Paul Pierce scored 18 of his 27 points in the first quarter to put Boston on course for a 95-85 win over Miami on Friday.
Kevin Garnett added 23 and the NBA-leading Celtics wasted most of a 28-point lead before winning.
The Celtics prevailed despite missing 12 of 13 shots over an eight-and-a-half minute span late in the game -- a drought that allowed Miami to make a comeback bid.
PHOTO: AP
The Heat drew within seven points with 3 minutes, 56 seconds left, but the margin did not get any smaller and Miami lost for the 11th time in 15 games this season.
Miami open a six-game road trip today in Denver.
Suns 110, Magic 106
In Phoenix, Raja Bell had a season-high 20 points and Phoenix beat Orlando for the second time this season.
The Suns snapped a two-game skid.
Nuggets 123, Clippers 107
In Denver, Allen Iverson scored 26 points to help Denver snap a three-game skid with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Carmel Anthony added 24 point for the Nuggets.
The Clippers have now dropped six of their last seven games.
SuperSonics 95, Pacers 93
In Seattle, Kevin Durant scored a career-high 35 points and Seattle became the final NBA team to win at home this season by downing Indiana.
Seattle were 0-7 at home and had lost 11 straight home games dating to last season. Seattle snapped a six-game skid and avoided the worst 17-game start in franchise history.
Jazz 120, Lakers 96
In Salt Lake City, Andrei Kirilenko had his third career triple-double to help Utah overcome injuries to two starters and beat the Los Angeles Lakers.
Deron Williams scored a career-high 35 points for the Jazz, who won without leading scorer Carlos Boozer (ankle) and center Mehmet Okur (back spasms).
Spurs 106, Timberwolves 91
In Minneapolis, Manu Ginobili scored a season-high 31 points and San Antonio rallied to hand Minnesota their 12th loss in 14 games.
The Spurs did not lead until early in the fourth quarter.
The Wolves built their biggest lead, 80-66, before the Spurs went on a 14-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters. Minnesota did not fall behind until there were 9 minutes, 5 seconds remaining.
Mavericks 91, Trail Blazers 80
In Dallas, Josh Howard had 23 points and a season-high 14 rebounds and Dallas overcame a weak performance by Dirk Nowitzki to beat Portland.
The Mavericks extended their home winning streak against the Blazers to nine games.
76ers 85, Wizards 84
In Philadelphia, Samuel Dalembert had 19 points and 11 rebounds and Philadelphia snapped a two-game losing streak at home and a four-game skid against Washington.
Andre Miller scored 18 points for the Sixers.
Washington fell to 7-9.
Knicks 91, Bucks 88
In New York, Jamal Crawford made the go-ahead basket with 28 seconds left as New York erased a 17-point deficit to win.
One night after they were accused of quitting during a 104-59 loss in Boston, the Knicks surged back in the fourth quarter to win for the third time in four games.
The Bucks missed two late three-point attempts in Milwaukee's third straight loss.
Raptors 91, Cavaliers 82
In Toronto, Andrea Bargnani and Carlos Delfino had career highs with 26 and 24 points each and Toronto beat Cleveland in a game that stars LeBron James and Chris Bosh missed with injuries.
The Raptors won their third straight. The Cavaliers lost successive games following a four-game winning streak.
Hornets 92, Hawks 86
In Atlanta, David West had 22 points and 17 rebounds and New Orleans won for the eighth time in 10 road games this season.
Atlanta committed 20 turnovers, which New Orleans turned into 22 points.
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