Celtics Hunt Down Raptors

Paul Pierce's hard work in the offseason paid off in Boston's season opener.

Pierce scored 30 points and Walter McCarty tied a career high with 20, including 6-for-6 on 3-pointers, as the Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 103-90 Tuesday night.

"Paul worked on his game every single day this summer," Boston coach Rick Pitino said. "The more experience he gets the more lethal he'll become."

Pierce was 12-for-19 from the field, including 3-for-4 on 3-pointers. He also had eight rebounds and five assists for the Celtics, who were 10-of-13 from long range.

Antoine Walker scored 22 points and Adrian Griffin added 14, including a thunderous dunk in the face of Toronto's Antonio Davis in the second quarter.

"He surprised me with that one. When he did that I jumped out of my seat and I wanted to hug him," Pierce said.

Doug Christie led the Raptors with 20 points. Vince Carter, last year's rookie of the year, was held to 12 points.

Pierce scored the game's first basket and finished the first half with 20 points as Boston took a 50-42 lead.

"Pierce killed us," Toronto swingman Tracy McGrady said. "His confidence was up tonight. He made his first shot and he was tough to stop."

Toronto closed within four points early in the third quarter, but Boston finished the period on a 20-12 run to take a 14-point lead. Pierce sparked the run with a 3-pointer, and Walker scored 11 during the spurt.

"Paul was ready to play, and you can tell he has improved over the summer," Toronto coach Butch Carter said.

Notes