Celtics Crush Nets In Atlantic Division Clash

Ray Allen scored 25 points and five other Celtics were in double figures for the Atlantic Division leaders.

Ray Allen scored 25 points and five other Celtics were in double figures for the Atlantic Division leaders, who had lost seven of nine games before beginning their winning streak.

Allen collected 20 of his points in a one-sided first half which Boston led 68-39. The Celtics were 18-2 ahead after only seven minutes.

"We know first hand that's when teams get confident, early on, and keep it going throughout the game," Allen told reporters. "We've lost a couple of games this year that way, from not coming out with the right energy."

Rajon Rondo had 12 assists by halftime and finished with 14. He also had nine rebounds and eight points.

Kevin Garnett contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds, Paul Pierce and Eddie House each scored 13 points, Leon Powe had 12 and Brian Scalabrine 11.

TOTALLY EMBARRASSED

Brook Lopez topped New Jersey with 28 points and 10 rebounds. The only other Nets player with 10 or more points was Jarvis Hayes on 15.

"I was totally embarrassed about our performance," said Nets coach Lawrence Frank after benching his starters in the second half.

"I can't explain it," he said of their poor start. "It's hard to fathom."

Lopez credited Boston's defense for the way the Nets played.

"They pressured us, made us change the way we play our offense," he said. "Defensively they were getting whatever they wanted."

The loss was the third in a row for the third-placed Nets, who dropped to 13 1/2 games behind the Celtics in the division.