BOSTON – Rajon Rondo scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half, leading the Boston Celtics to an 81-73 victory over Toronto on Wednesday night and a sweep of their two-game preseason series with the Raptors.
Rondo, the subject of post-lockout trade rumors involving Chris Paul before Paul was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers, had 10 points in the first 8 minutes. Rondo had seven assists and two steals in 23 minutes.
Paul Pierce missed the game for the Celtics with a heel problem.
Andrea Bargnani led the Raptors with 20 points, and DeMar DeRozan had 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Celtics open the regular season against the New York Knicks in New York on Christmas Day, while the Raptors open their season Monday night at Cleveland.
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