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TSN The Sports Network
Boston, MA - Rookie Kyrie Irving's layup with 2.6 seconds remaining lifted the Cleveland Cavaliers over the Boston Celtics, 88-87, in the opener of a home-and-home set.
Trailing 87-76 with under 4 1/2 minutes to play, the Cavaliers scored the final 12 points of the game to claim victory.
Irving ended with 23 points and six assists for Cleveland, which has won two of three. Anderson Varejao tallied 18 points and nine rebounds.
Ray Allen had 22 points for the Celtics, who had a four-game winning streak snapped. Allen had missed the last three games with a jammed left ankle.
Paul Pierce donated 18 points, six boards and five assists for Boston, which will head to Cleveland on Tuesday. Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass added 14 and 13 points, respectively.
The Sports Network