Celtics Cavaliers clash

The Boston Celtics slump continues. Considered one of the top three teams in this season, along with the Cavaliers and the LA Lakers, the Celtics clash with the Cavaliers was expected to produce fireworks. And it was an intense game, punctuated with some on-court hostility. Kevin Garnett was called for a technical four in the first quarter when he got caught slapping Anderson Varejao's arm after he was shoved by the Cavs forward. Ben Wallace was fouled and taken out of the game.
LeBron James (23) of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives past Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics in the second quarter of their highly anticipated NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
The final scoreline of 98-83 in favor of the Cavaliers improved their winnings at home to a record 19-0. It was also the Celtics' second-worst loss of the season....even though there was quality basketball before the final rites. Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 15 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo added 13 assists for the Celtics. Anderson Varejao scored 14 points and Mo Williams 13 for Cleveland.

The hero of the Celtics-Cavalier clash was LeBron James with an impressive 38 points. He also played defense on Paul Pierce, cutting off his driving lanes and keeping a hand in his face, making him miss all four shots he attempted in the third quarter. Paul got only 11 points in the game.

AP
Tom Withers