Davis, Pierce keep Raptors winless

Toronto has not won in its first nine games and extended its worst start in franchise history.

Davis added seven assists and five rebounds as Boston snapped a two-game losing streak. Pierce also pulled down 11 rebounds and dished out five assists.

Mark Blount chipped in with 14 points for Boston, which has now won seven of the last eight meetings.

Chris Bosh scored 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds and Charlie Villanueva netted 18 points for the Raptors, who can’t seem to find any ways to pull out a win. Mike James pitched in with 12 points and dished out seven assists in defeat.

At the half Toronto led 48-44, but the Celtics outscored the Raptors, 26-20, in the third quarter to take a 70-68 lead heading into the final period.

Toronto and Boston opened the fourth quarter going back and forth trading leads.

With 5:08 remaining to play, Davis hit a tough fade-away jump shot to give Boston a 85-80 advantage.

Toronto got to within one point at 90-89 after Bosh slammed home two points with 2:37 to go.

With 15 seconds to play in the game, Davis converted two free-throws to give Boston an insurmountable 98-90 lead.

Toronto ended the first quarter leading 22-18 after Villanueva tipped in a Jose Calderon miss at the buzzer. The play was reviewed, and the referees ruled the basket fell before time expired.

Jalen Rose ended the first quarter with nine points on 4-of-7 shooting to lead the Raptors.

James would nail a 15-foot jumper with 8:30 remaining in the second quarter to put Toronto up 31-23.

Toronto jumped to a 48-39 lead after James hit two free throws with 2:17 left in the first half.

The Raptors closed out the first half up 48-44 behind Villanueva, who came off the bench to score 18 points, including three three-pointers.

Game Notes

Boston is now 4-3 at home this season...Celtics center Raef LaFrentz reached 5,000 career points. He had eight points on the night...Toronto made a three- pointer for the 541st straight game, which is the best current streak in the NBA.