Celtics' size overpowers Cleveland

Celtics' size overpowers Cleveland

Boston’s size was way too much for Cleveland to handle last night.

While Rajon Rondo set the tone with a season-high 23 points and 13 assists, it was the Celtics’ domination in the paint that led the charge in a 106-87 win over the Cavaliers on Tuesday at the Quicken Loans Arena.

With help from Glen Davis, who scored 17 points off the bench, and 11 points apiece from Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, Boston (13-4) scored 60 of its 106 points in the paint and blocked eight shots.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

The Cavaliers (7-10) actually led at the end of the opening quarter, but the Celtics outscored them 35-22 in the second and then broke it open in the third, leading by as many as 19 points before the start of the fourth.

After missing practice Monday due to what he labeled a “miscommunication,” Shaquille O’Neal chipped in with six points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes. O’Neal said he misread the dry erase board in the team’s locker room and ultimately apologized to Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen for the misunderstanding.

Marquis Daniels played 32 minutes off the bench for Boston and finished with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Boston is back at home tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers at 7:30 p.m., followed by another home game Friday against Chicago. The Cavaliers are prepping for the return of LeBron James, who will lead Miami into town on Thursday night.