Grizzlies attempt to maul Celtics

Memphis posted a 144-135 triumph over the Golden State Warriors in the opener of the homestand on Wednesday. Mike Miller poured in 33 points, including a career-high nine three-pointers, to lead the Warriors.

Stromile Swift scored 26 points off the bench and Pau Gasol added 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who had lost six of seven entering the game. Rudy Gay scored 22 points and grabbed eight boards, while Damon Stoudamire had 18 points and 16 assists in the victory.

The Grizzlies, who are 6-9 at home this season, will also host San Antonio, the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota. Memphis is 18 games behind Dallas in the Southwest standings.

Boston will open a brief two-game road trip and has lost seven of its last eight games. On Wednesday the Celtics suffered a 107-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Banknorth Garden.

Tony Allen tallied 22 points for the Celtics, who are two games off the lead in the Atlantic Division. Gerald Green netted 21 points off the bench and Al Jefferson added 18 and 12 rebounds in the setback.

The Celtics, who will visit Orlando on Sunday, have lost four straight on the road and are 7-9 away from Beantown this season.

Memphis defeated Boston, 98-96, on December 6 this season at TD Banknorth Garden and has won two straight and four of the last six encounters.

Boston has dropped two straight at the Grizzlies.