C’s claw Raptors

NBA. With another dominant defensive performance, the Celtics matched their longest winning streak in 14 years.

Paul Pierce scored 18 points, Kevin Garnett had 16 and the Celtics extended their streak to nine games by beating the Raptors 90-77 yesterday.

“Our philosophy is that defense is going to win games for us,” Garnett said. “We’re trying to have the defense fuel the offense, and it’s been working.”

The Atlantic Division leaders matched their long-est winning streak since March 16-31, 1993.

Boston is 20-2. The only other time the franchise opened the season with that record, it won the 1963-64 championship.

The Celtics lead the NBA in opponents’ scoring average and scoring differential.

“That’s going to be our staple pretty much all year long,” Pierce said. “We’re going to take pride on the defensive end.
“When you get 12 guys committed and on the same page, night in and night out, anything is possible. That’s what we have right now.”

Rajon Rondo had 14, Eddie House came off the bench to score 11 and Tony Allen and James Posey each had 10.

“We’ve got guys that take responsibility when they mess up,” Posey said. “We correct our mistakes, get back out there and make sure we’re on the same page. We just cause havoc for the most part.”

The Celtics won their second straight game without guard Ray Allen (sore right ankle). Allen, who remained in Boston for treatment, is expected to return when Boston hosts Detroit on Wednesday.

Rondo has stepped up with Allen out, collecting 31 points and 12 assists in his past two games.

“He’s been tremendous,” Pierce said. “It seems like he’s getting better each and every game.”