Garnett leads Celtics to fifth straight win

WednesdayCleveland 122-95 Charlotte Philadelphia 69-88 Indiana Washington 106-96 New York Orlando 76-86 LA Clippers Atlanta 103-92 Memphis Miami 114-108 Houston Detroit 90-93 Brooklyn Oklahoma City 119-98 Golden State New Orleans 93-84 Phoenix Dallas 105-99 Portland Minnesota 94-104 San Antonio TORONTO – Kevin Garnett recorded a season-high 27 points as the Boston Celtics continued to prosper in the absence of Rajon Rondo by holding off the Toronto Raptors 99-95 to secure a fifth successive win on Wednesday.The Celtics, who were expected to fade from the post-season picture when Rondo went down with a season-ending knee injury, have instead gone on a storming run, with all five of their victories coming since the All-Star guard was hurt.Garnett has been the subject of persistent trade rumours as the Feb. 21 deadline approaches but it appears increasingly unlikely that he will be leaving Boston as the Celtics (25-23) tighten their grip on a playoff berth.Led by Garnett, all five starters reached double figures as Courtney Lee chipped in with 15 points, Leanadro Barbosa added 14 off the bench and Paul Pierce contributed 12 points along with 11 rebounds.“We are fighters, we are a team that is going to fight for 48 minutes,” Garnett told reporters. “It’s not always pretty, we are not perfect and we are human but we play hard.The night began with the Celtics holding the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and the Raptors 7 1/2 games back in 11th and desperate to cut into Boston’s advantage.

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Garnett leads Celtics to fifth straight win