Perkins Back For Celtics In 1st Action Since Finals
BOSTON (AP) - Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins is back on the floor for the first time since he tore the ligaments in his right knee during the NBA finals.
Perkins received a standing ovation when he checked into the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers just 4 minutes into the first quarter. Among those standing to cheer were his Boston teammates, who watched him recover from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in eight months.
Less than a minute later, Perkins scored on a reverse layup, drawing a foul but missing the free throw.
Perkins was injured in Game 6 of the finals against the Lakers. Los Angeles won the seventh game to win the title.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Perkins was cleared to play after practice on Monday. He was to be limited to about 16 minutes in the game.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
