Celtics takes 2 -0 lead in East finals

Paul Pierce scored 28 points and Rajon Rondo had 25 as the Boston Celtics again avoided a late collapse to take a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 95-92 victory over the Orlando Magic last night.



Boston bullied and bruised their way to a 2-0 series lead on the road against a Magic team that had won 14 straight until this series. The Celtics held the Magic to 39 per cent shooting.



Dwight Howard had 30 points, and Vince Carter and J.J. Redick scored 16 apiece for the Magic, who overcame an 11-point deficit to take a brief lead in the fourth quarter. But they couldn\'t hold it.



Game 3 is Saturday night in Boston.