Sun, Mar 22, 2009 page19

• NBA: Garnett’s return inspires Celts’ victory over Spurs

  MORAL SUPPORT While Kevin Garnett only scored 10 points in his 15 minutes of play, his return after missing 13 games because of injury inspired his struggling team

  • AGENCIES
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  Kevin Garnett made a triumphant return from injury to help the Boston Celtics defeat the San Antonio Spurs 80-77 on Friday.

  Garnett scored 10 points in limited action after missing 13 games with an ailing knee and Glen Davis made a clutch jump shot with five seconds remaining to allow the Celtics (52-18) to keep sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference.

  “[Garnett’s] our leader and we missed his leadership out on the floor, his verbal leadership,” Boston coach Doc Rivers told reporters. “He’s the one guy who holds everyone accountable defensively. Our whole thing is still trying to get ready for the playoffs.”

  

  The New Jersey Nets’ Vince Carter, right, fights for control of the ball with Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem during the third quarter of their game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Friday. The Nets beat the Heat 96-88.

  PHOTO: AP

  Ray Allen led the team with 19 points in a return of his own following a missed contest because of an elbow injury.

  Tony Parker had a game-high 25 points and eight assists for the Spurs (45-23), who have undergone similar health problems that have plagued Boston.

  Tim Duncan missed Tuesday’s game to rest his knees but was back on the court and finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.

  In what was a defensive affair, Boston pulled away from a 74-74 tie on buckets from unlikely sources. Center Kendrick Perkins made a jumper with 2:11 left followed by Davis’ baseline shot two minutes later to give the Celtics their second straight win.

  Garnett played only 15 minutes but provided a boost for his team, who went just 7-6 in his absence.

  Rajon Rondo chipped in 16 points and 12 assists as both teams shot just 41 percent from the field.

  The Spurs missed six free throws in a row in the final 2:31, including four from Parker, to lose for the third time in five contests.

  “That happens. That’s basketball,” Duncan said of the missed opportunities. “We had the guys we wanted at the line and got good shots. This was a very winnable game, we just didn’t have enough good performances — mainly myself.”

  Argentina’s Manu Ginobili missed his 17th straight game with an ankle injury while San Antonio’s hold over second place in the Western Conference was narrowed to half a game over the Houston Rockets.

  ROCKETS 107, TIMBERWOLVES 88

  At Houston, Texas, Ron Artest scored 20 points while Aaron Brooks and Von Wafer added 13 apiece in Houston’s win over Minnesota.

  Yao Ming scored 14 points but missed 10 of his 16 shots. He also had eight rebounds before leaving for good late in the third quarter. The Rockets had the game in hand by then, stretching their lead to 24 earlier in the quarter.

  Craig Smith scored 19 and Kevin Love had 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves.

  NETS 96, HEAT 88

  At East Rutherford, New Jersey, Vince Carter had 17 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as New Jersey spoiled the return of NBA leading scorer Dwyane Wade to the lineup after a one-game absence.

  Jarvis Hayes hit two late jumpers and rookie Chris Douglas-Roberts, getting playing time because of a shoulder injury that has sidelined Devin Harris, added a three-pointer with 1:10 to go as New Jersey won its second straight game.

  Hayes and Douglas-Roberts each finished with 18 points and Brook Lopez added 15.

  Wade had 27 points, eight rebounds and six assists in returning from a hip flexor injury that caused him to sit out of Wednesday night’s loss in Boston. Michael Beasley added 17 points and Jermaine O’Neal had 15.

  MAVERICKS 94, PACERS 92

  At Indianapolis, Indiana, Dirk Nowitzki finished the game with a nifty stepback move, then hit a 20-foot shot with 1.1 seconds left as Dallas edged Indiana.

  In other games it was:

  • Kings 121, Knicks 94

  • Bobcats 102, Raptors 89

  • Jazz 101, Thunder 94

  • Hornets 96, Grizzlies 84

  • Pistons 108, Clippers 90

  • Nuggets 116, Wizards 105

  • Warriors 119, 76ers 111
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