NBA: Boston 97, Portland 78

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BOSTON, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Jeff Green produced a season-best 19 points off the bench Friday in sending Boston to a strong first half en route to a 97-78 decision over Portland.

The Celtics played the first of two games without point guard Rajon Rondo, who was suspended for his role in a shoving match on Wednesday with Brooklyn's Kris Humphries.

Boston took advantage of Portland's cold shooting to run up a 23-point lead at halftime and went on to hand the Trail Blazers their fourth straight loss.

Jason Terry added 17 points for the Celtics while Paul Pierce had 12 points and eight rebounds. Boston has defeated Portland in each of their last six meetings.

Portland hit only 34 percent of its shots from the field and was 3-of-15 from beyond the 3-point arc. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Trail Blazers with 23 points.