Kevin Garnett’s jump shot at the buzzer lifted Boston to a 107-105 NBA overtime victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Paul Pierce scored a season-high 33 points and had all of Boston’s points in overtime until Garnett’s final shot.
The Knicks double-teamed Pierce on the final play, leaving Garnett open to seal the win.
“I knew they were going to sort of follow Paul and he’s going to draw a lot of attention,” Garnett said, “And I just had to make the shot.”
Overall both Garnett and Ray Allen had poor shooting nights, Garnett going 4 of 15 for 10 points and Allen 3 of 13 for 13 points.
Despite Garnett’s struggles, Pierce suggested the final play and his faith was justified.
“He’s that type of player,” Pierce said. “You’re talking about a Hall of Fame player. He’s missed millions of shots. He’s going to keep playing, going to keep taking shots when he gets an opportunity. He really stepped up big for our team when we needed it.”
Rajon Rondo chipped in 14 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds as Boston won for the second time in five games.
The Celtics squandered a big lead in a back-and-forth third quarter, but they rallied to force the overtime.
“I am expecting Pierce to try and make a move and pull up,” said David Lee, one of the Knicks defenders who followed Pierce on the final play. “Good play by them and it’s just unfortunate to lose a game like this.”
HEAT 102, HORNETS 101
At Miami, Florida, Dwyane Wade had 31 points and Udonis Haslem hit a jumper with 15.4 seconds left to lift the hosts over New Orleans.
Haslem finished with 14 points off the bench, including both field goals for the Heat in the final minute. He tied the game at 100-all with 45 seconds left and then, after Marcus Thornton put the Hornets ahead with a free throw, Haslem won it with a shot from the left side.
LAKERS 101, THUNDER 85
At Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, including an astonishing basket from behind the backboard, as the defending NBA champion Lakers routed Oklahoma City.
The Lakers were in control throughout with help from Andrew Bynum’s 25 points and nine rebounds. Bryant also had seven assists and six rebounds.
Pau Gasol had 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
In other NBA action it was:
• Bobcats 104, Pacers 88
• Magic 104, Raptors 96
• Suns 117, Pistons 91
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