'Little Three' Carry Celts

The Celtics turned to another three to manhandle the Miami Heat.

Leon Powe had a career-high 25 points and 11 rebounds, Rajon Rondo tied a career high with 23 points and Tony Allen had 20 points and six assists to lead the Celtics past the Miami Heat 117-87 Tuesday.

The Celtics were without Kevin Garnett (strained abdominal muscle) and Ray Allen (flu). And the third member of the Big Three, Paul Pierce, was scoreless for most of the first half. It didn't matter.

The Celtics led by 17 after one quarter and by 31 during the second quarter. When Dwyane Wade checked out for good with 4:41 left in the third, the Celtics were up, 88-53.

Guard Eddie House had 20 points for Boston (35-8), which outrebounded Miami, 51-36.

Mark Blount scored 20 points for Miami (9-34).

Miami had ended a 15-game skid in its previous game.

"It's almost as though the ending of the losing streak pulled the plug," Heat coach Pat Riley said. "Because we didn't bring anything."

Wade finished with seven points on 1-for-9 shooting, and departed after the third quarter with flu-like symptoms. Miami lost Udonis Haslem, who was the only Heat player to start all 43 games, with a sprained left ankle in the second quarter.Stoudamire Hopes Fade
The Celtics were fading fast as a possible destination for point guard Damon Stoudamire, ESPN.com reported.

Stoudamire, whose contract was bought out by the Grizzlies, would like to decide today where he'll spend the rest of the season. He was expected to speak Tuesday with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and Suns coach Mike D'Antoni, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com. Toronto also remains in the picture, the source said.