The Boston Celtics struggled through a listless Sunday afternoon game and beat the Cleveland Cavaliers minus an injured Lebron James 80-70 at the TD BankNorth Garden.The Celtics were led by Ray Allen who had 20 points and Rajon Rondo who chipped in 12. The defending Eastern Conference champs got a double-double each from Zydrunas Ilgauskas who had 12 points and 13 boards and Drew Gooden who had 10 points and 11 rebounds in a losing cause.
The C’s had built up a 21 point lead, 77-56 with 5 minutes left, but with subs on the floor Cleveland chipped away but never threatened.
Boston rookie Glen Davis, who is quickly becoming a fan favorite, played 21 minutes before fouling out with 9 points and 7 rebounds. Former UConn Husky Donyell Marshall did not play for the Cavs. He is still nursing a wrist injury.
The Green improved to a NBA-best 14-2 by beating one of the teams they lost to. The Cavs who were without James for the second game in a row dropped to 9-9.
The Celtics are off until Wednesday when they play the 76ers in Philly.
