USA – Celtics strike first in Eastern Conference finals against Orlando

ORLANDO (NBA) - The Boston Celtics manhandled the Cleveland Cavaliers in the post-season and now appear intent on doing the same thing to the Orlando Magic.
 
Doc Rivers’ men, who won the NBA title two seasons ago, held on for a 92-88 triumph at the Magic on Sunday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
 
Boston led by as many as 20 points in the game.
 
In the third quarter, they seemed to take control for good with a 22-5 run.
 
Captain Paul Pierce poured in 13 of his 22 points in the frame.
 
Orlando stormed back and pulled to within 90-88 after Jameer Nelson rebounded Vince Carter’s intentionally missed free-throw and scored on the put-back.
 
But Boston’s Ray Allen (25 points) sank two free-throws for the last points of the game.
 
Team USA big man Dwight Howard had 13 points and 12 boards for Orlando, who got 20 points and nine rebounds from point guard Nelson.
 
The Los Angeles Lakers host Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Monday against Phoenix.
 
Boston beat LA in the NBA finals two years ago.
 
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