Celtics 102, 76ers 101
Kevin Garnett’s layup with 1.4 seconds left provided the winning points as the Boston Celtics won their ninth straight game with a 102-101 victory over the host Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.
Rajon Rondo fed Garnett with a lob to set up the basket as Boston (18-4) held off the upset attempt by the 76ers (7-15).
Philadelphia had taken a one-point with 6.6 seconds left when Andre Iguodala hit a running short-range hook shot.
Ray Allen scored a game-high 23 points and Rondo added 19 points and 14 assists.
Jodie Meeks scored 19 points and was 4-for-4 from 3-point range to lead the 76ers.
Philadelphia led by 10 points in the third quarter before Boston closed the period with an 11-0 run, capped by Rondo’s buzzer-beating 3-point shot, to take an 81-80 lead into the final period.
Boston’s Glen Davis added 16 points off the bench and Garnett tallied 14 points.
Seven Philadelphia players scored in double figures. Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams tallied 16 points apiece and Iguodala had 14 points and 11 assists. Elton Brand added 13 points and 14 rebounds while Jrue Holiday scored 12 points.