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Celtics' 'Big Three' on display vs. Raptors

Nov 4, 2007 - 2:18 PM Boston (1-0) at Toronto (2-0) 2:30 pm EDT

TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics lived up to the offseason hype in their debut. On Sunday, they will try to keep the momentum going when they face the Toronto Raptors.

The Celtics opened the season with a 103-83 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Boston's "Big Three" of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce did not disappoint, combining for 67 points, 29 rebounds and 11 assists.

Garnett, who was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in July, had the biggest impact, scoring 22 points while grabbing 20 rebounds.

Garnett has been one of the NBA's most consistent players during his career, averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds a game over his last nine seasons.

However, despite his talent, the 6-11 power forward has made it past the first round of the playoffs just once in his career. Garnett took the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals during the 2003-04 campaign, but has not returned to the postseason since.

The Raptors are trying to start the season 3-0 for the first time since the 2004-05 season.

Toronto began its campaign with an 11-point victory over the Philadelphia 76ers before routing the Nets, 106-69, on the road on Friday.

Andrea Bargnani led the way for the Raptors, scoring 21 points against the Nets while pulling down six rebounds. He shot 4-for-6 on 3-pointers.

The No. 1 overall pick in 2006 averaged 11.6 points and 3.9 rebounds during his rookie year but missed the last month of the season - including the Raptors' playoff run - after having an emergency appendectomy in May.