Celtics win, but barely

Posted November 16, 2007 10:00 pm

Associated Press

BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics overcame a very imperfect fourth quarter to keep their perfect season going.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 11 rebounds, Paul Pierce made the go-ahead layup with 25 seconds left after Boston blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead, and the Celtics beat the Miami Heat 92-91 on Friday night to improve their record to 8-0.

Pierce scored 12, Ray Allen had 19, and Rajon Rondo had 9 points and 10 assists for Boston, which has not started a season with eight straight wins since the 1972-73 team won its first 10. Miami dropped to 1-8, but only after scoring 15 straight points in the fourth to tie it.

The Heat took a 91-90 lead on Udonis Haslem's free throw with 33 seconds left. But Pierce muscled his way to the basket to give the Celtics back the lead.

Dwyane Wade, making his first start after offseason knee and shoulder surgery, dribbled out most of the clock before putting Miami's last shot off the back of the rim.

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