It was a case of deja vu for the Boston Celtics as they beat the Toronto Raptors for the second time in two days on Monday, but this time they needed overtime to secure a 115-109 win. Paul Pierce scored a season-high 39 points for the Celtics despite a sore right knee. "There are players who play the game; there are players who absolutely love the game. Paul's one of those 'love' guys," the Celtics coach Doc Rivers said.
"He's tough as nails. He's able to play through pain because of the love for the game." Pierce nailed a three-pointer for the first points in overtime and Boston never trailed again. "Doc's been around me long enough to know that it takes a lot to keep me off the court," Pierce said. "I was a little ginger but I was able to get some much-needed rest last night." Kevin Garnett added 20 points to help secure the 19th victory in 21 home games for the Atlantic Division-leading Celtics.
Meanwhile, in other action, Brook Lopez scored four of his career-high 31 points in overtime as the New Jersey Nets pulled out a 103-97 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mehmet Okur netted 43 points as the Indiana Pacers defeated the Utah Jazz 120-113. Travis Outlaw scored 23 of his 33 points in the second half to make up for an off night by All-Star Brandon Roy, who scored just 11 points, to lift the Portland Trail Blazers to a 109-95 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
David Lee scored 24 points and added nine rebounds and three assists to lead the New York Knicks to a 101-95 win over the New Orleans Hornets. Michael Redd scored 29 points as the Milwaukee Bucks overcame a 13-point second-half deficit to defeat the Washington Wizards 97-91. * Reuters
