Off Topic » ptors responded with a 15-2 run with Valanciunas scoring

Toronto, ON (SportsNetwork.com) - James Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas each scored eight of their 15 points during the pivotal third quarter, and Toronto snapped its four-game skid by pulling away for a 109-96 victory over the Boston Celtics at Air Canada Centre. Kyle Lowry and Lou Williams had 19 points apiece, and Johnson pulled down 10 rebounds. Amir Johnson scored 15, and Patrick Patterson totaled 10 points and nine boards for the Atlantic Division leaders, who beat the Celtics for the fourth straight time. I thought our defensive mojo was back, Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. We were doing the things we needed to do with activity and anticipation. Kelly Olynyk had 23 points for Boston, which has dropped nine of its last 11 games. James Johnson and Valanciunas combined to shoot 8-of-9 from the floor in the third quarter, when the Raptors turned a 2-point deficit early in the period into an 82-65 cushion going into the fourth. Amir Johnsons layup to start the quarter expanded Torontos lead to 49-43, but Boston surged in front and gained a 55-53 edge on Jared Sullingers jumper with 8:47 left. The Raptors responded with a 15-2 run with Valanciunas scoring six of those points. Pattersons short jumper at the horn to end the period extended Torontos lead to 17, and the hosts lead never dipped under eight points in the fourth. Lowry scored 10 in the final stanza. Avery Bradley had seven points in the first quarter to help the Celtics grab a 26-19 lead by the end of the period. The visitors used a 13-2 run during the quarter, which was capped by Bradleys layup for a 17-9 edge. Brandon Bass dunk extended Bostons lead to 40-31 with 5:35 remaining in the half, but the Raptors scored the ensuing 12 points. Greivis Vasquez started the burst with a 3-pointer and James Johnson finished it by sinking 1-of-2 free throws with 1:28 left. Williams slam with 17.7 seconds left brought the Raptors lead to 47-43 at the break. Game Notes The Raptors are 6-0 against the Atlantic Division this season ... Toronto hasnt lost five in a row since Nov. 26 - Dec. 6, 2013 ... Raptors forward Terrence Ross went 2-of-4 from 3-point range, part of Torontos 13-of-30 effort. He has made at least one 3-pointer in a career-best 13 consecutive games ... The Raptors still have the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans left on this six-game homestand ... Bradley had 17 points ... Celtics forward Jeff Green didnt play amid rumors that he was being traded to Memphis. Jerry Rice Jersey . The punch happened in the fourth quarter of Milwaukees 116-102 loss to the Kings on Wednesday when the two players became entangled while battling for rebounding position. Patrick Willis Jersey . Dancevic won his singles match on Friday, defeating Go Soeda 6-4, 7-6 (2), 6-1, to even the best-of-five series at a game apiece. World No. 18 Kei Nishikori defeated Peter Polansky in the opening match, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. http://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Patrick-Willis-Jersey/. -- Damian Lillard couldnt believe when he got a clear look at the rim. Jalen Hurd Jersey . The 48th-ranked Williams made her first appearance in Dubai since she won her second straight title here in 2010. Shed missed the last three years either because of injury or Sjogrens Syndrome. Roger Craig Womens Jersey .com) - Former New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya is joining the Major League Baseball Players Association staff as a senior advisor to executive director Tony Clark.AGADIR, Morocco -- Alejandro Canizares of Spain had 11 birdies in a 10-under round of 62 to take a one-stroke lead over Seve Benson of England after the first round of the Trophee Hassan II on Thursday. Canizares mastered the windy conditions at the Golf du Palais Royal course in Agadir for the lowest round of his European Tour career, and it would have been even better if not for a bogey on the third hole. "It was one of those days for me, my swing felt great, I started putting well and the putts went in. It was a lot of fun, when golf is like this its easy," Canizares said. "I missed a couple of drives and from the fairway I missed one shot that cost me a bogey, but that was about it." Benson, who was named after the late Seve Ballesteros, had nine birdies to stayy two shots clear of American golfer Connor Ardenell and Swedens Magnus Carlsson, who were tied at 7 under.dddddddddddd "It was so windy out there on the back nine, but I just managed to play the tough holes well and sink some putts," Benson said. "Capitalizing on my chances is the big thing for me. I have been working really hard with my putting coach and it paid off today." Arendell finished eighth at Qualifying School in November to earn his card for this season, but missed the cut in his first four events. "Its huge, coming over here getting that experience, the travelling; week to week the courses vary quite a bit compared to the U.S.," Arendell said. "Its tough, but over time it will make it that much easier when Im in the U.S." ' ' '