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Globetrotters have a ball at Celts game
Top: Olympian Aly Raisman spins basketballs with a little help from Harlem Globetrotters El Gato Melendez (left) and Buckets Blakes before the Celtics game against the Cavaliers. Left: During a game timeout, Buckets helps Linda Holliday spin the ball as Bill Belichick looks on. (Photos by Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff)
By Mark Shanahan
Globe Staff

There were a few familiar faces in the crowd at Wednesday’s Celtics game against LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Bill Belichick and girlfriend Linda Holliday were sitting courtside, which nearly proved disastrous when, in the fourth quarter, James nearly landed on top of the Patriots coach while going for the ball. James told reporters after the game that he ‘‘definitely slowed up’’ because he knew who it was, adding, ‘‘I’m not taking no legend out.’’ Also at the game were Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, boxer Floyd Mayweather, and members of the Harlem Globetrotters, who perform at TD Garden Sunday. . . . Meanwhile, it looks like the Globetrotters have a few tricks up their sleeve for Sunday. Before the Celtics game, Globetrotters Buckets Blakes and El Gato Melendez were in Foxborough where they worked out with Pats defensive lineman Trey Flowers, who’ll join the silly squad on Sunday.