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Celtics Top Bobcats Without Big Three

Stars don't play, but Powe helps Boston clinch home-court

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted Apr 6, 2008 1:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – Even without the Big Three, the Boston Celtics had enough firepower to make history.
Leon Powe had 22 points and nine rebounds, leading a makeshift lineup of Celtics who were never threatened in a 101-78 win over the Charlotte Bobcats last night that not only clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, but set the NBA record for biggest single-season turnaround.

Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, didn't play. Pierce was not with the team after his daughter was born Friday. Allen and Garnett were being rested with the start of the playoffs two weeks away. It didn't matter. Powe dominated the inside and James Posey added a season-high 19 points for the Celtics, who improved to 61-15. That's 37 more wins that last season's 24-58 disaster.

Boston Celtics forward James Posey (41) drives past Charlotte Bobcats guard Matt Carroll, right, during the second half of the Celtics' 101-78 last night.
Boston Celtics forward James Posey (41) drives past Charlotte Bobcats guard Matt Carroll, right, during the second half of the Celtics' 101-78 last night.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Boston Celtics forward Leon Powe (0) dunks as Charlotte Bobcats guard Matt Carroll (13) looks on during the first half of the Celtics' 101-78 win last night.
Boston Celtics forward Leon Powe (0) dunks as Charlotte Bobcats guard Matt Carroll (13) looks on during the first half of the Celtics' 101-78 win last night.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Boston Celtics guard Tony Allen (42) grabs a loose ball as Charlotte Bobcats forward Jermareo Davidson, right, reaches in last night.
Boston Celtics guard Tony Allen (42) grabs a loose ball as Charlotte Bobcats forward Jermareo Davidson, right, reaches in last night.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Charlotte Bobcats guard Jason Richardson (23) reacts after being called for a technical foul by referee referee John Goble, right, during the Bobcats' 101-78 loss to the Boston Celtics last night.
Charlotte Bobcats guard Jason Richardson (23) reacts after being called for a technical foul by referee referee John Goble, right, during the Bobcats' 101-78 loss to the Boston Celtics last night.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Charlotte Bobcats guard Earl Boykins (11) drives past Boston Celtics forward Leon Powe (0) during the first half in an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, April 5, 2008.
Charlotte Bobcats guard Earl Boykins (11) drives past Boston Celtics forward Leon Powe (0) during the first half in an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, April 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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