
Paul Pierce insists he has no health problems and isn't making excuses for his poor offensive play.

Rondo's triple-double carries Celtics past Cavs
Rajon Rondo had 29 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists, and the Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 97-87 on Sunday to even the Eastern Conference semifinals at two games apiece.

Rondo has 29, 18 and 13 as Celtics win (AP)
Rajon Rondo had 29 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists, and the Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 97-87 on Sunday to even the Eastern Conference semifinals at two games apiece. Rondo had a playoff career high in rebounds and matched his best scoring night in his fourth postseason triple-double.

Cavs face Celtics in critical Game 3
LeBron and the Cavs try to get off the deck in Boston.

LeBron rocks Boston as Cavs take Game 3
LeBron blitzes Boston in Game 3.

LeBron takes fight out of Celtics
LeBron massacres Boston and makes Celtics look old again.

James scores 21 in 1st, Cavs rip Celtics (AP)
LeBron James scored 21 of his 38 points in the first quarter to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat Boston 124-95 on Friday night, handing the Celtics their worst home playoff loss ever and taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals. Showing no ill-effects of an elbow problem that was the talk of Cleveland during the long layoff, James finished with eight rebounds and seven...

LeBron, Cavaliers clobber Celtics for series lead
LeBron James scored 21 of his 38 points in the first quarter to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat Boston 124-95 on Friday night, handing the Celtics their worst home playoff loss ever and taking a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Danny Ainge, Boston Celtics GM, fined $25K for towel antics
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for tossing a towel to try and distract Cavaliers forward J.J. Hickson as he shot a free throw.

Celtics' Ainge fined $25K for towel toss (AP)
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for tossing a towel to try and distract Cavaliers forward J.J. Hickson as he shot a free throw. Ainge flipped a white towel over his head during the third quarter of Monday night's playoff game between Boston and Cleveland. Ainge was attempting to rattle Hickson, who made his second free throw despite the GM's actions.

New Orleans Hornets interview prospective coaches Tom Thibodeau, Mark Jackson
The New Orleans Hornets have met with Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau and former NBA player Mark Jackson about the club's head coaching vacancy.

LeBron, Garnett ready for Game 3
It's all hands on deck for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between Boston and Cleveland.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins back at practice for Boston Celtics
Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins were back at practice for the Celtics on Thursday.

Garnett, Perkins return to practice
Boston Celtics big men Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins were back at practice preparing for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Garnett, Perkins return to practice (AP)
Boston Celtics big men Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins were back at practice preparing for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Garnett says there's nothing his mid-foot strain prohibited him from doing in Thursday's workout. Perkins said he feels a little pain, but his right knee didn't limit him, either.

Boston Celtics' Nate Robinson sits toward end, loses $1 million
Nate Robinson didn't play in two games down the stretch this season and it cost him $1 million.

Danny Ainge regrets towel antic; Rivers, C's laugh off controversy
Danny Ainge regrets towel antic; Rivers, C's laugh off controversy.



2010 NBA Playoffs: Kevin Garnett (ankle), Kendrick Perkins (knee) sit out Boston Celtics practice Wenesday
Kevin Garnett (ankle), Kendrick Perkins (knee) sit out Boston Celtics practice Wenesday.

5 straight all-defensive teams for Kobe (AP)
Kobe Bryant is on the NBA all-defensive first team for the fifth straight year. Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo made the first team for the first time, earning the second-most points behind the league's defensive player of the year, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace also made the team for the first time, with the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James...

Garnett, Perkins miss Celtics practice
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett is nursing a mild mid-foot sprain that has kept him out of practice.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Cleveland Cavaliers practice day after humbling Game 2 loss to Boston Celtics
Seething after Cleveland's Game 2 loss, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown is having his Cavaliers practice.

Cavs have unexpected practice after loss (AP)
Seething after Cleveland's Game 2 loss, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown is having his Cavaliers practice. The Cavs had been expected to have Tuesday off after being embarrassed 104-86 by the Boston Celtics on Monday night. But Brown wants his players to watch tape and discuss adjustments in the best-of-seven series, which is tied 1-1.

Ainge spotted distracting Cavs with towel
Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been spotted in TV replays throwing a white towel in the air to distract the Cleveland Cavaliers at the foul line.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Danny Ainge of Boston Celtics seen tossing towel to distract Cleveland Cavaliers free-throw shooters
Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been spotted in TV replays throwing a white towel in the air to distract the Cleveland Cavaliers at the foul line.

Ainge seen using towel to distract Cavs (AP)
Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been spotted in TV replays throwing a white towel in the air to distract the Cleveland Cavaliers at the foul line. Ainge was sitting in the first seat to the right of Cleveland's basket. He tossed the towel on forward J.J. Hickson's second attempt with 1:53 remaining in the third quarter of Boston's 104-86 win over the Cavaliers on Monday...

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.

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers: Rasheed Wallace 'has to play better'
Doc Rivers says Rasheed Wallace has to play better moving forward in their second-round playoff series.

Stern hopes James re-signs with Cavs (AP)
NBA commissioner David Stern hopes this summer's free agency doesn't take away from the rest of the playoffs. Stern, speaking before an Eastern Conference semifinal between Boston and Cleveland, hopes James re-signs with the Cavaliers. James headlines what is expected to be a marquee class that can include Miami's Dwyane Wade and Toronto's Chris Bosh.

James accepts second straight MVP award (AP)
The NBA's MVP can now take his second trophy home. Cavaliers superstar LeBron James was presented with his second straight MVP award on Monday night by commissioner David Stern in a ceremony before Cleveland hosted the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal. Stern called James an "extraordinary" talent before giving the trophy to James, who won in a landslide...

James has 35 as Cavs storm past Celtics (AP)
The elbow's fine. Hours before receiving his second straight MVP award, LeBron James scored 35 points and Mo Williams added 20 as the Cleveland Cavaliers, outplayed for most of the game, stormed back to beat the Boston Celtics 101-93 on Saturday night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

James, Cavs shake off deficit to take Game 1
LeBron James scored 35 points and Mo Williams added 20 as the Cleveland Cavaliers stormed back in the second half to beat the Boston Celtics 101-93 on Saturday night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Cavs, Celtics set to rumble in playoffs (AP)
LeBron James' elbow won't be the only one getting attention when the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics meet in the NBA playoffs. The two teams have a strong dislike for each other and will be meeting for the second time in three years when their series begins on Saturday. The Celtics defeated the Cavs in seven physical games in the 2008 Eastern Conference semifinals on the way to...

James' elbow not issue during workout (AP)
Cavaliers star LeBron James is showing no signs of being bothered by a right elbow injury while attempting shots during practice. James has a strain and bone bruise on his right elbow, which has been hurting him for weeks. He wore a protective sleeve on his arm Friday during Cleveland's preparations for Saturday's series opener against the Boston Celtics.

Healthy Celtics ready to take on Cavs (AP)
It's not that the Boston Celtics think their second-round matchup against Cleveland is a pushover. But if they're going to meet the NBA's best team and perhaps its best player, they might as well do it now. The Celtics are aging champions who won it all two years ago but have been stymied by injuries since.

James and Cavs finish off Bulls in 5 (AP)
Antawn Jamison scored 25 points, LeBron James just missed a triple-double and the Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to a playoff date with Boston by beating Chicago 96-94 in Game 5 on Tuesday night in perhaps Vinny Del Negro's final game as Bulls coach. James, favoring a tender right elbow that appears to hurt worse than he's letting on, scored 19 points -- 16 in the second half -- and added 10...

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.

Celtics drop Heat to punch ticket for East semis
The Boston Celtics are heading to the second round of the NBA playoffs and a potential matchup with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cavs send Bulls home with series win
Antawn Jamison scored 25 points, LeBron James just missed a triple-double and the Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to a playoff date with Boston by beating Chicago 96-94 in Game 5 on Tuesday night in perhaps Vinny Del Negro's final game as Bulls coach.

Celtics close out Wade, Heat in 5
The Boston Celtics are heading to the second round of the NBA playoffs and a potential matchup with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Heat stay alive behind Wade's 46 points (AP)
Dwyane Wade isn't ready for the offseason. Not even close. And thanks to another record-setting effort by their star, the Miami Heat suddenly have life in their series against the Boston Celtics. Undeterred by talk that this might have been his final home game in Miami, Wade set franchise playoff records by scoring 46 points, 30 in the second half, and the Heat kept their season alive by beating...

Wade posts 46 as Heat nip Celtics to stay alive
Dwyane Wade set franchise playoff records with 46 points, 30 in the second half, and the Miami Heat staved off elimination by rallying to beat the Boston Celtics 101-92 in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Sunday afternoon.

Wade: James and I 'play well together' (AP)
It's been a fantasy scenario thrown around the NBA for months: Dwyane Wade and LeBron James as teammates. Intriguing? Absolutely -- even to Wade. Speaking after practice in Miami on Saturday, one day before the Heat try to extend their season by forcing a Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series against Boston, Wade acknowledged that he's got reason to think he and James would...

Heat coach: Decision not to foul 'on me' (AP)
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra took responsibility Saturday for the decision to not foul Boston's Paul Pierce on the last possession of the Celtics' backbreaking Game 3 victory over Miami. The Heat had a foul to give when Pierce got the ball for the final play Friday night. Pierce dribbled against Miami's Dorell Wright, pulled up and hit a 21-footer as time expired to give Boston a 100-98...

Pierce nails winner for Celtics, Wade watches
Paul Pierce hit a 21-foot jumper at the buzzer as an injured Dwyane Wade watched from the Miami bench, and the Boston Celtics took complete command of their Eastern Conference first-round series with a 100-98 victory over the Heat on Friday night.

Pierce's buzzer-beater puts Celts up 3-0 (AP)
Paul Pierce hit a 21-foot jumper at the buzzer as an injured Dwyane Wade watched from the Miami bench, and the Boston Celtics took complete command of their Eastern Conference first-round series with a 100-98 victory over the Heat on Friday night. Wade was helped off the court with 11 seconds remaining, after he missed a shot that would have put Miami up by three points.

Wade hurts leg late in loss to Celtics (AP)
Dwyane Wade appeared to injure his left leg in the fourth quarter of Miami's 100-98 playoff loss to Boston on Friday night. Wade missed a straightaway 3-pointer and television replays showed his left foot landing on Ray Allen's right foot. Wade crumpled to the court, and wasn't on the floor for the final play -- a jumper by Paul Pierce at the buzzer that won the game for Boston and gave...

Stern warning: Stop griping about refs (AP)
NBA commissioner David Stern is tired of coaches and players griping about the officiating, and challenged them Thursday to "make my day" by continuing to complain during the rest of the playoffs. The league handed out fines of $35,000 apiece on Thursday to Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace, Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy and Orlando forward Matt Barnes for publicly criticizing...

Celtics F Wallace fined $35,000 (AP)
Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace was fined $35,000 by the NBA on Thursday for publicly criticizing game officials. Wallace was fined for comments made to the media Monday, a day before the Celtics beat the Miami Heat 106-77 to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference series. Games 3 is Friday night in Miami.

Boston Celtics' Rasheed Wallace fined $35,000 for criticizing refs
Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace has been fined $35,000 for publicly criticizing game officials in comments made to the media on April 19.



Heat looking to bounce back at home (AP)
They're expecting 19,600 fans to come see the Miami Heat try to save their season, the overwhelming majority of them sure to be dressed in black at the team's urging. And those ticketholders will be booing someone. -- Maybe Kevin Garnett, back for Boston after a one-game suspension for elbowing Quentin Richardson.

Celtics don't need Garnett to stomp Wade, Heat
The Boston Celtics didn't miss Kevin Garnett at all, not the way Glen Davis filled in to lead them to a 106-77 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night and a 2-0 lead in their playoff series.

Garnett-less Celtics pound Heat 106-77 (AP)
The Boston Celtics didn't miss Kevin Garnett at all, not the way Glen Davis filled in to lead them to a 106-77 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night and a 2-0 lead in their playoff series. With Garnett serving a one-game suspension for elbowing Quentin Richardson in Game 1, Davis started and had 23 points and eight rebounds, going aggressively to the basket to grab missed shots and draw...

Celtics demolish Heat, take 2-0 lead
The Boston Celtics didn't miss Kevin Garnett at all, not the way Glen Davis filled in to lead them to a 106-77 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night and a 2-0 lead in their playoff series.

One-game ban didn't surprise Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett admitted he wasn't surprised by the one-game suspension handed down by the NBA.

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett suspended for Game 2 vs. Miami Heat
Kevin Garnett has been suspended for Game 2 of Boston's first-round playoff series against the Heat.

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett suspended for Game 2 vs. Miami Heat
Kevin Garnett has been suspended for Game 2 of Boston's first-round playoff series against the Heat.

Celtics' Garnett suspended for Game 2 (AP)
Kevin Garnett has been suspended by the NBA for the Boston Celtics second playoff game against the Miami Heat. The one-game suspension was imposed Sunday for hitting Quentin Richardson of the Miami Heat in the head with an elbow with 40 seconds left in Boston's 85-76 win in Game 1 on Saturday night.

NBA reviewing discipline for Kevin Garnett of Boston Celtics, Miam Heat players in Game 1 skirmish
"We are reviewing the altercation," league spokesman Tim Frank said Sunday, giving no timetable for a ruling that could potentially alter the landscape for Game 2 of the first-round series Tuesday night.

2010 NBA playoffs: Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo expected to play Game 1 vs. Miami Heat
Ill point guard Rajon Rondo participated in Saturday shootaround and is expected to play for Celtics.

Celtics subdue Heat in second half of Game 1
Kevin Garnett had 15 points and nine rebounds and the Boston Celtics played Miami-style defense to beat the Heat 85-76 in the opener of their playoff series Saturday night.

Celtics stifle Heat to win Game 1 85-76 (AP)
Kevin Garnett had 15 points and nine rebounds and the Boston Celtics played Miami-style defense to beat the Heat 85-76 in the opener of their playoff series Saturday night. Trailing 44-41 at halftime, the Celtics held the Heat to 32 points in the second half. And with substitute guard Tony Allen shadowing Dwyane Wade, the Heat star scored 26 points after averaging 33.7 in three regular-season games...

Garnett, healthy Celtics ready for Heat (AP)
The Boston Celtics achieved their main goal of the season, reaching the playoffs with a relatively healthy team. And that includes Kevin Garnett. The team's emotional leader missed all of last year's postseason with a knee injury that required offseason surgery. But this season he played 40 of the last 42 games, and the two he skipped weren't for health reasons.

Noah: Bulls intend to 'shock the world' (AP)
They pushed the Boston Celtics to the edge last season. This year, they want to shove the Cleveland Cavaliers over it. The Chicago Bulls didn't fight their way into the NBA playoffs to be somebody's punching bag. This underdog doesn't plan to roll over and play dead. "You don't go into the series thinking you're going to lose," Bulls center Joakim Noah said.

NBA Playoffs: Ill Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo sits out practice, but expected to play
Ill point guard Rajon Rondo sits out practice, but expected to play for Celtics.

Cavs, Magic, Lakers open as favorites (AP)
Maybe Kobe Bryant is too beaten up to last through three playoff rounds against the rest of the West. Perhaps the aging Boston Celtics do have one more run in them, or the Atlanta Hawks are ready to take the next step. Sure, it's easy to think this year's NBA champion will be LeBron James and Cleveland, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, or the Orlando Magic.

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...

Report: Coach Doc Rivers may leave Boston Celtics after season
Coach Doc Rivers may leave Boston Celtics after season.

Rivers to weigh options in offseason (AP)
Doc Rivers says he'll consider whether to return as coach of the Boston Celtics after the season, just as he does every year. Rivers said Wednesday night that his family will be a key factor. Next season, one of his sons will be a senior basketball player at Indiana University and his daughter will be a senior volleyball player at the University of Florida.

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...

Rose rips Celts for 39 as Bulls lead race for 8th
Derrick Rose scored a career-high 39 points, Kirk Hinrich added a season-high 30 and the Chicago Bulls helped their playoff chances with a 101-93 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.

Rose, Hinrich keep Bulls in playoff hunt (AP)
Derrick Rose scored a career-high 39 points, Kirk Hinrich added a season-high 30 and the Chicago Bulls helped their playoff chances with a 101-93 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. The eighth-place Bulls lead Toronto by a game in the Eastern Conference and will make the playoffs as long as they finish with a better record, meaning they need a win at Charlotte on Wednesday or a loss...

Report: Paxson shoved Del Negro in March (AP)
Chicago Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro would not comment on a reported altercation with executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson. Del Negro simply said "no comment on that" after the Bulls' victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Yahoo! Sports, citing sources, reported Paxson shoved Del Negro twice in the chest and had to be restrained in a confrontation over...

Kevin Garnett back in Boston Celtics lineup after resting game
Kevin Garnett returned to the Celtics lineup on Tuesday.

Pierce's second-half surge paces Celts by Bucks
Paul Pierce scored 18 of his 24 points in the second half and the Boston Celtics beat Milwaukee 105-90 on Saturday night without Kevin Garnett, pushing the Bucks around in the process.

Celtics handle Bucks without Garnett
Paul Pierce scored 18 of his 24 points in the second half and the Boston Celtics beat Milwaukee 105-90 on Saturday night without Kevin Garnett, pushing the Bucks around in the process.

Celtics roll past Bucks in chippy game (AP)
Paul Pierce scored 18 of his 24 points in the second half and the Boston Celtics beat Milwaukee 105-90 on Saturday night without Kevin Garnett, pushing the Bucks around in the process. After a rough-and-tumble game in Milwaukee last month, this one featured more pushing and shoving late and could be a sign of things to come in a first-round matchup in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Boston Celtics decide to give Kevin Garnett a rest vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Celtics forward Kevin Garnett missed Boston's game against the Bucks on Saturday night to get some rest.



Blatche's double-double gets Wizards by Celtics
Andray Blatche had 31 points and 11 rebounds on Friday night as the Washington Wizards opened a 28-point first-half lead and held off a late flurry of 3-pointers from Nate Robinson to beat the Boston Celtics 106-96.

Slumping Celtics drop to 4th in East (AP)
Andray Blatche had 31 points and 11 rebounds on Friday night as the Washington Wizards opened a 28-point first-half lead and held off a late flurry of 3-pointers from Nate Robinson to beat the Boston Celtics 106-96. Backup JaVale McGee had 14 points with 11 rebounds for the Wizards, who have won four of six since snapping a 16-game losing streak.

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.

Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh to sit out with broken facial bones
Toronto forward Chris Bosh will miss the Raptors' game against Boston with broken facial bones.

Bosh to miss Celtics game with broken bone in face
Toronto forward Chris Bosh will miss the Raptors' game against Boston with broken facial bones.

Gallinari, Barron spark Knicks by Celts (AP)
Danilo Gallinari scored a career-high 31 points, including the go-ahead basket with 36 seconds left, Earl Barron had 17 points and a career-best 18 rebounds, and the New York Knicks beat the Boston Celtics 104-101 on Tuesday night. David Lee had the clinching basket and added 13 points and 11 boards for the Knicks, who won their second straight and temporarily avoided a third consecutive 50-loss...

Suns sign D-League top rebounder Jones (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have signed forward-center Dwayne Jones, the leading rebounder in the NBA Developmental League this season. The team announced the move Monday. The 6-foot-11, 250-pound Jones averaged 17.6 points and 16 rebounds for the Austin Toros. He has had NBA stints with Charlotte, Cleveland and Boston since coming to the league in 2005.

Karl Malone of Utah Jazz, Scottie Pippen of Chicago Bulls, Dennis Johnson of Boston Celtics elected into Naismith Hall of Fame, reports say
Karl Malone and Scottie Pippen will join their sidekicks in the Naismith Hall of Fame.

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.

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown ejected from game against Boston Celtics
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown was ejected from Sunday's game against Boston after drawing two technical fouls midway through the third quarter.

Brown tossed with Cavs down big to Celts (AP)
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown was ejected from Sunday's game against Boston after drawing two technical fouls midway through the third quarter. Brown picked up the first when he argued about a technical given to guard Mo Williams for arguing a non-call. Brown angrily stormed onto the court and was quickly tossed by referee Monty McCutchen.

Reports: Celtics guard Dennis Johnson elected to Hall of Fame
Reports: Celtic great Dennis Johnson elected to Hall of Fame

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett fined $25K for criticizing officials
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett was fined $25,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing game officials and for using inappropriate language during a postgame interview.

Cavaliers beat Hawks for 60th win (AP)
LeBron James was stumped. Asked if he could name the other eight NBA franchises to post consecutive 60-win seasons, James struggled as he attempted to rattle them off. "The Bulls, for sure," he said. "Boston. The Lakers. Detroit?" James didn't know them all. He was certain of the latest one, though.

Celtics drop third straight at home (AP)
The division title has already been clinched, and with it a spot in the playoffs. All the Boston Celtics need now is to start playing well. Luis Scola had 27 points and 11 rebounds, making back-to-back baskets in the last 81 seconds, and the Houston Rockets scored the last 10 points of overtime Friday night to beat Boston 119-114 and send the Celtics to their third consecutive home loss.

Scola's back-to-back baskets clip Celtics in OT
Luis Scola had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and made back-to-back baskets in the last 81 seconds of overtime to lead the Houston Rockets to a 119-114 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo breaks Bob Cousy's team assist mark
Rajon Rondo broke the Boston Celtics' 50-year-old franchise record for assists in a season.

Rondo sets Celtics' season assists mark (AP)
Rajon Rondo is the Boston Celtics' single-season assist leader. Rondo came into Friday night's game against the Houston Rockets with 714 assists, one short of Bob Cousy's total in 1959-60. Rondo picked up a pair of assists early in the first, the second to set up Kevin Garnett with 8:45 left in the quarter.

Cavs F Varejao misses third straight (AP)
Cavaliers reserve forward Anderson Varejao of Brazil missed his third straight game with a sore left hamstring. Cavs coach Mike Brown said the team decided to keep Varejao out of Friday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks as a precaution. Varejao, who injured his hamstring a week ago in a loss at San Antonio, could return for Sunday's game in Boston.

Durant's 37 carry Thunder over Celtics (AP)
The young Oklahoma City Thunder needed to beat just two more teams to reach their goal: wins against every club in their two seasons since moving from Seattle. And not just any ordinary teams. On Wednesday night, the Thunder completed the feat by edging the 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics 109-104. Just five days earlier they beat the other, the Los Angeles Lakers -- last season's champions.

Durant's 37 carry Thunder over Celtics (AP)
Kevin Durant scored 37 points, Jeff Green hit two 3-pointers in the last two minutes and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Boston Celtics 109-104 Wednesday night. Russell Westbrook added 21 points and 10 assists in the Thunder's 46th victory of the season, doubling their total for all last season as they remained in sixth place in the Western Conference.

Durant's 37 help Thunder knock down Celtics
Kevin Durant scored 37 points, Jeff Green hit two 3-pointers in the last two minutes and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Boston Celtics 109-104 Wednesday night.

Shoulder 'stinger' keeps Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce from practice
Shoulder 'stinger' keeps Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce from practice.

Spurs G Ginobili out with back spasms (AP)
Spurs guard Manu Ginobili will miss Monday's game at New Jersey because of lower back spasms. Ginobili scored 28 points Sunday night in a win at Boston, and has carried the Spurs since Tony Parker broke his right hand. Ginobili replaced Parker in the starting lineup and has averaged 24 points per game while leading the Spurs to an 8-4 record.

Surging Spurs rout Celtics 94-73 (AP)
Manu Ginobili scored 28 points, and Richard Jefferson had 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 94-73 victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday night. The Spurs beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and Celtics in consecutive games, and next go to New Jersey to play the nine-win Nets on Monday.

Knee sidelines Boston Celtics' Kendrick Perkins but Nate Robinson OK
The Celtics held Kendrick Perkins out of the lineup with tendinitis in his knee.

Knee sidelines Boston Celtics' Kendrick Perkins but Nate Robinson OK
The Celtics held Kendrick Perkins out of the lineup with tendinitis in his knee.

Rondo, Pierce help Celtics get by Kings (AP)
Rajon Rondo had a career-high 18 assists, Paul Pierce scored 22 points and the Boston Celtics won for the sixth time in seven games with a 94-86 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night. The Celtics led by 24 points late in the first half, but the Kings cut it to 87-81 with 3:12 left in the game on a 3-pointer by Beno Udrih.

Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo sets team steal record at 168
Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo sets team steal record at 168.

Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans out two more games with concussion
Sacramento Kings rookie point guard and leading scorer Tyreke Evans is not ready to return from a concussion and will miss the team's next two road games, at Boston on Friday and Sunday's contest at Cleveland.

Celtics muscle Nuggets to secure playoff berth
Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Kevin Garnett had 20 and the Boston Celtics clinched a playoff berth with a 113-99 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

Celtics top Nuggets, clinch playoff spot (AP)
Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Kevin Garnett had 20 and the Boston Celtics clinched a playoff berth with a 113-99 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. The Celtics dominated inside and the Nuggets, one day after losing to the Knicks in New York, slipped a half-game behind the Dallas Mavericks and into a third-place tie with Utah in the Western Conference with their third consecutive loss.

Jazz get past Celtics
In danger of a double-digit deficit at halftime, the Utah Jazz closed the second quarter with a 7-0 run and opened the third with an even bigger surge. The Jazz scored 16 straight points between late in the second period and early in the third and held on to the lead the rest of the way, beating the Boston Celtics 110-97 on Monday night.

Jazz snap Celtics' 4-game win streak (AP)
Mehmet Okur scored all of his 14 points in the second half and pulled down 15 rebounds, Deron Williams added 22 points and 11 assists, and the Utah Jazz ended the Boston Celtics' four-game winning streak with a 110-97 victory Monday night. C.J. Miles added 23 points and Carlos Boozer overcame early foul trouble to finish with 19 points -- all but one in the second half -- nine rebounds and two...

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.

Rondo hits down stretch as Celtics top Mavs
Paul Pierce scored 29 points, Rajon Rondo added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics stretched their winning streak to four games with a 102-93 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.

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.

Pierce, Celtics cruise to 3rd straight blowout win
Paul Pierce scored 29 points, Kevin Garnett had 22 and the Boston Celtics cruised to their third straight lopsided victory at home, 109-97 over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Celtics cruise past Knicks 109-97 (AP)
Paul Pierce scored 29 points, Kevin Garnett had 22 and the Boston Celtics cruised to their third straight lopsided victory at home, 109-97 over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. And for the third straight home game, all five Boston starters watched the fourth quarter from the bench. The Celtics led 32-19 after the first quarter, 68-49 at halftime and 92-69 after the third.

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.

Injury forces Detroit Pistons' Tayshaun Prince out of Boston Celtics game
Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince left Monday's game against the Celtics.

Pacers PG Ford out 7-10 days (AP)
Pacers point guard T.J. Ford is expected to miss seven to 10 days with a sore left groin. Coach Jim O'Brien made the announcement before Indiana played the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Ford was injured early in the first quarter of a loss to the Celtics in Boston on Friday night. He was averaging 10.3 points and 3.8 assists in 41 games, including 10 starts.

LeBron, Cavs break down Celtics in second half
LeBron James scored 30 points, 24 in the second half, and Cleveland wore down the aging Boston Celtics for a 104-93 victory on Sunday, the Cavaliers' second decisive win over one of the East's premier teams in less than a month.

James powers Cavs past Celtics 104-93 (AP)
LeBron James scored 30 points, 24 in the second half, and Cleveland wore down the aging Boston Celtics in the second half for a 104-93 victory on Sunday, the Cavaliers' second decisive win over one of the East's premier teams in less than a month. The Cavaliers were closer to full strength with the return of forward Antawn Jamison, who had 15 points and 12 rebounds after missing one game...

Boston Celtics' Glen Davis: Hurting Shaquille O'Neal was not intentional
Boston's Glen Davis denies he intentionally tried to hurt Shaquille O'Neal in a game earlier this season, calling the accusations "crazy."

Celts' Davis denies trying to hurt Shaq (AP)
Boston's Glen Davis denies he intentionally tried to hurt Shaquille O'Neal in a game earlier this season, calling the accusations "crazy." O'Neal is expected to miss the rest of Cleveland's regular season after tearing a ligament in his thumb when Davis blocked his shot in a game in Boston on Feb.

Cleveland Cavaliers F Antawn Jamison expects to play against Boston Celtics
Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison is expecting to play Sunday when Cleveland hosts the Boston Celtics in a game between division leaders.

Celtics avoid 3-game skid, beat Pacers (AP)
The Boston Celtics went home after their last loss with the boos of the hometown fans still ringing in their ears. When they got together on Friday morning, they had plenty to talk about. "We really had a heart-to-heart this morning," Celtics captain Paul Pierce said after scoring 20 points in three quarters to help Boston snap a two-game losing streak and beat the Indiana Pacers 122-103.

Celtics dismantle Pacers to halt two-game skid
Paul Pierce scored 20 points and Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 11 assists in just three quarters Friday night as the Boston Celtics snapped a two-game losing streak with a 122-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Grizzlies grab first win against Celtics since '06
Rudy Gay scored 28 points to lead Memphis to a 111-91 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night and give the Grizzlies a franchise-record seventh straight road win.

Grizzlies rip Celtics to extend road run (AP)

Rudy Gay scored 28 points to lead Memphis to a 111-91 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night and give the Grizzlies a franchise-record seventh straight road win. It was the Grizzlies' first victory over Boston in seven tries since 2006. O.J. Mayo scored 17 points and Zach Randolph had 13 points and 10 rebounds for Memphis.

Grizzlies give Celtics a beating in Boston


Surging Bucks rally past Celtics in 4th (AP)

Andrew Bogut had 25 points and 17 rebounds, and the Milwaukee Bucks knocked off another Eastern Conference heavyweight, making a fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Boston Celtics 86-84 on Tuesday night. Carlos Delfino added 19 points for Milwaukee in a game that featured a heated on-court confrontation between Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings and the Celtics' Glen Davis midway through the fourth...

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.

Celtics add veteran All-Star Finley ahead of playoffs
Michael Finley will celebrate his 37th birthday Saturday as a member of the Boston Celtics.

Veteran F Finley signs with Celtics (AP)
Michael Finley will celebrate his 37th birthday Saturday as a member of the Boston Celtics. The veteran swingman asked for and was granted his release from the San Antonio Spurs earlier this week. He will earn a prorated portion of the veteran's minimum of $1.1 million. Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said after practice in Philadelphia on Friday that he expects Finley to join the team in Boston...

Rondo, Celtics send 76ers to fifth straight defeat
Rajon Rondo 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.

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.

Michael Finley says he has agreement to join Boston Celtics
Michael Finley says he has agreement to join the Boston Celtics.

Pierce scores 27 as Celts rout Bobcats (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 27 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 104-80 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night. Nate Robinson had 16 points, including three 3-pointers in a 90-second span bridging the first and second quarters to key a 16-0 run, for the Celtics. Kevin Garnett added 12 points as Boston won its second straight and beat up on Charlotte for the third time this season.

Knee sidelines Pistons C Wallace (AP)
Detroit center Ben Wallace missed a game for the first time this season Wednesday, sitting out the Pistons' game against the New York Knicks with a sore right knee. Wallace was hurt in Tuesday's home loss to Boston. Coach John Kuester said he would be "very surprised" if the 35-year-old veteran played through the weekend.

Celtics handle Pistons in Pierce's return to floor
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.

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.

Paul Pierce returns to Boston Celtics after missing 3 games
Celtics forward Paul Pierce was a late addition to the starting lineup Tuesday night against the Pistons.



Pierce set to return from thumb injury for Celtics
Boston Celtics captain Paul Pierce says he is ready to return after missing three games with a sprained right thumb.

O'Neal to have injured thumb examined (AP)
Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal will have his injured right thumb examined by Dr. Thomas Graham at the National Hand Center in Baltimore. An MRI Saturday confirmed the injury was a significant sprain and he will be examined Sunday. O'Neal, who was hurt during a win at Boston on Thursday, will miss Monday's game against New York.

Nets G Lee out with sprained ankle (AP)
Shooting guard Courtney Lee missed the New Jersey Nets' game with the Washington Wizards on Sunday because of a sprained left ankle. Lee hurt the ankle on Saturday in a win against the Boston Celtics. Chris Douglas-Roberts replaced Lee in the starting lineup.

Lopez, Lee lead Nets to unlikely win over Celtics
Center Brook Lopez scored 25 points and guards Devin Harris and Courtney Lee added 23 and 21 points and the New Jersey Nets topped the Boston Celtics 104-96 Saturday.

Nets stun Celtics for rare road win (AP)

Center Brook Lopez scored 25 points and guards Devin Harris and Courtney Lee added 23 and 21 points and the New Jersey Nets topped the Boston Celtics 104-96 Saturday. The Nets, who entered the game 5-52 and 2-27 on the road, took a 29-27 lead on Keyon Dooling's jumper at the end of the first quarter and never trailed again.

Nets stun Celtics in Boston for 6th win
Center Brook Lopez scored 25 points and guards Devin Harris and Courtney Lee and Devin Harris added 23 and 21 points and the New Jersey Nets topped the Boston Celtics 104-96 Saturday.

LeBron's 36 points lead Cavs surge past Celtics
LeBron James had 36 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, Mo Williams scored 14 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers surged past the Boston Celtics 108-88 on Thursday night.

James scores 36 as Cavs blow by Celtics (AP)

LeBron James had 36 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, Mo Williams scored 14 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers surged past the Boston Celtics 108-88 on Thursday night. James kept the Cavaliers in it for three quarters on a night they lost Shaquille O'Neal to a first-half thumb injury, then Williams made four 3-pointers when Cleveland blew by the Celtics...

Paul Pierce out for Boston Celtics against Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers: Paul Pierce out against Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday.

Celtics likely without Pierce on Thursday vs. Cavs
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says star forward Paul Pierce likely will miss the game Thursday against Cleveland because of a lingering right thumb injury.

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.

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce out indefinitely with thumb injury
Celtics' Pierce out indefinitely with thumb injury

Ex-New York Knick Nate Robinson overwhelmed to be a Boston Celtic
The Celtics introduced Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry on Tuesday.

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce out indefinitely with thumb injury
Celtics' Pierce out indefinitely with thumb injury

Robinson, Landry set for Celtics debuts (AP)
Nate Robinson spent nearly all of December sitting on the New York Knicks' bench. Now he's looking forward to riding the play of the Boston Celtics' Big Three into the NBA playoffs. Robinson -- acquired last Thursday along with forward Marcus Landry for Eddie House, J.R. Giddens, Bill Walker and a future conditional second-round pick -- said he learned a lot about himself when he was...

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce hampered by sprained thumb
The thumb Paul Pierce sprained trying to fight through a screen against the Lakers on Thursday has made it almost impossible for him to shoot right.

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce considering time off for thumb
Paul Pierce suggested Monday that he will talk with coach Doc Rivers about taking a few days off to heal a bothersome right thumb.



Smith's 16 in 4th lifts Nuggets by Celts (AP)

J.R. Smith scored 16 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and the Denver Nuggets recovered from blowing an early 20-point lead to beat the Boston Celtics 114-105 Sunday. Chauncey Billups had 26 points and Carmelo Anthony had 23 for the Nuggets, who avoided back-to-back losses for the first time since late December with the victory over the NBA's top road team.

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.

New Celtic Nate Robinson ill; targets Tuesday debut
New Celtic Nate Robinson ill; targets Tuesday debut

Camby makes Trail Blazers debut (AP)
Marcus Camby made his debut for Portland on Friday night against Boston. Nate Robinson's first game in a Celtics uniform is on hold thanks to the flu. Camby was in the starting lineup for the Trail Blazers, three days after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers to fill the void left by season-ending injuries to Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla.

Now, Boston really does suck
Celtics win, but L.A. fans had it right ... they kinda suck.

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.

The Boston Celtics' Eddie House expects to be dealt to the New York Knicks
The Celtics' Eddie House expects to be dealt to the Knicks.

Reports: Knicks, Celtics close to making deal
The Knicks and Celtics are reported to be close to finalizing a trade that will send Nate Robinson to Boston for Eddie House and J.R. Giddens and possibly a draft pick.

Landry now a Celtic - Marcus Landry (F) Boston Celtics
The Celtics have acquired Marcus Landry from the Knicks.

Wallace, Pierce help Celtics beat Kings (AP)

Rasheed Wallace and Paul Pierce each scored 17 points, and the Boston Celtics held off the Sacramento Kings for a 95-92 victory on Tuesday night. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for the Celtics, who had lost five of eight games before the All-Star break. Boston is 10-13 since Christmas and has seen its Atlantic Division lead shrink to 4 1/2 games over second-place Toronto.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant might miss game against Boston Celtics
Laker says his sprained ankle likely will keep him out a fifth consecutive game.

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.

Collison leads way as Hornets take down Celtics
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.

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.

Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge says he'd like to make a deal, but not blow team up
Danny Ainge would like a make a move to the Celtics, but not blow the team up.

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce says he's OK to play
Celtics' Paul Pierce says he's OK to play vs. Hornets and in All-Star Game.

Sources: Boston Celtics shopping Glen Davis to Charlotte Bobcats
The Celtics are shopping Glen Davis to the Bobcats, according to sources.

Durant to defend All-Star H-O-R-S-E win (AP)
Kevin Durant will defend his title in the H-O-R-S-E competition at All-Star weekend. The Oklahoma City forward will face fellow All-Star Rajon Rondo of Boston and Sacramento rookie Omri Casspi. The field was announced Monday night on TNT, which will televise Saturday's events. Durant won the inaugural competition last year in Phoenix, hitting some long jumpers to rally after picking up four...

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce pulled from practice, questionable for Wednesday
Doc Rivers indicated that the Celtics pulled captain Paul Pierce out of practice Monday afternoon to rest his sprained left mid-foot injury.

Magic put away Celtics with 19-0 surge in 3rd
Vince Carter led a 19-0 surge in the third quarter and finished with 20 points as the Magic beat Boston 96-89 on Sunday.

Carter leads Magic's surge past Celtics (AP)

Vince Carter led a 19-0 surge in the third quarter and finished with 20 points as the Orlando Magic beat Boston 96-89 on Sunday, moving ahead of the Celtics and into second place in the Eastern Conference. Carter scored nine points during a rally that began after Rajon Rondo's 3-pointer gave the Celtics a 60-51 lead with 7:17 left in the third quarter -- Boston's fourth and final field...

Paul Pierce, Marquis Daniels return for the Boston Celtics against the Orlando Magic
Paul Pierce, Marquis Daniels back in action for Celtics.

Pierce returns after missing 2 games (AP)
Paul Pierce is playing for the Boston Celtics against the Orlando Magic after missing two games with a foot injury. The team's leading scorer was back in the starting lineup for Sunday's game. Backup guard Marquis Daniels also was in uniform after sitting out 29 games following surgery for a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Celtics need House's spark to avoid Nets upset
Eddie House scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter, helping the Boston Celtics overcome a slow start and pull away from the New Jersey Nets 96-87 on Friday night.

Celtics pull away in 4th, top Nets (AP)

Eddie House scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter, helping the Boston Celtics overcome a slow start and pull away from the New Jersey Nets 96-87 on Friday night. The Nets led 73-72 through three quarters as the Celtics, playing lackadaisical defense, seemed in danger of losing to a team that had won just four games this season and had lost 10 straight meetings against Boston.

Billups, Pierce headline 3-point contest field
All-Stars Paul Pierce of Boston and Chauncey Billups of Denver headline the field for the 3-point contest.

Pierce, Billups headline 3-point field (AP)
All-Stars Paul Pierce of Boston and Chauncey Billups of Denver headline the field for the 3-point contest. Also chosen for the field Friday were defending champion Daequan Cook of Miami, Golden State rookie Stephen Curry, New York's Danilo Gallinari and Phoenix center Channing Frye. Cook scored 19 points in an overtime round to beat Orlando's Rashard Lewis last year.

Paul Pierce, Chauncey Billups highlight Three-Point Shootout competitors
All-Stars Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics and Chauncey Billups of the Denver Nuggets headline the field for the NBA Three-Point Shootout.

Struggling Celtics drop Heat at home
Even without Paul Pierce, the Boston Celtics had too much for Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat.

Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics is invited to compete in 3-point shootout
Paul Pierce invited to shootout, but foot may be a problem.

Injured Pierce hopes to play for Celtics on Sunday
Paul Pierce is hoping to return to the Boston Celtics lineup on Sunday.

Rajon Rondo hints at locker room issues for the Boston Celtics.
Rajon Rondo hints at locker room issues for the Boston Celtics.

Rondo has 22 and 14 as Celtics top Heat (AP)

Rajon Rondo had 22 points and 14 assists in his second straight outstanding game against the Miami Heat, leading the Boston Celtics to a 107-102 victory Wednesday night. Rondo hit a 3-pointer at the 24-second buzzer to make it 60-58 early in the third quarter and the Celtics never trailed after that, although Miami stayed close.

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce out vs. Miami Heat, likely sitting Friday as well
Paul Pierce sat out with a foot injury on Wednesday and will likely miss Friday's game as well.

Danny Ainge: Boston Celtics awaiting word on Paul Pierce's injury
Danny Ainge says the Celtics are waiting word the extent of Paul Pierce's injury.

Celtics end 3-game skid with win over Wizards
Boston limited Washington to 2-for-18 shooting in the fourth quarter en route to a 99-88 victory over the Wizards on Monday night.

Celtics pull away in 4th, snap skid at 3 (AP)

Kevin Garnett's 19 points led six Celtics in double figures, and Boston limited Washington to 2-for-18 shooting in the fourth quarter en route to a 99-88 victory over the Wizards on Monday night. Boston ended a three-game losing streak and prevented Washington from compiling its first three-game winning streak since April 2008.

Kobe's late jumper pushes Lakers past Celtics
Kobe Bryant sank a go-ahead fallaway jumper with 7.3 seconds left to give the Lakers a 90-89 victory over Boston.

Kobe rescues Lakers vs. slumping Celtics
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.

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.

Hawks sweep Celtics for first time since '98-99
Joe Johnson scored 16 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks beat Boston 100-91 on Friday night to complete their first season sweep of the Celtics in 11 years.

Hawks finish season sweep of Celtics (AP)

Joe Johnson scored 16 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks beat Boston 100-91 on Friday night to complete their first season sweep of the Celtics in 11 years. Jamal Crawford had 28 points as the Hawks recovered after Boston cut a 14-point deficit to one in the third quarter. The Hawks (30-15) completed the four-game sweep of the regular-season series to move one-half game...

Magic triumph as Celtics give away late lead
Rashard Lewis made the go-ahead layup with 1.3 seconds remaining, and the Orlando Magic overcame a 16-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 96-94 on Thursday night.

Magic rally, top Celtics on Lewis layup (AP)

The play designed for Vince Carter was being shredded. J.J. Redick stood near midcourt, swarmed by defenders, unable to make the pass with the clock about to run out on an improbable come back. Instead, Rashard Lewis caught the ball and surprised everybody. Lewis made the go-ahead layup with 1.3 seconds remaining, and the Orlando Magic overcame a 16-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 96-94 on...

Hawks aiming for season sweep of Celtics (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks are trying to show they belong with the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. A four-game sweep of the Boston Celtics would be an impressive way to make the statement. The Hawks will try to complete the regular-season sweep of the Celtics on Friday night. They will play another important conference game Saturday at Orlando.

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 F Scalabrine cleared to return (AP)
Boston Celtics backup forward Brian Scalabrine has been cleared to play after missing two games with a separated right shoulder. Coach Doc Rivers said Scalabrine showed no sign of injury during practice Tuesday. The Celtics leave Wednesday for games in Orlando on Thursday and Atlanta on Friday. In 33 games, three as a starter, Scalabrine is averaging 1.8 points and 10.3 minutes.

Pierce, Rondo lead Celtics past Clips (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 22 points and Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 12 assists, leading the Boston Celtics to a 95-89 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night in a game played on a TD Garden floor that had to be continually wiped because of condensation. It was the Celtics' second straight win after they lost four of five games.

Warm weather causes condensation on Boston Celtics' parquet floor
The Celtics parquet floor is sweating.

Boston Celtics' Glen Davis wants to drop 'Big Baby' nickname
Celtics forward Glen Davis is looking to erase his troubled past this season and hopes to start by first dropping his nickname.

Davis wants to drop 'Big Baby' nickname (AP)
Boston Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis is looking to erase his troubled past this season and hopes to start by first dropping his nickname. Davis, who missed the start of the season after breaking his thumb in a fight with a childhood friend and having surgery, was recently fined $25,000 for directing inappropriate language at a fan during a game against Detroit last Wednesday.

Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics says he feels good in his return from a knee injury
Garnett says he feels good after back-to-back practices

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.

Boston Celtics' Glen Davis: I shouldn't say those kinds of words
Glen Davis: I shouldn't say those kinds of words

Boston Celtics' Glen Davis shouts obscenity at heckling fan in Detroit
The Celtics' Glen Davis shouts an obscenity at a heckling fan in Detroit.

Celtics' Davis fined for cursing at fan (AP)
Boston Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Thursday for directing inappropriate language at a fan. David was fined for language he used when addressing a fan during a 92-86 loss to the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Boston forward Rasheed Wallace was fined $35,000 for publicly criticizing officials.

Stuckey, Pistons ruin Wallace's return to Detroit
Rodney Stuckey scored 27 points and grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 92-86 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.

Pistons beat Celtics in Wallace's return (AP)

Rodney Stuckey scored 27 points and grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 92-86 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Rasheed Wallace had 16 points in his first game as an ex-Piston at The Palace, where the once-adored player received a mixed welcome and was booed late in the closely contested game.

Pistons exploring options for sale (AP)
Detroit Pistons owner Karen Davidson says the option of selling the NBA franchise is being explored. Davidson spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday night after the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics. Her husband, Bill Davidson, died last year. The late owner known as "Mr. D" helped the Pistons win NBA titles in 2004, 1990 and 1989 and was inducted into the Basketball...

Detroit Pistons missing three players against the Boston Celtics
The Detroit Pistons will be without three key players against the Boston Celtics.

'Sheed docked $35K for publicly criticizing refs
Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing officials.

Boston Celtics' Rasheed Wallace fined $35K for criticizing refs
The Celtics' Rasheed Wallace was fined $35K for criticizing refs.

Celtics' Wallace fined for ripping refs (AP)
Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing officials. NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson announced the decision in a statement Wednesday. Wallace was fined for comments he made following the Celtics' 99-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.

The Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett says he 'felt good' in return to practice
The Celtics' Kevin Garnett said he "felt good" in his return to practice.

Dirk's 37 help Mavs top slumping Celtics (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki had 37 points, scoring nine in a row during a third-quarter run that gave the Mavericks the lead for good, and Dallas beat the Boston Celtics 99-90 on Monday night. Jason Kidd scored 13 points and added 17 assists for the Mavericks, who had lost three of their previous four games, including a 22-point loss at Toronto on Sunday.

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.

Paul Pierce bangs previously infected knee at Sunday's Boston Celtics practice
The Celtics' Paul Pierce bangs his ailing knee at practice.

Celtics' Wallace back, Garnett still out (AP)
Rasheed Wallace expects to return for the Celtics' next game after missing three with a foot injury. Boston's backup forward said after practicing Saturday that he'll be fine for Monday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks. But coach Doc Rivers said that Kevin Garnett, who missed the last eight games with a hyperextended right knee, will miss two more games but could return...

Kevin Garnett has a chance of returning for the Boston Celtics next Friday
Garnett has chance of playing again next Friday

Bulls knock off Celtics, secure third straight win
Luol Deng scored 25 points and the Chicago Bulls won their third straight game with a 96-83 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.

Deng's 25 help Bulls beat Celtics 96-83 (AP)

Luol Deng scored 25 points and the Chicago Bulls won their third straight game with a 96-83 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. The Celtics, whose only lead was 2-0, trailed 86-80 after Paul Pierce hit a 3-pointer with 3:50 left. But the Bulls scored eight of the next nine points, six by Joakim Noah, to build the lead to 94-81.

Ellis making case for All-Star nod (AP)

Monta Ellis is putting up 30-point games at such a pace he's drawing comparisons to greats like Allen Iverson. He's also making quite a case to earn the Golden State Warriors their first All-Star nod since Latrell Sprewell 13 years ago. "He's more powerful in some ways than Iverson was," Boston coach Doc Rivers said.

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...

Pierce scoring spree fuels Celtics' lopsided win
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.

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers fined $25,000 for arguing with refs
The NBA has fined Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers $25,000 for an argument with officials that led to two quick technicals and an ejection.

Celtics coach Rivers fined $25,000 (AP)
The NBA has fined Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers $25,000 for an argument with officials that led to two quick technicals and an ejection. The fine was announced Wednesday by NBA disciplinarian Stu Jackson. Rivers was irate over a flagrant foul called on Glen "Big Baby" Davis with 6:16 left in Monday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Johnson scores 36 as Hawks master Celts again
Joe Johnson scored 36 points, going 5 of 7 from 3-point range, to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 102-96 victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

Johnson has 36, Hawks beat Celtics again (AP)

Joe Johnson scored 36 points, going 5 of 7 from 3-point range, to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 102-96 victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night. The Celtics have dropped only 10 games all season and three have been to Atlanta, which had lost seven straight to Boston coming into the season. Rajon Rondo had 26 points and seven assists for Boston.

Kevin Garnett should be ready to play for the Boston Celtics in 10-14 days
Rivers: Garnett should be ready in 10-14 days

Celtics F Wallace out with sore foot (AP)
Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace will miss Monday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a sore left forefoot. Wallace was replaced in the starting lineup by Brian Scalabrine. Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said a few minutes before the game that Wallace had trouble pushing off when he jumped so coach Doc Rivers decided to give him the night off.

Kevin Garnett should be ready to play for the Boston Celtics in 10-14 days
Rivers: Garnett should be ready in 10-14 days

Celtics win seventh straight behind Rondo's triple-double
Boston coach Doc Rivers asked point guard Rajon Rondo to give the Celtics an early burst of energy.

Rondo's triple-double sends Celtics past Raptors
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.

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...

Crawford's key 3s lift Hawks by Celtics (AP)

Jamal Crawford scored 18 points, including two crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Boston Celtics for the second time this season, 93-85 Friday night. Trailing 45-39 at the half, the Hawks dominated the third quarter and pushed their lead as high as 15 points. Boston fought back and pulled within two in the final period, but Crawford stymied the visiting...

Hawks hold off Celtics as Crawford seals victory
Jamal Crawford scored 18 points, including two crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Boston Celtics for the second time this season, 93-85 Friday night.

Grizzlies claim G Hudson off waivers (AP)
The Memphis Grizzlies have claimed guard Lester Hudson off waivers, bringing the rookie back to the city where he played high school and community college basketball. Hudson was added to the roster before the Grizzlies' game Friday night against the Utah Jazz but was listed as inactive. The Boston Celtics selected Hudson in the second round of last year's draft.

Celtics top Heat in OT despite Wade's 44 (AP)

Dwyane Wade made what seemed like the perfect play. Rajon Rondo came up with something better. Rondo scored 25 points, including a buzzer-beating layup after catching Paul Pierce's lob at the end of regulation, then delivered the biggest shot of overtime as the Boston Celtics got a wild 112-106 overtime win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

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.

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce to be out Saturday
Celtics' Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce to miss Saturday's game

Suns top injury-depleted Celtics 116-98 (AP)

The Boston Celtics already were in trouble without Paul Pierce. Take Kevin Garnett away, too, and it got ugly against the Phoenix Suns. Amare Stoudemire and Channing Frye scored 26 points apiece, and the Suns handed what was left of the Celtics their third straight loss, 116-98 on Wednesday night. Without Garnett to guard him, Stoudemire scored 18 on 9-of-10 shooting in the first quarter and...

Celtics lose third straight as Suns roll at home
Amare Stoudemire and Channing Frye scored 26 points apiece, and the Phoenix Suns handed what was left of the Boston Celtics their third straight loss, 116-98 on Wednesday night.

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...

Celtics lose second straight as Warriors pull off stunner
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.

Davis' buzzer-beater helps Clippers stun Celtics
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.

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...

Hurt knee shelves Los Angeles Clippers' Marcus Camby vs. Boston Celtics
Clippers forward Marcus Camby will miss tonight's game against the Celtics with a hyperextended knee.

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.

Magic's Van Gundy wants no holiday games (AP)
Stan Van Gundy has a request for the NBA: no more games on Christmas. The Orlando Magic coach says he feels "sorry for people who have nothing to do on Christmas Day other than watch an NBA game." The Magic were playing Boston on Friday, one of five NBA games on Christmas. Van Gundy said before the game he understands the high-priced TV contracts generate money for the league and it would...

Celtics say Pierce's knee infection 'serious'
The Boston Celtics don't expect Paul Pierce back any time soon.

Pierce shakes slow start, lifts Celts over Pacers
Paul Pierce missed his first 10 shots and then scored 16 points in the fourth quarter, including seven straight to put the Boston Celtics ahead for good in a 103-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Pierce, Celtics recover after poor start (AP)

Paul Pierce missed his first 10 shots and then scored 16 points in the fourth quarter, including seven straight to put the Boston Celtics ahead for good in a 103-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. Pierce finished with 21 points, going 12 for 13 from the free throw line to make up for his slow start from the floor.

Kevin Garnett sits out Tuesday night's Boston Celtics game against the Indiana Pacers
Garnett sits out against Pacers with thigh bruise

Pierce makes 6 3s as Celtics cruise (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 29 points and hit all six of his 3-point attempts to lead the Boston Celtics to a 122-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Pierce scored 14 points in the second quarter, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to help Boston turn a 34-19 lead into a 25-point halftime advantage.

Brand's tip-in ends Boston streak



76ers snap Celtics' streak at 11, 98-97 (AP)

Elton Brand had 23 points and eight rebounds, giving Philadelphia the lead on a tip-in with 7.7 seconds left, and the 76ers snapped Boston's 11-game win streak with a 98-97 victory over the Celtics on Friday night. The Sixers had won only once in their previous 14 games. Marreese Speights scored 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, but he missed a jumper in the closing seconds with a chance...

Injured Allen Iverson won't make trip to play Boston Celtics Friday
Injured Iverson won't play Friday against Celtics

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.

Rondo leads Celtics to 10th straight win (AP)

Paul Pierce insisted the Boston Celtics have their flaws, no matter how hard they are to find these days. Their latest showing was one of their best yet. Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 14 assists, and the Celtics won their 10th straight, beating the struggling Chicago Bulls 106-80 on Saturday. "We're nowhere near a perfect team," Pierce said.

Rondo double-double fuels Celts to 10th straight
Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 14 assists, and the Boston Celtics won their 10th straight, beating the struggling Chicago Bulls 106-80 on Saturday.

Wizards to wear patch honoring Pollin (AP)
The Washington Wizards will honor late owner Abe Pollin by wearing a patch on their jerseys for the rest of the season. The patch features the name "Abe" and will also appear on the court at Verizon Center, the downtown arena built mostly with Pollin's money. The team planned to debut the patch Thursday night at the Wizards' home game against the Boston Celtics.

Rondo breaks tie, fuels Celts to 9th straight win
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.

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.

Birthday boy Howard leads Magic to win (AP)

Dwight Howard had 25 points and 11 rebounds on his 24th birthday, Rashard Lewis added 17 points and the Orlando Magic held off the Los Angeles Clippers for their sixth straight victory, 97-86 Tuesday night. Jason Williams scored 16 points while hitting four 3-pointers for the Magic, who kept pace with Boston atop the Eastern Conference with their 11th win in 12 games.

Marquis Daniels of Boston Celtics has surgery on torn thumb ligament
Boston Celtics guard Marquis Daniels has had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Rondo leads late push as Celtics win 8th straight
Rajon Rondo had 13 assists and nine rebounds and scored all of his 11 points in the fourth quarter on Tuesday night as the Boston Celtics pulled away to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 98-89 and win their eighth straight game.

Rondo leads Celts to eighth straight win (AP)

Rajon Rondo had 13 assists and nine rebounds and scored all of his 11 points in the fourth quarter on Tuesday night as the Boston Celtics pulled away to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 98-89 and win their eighth straight game. Kevin Garnett scored 25 to go with nine boards, and Paul Pierce scored 15 points.

Celtics coach 'so sick' of crooked ref
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he's tired of hearing about disgraced referee Tim Donaghy. Donaghy was released from prison last month after serving most of a 15-month sentence in a gambling scandal. He appeared on "60 Minutes" on Sunday night. Rivers said he's "so sick of that guy right now." The Celtics coach said he loves the NBA and hates that "we're giving a guy like that credibility.

Celtics' Rivers 'so sick of' Donaghy (AP)
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he's tired of hearing about disgraced referee Tim Donaghy. Donaghy was released from prison last month after serving most of a 15-month sentence in a gambling scandal. He appeared on "60 Minutes" on Sunday night. Rivers said he's "so sick of that guy right now." The Celtics coach said he loves the NBA and hates that "we're...

Celtics complete perfect 4-game trip (AP)

Kevin Garnett scored 23 points, Paul Pierce added 21 in the first half and the Boston Celtics completed a perfect four-game trip with a 105-87 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. Garnett scored nine consecutive points, including three dunks, to put Boston in command in the first 5 minutes of the second half.

Celtics roll Durant, Thunder to sweep road jaunt
Kevin Garnett scored 23 points, Paul Pierce added 21 in the first half and the Boston Celtics completed a perfect four-game trip with a 105-87 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.

Celtics win sixth straight behind Garnett's 20
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.

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.

Rasheed Wallace of the Boston Celtics is fined for criticizing NBA referees.
Wallace fined $30,000 for criticizing referees

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.

Celtics' Wallace: Flopping is watering down NBA
The way Rasheed Wallace sees it, his latest technical foul call was a flop. The Boston Celtics big man said Friday night that Raptors forward Hedo Turkoglu duped the referees into giving Wallace his fifth technical of the season by flopping. "They've got to know that he's a (darn) flopper. That's all Turkododo do," Wallace said after the Celtics beat the Raptors 116-103. "Flopping shouldn't get you nowhere. He acts like I shot him. "That's not basketball, man. That's not defense.

Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace peeved at floppers in the NBA
The Boston Celtics big man said Friday night that Raptors forward Hedo Turkoglu duped the referees into giving Wallace his fifth technical of the season by flopping.

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.

Sixers guard Williams to miss eight weeks
Philadelphia 76ers guard Lou Williams will miss eight weeks after having surgery on his jaw Thursday morning. Williams broke his jaw in Philadelphia's loss to Washington on Tuesday night. His averages of 17.4 points and 5.1 assists are second-highest on the team behind Andre Iguodala. Rookie Jrue Holiday started at point guard in place of Williams against Boston in a 113-110 loss on Wednesday.

Rondo's 4th-quarter run fuels Celtics past 76ers
Rajon Rondo scored six points during a key run early in the fourth quarter, nailed a shot clock-beating jumper on the baseline in the closing seconds, and the Boston Celtics overcame poor 3-point shooting to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 113-110.

Rondo sparks Celtics past Sixers 113-110 (AP)

Rajon Rondo scored six points during a key run early in the fourth quarter, nailed a shot clock-beating jumper on the baseline in the closing seconds, and the Boston Celtics overcame poor 3-point shooting to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 113-110 on Wednesday night. Paul Pierce led Boston with 27 points, including a game-tying 3-pointer early in the 14-3 spurt.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Louis Williams out vs. Boston Celtics with fractured jaw
Philadelphia guard Louis Williams will miss Wednesday's game against Boston with a fractured jaw.

76ers G Williams out with fractured jaw (AP)
Philadelphia guard Louis Williams will miss Wednesday's game against Boston with a fractured jaw. Williams was hurt in Tuesday night's loss against Washington and the team is uncertain when he'll be back in the lineup. "He's going to be evaluated extensively (Thursday)," coach Eddie Jordan said before his team's game against Boston.

Garnett's OT buzzer-beater lifts Celtics (AP)

Kevin Garnett made a jumper to beat the overtime buzzer, giving the Boston Celtics a 107-105 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday. Paul Pierce scored a season-high 33 points, and had all of Boston's points in overtime until the final shot. Two Knicks followed Pierce on the final play, leaving Garnett wide open from the top of the key for his 19-footer.

Celtics need vintage KG to win East
The Magic apparently still have the Celtics' number. To change that, Boston needs KG to dominate again, Couper Moorhead says.

Carter's 26 lead Magic over struggling Celtics
Vince Carter scored 26 points, Rashard Lewis had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics 83-78 on Friday night.

Carter's 26 lift Magic past Celtics (AP)

Vince Carter scored 26 points, Rashard Lewis had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics 83-78 on Friday night. Dwight Howard grabbed 15 boards and Mickael Pietrus added 14 points for Orlando, which won the rematch of last season's Eastern Conference semifinal for its fourth consecutive victory.

Carter, Magic beat Celtics in Boston
Vince Carter wasn't with Orlando when it ousted Boston in the playoffs, but he comes up big in the teams' first meeting this season.

LIVE: Magic taking on Celtics
In their first meeting since the Magic bounced the Celtics in the playoffs, both teams have a different look. Follow it LIVE from Boston.

LIVE: KG, Celtics facing Carter, Magic in Boston


Celtics rebound from 2-game skid behind Rondo
Rajon Rondo scored 12 of his season high-matching 18 points in the third quarter and the Boston Celtics rebounded from a two-game skid with a 109-95 win over the short-handed Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

Celtics ride Rondo, Pierce past Warriors (AP)

Rajon Rondo scored 12 of his season high-matching 18 points in the third quarter and the Boston Celtics rebounded from a two-game skid with a 109-95 win over the short-handed Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Paul Pierce, who missed a day of practice with a sore left knee, scored 19 on 7-of-12 shooting.

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce returns to practice
Celtics forward Paul Pierce has returned to practice after missing a day with a sore left knee.

Warriors' Watson tests positive for H1N1 (AP)
Golden State Warriors guard C.J. Watson has tested positive for the swine flu. The team said Monday that Watson is being treated for the illness and that the team is taking precautions mandated by the league. Watson will not be with the team for the Warriors' games Tuesday at the Cleveland Cavaliers or Wednesday at the Boston Celtics.

Granger backs up vow; his 29 help sink Celtics
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.

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.

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce (knee) makes start vs. Indiana Pacers
Boston forward Paul Pierce appeared to have no lingering effects from a bruised left knee and was in the starting lineup Saturday against Indiana.

Hawks continue hot start, take down Celtics
Joe Johnson scored 24 points, Jamal Crawford had 18 and the Atlanta Hawks pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 97-86 win over the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Hawks pull away in 4th to top Celtics (AP)

Joe Johnson scored 24 points, Jamal Crawford had 18 and the Atlanta Hawks pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 97-86 win over the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Josh Smith scored 14 and Al Horford had 12 points and 13 rebounds as the Hawks (7-2) continued their strong start this season, sending Boston to its second straight Friday night home loss.

Hawks outrebound Celtics, take win in Boston


LIVE: Can Hawks challenge Celtics in Boston?


Suns score 40 in 1st, rout Hornets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash combined to hit all eight of their first-quarter shots and the Phoenix Suns used a sizzling opening period to beat the New Orleans Hornets 124-104 on Wednesday night for their eighth victory in nine games. The Suns (8-1) have the best in the Western Conference and are tied with the Boston Celtics for the league's best mark.

Rondo's double-double fuels Celtics past Jazz
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.

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.

Probe: Police did not cause death of arrested Boston Celtics fan
An independent investigation of the death of a Boston Celtics fan has found police acted "reasonably" when they arrested the man, who stopped breathing while in custody.

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...

Suns' Richardson has 34, Celtics now 6-1 (AP)

Jason Richardson bounced back from his worst game of the season to score 34 points with 10 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns rebounded from their only defeat to beat the Boston Celtics 110-103 on Friday night. Kevin Garnett had a season-high 26 points for Boston -- the most he's scored since missing the end of the 2008-09 season and the playoffs with strained ligaments in his right knee.

Iguodala leads 76ers past winless Nets (AP)

Andre Iguodala scored 16 points, including a late 3-pointer to give Philadelphia the lead, and the 76ers rallied past the short-handed New Jersey Nets 97-94 Friday night. Lou Williams scored 18 points and Jason Kapono had 14 for Philadelphia, which rebounded from a 31-point loss to Boston three days earlier.

Garnett fully moved on from Timberwolves (AP)
From the moment he was traded from Minnesota to Boston more than two years ago, Kevin Garnett insisted he had moved on from the place he spent his first 12 seasons. It was clear in his most recent return to Target Center -- a 92-90 Celtics victory on Wednesday night -- that KG definitely is not looking back.

NBA won't penalize Paul or Rondo (AP)
The NBA will not penalize Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo for an incident between them after a recent game in Boston. Paul pursued Rondo toward the Celtics' locker room and was blocked by Boston assistant coaches after the Celtics' 97-87 victory over New Orleans on Sunday night. The point guards had been assessed matching technical fouls in the second quarter after they got tangled up under the...

Glen Davis of Boston Celtics wants to try NFL when basketball career is over
Boston Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis says he eventually wants to play in the NFL.

NBA will not take action against Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo or New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul
The NBA confirmed Thursday that no further action will be taken against either Rajon Rondo or Chris Paul after tensions ran high all night between the two guards in Sunday's Celtics-Hornets game in Boston.

No penalties for Hornets' Paul, Celts' Rondo
The NBA will not penalize Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo for an incident between them after a recent game in Boston. Paul pursued Rondo toward the Celtics' locker room and was blocked by Boston assistant coaches after the Celtics' 97-87 victory over New Orleans on Sunday night. The point guards had been assessed matching technical fouls in the second quarter after they got tangled up under the basket.

Garnett, Celtics down Wolves, remain unbeaten
Kevin Garnett had 12 points and 11 rebounds in his third game back in Minnesota since he was traded in 2007, helping the Boston Celtics remain undefeated with a 92-90 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

Garnett leads Celts to win in Minnesota (AP)

Kevin Garnett had 12 points and 11 rebounds in his third game back in Minnesota since he was traded in 2007, helping the Boston Celtics remain undefeated with a 92-90 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Rajon Rondo scored 14 of his 18 points in the third quarter for the Celtics (6-0), who join the Denver Nuggets as the only two teams in the league without a loss.

Celtics move to perfect 5-0 with rout of Sixers
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.

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.

NBA reviewing Paul-Rondo incident (AP)
The NBA is reviewing the postgame incident in Boston involving New Orleans guard Chris Paul and the Celtics' Rajon Rondo. Paul pursued Rondo toward the Celtics' locker room and had to be blocked by Boston assistant coaches after the Celtics' 97-87 victory on Sunday night. The point guards had been assessed matching technical fouls in the second quarter after they got tangled up under...

Celtics, Rondo agree on 5-year, $55M extension
The Boston Celtics and point guard Rajon Rondo have reached agreement in principle on a five-year, $55 million contract extension, FOXSports.com's Jeff Goodman has confirmed.

Celtics, Rondo agree on 5-year extension
The Boston Celtics and point guard Rajon Rondo have reached agreement in principle on a five-year, $55 million contract extension, FOXSports.com's Jeff Goodman has confirmed.

The Boston Celtics and Rajon Rondo reportedly have an agreement in principle on a contract extension
The Boston Celtics and Rajon Rondo reportedly have an agreement in principle on a contract extension.

Celtics run past Hornets late to spoil Paul's day
Paul Pierce scored 27 points and the Boston Celtics improved to 4-0 with a 97-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night.

Celtics beat Hornets to stay undefeated (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 27 points and the Boston Celtics improved to 4-0 with a 97-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night. Chris Paul scored 22 points with eight assists for New Orleans, and then had to be held back after the game when he tried to follow the Celtics off the court to their locker room.

Sources: Boston Celtics, Rajon Rondo to talk contract Sunday
Although the past few days have been mostly quiet on the contract front for Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, both sides are expected to connect Sunday for one last attempt to reach an agreement, according to sources close to the process.

Pierce's third-quarter explosion paces Celtics
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.

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 won't suspend Glen "Big Baby" Davis for fight that resulted in a thumb injury
The Boston Celtics have decided not to suspend forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis after an early morning fight with a childhood friend the day before the season opener left him sidelined for at least five weeks with a broken right thumb.

Celtics won't suspend Glen "Big Baby" Davis for fight that resulted in a thumb injury
The Boston Celtics have decided not to suspend forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis after an early morning fight with a childhood friend the day before the season opener left him sidelined for at least five weeks with a broken right thumb.

TNT experiences a record viewing audience for an opening night in its 26 years of airing NBA games
The doubleheader featuring title contenders Boston, Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers produced Turner's most-watched opening night in its 26 years of airing the NBA.

NBA extends deadline for Rajon Rondo, '06 draft class
Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics have a little bit more time to work toward a contract extension.

Garnett, Celtics defense shut down Bobcats
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.

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...

TNT posts record opening-night ratings (AP)
The doubleheader featuring title contenders Boston, Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers produced Turner's most-watched opening night in its 26 years of airing the NBA. TNT drew nearly 3.7 million viewers Tuesday for the Celtics' 95-89 victory over the Cavaliers, followed by the Lakers' 99-92 win over the Clippers.

Cleveland Cavaliers Delonte West 'doubtful' for Tuesday season opener vs. Boston Celtics
Troubled guard Delonte West was listed as "doubtful" for tonight's NBA season opener against Boston, but Cleveland coach Mike Brown left little doubt when pressed on the issue: There is almost no chance West will be on the court Tuesday night.

Boston Celtics likely to suspend Glen Davis
Glen Davis "very likely" will be suspended by the Boston Celtics for his reported involvement in an altercation with a former LSU teammate, which led to the forward suffering a broken thumb.

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.

Report: Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics can't come to extension deal
Rajon Rondo and the Celtics reportedly can't come to a deal on a contract extension.

Troubled West inactive for Cavs opener vs. Celtics
Troubled Cavaliers guard Delonte West is doubtful for the season opener against the Boston Celtics. Cleveland coach Mike Brown said after the team's shootaround that West would likely be inactive for Tuesday night's game. West has battled bipolar disorder in the past and has had a turbulent off-season. He was arrested on weapons charges near his Maryland home in September.

Troubled West likely to be inactive for Cavs opener
Troubled Cavaliers guard Delonte West is doubtful for the season opener against the Boston Celtics. Cleveland coach Mike Brown said after the team's shootaround that West would likely be inactive for Tuesday night's game. West has battled bipolar disorder in the past and has had a turbulent off-season. He was arrested on weapons charges near his Maryland home in September.

Cavs, Celtics prepare to renew rivalry (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal spent his final day of free time where any super hero would hang out. He went to Disney World. Now Superman is preparing for his Cleveland Cavaliers debut against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night in one of the league's most heated rivalries. The two teams that open the season in the East could also be the final two teams remaining in the conference finals -- though...

Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis reportedly injures thumb in altercation
Celtics forward Glen Davis reportedly injures thumb in altercation.

Domestic violence report hits embattled West
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown says a domestic violence report has been filed against guard Delonte West. Calls to Cleveland police by The Associated Press were not returned Monday. West has not appeared in any preseason games, and Brown has not decided yet whether he will be active for the season opener Tuesday against Boston. He attended the Cavs' practice Monday. West left the team twice during training camp for personal reasons and has been treated in the past for bipolar disorder.

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.

Garnett, Allen rest as Celtics beat Cavs (AP)

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.

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.

Boston Celtics' Tony Allen (ankle) could miss start of season
Celtics coach Doc Rivers deemed guard Tony Allen "day to day" with ankle soreness after he missed Friday's open practice in Lowell.

Pierce, Garnett lead Celtics by Raptors (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 17 points and Kevin Garnett added 16 to lead the Boston Celtics to a 106-90 preseason victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night at the XL Center. UConn coach Jim Calhoun was in attendance and received an ovation when he was shown on the large video board above the court. It was the first time the Celtics played in Hartford since a preseason game in 1995.

Rajon Rondo takes the lead by refusing to sit as Boston Celtics rally to win
With Big Three sitting, he leads by example

Wallace scores 20 as Celtics beat Nets (AP)

Rajon Rondo played the game like it meant something. Rasheed Wallace scored 20 points and Rondo added 18 points and 13 assists to lead the Boston Celtics to a 91-88 preseason victory over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night in the first NBA game in the Prudential Center. While several of his more heralded teammates took the night off or saw limited action, Rondo went full tilt, playing over 40...

Pierce, Garnett lead Celtics past Nets (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 25 points and Kevin Garnett backed up claims that his knee is just fine, adding 12 points and six rebounds in the Boston Celtics' 100-93 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Sunday Garnett, who missed much of last season with a strained right knee, looked comfortable as he chased loose balls and drove to the basket early.

KG plays first home game since March (AP)

Kevin Garnett's knee is better, and he's waiting with uncharacteristic patience for the rest of his body to catch up. After missing 25 regular-season games and the playoffs last season because of strained ligaments in his right knee, Garnett was back on the court in Boston for the first time on Friday night in the Celtics' 96-82 exhibition victory over the New York Knicks.

Garnett returns, Wallace debuts in Celtics' win
Kevin Garnett had 10 points and eight rebounds in his first game at the Boston Garden in more than seven months, and the Celtics beat the New York Knicks 96-82 in an exhibition game on Friday night.

Garnett has 6 points, 5 boards in return (AP)
Aaron Brooks scored 21 points and the Houston Rockets rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Boston Celtics 96-90 on Wednesday night. Kevin Garnett scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in his first action since aggravating a right knee injury last March 25. Garnett scored all six points in the first quarter, helping Boston build an early lead.

GMs pick Lakers, LeBron to repeat in 2010
NBA general managers are predicting repeats for the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James this season. The league executives who responded to the eighth annual NBA.com GM survey picked the Lakers to win another NBA title - though their opponent is unclear - and saw James as the runaway winner of another MVP award. The Lakers received 61 percent of the votes to win the championship, with Boston and Cleveland shared second place at 18 percent.

Celtics, others interested in Mike Sweetney - Mike Sweetney (F/C) Chicago Bulls
The Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Indiana Pacers have all expressed interest in PF Mike Sweetney.

Kevin Garnett of Boston Celtics making progress in recovery, Danny Ainge says
Kevin Garnett is reportedly making steady progress in his recovery from knee surgery.

Celtics co-owner seeking Kennedy's senate seat
Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca announced Thursday he is a candidate to succeed the late Sen. Edward Kennedy. Speaking at the team's home arena, TD Bank Garden, before a crowd that included Celtics president Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers, Pagliuca pledged to focus on job creation, the environment and civil rights. He recalled his work with legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach, who died in 2006. "Red fought to open the NBA to African-Americans.

Celtics co-owner seeks Kennedy's seat (AP)
Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca said Thursday he wants to jump from the business world to the political arena because he has the background to help solve the nation's economic problems and lend expertise to the health care debate that was the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's passion. In announcing his bid for the Democratic nomination to succeed the late senator, the multimillionaire...

What's he gonna do? Laimbeer joins Timberwolves
Former Detroit Pistons "Bad Boy" Bill Laimbeer and former Sacramento head coach Reggie Theus are among the assistants who will work under Kurt Rambis with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team announced the additions Thursday. The staff also includes Dave Wohl, who most recently worked in the Boston Celtics organization. J.B. Bickerstaff is being retained from Kevin McHale's staff. Laimbeer resigned as coach of the WNBA's Detroit Shock earlier this summer.

Warriors sign veteran C Mikki Moore (AP)
The Golden State Warriors have signed free-agent center Mikki Moore. An 11-year NBA veteran, the 7-foot Moore will provide depth in the frontcourt for a team that struggled with injuries at center last season. Moore, 33, averaged 3.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in 17.2 minutes per game last season for Sacramento and Boston.

Boston Celtics add size, sign ex-Indiana Pacers guard Marquis Daniels
The Celtics have signed former Pacers guard Marquis Daniels.

Celtics sign former Pacers guard Daniels
The Boston Celtics have signed free agent guard Marquis Daniels. Daniels is coming off the best of his six seasons, averaging career highs of 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games with the Indiana Pacers, 43 of them starts. The Celtics announced his signing on Tuesday. The 28-year-old Daniels spent three seasons with Dallas before moving to Indiana. For his career, he is averaging 9.4 points in 351 games, including 109 starts.

Hawks co-owner Belkin loses in court (AP)
A Maryland judge has ruled the eight owners of the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers are back in business under the same operating agreement they shared before their split in 2005. Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Durke G. Thompson ruled Monday that the contract the owners reached that would allow the seven owners to buy out Boston-based Steve Belkin was too ambiguous.

Cavaliers sign forward Powe away from Celtics
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed free agent forward Leon Powe to a two-year contract. Powe, who averaged 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 70 games with the Boston Celtics last season, tore the ACL in his left knee during the playoffs and had reconstructive surgery on May 5. He isn't expected to be ready to play for the Cavaliers until February. Powe spent his first three seasons with the Celtics.

Cavaliers sign F Powe for 2 years (AP)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed free agent forward Leon Powe to a two-year contract. Powe, who averaged 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 70 games with the Boston Celtics last season, tore the ACL in his left knee during the playoffs and had reconstructive surgery on May 5. He isn't expected to be ready to play for the Cavaliers until February.

Celtics re-sign Davis to reported two-year deal
The Boston Celtics are bringing back Glen "Big Baby" Davis. The Celtics announced Monday that they've re-signed the power forward to a new deal. It's reportedly for two years. Davis, a two-year pro out of Louisiana State, was a restricted free agent. After averaging 7 points per game during the regular season, the 6-foot-9, 289-pound forward emerged in the playoffs, improving to 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Boston Celtics re-sign free-agent power forward Glen 'Big Baby' Davis
The Celtics are bringing back Glen "Big Baby" Davis, annoucing Monday that they've re-signed the power forward to a new deal. It's reportedly for two years.

Celtics re-sign F Davis (AP)
The Boston Celtics are bringing back Glen "Big Baby" Davis. The Celtics announced Monday that they've re-signed the power forward to a new deal. It's reportedly for two years. Davis, a two-year pro out of Louisiana State, was a restricted free agent. After averaging 7 points per game during the regular season, the 6-foot-9, 289-pound forward emerged in the playoffs, improving to...

Boston Celtics sign free agent forward/center Shelden Williams
The Boston Celtics have signed free agent center/forward Shelden Williams to a contract.

Celtics sign C-F Shelden Williams (AP)
The Boston Celtics have signed free agent center/forward Shelden Williams to a contract. The Celtics did not disclose terms of the deal Friday, citing team policy. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound Williams was originally drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the fifth overall pick in the 2006 draft. He was acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves from the Sacramento Kings in February.

Cleveland Cavaliers play Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers get their rings on NBA opening night
In a replay of last year's opener, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics will launch the 2009-10 NBA season -- only this time LeBron James has some welcome firepower in new teammate Shaquille O'Neal.

Spurs sign center Theo Ratliff
The San Antonio Spurs have signed center Theo Ratliff. Terms of the deal announced Saturday were not disclosed. The 6-foot-10 Ratliff spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 1.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.02 blocks in 12.6 minutes while appearing in 46 games. Ratliff has also played for Detroit, Atlanta, Portland, Boston and Minnesota during 14 NBA seasons.

Spurs sign veteran C Ratliff (AP)
The San Antonio Spurs have signed center Theo Ratliff. Terms of the deal announced Saturday were not disclosed. The 6-foot-10 Ratliff spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 1.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.02 blocks in 12.6 minutes while appearing in 46 games. Ratliff has also played for Detroit, Atlanta, Portland, Boston and Minnesota during 14 NBA seasons.

4 US hoops players pull out of minicamp (AP)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon and Golden State forward Anthony Randolph are heading to USA Basketball's minicamp, while four players are pulling out. Portland's Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, plus Houston's Trevor Ariza and Boston's Glen Davis will not be in Las Vegas. New York forward David Lee and Indiana's Danny Granger will attend minicamp but won't...

Agent: Marquis Daniels to join Celtics (AP)
Former Indiana Pacers guard Marquis Daniels will play for the Boston Celtics next season. Agent Glenn Schwartzman said on Saturday that his client has committed to go to Boston as a free agent or as part of a sign-and-trade deal with Indiana. Schwartzman said both teams would prefer that the sign-and-trade works out, but the Celtics will use the biannual exception to sign Daniels if trade talks...

NBA free agents: Indiana Pacers forward Marquis Daniels commits to Celtics
Indiana Pacers free-agent guard Marquis Daniels has committed to signing with the Boston Celtics for next season, multiple news sources are reporting.

Agent says former Pacers G Daniel will play for Celts
Former Indiana Pacers guard Marquis Daniels will play for the Boston Celtics next season. Agent Glenn Schwartzman said on Saturday that his client has committed to go to Boston as a free agent or as part of a sign-and-trade deal with Indiana. Schwartzman said both teams would prefer that the sign-and-trade works out, but the Celtics will use the biannual exception to sign Daniels if trade talks fizzle. Schwartzman wouldn't say which other players would be involved in a deal.

2009 NBA free agency tracker
2009 NBA Free Agency Tracker Team Free agents Signed with Atlanta Mike Bibby Thomas Gardner Othello Hunter Solomon Jones Flip Murray Zaza Pachulia Mario West Marvin Williams Hawks — — — — Hawks — — Boston Glen Davis Stephon Marbury Mikki Moore Leon Powe — — — — Charlotte Raymond Felton Juwon Howard Cartier Martin Sean May Sean Singletary — — — — — Chicago Ben Gordon Aaron Gray Lindsay Hunter Pistons — Bulls Cleveland Joe Smith Wally Szczerbiak Anderson Varejao Lorenzen Wright — — Cavaliers — Dallas Brandon Bass Gerald Green Ryan Hollins Jason Kidd James Singleton Magic — — Mavericks —

Hawks announce deals with Bibby, Pachulia
The Atlanta Hawks are hustling to keep pace with the Eastern Conference's elite teams. The Hawks, who traded for guard Jamal Crawford last month, on Monday announced they have re-signed unrestricted free agents Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia. The Hawks finished the 2008-09 regular season as the No. 4 team in the conference. Coach Mike Woodson said moves made by Eastern Conference powers Boston, Orlando and Cleveland put pressure on the Hawks to also be active this offseason.

NBA free agents: Rasheed Wallace chose the Boston Celtics for a shot at another title
Rasheed Wallace says he is a Boston Celtic because he feels the team gives him the best chance to win another championship.

Hudson breaks finger in summer league - Lester Hudson (G) Boston Celtics
Rookie Lester Hudson suffered a broken left index finger in a summer league game on Wednesday and could need surgery.

NBA free agents: Boston Celtics sign free-agent forward Rasheed Wallace
The Celtics have signed veteran forward Rasheed Wallace, one of this year's most coveted free agents.

Krzyzewski appears set to coach US again (AP)
Mike Krzyzewski appears set to go for more gold. USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said Tuesday that "all leads point to Coach K coming back," following a report by the Boston Globe that Krzyzewski has agreed to return as U.S. Olympic basketball coach. The Globe report cited two sources close to the situation.

NBA free agents: Agent: Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace to sign with Boston Celtics
Rasheed Wallace is joining the Boston Celtics, an NBA source said, giving the Celtics one of the most important free agents on the marketplace as they attempt to return to the championship.

Source: Rasheed Wallace, Celtics agree to deal
Rasheed Wallace has agreed to sign with the Boston Celtics, a source close to the team told FOXSports.com on Sunday.

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...

Stephon Marbury doesn't foresee returning to Boston Celtics
Stephon Marbury says he doesn't foresee a return to Boston after the team offered a veteran's-minimum deal that would've paid $1.3 million, according to The Boston Globe.

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

Boston Celtics send big hitters to woo Rasheed Wallace, according to report
Rasheed Wallace, the free agent forward who spent the last five-plus seasons in Detroit, got the full-court press from the Boston Celtics on Thursday, according to a report in the Boston Globe.

Report: Boston offering Wallace two-year deal


Ainge: Boston Celtics' Big 3 can stay beyond contracts
Danny Ainge thinks the Celtics' Big Three could stay together beyond their current contracts.

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.

Pierce helps Celtics rip Nets 118-86 (AP)

Paul Pierce shook off a cold first half and scored 18 points in the third quarter with perfect shooting to lead the Boston Celtics to their third straight win, 118-86 over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night. Pierce went 5-for-5 in the period, all 3-pointers, and added three free throws as he scored 22 points two nights after getting a season-high 39 in an overtime win over Toronto.

Pierce's season-high 39 lift Celts in OT (AP)

Paul Pierce scored nine of his season-high 39 points in overtime and the Boston Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors for the second consecutive day, 115-109 Monday night. One day after Ray Allen's 36 points led Boston to a 94-88 win in Toronto, Pierce led a comeback from a 10-point deficit midway through the third quarter and carried the Celtics to their second straight win after they lost four in a...

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.

LeBron's 38 lift Cavs by stumbling Celts (AP)

For days, LeBron James insisted facing the NBA champions in January was no ordinary regular-season game. He and his teammates proved it. James scored 38 points, harassed Paul Pierce all over the floor and strengthened his case to be the league's MVP front-runner as the Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 19-0 at home by beating the staggering Boston Celtics 98-83 Friday night in a game oozing with...

Cavaliers eager for rematch with Celtics (AP)

As little LeBron James Jr. practiced writing his name on the dry-erase board in Cleveland's locker room, his famous father was busy a few feet away. The Boston Celtics were on the flatscreen TV and LeBron James was watching them, studying them, breaking them down. Stepping away from his work, the youngster examined his penmanship.

Grizzlies waive F Darius Miles (AP)
The Memphis Grizzlies waived forward Darius Miles, who was trying to make a comeback after a two-year absence following knee surgery. Miles was cut by the Boston Celtics in the preseason and signed with Memphis on Dec. 13. The 27-year-old also served a 10-game league suspension after his signing for violating the league's drug policy.

Rockets send Celts to 6th loss in last 8 (AP)

Now the Celtics are losing at home, too. Von Wafer hit a 3-pointer with 44 seconds left to give Houston the lead and the Rockets beat Boston 89-85 on Wednesday night. It was the sixth loss in eight games for the defending NBA champions, but their first at home since a Nov. 14 defeat to Denver sent them on a 19-game winning streak.

Bobcats surprise stumbling Celtics in OT (AP)

Raymond Felton scored 25 points, rookie D.J. Augustin added 11 of his 20 points in overtime, and the Charlotte Bobcats stunned Boston 114-106 on Tuesday to continue the Celtics' sudden slide. Beaten by their surprising nemesis for the second time in two seasons, the defending champions came undone in OT, and they've quickly gone from unbeatable to vulnerable.

Knicks snap 8-game skid against Celtics (AP)

Wilson Chandler scored a career-high 31 points and the New York Knicks snapped an eight-game losing streak against the sputtering Boston Celtics with a 100-88 victory Sunday night. Al Harrington added 30 for the Knicks, who hadn't beaten Boston at Madison Square Garden since March 23, 2005, dropping the last six meetings.

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.

Pierce nearly perfect as Celtics cruise (AP)

Paul Pierce scored 26 points on nearly perfect shooting and the Boston Celtics roared back from a rough road trip to beat the Washington Wizards 108-83 on Friday night. The Celtics went 1-3 on their West Coast swing after the best 29-game start in NBA history, 27-2. They were in charge from the start Friday on their homecourt where they're 18-1.

Minus Roy, Blazers still beat Celtics (AP)

Steve Blake had 21 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 and the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers beat the Boston Celtics 91-86 Tuesday night, sending the NBA champions to their third loss in four games. Playing without All-Star guard Brandon Roy, the Blazers snapped a seven-game losing streak against Boston and pulled into a tie atop the Northwest Division with Denver.

Kobe's 31 help Lakers roll past Warriors (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 31 points, Derek Fisher added 19 and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled to a 130-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. There was no letdown by the Lakers after their intense Christmas Day victory over Boston in the teams' first meeting since the NBA finals last summer, won by the Celtics.

Celtics bounce back, rout Kings 108-63 (AP)

Kevin Garnett had 21 points and 11 rebounds and the Boston Celtics rebounded from back-to-back losses in emphatic fashion, beating the Sacramento Kings 108-63 Sunday night in one of the most one-sided wins in franchise history. The 45-point margin of victory is tied for the sixth biggest ever by the Celtics, who also beat the New York Knicks by that amount last season.

Celts lose second straight, Warriors win (AP)

The defending champions were drained. Stephen Jackson scored eight straight points during the decisive fourth-quarter stretch to finish with 28, and the Golden State Warriors sent Boston to back-to-back losses for the first time this season by rallying past the Celtics 99-89 on Friday night. Paul Pierce had 21 points and five assists and Kevin Garnett scored 14, but the Celtics couldn't hold a...

Celtics-Lakers earns highest ratings in 4 years
The Christmas Day game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics was the highest rated regular-season NBA game in four years.

Lakers-Celtics draws high 5.3 TV rating (AP)
The Christmas Day game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics was the highest rated regular-season NBA game in four years. The rematch of last season's NBA finals earned a 5.3 fast national rating on ABC, the network said. The rating for the Lakers' 92-83 victory, which snapped Boston's 19-game winning streak, was 51 percent higher than the 3.5 mark for last year's late Christmas game...

Lakers snap Celtics' 19-game win streak (AP)

Perhaps now the Los Angeles Lakers can put the anguish of losing the NBA finals to Boston and the embarrassment over the way the series ended behind them. Kobe Bryant had 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists, Pau Gasol scored seven of his 20 points in the final three minutes, and the Lakers beat Boston 92-83 Thursday to snap the Celtics' franchise-record 19-game winning streak.

Lakers host Celtics in marquee matchup (AP)

The Lakers have been waiting more than six months for another shot at the Boston Celtics. Now that they'll get it, they might not like it. The Celtics, winners of a franchise-record 19 straight games and off to the best two-loss start in NBA history, visit Staples Center on Thursday for a Christmas Day matchup with the Lakers.

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' Davis to miss 2nd game after car wreck
Boston Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis will sit out at least one more game because of a car accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike that left him with a concussion and whiplash, the team said Monday.

Celts tie club record, win 18th straight (AP)

Rajon Rondo made things looks easy in the third quarter. Kind of like how the Boston Celtics are making NBA games look. Rondo scored 18 of his 26 points in the quarter to help the Celtics tie a franchise record with their 18th straight win, beating the New York Knicks 124-105 Sunday night. The win improved Boston's record to 26-2, matching the NBA mark for the best start by a team with two losses.

Celtics F Davis hurt in car accident (AP)
Boston Celtic forward Glen Davis was injured in an automobile accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike Sunday as he drove to the TD Banknorth Garden for the game against the New York Knicks. Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said the accident happened at about 2:30 p.m. and Davis suffered a concussion and whiplash.

Warriors' Jackson (hand) likely out until Friday
Warriors forward Stephen Jackson is expected to be out until Friday against Boston because of a sprained left hand.

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' Pierce to test knee before Atlanta game
Boston's Paul Pierce plans to test his injured left knee at the Celtics' shootaround before the game in Atlanta on Wednesday. Pierce was helped off the court after scrambling for a defensive rebound with 31 seconds left in the Celtics' 100-91 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night. He was examined Tuesday before the team left for Atlanta. Boston, the defending NBA champions, has won 15 straight games.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/487335939" height="1" width="1"/

Celtics win 15th straight, beat Jazz (AP)
Rajon Rondo scored 12 of his career-high 25 points in the final 5:20, and Kevin Garnett had 19 points and 10 rebounds on Monday night to lead the Boston Celtics to their 15th consecutive victory, 100-91 over the Utah Jazz. Kendrick Perkins added 15 points and 14 rebounds for Boston, which avenged the worst loss of its championship season.

Hornets C Chandler out with stiff neck (AP)
New Orleans Hornets center Tyson Chandler missed Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors because of a stiff neck. Hilton Armstrong made his second consecutive start in place of Chandler, who also sat out Friday's loss at Boston. Chandler, the second overall pick in the 2001 draft, is averaging 8.5 points and 8 rebounds in 15 games this season.

Celtics go to 22-2, win 14th straight (AP)

James Posey got his championship ring before the game. The Boston Celtics walked away with all the spoils after it. Paul Pierce scored 28 points and Kevin Garnett had 19 points and 10 rebounds on Friday night to lead the Celtics to their 14th consecutive victory, a 94-82 win over their former teammate and the New Orleans Hornets.

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...

Crittenton, James happy to join Wizards (AP)
Javaris Crittenton and Mike James might be the two happiest NBA players ever to join a last-place team. Both guards sounded thrilled to be cleared to play for the Washington Wizards about 1 1/2 hours before tipoff against the reigning champion Boston Celtics on Thursday night. So what if the Wizards entered the day an Eastern Conference-worst 4-15?

Official: Celtics fan died of 'natural causes'
Officials in Massachusetts say "natural causes" were to blame for the death of a fan who stopped breathing in police custody during Boston Celtics championship celebrations. The state medical examiner announced Monday that David Woodman's death was brought on by heart arrhythmia. The 22-year-old Woodman was taken into custody on a public drinking charge on June 18. He died 11 days later. A family lawyer questioned whether police used excessive force when they arrested Woodman.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/480684105" height="1" width="1"/

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 11th straight, beat Blazers (AP)

The Boston Celtics finally got a look at the one that got away. Greg Oden made his first visit to Boston on Friday night, and the Celtics banged him around and back to the bench with foul trouble before beating the Portland Trail Blazers 93-78. "I think he's just raw right now," Celtics forward Paul Pierce said.

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...

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.

Raptors F O'Neal starts vs. Celtics despite knee
Forward Jermaine O'Neal was in Toronto's starting lineup for the Raptors' game Sunday against the Boston Celtics despite a strained left knee.

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.

Raptors O'Neal day-to-day with injured left knee
Raptors forward Jermaine O'Neal did not practice Saturday and was listed as day-to-day after straining his surgically repaired left knee against New Jersey on Friday night. O'Neal was scheduled to receive treatment twice Saturday and could play Sunday when Toronto hosts defending NBA-champion Boston. "We've already made contingency plans if he can't go," Raptors coach Sam Mitchell said.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/462158858" height="1" width="1"/

Raptors F O'Neal day-to-day (AP)
Raptors forward Jermaine O'Neal did not practice Saturday and was listed as day-to-day after straining his surgically repaired left knee against New Jersey on Friday night. O'Neal was scheduled to receive treatment twice Saturday and could play Sunday when Toronto hosts defending NBA-champion Boston.

Pistons' Herrmann, with concussion, out of hospital
Detroit Pistons forward Walter Herrmann was released from a Boston hospital Friday after suffering a mild concussion in a game against the Boston Celtics.

KG returns to Minnesota, Celtics cruise (AP)

Kevin Garnett has moved on. The championship trophy he earned with Boston last season made it all too easy to put 12 years of mostly mediocre basketball in Minnesota behind him. The Timberwolves are trying to move on as well without the only star the franchise has ever had. They have jettisoned all but four of his former teammates in the last 16 months, changed the look of their home court and...

Pistons' Herrmann day-to-day after concussion
Detroit Pistons forward Walter Herrmann was released from a Boston hospital on Friday after suffering a mild concussion in an NBA game against the Boston Celtics. Herrmann, who spent Thursday night at the hospital, is listed as day-to-day. The Celtics won 98-80. The Argentine is averaging 4.5 points and 2 rebounds in 10 games this season.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/461129570" height="1" width="1"/

Celtics roll past Iverson, Pistons 98-80 (AP)

Rajon Rondo had 18 points and eight assists, outplaying new Pistons acquisition Allen Iverson and leading the Boston Celtics to a 98-80 victory over Detroit on Thursday night in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals. Iverson had 16 points and four assists for Detroit, which fell to 4-3 since he was acquired from Denver for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess.

KG to play at Minnesota for first time (AP)
Kevin Garnett's return to Target Center after being traded to Boston was as emotional and riveting as it was short. On a chilly February night last season, Minnesota basketball fans packed the arena once more to cheer their departed hero, giving KG a deafening reception when he was introduced before his new team played his old team.

Celts overcome KG suspension, top Knicks (AP)

It was quiet -- too quiet -- in the Boston locker room before the game. On the floor, the Celtics managed to replace Kevin Garnett's intensity just fine. "Not having a great player out there, you definitely miss him," point guard Rajon Rondo said after Boston beat the New York Knicks 110-101 on Tuesday night while Garnett served a one-game suspension.

Celts overcome KG suspension, top Knicks (AP)

Brian Scalabrine, in the starting lineup while Kevin Garnett served a one-game suspension, hit a 3-pointer with 1:14 left to help Boston recover after its 15-point, fourth-quarter lead was trimmed to four and the Celtics beat New York 110-101 on Tuesday night. Paul Pierce scored 22, Kendrick Perkins had 16 points and eight rebounds and Rajon Rondo had 15 points, eight boards and seven assists for...

Rivers calls Garnett suspension 'ridiculous'
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers wasn't too happy about being forced to play without All-Star Kevin Garnett against the New York Knicks. Garnett was suspended for one game for hitting Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut in the face near the end of Saturday's game. "I was surprised. I thought it was a ridiculous suspension," Rivers said before Tuesday night's game against the Knicks. "I just want more consistency from our league.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/457805471" height="1" width="1"/

Celts coach Rivers upset about Garnett suspension
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers wasn't too happy about being forced to play without All-Star Kevin Garnett against the New York Knicks.

Rivers: Garnett suspension 'ridiculous' (AP)
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers wasn't too happy about being forced to play without All-Star Kevin Garnett against the New York Knicks. Garnett was suspended for one game for hitting Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut in the face near the end of Saturday's game. "I was surprised. I thought it was a ridiculous suspension," Rivers said before Tuesday night's game against the Knicks.

KG suspended 1 game; Shaq fined $25K
Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett has been suspended for one game and Phoenix center Shaquille O'Neal has been fined $25,000 for separate incidents over the weekend. Garnett was penalized for hitting Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut in the face near the end of Saturday's game. Garnett will sit out Tuesday night when the Celtics host the New York Knicks. O'Neal was fined for verbally abusing an official and failing to leave the court quickly after being ejected Sunday night against Detroit.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/456550686" height="1" width="1"/

Garnett suspended 1 game, Shaq fined (AP)
Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett has been suspended for one game and Phoenix center Shaquille O'Neal has been fined $25,000 for separate incidents over the weekend. Garnett was penalized for hitting Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut in the face near the end of Saturday's game. Garnett will sit out Tuesday night when the Celtics host the New York Knicks.

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.

Nuggets beat Celts, now 4-1 with Billups (AP)

Since his trade to the Denver Nuggets, Chauncey Billups has done something customary for him. Win. The Nuggets are 4-1 since Billups' arrived after a Nov. 3 trade with the Pistons. And on Friday night, the Nuggets added a statement game to their resume, beating the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics 94-85.

Anthony, Nuggets hold on for rare win in Boston
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Pierce's last-second shot lifts Celtics (AP)

The Atlanta Hawks have improved since losing to the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs last spring. Too bad for them that the defending champions haven't changed much at all. NBA finals MVP Paul Pierce hit a fallaway jumper with 0.5 seconds left to give Boston a 103-102 victory over Atlanta on Wednesday night, handing the Hawks their first loss of the season and their first since the...

Pierce, Celtics hand Hawks first loss
Like in last season's playoffs, the Hawks gave the Celtics all they could handle Wednesday. But Boston handed Atlanta its first loss.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/451381409" height="1" width="1"/

LIVE: Hawks challenging Celtics in Boston
After pushing the Celtics to the limit in last season's playoffs, the Hawks take a 6-0 record into Boston. Follow it LIVE right here.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/451270284" height="1" width="1"/

LIVE: 6-0 Hawks taking on 7-1 Celtics in Boston
img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/451270291" height="1" width="1"/

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.

Pistons' Stuckey examined after feeling lightheaded
The Pistons will begin their West Coast road trip without guard Rodney Stuckey, who experienced symptoms of lightheadedness and dizziness in Sunday night's loss to Boston. The Pistons say Stuckey remained in Detroit for testing and is listed as day to day. Stuckey squatted with discomfort in the second quarter, then stood with his hands on his knees. He later patted his chest rapidly while talking to the team's strength coach Arnie Kander, who said afterward that Stuckey was fine.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/448900730" height="1" width="1"/

Pistons' Stuckey tested after leaving Celtics game
The Pistons will begin their West Coast road trip without guard Rodney Stuckey, who experienced symptoms of lightheadedness and dizziness in Sunday night's loss to Boston.

Celtics roll, spoil Iverson's home debut (AP)

Allen Iverson was welcomed to the Motor City with a standing ovation so loud that the public-address announcer couldn't be heard. Then, the Boston Celtics quieted the crowd and spoiled Iverson's first game at home with the Detroit Pistons. Tony Allen scored 12 of his 23 points in the pivotal second quarter, lifting Boston to an 88-76 win on Sunday night.

Pistons' Stuckey leaves game dizzy, lightheaded
Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey felt dizzy and lightheaded late in the first half and did not return to play Sunday night against the Boston Celtics.

Pistons G Stuckey leaves game vs. Celts (AP)
Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey felt dizzy and lightheaded late in the first half and did not return to play Sunday night against the Boston Celtics. Stuckey squatted with discomfort in the final seconds of the second quarter, then stood up with his hands on his knees. Later, Stuckey patted his chest rapidly while talking to strength coach Arnie Kander.

Celtics shake off slow start, beat Bucks (AP)

Paul Pierce had 18 points and 10 rebounds to help the Boston Celtics overcome their second straight slow start and beat the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks 101-89 on Friday night. The Celtics trailed by 11 points midway through the first quarter and didn't go ahead until Kevin Garnett's dunk made it 44-42 with 4:13 left in the half.

Bucks' Redd (ankle) misses second straight game
Michael Redd missed his second straight game with a sprained right ankle when the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

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.

Celtics' defense suffocates Thunder as Boston rolls
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Celtics exercise Rondo option for 2009-10
The Boston Celtics exercised the fourth-year option on 22-year-old guard Rajon Rondo on Friday. He averaged 10.6 points and 5.1 assists last season, when the Celtics' won their 17th NBA Championship. The former Kentucky Wildcat is entering his third season in the NBA. The 6-foot-1 guard was acquired by Boston in a draft-night trade from the Phoenix Suns.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/438326815" height="1" width="1"/

Celtics raise 17th banner, beat Cavs (AP)

Banner No. 17 is up in the rafters, and win No. 1 is in the books. NBA finals MVP Paul Pierce scored 27 points as the defending champion Boston Celtics followed an emotional ring ceremony and banner raising with a 90-85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. LeBron James scored 22, but he missed a driving layup with 41 seconds left and two free throws in the last 11 seconds.

Celtics raise 17th championship banner (AP)
The Boston Celtics' first NBA championship banner in 22 years is hanging from the rafters of their arena. The banner was raised Tuesday night at the end of a ceremony in which players were presented with their championship rings before their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Banknorth Garden.

Charley Rosen's division-by-division previews
The NBA season starts tonight in Boston and we've got Charley Rosen to break down every team and division before tip-off.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/434836224" height="1" width="1"/

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"/

Rockets prepare for a title run (AP)
The Houston Rockets want to be this season's Boston Celtics. Like Boston last season, the Rockets assembled a "Big Three" of their own by acquiring Ron Artest to join Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Artest, who averaged 20.5 points with Sacramento last season, adds toughness, versatility and a third scoring option the Rockets have lacked since McGrady arrived in 2004.

Celtics seek repeat, 18th championship (AP)

Every night of his adult life, Doc Rivers says, he has prayed before bedtime. And every night, it was the same thing: "To win a world championship." "And the night we won it, I got on my knees to do my prayer and I said, 'Again,"' the Boston Celtics coach said. "It didn't take long." Still hungry for another title, Rivers will watch as the Celtics' 17th championship banner is raised to the rafters...

Rivers says Celtics can repeat as NBA champions
Why not us -- again? Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers is picking his team to repeat as NBA champions and hoist their 18th championship banner, according to the Boston Herald.

GM poll: Lakers will defeat Celtics in Finals rematch
The Los Angeles Lakers will avenge their NBA finals loss to the Boston Celtics, according to a survey of the league's general managers. The executives who responded to the NBA.com GM survey also picked Cleveland's LeBron James for the third straight year as the likely MVP. The results of the seventh annual poll were released Wednesday. The Lakers received 46 percent of the vote, well ahead of the Celtics (19 percent). Boston beat Los Angeles in six games in June for its 17th championship.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/428790567" height="1" width="1"/

Ex-Celtics owner, horse breeder Mangurian dies
Harry Mangurian Jr., a former owner of the Boston Celtics and renowned horse breeder, has died of leukemia. He was 82.

Ex-Celtics owner Mangurian dies at 82 (AP)
Harry Mangurian Jr., a former owner of the Boston Celtics and renowned horse breeder, has died of leukemia. He was 82. The funeral home handling his arrangements said Mangurian died Sunday. He died at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after an eight month battle with the disease. Mangurian owned the Celtics from 1979-83, a tenure that included a championship in 1981 and the signings of...

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.

How Boston can be beaten (it won't be easy)
The Celtics could fail to defend their championship, but Randy Hill says it won't be because they're resting on their laurels.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/427632364" height="1" width="1"/

Mangurian signed original "Big Three"
Harry Mangurian Jr., a former owner of the Boston Celtics and renowned horse breeder, has died of leukemia. He was 82. The funeral home handling his arrangements said Mangurian died Sunday. He died at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after an eight month battle with the disease. Mangurian owned the Celtics from 1979-83, a tenure that included a championship in 1981 and the signings of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, the original "Big Three" of team lore.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/427771903" height="1" width="1"/

Boone ruled out after rapid heartbeat
Nets center Josh Boone was held out of an exhibition game against New York on Monday night after experiencing a rapid heartbeat at practice last week. Boone became aware of the problem at practice Friday. He missed the Nets' game at Boston on Sunday and had tests Monday, which were inconclusive. He is scheduled for further testing Wednesday. Boone said he had a little cold last week but wasn't sure if that had anything to do with the heartbeat issue.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/426909057" height="1" width="1"/

Nets C Boone out with rapid heartbeat (AP)
Nets center Josh Boone was held out of an exhibition game against New York on Monday night after experiencing a rapid heartbeat at practice last week. Boone became aware of the problem at practice Friday. He missed the Nets' game at Boston on Sunday and had tests Monday, which were inconclusive. He is scheduled for further testing Wednesday.

Celtics waive injury-plagued F Miles
The Boston Celtics have waived forward Darius Miles, who missed the past two seasons with knee injuries and who was suspended without pay for 10 games this season for violating the NBA's anti-drug program. The Celtics said Monday that its training camp roster now has 15 players. Boston signed Miles as a free agent Aug. 22. He averaged 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in six preseason games.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/426675626" height="1" width="1"/

Thanks to defense, Celtics will repeat as champs
The Celtics will win another NBA championship, Thomas Halzack says, because nobody plays better defense than Boston.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/424760439" height="1" width="1"/

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.

Haywood could miss whole season after surgery
Wizards starting center Brendan Haywood could miss the entire season while recovering from surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist. He had the operation in New York and will spend 2 1/2 months in a cast before starting rehabilitation. The team said Haywood will be out four to six months. Washington's last regular-season game is six months away: April 15 against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics. Haywood was hurt Oct.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/423157021" height="1" width="1"/

Telfair suspended 3 games for criminal possession
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Sebastian Telfair has been suspended three games for pleading guilty to criminal possession of a weapon. Telfair was sentenced last month to three years probation. He was arrested in April 2007 when police found him carrying a loaded gun in his car while he was a member of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics traded him to Minnesota in the deal for Kevin Garnett, and Telfair had a solid and incident-free first season in Minnesota. He signed a three-year, $7.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/420902336" height="1" width="1"/

Wolves PG Telfair suspended 3 games (AP)
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Sebastian Telfair was suspended on Tuesday for three games after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a weapon. Telfair was sentenced last month to three years' probation. He was arrested in April 2007 when police found him carrying a loaded gun in his car while he was a member of the Boston Celtics.

Cousy dropped from Celtics broadcasts
Former Boston Celtics great Bob Cousy has been dropped from the team's broadcasting crew after 34 years in the role, The Boston Globe reported.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/417803128" height="1" width="1"/

Celtics lose preseason opener to 76ers (AP)

Lou Williams scored 27 points and Thaddeus Young added 21 to help the Philadelphia 76ers beat the NBA champion Boston Celtics 98-92 on Wednesday night in the exhibition opener for both teams. Williams was 7-of-12 from the field and 12-of-13 from the line. Leon Powe led the Celtics with 12 points and Tony Allen had 11.

Personal matter to keep Rivers from Celts tonight
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers was not with the team for its exhibition opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night so he could return to his home in Orlando, Fla., for a personal matter.

Rivers calls C's rookie Walker 'pleasant surprise'
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers canceled training camp practice scheduled for Monday, saying he wants to give the defending NBA champions a day off before they prepare for their first preseason game.

Celtics' Miles doesn't know why he failed drug test
Darius Miles says he has no clue what made him fail a drug test that will cause him to serve a 10-game suspension if he makes it through training camp with the Boston Celtics.

Celtics playing it safe with Perkins at training camp
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins will be kept out of scrimmages during training camp because of offseason surgery on his left shoulder.

No scrimmages for Celtics C Perkins (AP)
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins will be kept out of scrimmages during training camp because of offseason surgery on his left shoulder. Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday that Perkins is allowed to run the floor "as long as no one else is running up and down the floor with him." Perkins injured his shoulder in Game 4 of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Cassell goes to Boston to sign up for 16th season
Sam Cassell went to Boston on Monday to sign a contract for his 16th season.

Backup PG Cassell re-signs with Celtics (AP)
Backup point guard Sam Cassell is back to help the Boston Celtics try to repeat as NBA champions. Cassell had been in touch with Doc Rivers during the summer, but the Celtics coach didn't know if Cassell had decided to come back for another season with the team. The 38-year-old Cassell, who joined the team in March for the playoff run, showed up for media day Monday to sign a contract for his 16th...

Miles suspended 10 games for drug violation
Boston Celtics forward Darius Miles has been suspended without pay for 10 games for violating the terms of the anti-drug program at the end of the 2007-08 season. Miles' suspension will begin with the first game of the 2008-09 regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play. Miles has missed the past two NBA seasons because of knee injuries. He has averaged 10.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in his career.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/397586973" height="1" width="1"/

Bush honors Celtics at White House
President George W. Bush on Friday welcomed the Boston Celtics to the White House to celeberate the team's 17th NBA championship, declaring "Celtic pride is back." Bush saluted Celtics' captain Paul Pierce, who led the team to a title and was MVP of the finals despite suffering a knee injury early in the series. "Playing hurt in a championship game is the ultimate sign of leadership," Bush said during an East Room ceremony.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/397628598" height="1" width="1"/

Bush welcomes NBA champ Celtics to White House
President Bush on Friday welcomed the Boston Celtics to the White House to celeberate the team's 17th NBA championship, declaring "Celtic pride is back."

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"/

Celtics to be honored at White House (AP)
The Boston Celtics will visit the White House to celebrate their 17th NBA championship with President Bush. The team's owners, along with general manager Danny Ainge, coach Doc Rivers and members of the team, will attend a ceremony Friday with the president. The Celtics plan to give him a personalized jersey and an autographed basketball.

Celtics gives Rivers 3-year extension, raise
The Boston Celtics have extended the contract of coach Doc Rivers, who led the team to its first championship in 22 years. Rivers guided the Celtics to a 66-16 regular season record and the franchise's 17th title last season. It was the biggest single-season turnaround in league history, following Boston's 24 wins the year before. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge says Rivers is the man to lead the team "now and in the future." Rivers has a 168-160 record in four seasons as Celtics coach.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/388967859" height="1" width="1"/

Celtics sign No. 30 pick, defensive whiz Giddens
The Boston Celtics signed their first-round draft pick J.R. Giddens on Tuesday. The 6-foot-5 point guard, the 30th pick in the draft, averaged 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds for New Mexico during his senior season. The 23-year-old Giddens brings a reputation as a strong defender to the defending NBA champion Celtics. Giddens said he has matured in the last few years. He pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge after being stabbed at a bar fight in May 2005 while playing for Kansas.

Celtics sign first-round draft choice J.R. Giddens
The Boston Celtics signed their first-round draft pick J.R. Giddens on Tuesday.

Celtics sign 1st-round pick Giddens (AP)
The Boston Celtics signed their first-round draft pick J.R. Giddens on Tuesday. The 6-foot-5 point guard, the 30th pick in the draft, averaged 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds for New Mexico during his senior season. The 23-year-old Giddens brings a reputation as a strong defender to the defending NBA champion Celtics.

Celtics sign 2nd-rounder, K-State star Walker
The Celtics have signed second-round draft pick Bill Walker. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge praised Walker's "hard work and skill development" over the summer in announcing the signing Friday. Boston obtained the rights to the 6-foot-6 forward out of Kansas State for cash after he was chosen with the 47th pick by Washington in this year's NBA draft. Walker had minor arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last month after injuring it in a pre-draft workout in June.

Celtics sign 2nd-round pick F Walker (AP)
The Celtics have signed second-round draft pick Bill Walker. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge praised Walker's "hard work and skill development" over the summer in announcing the signing Friday. Boston obtained the rights to the 6-foot-6 forward out of Kansas State for cash after he was chosen with the 47th pick by Washington in this year's NBA draft.

Celtics sign Miles despite knee injury
The Boston Celtics signed forward Darius Miles, who missed the last two NBA seasons because of knee injuries. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said Friday that Miles worked out twice for the team before signing. Miles played for Portland in the 2005-2006 season. Portland waived Miles after it was determined his right knee was damaged enough to qualify as a career-ending injury. Miles was selected third overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2000 NBA draft.

Celtics sign F Darius Miles (AP)
The Boston Celtics signed forward Darius Miles, who missed the last two NBA seasons because of knee injuries. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said Friday that Miles worked out twice for the team before signing. Miles played for Portland in the 2005-2006 season. Portland waived Miles after it was determined his right knee was damaged enough to qualify as a career-ending injury.

Sources: Finley, Spurs agree to terms of contract
After drawing interest from a few top contenders, including the NBA's new champions in Boston, Michael Finley has elected to re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs.

Celtics open vs. Cavs; Lakers vs. Oden, Blazers
The Boston Celtics begin defense of their NBA title on opening night against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and will face the Los Angeles Lakers in a finals rematch on Christmas Day. The Celtics will host the Cavaliers, who they beat in seven games in last season's Eastern Conference semifinals, on Oct. 28. The Lakers are also in action that night, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers in what should be Greg Oden's NBA debut. The No.

Celts open vs. Cavs, at Lakers on X-Mas (AP)
The Boston Celtics begin defense of their NBA title on opening night against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and will face the Los Angeles Lakers in a finals rematch on Christmas Day. The Celtics will host the Cavaliers, who they beat in seven games in last season's Eastern Conference semifinals, on Oct.

Cavaliers-Celtics picked to open NBA season
Cleveland visits defending NBA champion Boston to launch the 2008-09 season on Oct. 28, the league announced Wednesday.

'Agitated' Pierce cuffed, let go in Vegas
Police detained NBA star Paul Pierce in handcuffs during a weekend traffic stop on the Las Vegas Strip, but released him without issuing a summons. Las Vegas police Officer Bill Cassell said Monday that Pierce was handcuffed briefly after emerging "a little agitated" from a vehicle he was driving around 3 a.m. Sunday. Pierce led the Boston Celtics to the championship this year and was MVP of the finals.

Wolves, Gomes agree on 5-year deal
The Minnesota Timberwolves and restricted free agent forward Ryan Gomes have agreed in principle on a five-year contract. Gomes was one of five players acquired by the Wolves last summer in the big trade with Boston for Kevin Garnett. Gomes played in all 82 games, 74 as a starter, and averaged a career-best 12.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. The deal was agreed upon Friday, agent Bob Myers said. Gomes was expected to sign the contract on Tuesday.

Wolves, F Gomes agree on 5-year contract (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves and restricted free agent forward Ryan Gomes have agreed in principle on a five-year contract. Gomes was one of five players acquired by the Wolves last summer in the big trade with Boston for Kevin Garnett. Gomes played in all 82 games, 74 as a starter, and averaged a career-best 12.6 points and 5.8 rebounds.

Pierce says U.S. team needs to reclaim gold medal
Now that the Boston Celtics are once again NBA champions, American basketball's next great championship hope falls to the men's Olympic team.

Telfair agrees to terms with Timberwolves
Sebastian Telfair will return for a second season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Telfair's agent said Monday the point guard has agreed to terms with the Wolves. The move fills a big void for the Wolves, who have only one other point guard on the roster in Randy Foye. Foye was injured for much of last year, pushing Telfair into the starter's role after he was acquired from Boston in the trade for Kevin Garnett. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.

Telfair agrees to terms with Wolves (AP)
Sebastian Telfair will return for a second season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Telfair's agent said Monday the point guard has agreed to terms with the Wolves. The move fills a big void for the Wolves, who have only one other point guard on the roster in Randy Foye. Foye was injured for much of last year, pushing Telfair into the starter's role after he was acquired from Boston in the trade for...

Report: Celtics to keep key reserves House, Allen
Eddie House and Tony Allen reportedly won't be following James Posey out of Boston.

Reports: Champs retain House, Allen
A week after losing sixth man James Posey to the New Orleans Hornets, the Boston Celtics retained two other free-agent reserves from their championship team.

Celtics re-sign Gs House, Tony Allen (AP)
The Boston Celtics have re-signed guards Eddie House and Tony Allen, two role players from their title-winning team. General manager Danny Ainge confirmed the deals Monday. Contract terms were not immediately disclosed. The Celtics have lost sixth man James Posey as a free agent, but the bulk of the team that won the franchise's 17th NBA championship will be back.

Cavaliers sign G Gibson to 5-year deal (AP)

The Cavaliers finally made a move this offseason, signing sharpshooter Daniel Gibson to a five-year contract Wednesday. Bringing back Gibson, a restricted free agent, was one of Cleveland's top priorities. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The guard averaged a career-high 10.4 points on 43 percent shooting last season.

Celtics sign ex-Warriors pick O'Bryant to contract
The Boston Celtics signed free agent center Patrick O'Bryant, a former first-round pick who played 40 games for Golden State last season.

Celtics sign free-agent C O'Bryant (AP)
The Boston Celtics signed free agent center Patrick O'Bryant, a former first-round pick who played 40 games for Golden State last season. The Celtics did not disclose terms of the deal announced Wednesday. O'Bryant, the ninth overall pick in 2006, averaged 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game last season.

Hornets sign Posey to 4-year, $25M deal
The New Orleans Hornets have signed free agent forward James Posey. Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, says Posey, who played last season for the Boston Celtics, has agreed to a four-year contract worth $25 million.

Hornets, Posey agree to $25M deal (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets have signed free agent forward James Posey. Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, says Posey, who played last season for the Boston Celtics, has agreed to a four-year contract worth $25 million.

Celtics great Russell writing book about Auerbach
Basketball great Bill Russell is working on a memoir about his friendship with the late Red Auerbach, the Boston Celtics coach for whom Russell starred on a long run of championship teams.

Bill Russell working on Auerbach memoir (AP)
Basketball great Bill Russell is working on a memoir about his friendship with the late Red Auerbach, the Boston Celtics coach for whom Russell starred on a long run of championship teams. "Red and Me" will be published by HarperCollins in Spring 2009. "Arnold Jacob Auerbach passed on Oct. 28, 2006 -- almost 50 years from when I joined his Boston Celtics," Russell said Monday in a statement.

Report: Maggette has offer on table from Boston
Clippers free agent Corey Maggette is considering an offer from the Celtics. Boston has offered Maggette the full midlevel exception, worth around $5.8 million, the Boston Globe reported, citing an NBA source.

Mavs take flyer on former dunk champion Green
Former slam dunk champion Gerald Green signed a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. The 6-foot-8, 200-pound swingman is known mostly for his exploits in the last two dunk contests, winning it in 2007 and finishing second to Dwight Howard this year. In games that count, he has career averages of 8.1 points and 2.2 rebounds. He's played for Boston, Minnesota and Houston in his three-year career since being drafted 18th overall coming out of high school.

Police to review Celtics fan's death (AP)
Boston's police commissioner is asking for an independent review into the death of a man who stopped breathing while being arrested on the night the Boston Celtics won the NBA championship. Twenty-two-old David Woodman died Sunday, 11 days after police say they spotted him drinking from an open container of what they believed was alcohol.

Celtics C Perkins has shoulder surgery (AP)
Boston Celtics starting center Kendrick Perkins has undergone surgery on his left shoulder. The Celtics said Perkins had arthroscopic surgery Wednesday at New England Baptist Hospital. Also undergoing surgery was the Celtics' second-round draft pick, Bill Walker, to repair damage to his right knee. The NBA champions said both procedures were successful.

Minnesota hands out offers to three RFAs
The Minnesota Timberwolves extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith and Chris Richard on Monday and chose to let Sebastian Telfair and Kirk Snyder become unrestricted free agents. The moves were a formality the team had to go through with the start of the free agent bidding period beginning on Tuesday. Gomes was acquired from Boston in last year's deal for Kevin Garnett. The versatile forward averaged career highs in points (12.6), rebounds (5.

Lakers extend offers to Vujacic, Turiaf
The Los Angeles Lakers have given qualifying offers to restricted free agents Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf. General manager Mitch Kupchak announced the moves Monday. The Lakers, beaten by Boston in six games in the NBA finals, are expected to remain essentially intact for next season. Kupchak has said he hopes to keep Vujacic and Turiaf. As restricted free agents, Vujacic and Turiaf may sign an offer sheet with any team, but the Lakers would have the right to match.

Lakers extend offers to Vujacic, Turiaf (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers have given qualifying offers to restricted free agents Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf. General manager Mitch Kupchak announced the moves Monday. The Lakers, beaten by Boston in six games in the NBA finals, are expected to remain essentially intact for next season. Kupchak has said he hopes to keep Vujacic and Turiaf.

Gatorade-stained shirt sells for $35K, plus pledges
The Gatorade-stained shirt worn by Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers as the team won its first NBA championship in 22 years has been auctioned for $55,000. An anonymous bidder bought the shirt, autographed by Rivers and Celtics star Paul Pierce, and the accompanying Gatorade bucket at a charity auction on sports radio WEEI-AM's Web site. The proceeds will benefit the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation. The foundation said Tuesday the high bid of $35,000 came from an anonymous bidder.

Rivers' Gatorade-stained shirt nets $55K (AP)
The Gatorade-stained shirt worn by Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers as the team won its first NBA championship in 22 years has been auctioned for $55,000. An anonymous bidder bought the shirt, autographed by Rivers and Celtics star Paul Pierce, and the accompanying Gatorade bucket at a charity auction on sports radio WEEI-AM's Web site.

Celtics honored in pregame tribute at Fenway Park
A fast-moving thunderstorm didn't dampen the Fenway Park fans' spirit for the NBA champion Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Jackson, Lakers believe future is bright
The healing process has begun for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite their loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals, which included a 39-point defeat in the decisive Game 6, the Lakers believe their future is bright. Lakers coach Phil Jackson and general manager Mitch Kupchak each said Friday afternoon that they believe the team can be a contender for the next five to six years. "We're not about looking back at what we did wrong," Jackson said.

Red Sox honor NBA champion Celtics (AP)
A fast-moving thunderstorm didn't dampen the Fenway Park fans' spirit for the NBA champion Boston Celtics on Friday night. Honored during a brief pregame ceremony as heavy rain was falling, the NBA champs -- atop three duck boats -- entered from center-field and circled Fenway to a standing ovation, a shortened scene from their parade through downtown on Thursday.

Lakers believe future is bright (AP)
The healing process has begun for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite their loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals, which included a 39-point defeat in the decisive Game 6, the Lakers believe their future is bright. Lakers coach Phil Jackson and general manager Mitch Kupchak each said Friday afternoon that they believe the team can be a contender for the next five to six years.

Memories galore in 2007-08 for Boston fans
A World Series, a 16-0 regular season and now an NBA title. It's been quite a year for Boston sports fans, Kevin Hench says.

Bush offers congratulations to Celtics (AP)
President Bush has offered his congratulations to the Boston Celtics for winning their 17th NBA championship. Team owner Wyc Grousbeck says the president called him Wednesday, one day after the Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 and secured their first title in 22 years. Grousbeck says "that helped it sink in." Grousbeck says Bush told him he really enjoyed the game and that the Celtics...

Celtics, fans celebrate 17th NBA title
Boston is going green. Fans were lining up and the Celtics were getting ready for Thursday's "rolling rally" to celebrate their first championship in 22 years. Trains into the city and the TD Banknorth Garden's souvenir shop were jammed in anticipation of the parade kickoff at 11 a.m. Owners Wyc and Irv Grousbeck showed off a 2008 championship banner in the hallway at the Garden similar to the 16 others already hanging from the rafters.

Roots of this Celtics title were planted by Red
An all-black roster with an African-American coach won a title in Boston. Jason Whitlock says it's one more win for Red Auerbach.

Celtics rally scheduled for Thursday
The streets of Boston will be turned into a mobile party for the second time in a year. Boston Mayor Tom Menino told WBZ-AM radio Wednesday that a "rolling rally" to honor the NBA champion Boston Celtics will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The rally is expected to start at the TD Banknorth Garden, where the Celtics clinched their 17th crown on Tuesday night with a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Celtics to hold 'rolling rally' Thursday (AP)
Boston's streets will be crowded again Thursday with screaming fans celebrating a championship -- but this time they'll be wearing green. Mayor Tom Menino announced plans Wednesday for a "rolling rally" at 11 a.m. Thursday to celebrate the Boston Celtics' win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Rivers keeps Jackson from passing Red (AP)
Light up one more for Red. Some fans wore green Celtics jerseys with the name "AUERBACH" in white capital letters on the back. Others puffed victory cigars -- an understandable disregard of anti-smoking laws on a special night -- just as the team's late patriarch often did. After all, Boston did more than just win its first NBA championship in 22 years with a 131-92 rout of Los Angeles on Tuesday...

That's how we roll: Parade for Celtics on Thursday
The streets of Boston will be turned into a mobile party for the second time in a year.

Up to 30 arrested after Celtics' win (AP)
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis says up to 30 people have been arrested during the Celtics championship celebration, most for disorderly conduct. Several storefront windows were damaged near the TD Banknorth Garden after the Celtics' 131-92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Celtics add 17th title to record haul (AP)
When the Boston Celtics built a new practice facility, they surrounded the court with their 16 NBA championship banners and left a blank space for No. 17. The message was a bit too subtle for Doc Rivers. The Celtics coach turned a spotlight on the empty spot on the wall at the beginning of this season so there would be no doubt about the team's goal.

Celtics' clincher draws best ratings since 2000
The Boston Celtics' deciding victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night earned a 10.7 rating on ABC, the network said Wednesday.

Kriegel: Celtic pride returns to Boston


Celtics return to glory with championship effort
As their team destroyed the Lakers for its first NBA title in 22 years, Boston fans had every reason to revel, Mark Kriegel says.

Police: 22 arrested after Celts clinch Finals title
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis says up to 30 people have been arrested during the Celtics championship celebration, most for disorderly conduct. Several storefront windows were damaged near the TD Banknorth Garden after the Celtics' 131-92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Police increased patrols around the arena Tuesday night and early Wednesday and used video surveillance at key areas around the city to control rowdiness.

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.

Scouts Inc. breakdown: Lakers vs. Celtics, Game 6
Scouts Inc. breaks down Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the L.A. Lakers and the Boston Celtics and picks the winner.

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...

NBA Finals Preview: Game 6
The Lakers need two wins in Boston. For that to happen, Kobe must get lots of help from Pau Gasol, Marques Johnson says.

Lakers defense has yet to play well in Finals
The Lakers are headed back to Boston for Game 6, but Mike Kahn says their porous defense leaves them little hope.

Stein: Lakers ready to make history? Probably not without some help
As Marc Stein writes, Game 5 saved the season, but it didn't prove Los Angeles has enough to do twice what they failed to do even once: win in Boston.

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.

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' defense has yet to play well in Finals
The Lakers are headed back to Boston for Game 6, but Mike Kahn says their porous defense leaves them little hope.

Celtics home with 2 chances to win title (AP)
The Boston Celtics are home, not home free. Unable to put the finishing touches on the Los Angeles Lakers and wrap up their first championship since 1986, the NBA's best team since November flew back across three time zones Monday for a Game 6 they were hoping they wouldn't have to play. But injuries, another big first-half deficit and a sub-par performance by center Kevin Garnett cost the...

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...

Lakers hold on to beat Celtics in Game 5
Facing elimination, the Lakers built a big lead early but had to hold on late to win Game 5 and send the series back to Boston.

Celtics' Perkins scratched with bum shoulder
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins will miss Game 5 of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a strained left shoulder. Perkins said before Sunday's game that he was in pain any time he moved his arm, and wouldn't be able to play. Perkins left open the possibility of playing in Game 6, if the Lakers win on Sunday. If the Celtics win, he'll have all summer to recover.

Kobe not feeling pressure, says Finals 'ain't over'
Faced with long odds, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers returned to the practice floor Saturday for the first time since Game 4, when the Boston Celtics stormed back from a 24-point deficit to win and take a 3-1 lead in this reborn rivalry.

Kobe says series is far from over
With the same purpose as one of his in-your-face jumpers, Kobe Bryant leaned into the microphone. He promised more NBA finals games to come. "The series ain't over," he said. "It's far from over." Faced with long odds, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers returned to the practice floor Saturday for the first time since Game 4, when the Boston Celtics stormed back from a 24-point deficit to win and take a 3-1 lead in this reborn rivalry. The Lakers have run out of time and tomorrows.

Bryant says NBA finals 'ain't over' (AP)
With the same purpose as one of his in-your-face jumpers, Kobe Bryant leaned into the microphone. He promised more NBA finals games to come. "The series ain't over," he said. "It's far from over." Faced with long odds, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers returned to the practice floor Saturday for the first time since Game 4, when the Boston Celtics stormed back from a 24-point deficit to win and take...

Perkins favoring shoulder, but says he'll play
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins said there is a "strong possibility" he can play in Game 5 of the NBA finals, even though he didn't practice Saturday and appeared to be heavily favoring his strained left shoulder. "It's the finals, man. You've got to suck it up and go all out," he said before practice at the Los Angeles Lakers training facility. "I feel like I can go (Sunday night). The doctor feels the same way. There's a strong possibility I'm playing.

Nicked Perkins favoring shoulder at C's practice
Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins said there is a "strong possibility" he can play in Game 5 of the NBA finals, even though he didn't practice Saturday and appeared to be heavily favoring his strained left shoulder.

Celtics' Perkins (shoulder) uncertain for Game 5
The Boston Celtics aren't sure if center Kendrick Perkins will be able to play in Sunday night's Game 5 of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Perkins in doubt for Sunday's Game 5
The Boston Celtics aren't sure if center Kendrick Perkins will be able to play in Sunday night's Game 5 of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Perkins strained his left shoulder in Boston's 97-91 victory Thursday night. He is averaging 4.5 points in the series. Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo also aggravated his sprained left ankle, and star forward Paul Pierce rolled his right ankle in Game 4, but the captain stayed in the game. Both are day to day.

Boston may have just put Finals away
Kobe said his young Lakers squad "wet the bed" in blowing Game 4. But Mark Kriegel says the truth is Boston simply spanked L.A.

Celtics C Perkins uncertain for Game 5 (AP)
The Boston Celtics aren't sure if center Kendrick Perkins will be able to play in Sunday night's Game 5 of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Perkins strained his left shoulder in Boston's 97-91 victory Thursday night. He is averaging 4.5 points in the series. Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo also aggravated his sprained left ankle, and star forward Paul Pierce rolled his right ankle in...

Boston may have put Finals away with big comeback
Kobe said his young Lakers squad "wet the bed" in blowing Game 4. But Mark Kriegel says the truth is Boston simply spanked L.A.

Kobe, Lakers suffer gutting loss in Game 4
Even Kobe Bryant couldn't save the Los Angeles Lakers, who find themselves on the brink of elimination after one of the biggest collapses in NBA finals history. The Lakers led Boston by as many as 24 points in the second quarter and by 20 midway through the third before the Celtics rallied for a 97-91 victory Thursday night and a 3-1 series lead. No team has ever come back from such a deficit in the finals. "We let a huge opportunity slip away," Bryant said.

Pierce helps Celtics rally for 3-1 series lead
In the quiet of the stunned Staples Center, Paul Pierce finally peeked at the scoreboard in triumph. Flexing his arms after beating the team he grew up idolizing, Pierce celebrated leading Boston back from an unprecedented deficit to a 97-91 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the NBA finals Thursday night. "It's a dream if I can come out here and win on Sunday," said Pierce, who scored 14 of his 20 points in the second half, when the Celtics erased most of a 24-point deficit.

Kobe, Laker suffer gutting loss in Game 4
Even Kobe Bryant couldn't save the Los Angeles Lakers, who find themselves on the brink of elimination after one of the biggest collapses in NBA finals history. The Lakers led Boston by as many as 24 points in the second quarter and by 20 midway through the third before the Celtics rallied for a 97-91 victory Thursday night and a 3-1 series lead. No team has ever come back from such a deficit in the finals. "We let a huge opportunity slip away," Bryant said.

Down 24, Celtics top Lakers to go up 3-1 (AP)

In their comeback season, the Celtics saved the biggest one of all for the NBA finals. Boston rallied from a 24-point deficit and beat the Los Angeles Lakers 97-91 on Thursday night to take a commanding 3-1 lead in this history-rich series and move within one victory of a 17th championship that seemed impossible a year ago.

Lakers lead by record 21 after 1 quarter (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers led the Boston Celtics 35-14 after the first quarter of Game 4 of the NBA finals on Thursday night -- the biggest deficit after 12 minutes in the history of the league's championship series. The previous record was a 36-16 lead that Los Angeles took in Game 6 of the 1970 finals against the New York Knicks.

NBA Finals Preview: Game 4
With Rajon Rondo slowed by a sprained ankle, Marques Johnson thinks Eddie House can give Boston a boost in Game 4.

Ref's charges of conspiracy linger over NBA finals
If Tim Donaghy's latest allegations are true, Kobe Bryant won his last championship with the help of an NBA conspiracy. And Scot Pollard is still ringless because some guys in suits determined it would be that way. Even with Bryant chasing another title in a marquee NBA finals matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, the league still can't escape the Donaghy mess, now nearly a year after learning the former referee bet on games he officiated.

Both teams look forward to better Game 4 outing
Maybe the NBA finals should book an appointment with one of Southern California's finest plastic surgeons. After a shabby, sluggish Game 3, featuring enough air balls and air-headed plays for seven games, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers could use a few nips, tucks and lifts. Another good night's sleep or afternoon nap might help, too. "It wasn't the prettiest game," said Celtics center Kevin Garnett, who missed two dunks