Celtics 86, Cavaliers 83
CELTICS 86, CAVALIERS 83: Ray Allen scored 22 points, including a pair of free throws with 2.4 seconds left, and visiting Boston blew a 16-point lead but held on to end a five-game losing streak.
The Cavaliers had a chance to tie at the buzzer, but Kevin Garnett jumped out on rookie Kyrie Irving, forcing Anthony Parker to take the final 3-pointer. He left the shot on the front of the rim.
Garnett had 18 points and eight rebounds and Rajon Rondo was held scoreless, but had 11 assists.
Irving had 24 points and made all three of his 3-point attempts, while Tristan Thompson had 13 points and 10 rebounds and Ramon Sessions scored 13 for Cleveland.
The Cavaliers fell behind 28-12 in the first quarter and slowly fought their way back.
The Celtics took two of three from the Cavaliers this season, with the games decided by a total of seven points.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Parker was playing in his first game after missing a month with a strained lower back. … Rondo went 0 for 6 from the floor with five turnovers. … The Cavaliers held a moment of silence before the game to honor the victims of the shooting at Chardon High School, which is about 30 miles east of Cleveland. … Paul Pierce had 12 points, six assists and six turnovers.