Playoff race

Terry Rozier scored 21 with nine assists and Kyrie Irving scored 18 against his former team before sitting out the fourth quarter. The Celtics have lost three of four to fall behind Toronto in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The Cavaliers, who have won three straight, are 5½ games behind Boston. To help make a push for their fourth straight NBA finals, Cleveland traded away six players and acquired four at the deadline.

“All of our new guys performed and played well,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “So that’s a good sign.” the half and hit a jumper to tie it 40-all before his outburst that helped the Cavs pull away.

He sat out the fourth quarter, losing the chance for an 11th triple-double this season and third straight. James said he took a knee to the quad muscle but hoped to be fully recovered before playing the Thunder on Feb. 13.

“Baynes is a big boy. He should be on ‘Game of Thrones,’” James said. “Him and Steven Adams, and I’ve got to see him next.” Pierce said having his number retired by the NBA’s most-decorated franchise is the ultimate honor — bigger than the Hall of Fame.

“When you’re forever with the Celtics, you’re forever,” he said.