Sports Redux: Streaks Snapped

That thing about the Celtics and struggling on Friday nights. Well, nevermind. After three consecutive Friday night home losses, the Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 116-103 thanks to outstanding shooting and a 33-17 surge in the third quarter after trailing at the half.

Mike Gorman said last night's game was the 4th best shooting game by the Celtics in 10 years. Mr. Gorman probably has his statistical data in order so Bostonist can't challenge him. However, the game stats do look good with the C's going 48-77 (.623) from the field against Toronto.

The Celtics won their third in a row as Ray Allen scored 20 points and Paul Pierce and Kendrick Perkins each added 18 points. Rajon Rondo finished with 12 points and 11 assists. Rasheed Wallace came offthe bench to score 15 points with three three-pointers.

Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu each scored 20 points for Toronto.

Friday presented Boston with a Garden doubleheader. While the Celtics sent everyone home happy, the Boston Bruins probably aren't happy with Friday's 2-1 shootout loss to the Devils that snapped a four-game winning streak. But, if you listen to Peter Chiarelli, the Bruins are relieved that power forward Milan Lucic will miss just one month with a high-ankle sprain. PC said "When I saw the injury happen...I certainly expected worse." Lucic's return from his previous injury coincided with the B's resurgence.

Blake Wheeler scored in regulation and in the shootout for the Bruins against Martin Brodeur, who set another NHL record yesterday. New Jersey's goalie became the NHL's all-time minutes leader. Congratulations from Bostonist. Jamie Langenbrunner and Zach Parise beat Tuukka Rask in the shootout.

Apparently, there's a high-profile NFL game Monday involving the Patriots. According to the Globe, it's a "statement game" for the Patriots as well as the New Orleans Saints. Chris Gaspar says the Patriots don't have a "season-defining victory," and the Saints, despite a 10-0 record, aren't considered a great team.