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Celtics open four-game West Coast swing at Kings

Dec 26, 2007 - 1:05 PM Boston (22-3) at Sacramento (11-15) 10:00 pm EST

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) - The Boston Celtics haven't had many challenges at home. But now Boston must see if its got what it takes on the West Coast.

The Celtics will play fours games on the West Coast during the next five days, beginning Wednesday when they visit the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena.

After dropping a hard-fought two-point decision to Detroit to open last week, Boston rebounded with two convincing wins - including Sunday's 103-91 victory over the Orlando Magic.

The Celtics have one of the best road records in the NBA at 8-2.

In the first meeting against Sacramento this season, Paul Pierce poured in 26 points to lead four players in double figures to help Boston roll to a 90-78 victory on December 12.

A triumph on Wednesday will secure the Celtics' first season series sweep of the Kings since the 1995-96 season.

The Kings enter after having their hearts broken when Linas Kleiza drilled the game-winning jumper just before the buzzer as the Denver Nuggets rallied for a 106-105 victory on Sunday.

"This one hurts. We've got to put it behind us somehow," Kings guard Francisco Garcia said. "I don't remember in the last three years one that hurts like this. We were playing so good, too."