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Behind a career-high 16 rebounds from Hunter, Boston snapped a seven-game losing streak and defeated Toronto last night, 88-75. It was the Celtics' first home win since Jan. 23. With Hunter in the starting lineup and on the boards, the Celtics' most glaring weakness has turned into a strength. They outrebounded the Raptors, 54-32, an accomplishment that would have been unthinkable only a few games ago. The 54 rebounds represented a season high.

"[Rebounding] is my NBA skill and that's our weakness, so I try to go out and do it," said Hunter, who completed his first career double-double with 11 points and received the game ball from owner Wyc Grousbeck. "I think that me crashing the glass and clearing out the lane helps other guys get rebounds.

"It takes a little technique, a little anticipation. But you've just got to want to go get it. I was taught that early. Go get the ball."

With seven rebounds in the first quarter, Hunter helped set an aggressive tone. As a result, Boston established an early lead and, for the most part, expanded it throughout the game. The Celtics led by 26 points early in the third quarter before they struggled to make shots. The Raptors closed to within 13 at the end of the third and late in the fourth quarter, but got no closer. The visitors' roster was too decimated by injuries -- to Alvin Williams, Vince Carter, and Jalen Rose -- to make the game competitive.

The Raptors now have sole possession of the NBA's longest current losing streak at eight games.

With players thrust into roles they are unaccustomed to and uncomfortable with, the Raptors shot 34 percent, including 16 percent from 3-point range (3 for 19). It was a far cry from the Toronto team that hit a franchise-record 17 3-pointers against Boston Dec. 3 at the Air Canada Centre. The Celtics last night shot 45 percent, kept their 3-point attempts low (3 for 8), and outscored the Raptors, 34-24, in the paint.