Quisy does it...

Behind a great performance by Marquis Daniels, starting in Paul Pierce's place, the Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors in Canada tonight 117-112. Without Shaq, Pierce, Delonte or Lasme, the C's still manhandled the Raps for most of this game. It got very interesting in the 4th as Toronto went on a 24-2 run, but the C's reserves held on for the win.

Marquis continued to delight CelticNation with excellent all-around play. In 28 minutes on the floor, Marquis tallied 14 points, 7 boards, 3 helpers and 2 thefts. He also continued to hit from long-range, going 2 for 2 from beyond the arc, including a halfcourt heave at the end of the 2nd quarter. Rondo also played very well- probably the best I've seen from him this preseason. Rajon finished with 21 points, including 12 of 15 from the charity stripe. Von Wafer, who many Celtics fans and members of the media think is on the wrong side of the bubble, had his best performance as a C putting in 14 points on 100% shooting including 3 buckets from downtown. He took advantage of the abcense of both Paul Pierce (night off) and Delonte West (back spasms). Nate Robinson continued his solid play with 23 points to lead the C's.

The Celtics will now fly to Hartford where they will face the Knicks tomorrow night. Tip-off is at 7:30pm.
On a personal note, I made the decision today that I am in fact going to attend Opening Night at the Garden. It's going to cost a pretty penny, but I have not missed an Opening Night in a few years, and this year's is going to be electric. 11 more days until Celtics-Heat at the Garden.....