After a slow start, the Celtics raced their way to a 15-point third quarter lead and held off the Cavaliers 95-89. The wealth was spread Tuesday. Boston had four scorers in double figures led by Paul Pierce with 23 but it hardly seemed like Pierce dominated the ball. Boston used its nine-man lineup to confuse Cleveland defensively, forcing the Cavs into unwanted matchups such as Ray Allen posting up Daniel Gibson.

Rasheed Wallace did most of his damage in the first half and fourth quarter while Shelden Williams came off the bench and played quality minutes in place of the injured Glen Davis. Cleveland finished shooting less than 42 percent and was 17-for-47 in final three quarters after jumping out to a 17-4 lead.

Here is a report card on each Celtic player with a comment:

Paul Pierce: Came on in the fourth quarter and took just 13 shots, finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Did a solid job of allowing the game to come to him late -- B+

Kevin Garnett -- Not bad for his first regular-season game in seven months and he should only improve. Could have had more of a role, however -- B

Kendrick Perkings -- I know he's playing against Shaq but he's got to get more than one rebound in nearly 26 minutes. -- C

Ray Allen -- Missed 11 shots, many of those open looks, but did a good job of playing point guard in stretches -- C+

Rajon Rondo -- Never seems to be bothered by anything, despite his Celtics future being decided possibly Saturday. A strong effort and he was a menace on defense -- B+

Rasheed Wallace -- People were concerned that Rasheed wouldn't warm to the bench role but he played well in nearly 24 minutes and didn't dominate the ball or try to do too much -- B

Marquis Daniels -- Played decently but needs to do some of those little things better, rebound, steals, assists. Needs to put more of an imprint on the game -- C+

Shelden Williams -- Hit all four free throws and grabbed three boards in 12 minutes. Not bad for a guy who hasn't played a meaningful game in three years -- B-

Eddie House -- Was a little erratic when he played point and really didn't stand out besides hitting one 3-pointer -- C+