By Mike Petraglia
By PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer
WORCESTER, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- An Atlantic Division showdownof teams featuring star-studded trios will have to wait.
The preseason game between the New Jersey Nets and BostonCeltics was called at halftime as condensation made the courttoo slippery and unplayable. The Celtics remained and signedautographs for the near-capacity crowd at the DCU Center.
Before the game was cancelled by the NBA, Ray Allen, Paul Pierceand Kevin Garnett all contributed during a 17-point,first-quarter surge as the Boston Celtics led, 36-33, before thegame was called. Allen led the Celtics with seven whileGarnett added six.
With temperatures soaring to 72 degrees outside, the game wasdelayed several times in the first half as workers moppedcondensation off the court, which was on top of a hockeysurface.
For the fourth straight game, the Celtics started their new "BigThree" before a near-capacity crowd at the DCU Center. Allthree along with guard Rajon Rondo and center Kendrick Perkinsplayed the entire first quarter before resting for the rest ofthe first half.
Not wanting to show their strategy for defending Boston'snew-look lineup, the Nets did not travel any of their starplayers, as Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson allstayed home.
Bostjan Nachbar, who led all scorers with 10 points, connectedon a layup and free throw to complete a three-point play and putNew Jersey up, 6-2. The layup would be the only field goal forthe Nets in the opening quarter as the visitors made just oneof 15 shots from the floor.
Following Nachbar's three-point play, Rondo converted a layupthat began a 17-0 run for Boston. Allen had all seven of hisfirst-quarter points during the surge, including back-to-back3-point jumpers. Boston raced out to a 21-8 lead after onebefore New Jersey answered, outscoring the Celtics, 25-15, inthe second to trail 36-33 at the break.
The two teams meet again Tuesday night in the Meadowlands atContinental Airlines Arena.
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