James, Garnett inspire victories
02/06/2012 03:49:22 AM
Kevin Garnett and LeBron James were the predictable heroes as both Boston and Miami won at home in the NBA on Sunday.
James scored 30 points as Miami held off Toronto's final-quarter surge to win 95-89, while Dwyane Wade chipped in with 25 points.
Miami lead by 13 at the end of the third quarter but Toronto, inspired by DeMar DeRozan, got within three points in the final period.
But just as the Raptors got close, James made the difference. The powerful 27-year-old first converted two free throws and then, in the next play, stole the ball in the Heat's defensive half and broke clear to dunk; handing Miami a seven-point lead with just two minutes to go.
In Boston, 35-year-old Kevin Garnett inspired the Celtics to an 18-point victory over Memphis.
The 98-80 score line secured Boston's fourth straight win and puts them at seventh in the Eastern Conference.
The Grizzlies had no answer for Garnett as the veteran centre scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
The Celtics blew the visitors away with a 21-7 run early in the final quarter after Memphis was just eight points behind at the final break.