NBA | Celts scramble to stay perfect
BOSTON - The Boston Celtics overcame a very imperfect fourth quarter to preserve their perfect season.
Paul Pierce made the go-ahead layup with 25 seconds left after Boston squandered a 15-point, fourth-quarter lead, and the Celtics held on to beat the Miami Heat 92-91 on Friday night to improve their record to 8-0.
Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 11 rebounds for Boston, which is off to its best start since the 1972-73 team led by John Havlicek and Dave Cowens won its first 10.
“We’re nowhere near where we want to be,” said Pierce, who scored 12 points despite a strain in his back that almost forced coach Doc Rivers to scratch him from the game. “We’re far from a perfect team. We definitely have weaknesses right now.”
Former Sonic Ray Allen scored 19 and Rajon Rondo had nine points and 10 assists for Boston, which could face its biggest challenge so far when it plays the Southeast Division-leading Magic in Orlando on Sunday.
Dwyane Wade, making his first start after offseason knee and shoulder surgery, scored 23 for Miami but also missed five free throws in the game - and the potential winning basket in the final seconds.
The Heat took a 91-90 lead on Udonis Haslem’s free throw with 33 seconds left, but Pierce muscled his way to the basket to give the Celtics back the lead. Wade dribbled out most of the shot clock before putting his shot off the back of the rim.
“I’m a gamer, man. Give it to me 10 times and I’ll do it 10 more times,” said Wade, who scored 23 and cracked a smile before squaring up against ex-teammate James Posey for the final shot.
Shaquille O’Neal had 17 points and nine rebounds, and Haslem had nine and eight for Miami, which dropped to 1-8 despite scoring 15 straight points in the fourth to tie it. The Heat missed 12 free throws in the game and went 5 for 11 from the line in the fourth quarter.