Grizzlies 90 - 87 Celtics
Final
  for this game

Celtics aim to keep pace with Chicago; welcome Grizzlies to Beantown

Mar 23, 2011 - 3:12 PM (Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics were knocked from their Eastern Conference perch and aim to reclaim the top spot in the standings when they host the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at TD Garden.

The Celtics fell a half-game behind Chicago in the East after the Bulls defeated Atlanta Tuesday. Boston was off last night and is aiming for its third straight victory this evening. It went 2-1 on a three-game road trip and defeated the New York Knicks, 96-86, on Monday thanks to a big fourth quarter.

Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Paul Pierce scored 21 points and Ray Allen posted 15 points for Boston, which outscored the Knicks by a 33-17 margin in the final stanza and is 12-5 in its last 17 games.

"We didn't make one adjustment, we just played the way we are capable of playing with a sense of urgency, more physical," Boston coach Doc Rivers said.

Boston will also welcome Charlotte to Beantown and is 29-6 at home.

Memphis sits in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference -- two games ahead of Houston and three in front of both Phoenix and Utah. The Grizzlies are also one game behind New Orleans and the two in back of Portland in the crowded standings.

The Grizzlies have won two straight, three of four and five of their last eight games, including Monday's 103-85 triumph over the Utah Jazz. Zach Randolph led the charge with 19 points and 13 rebounds while Darrell Arthur scored 14 off the bench for Memphis.

"We had very good ball movement," said Memphis coach Lionel Hollins. "We turned them over a few times and got out and ran. They're not a very good transition defensive team, and we knew we could run on them coming into the game."

Marc Gasol and O.J. Mayo had 11 points apiece in the victory. Memphis will also visit Chicago on the trek and is 14-22 as the guest.

Boston defeated Memphis, 116-110, in overtime on Nov. 13 at FedEx Forum and has won seven of the past eight in the series.






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