Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Rajon Rondo had 13 points and 19 assists, and Boston outscored Cleveland by 19 during a big third quarter to earn a 104-86 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to even their Eastern Conference semifinal series after two games.
Game 2: Celtics Hoping To Steal A Win And Even Series Before Heading Back To Boston
Ray Allen scored 10 of his team-high 22 points in the third quarter for Boston, which bounced back from a 101-93 loss in the opener. Kevin Garnett added 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Rasheed Wallace went 7-of-8 from the field for 17 points off the bench. Paul Pierce scored 14 in the win.
LeBron James was presented his second straight MVP trophy by commissioner David Stern in a ceremony prior to the game and ended with 24 points, 12 of them coming in the last quarter.
Antawn Jamison had 16 points for the Cavaliers, who fell behind by 25 points before scoring 15 in a row in the fourth quarter. They never got within single digits in the final period and dropped only their second playoff home game in the last 15 tries.
Rondo equaled a franchise-record for assists in a playoff game, set by Bob Cousy on two occasions.
The best-of-seven series shifts to Boston for Game 3 Friday.
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