Celtics send a message

Posted March 17, 2008 11:00 pm

Associated Press

Paul Pierce scored 22 points, Kevin Garnett added 21 and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the host San Antonio Spurs 93-91 on Monday night.

Rajon Rondo added 20 points for the Celtics, who were still without Ray Allen, who missed his second straight game with a jammed left ankle. Sam Cassell had 17 points. He gave Boston its first lead of the fourth quarter with 46 seconds left when he hit a 3-pointer to make it 89-87.

The Celtics, who have the best record in the NBA at 53-13, will attempt to snap Houston's 22-game winning streak when thy visit ghe Rockets tonight. Celtics coach Doc Rivers said it's doubtful Allen will be ready to face the Rockets.

Manu Ginobili had 32 points to lead the Spurs, who lost their season-high fourth straight. Tony Parker added 17 points and Tim Duncan scored 10.

The Spurs, who led 79-72 with 8:04 to play. have now lost six games at home this season.

Magic 104, Cavaliers 90: Dwight Howard had 23 points and 13 rebounds, Rashard Lewis scored 21 and host Orlando beat Cleveland.

LeBron James had 30 points, 0 rebounds and 6 assists for the Cavaliers.

Pacers 110, Knicks 98: Mike Dunleavy tied his career high with 36 points, and Indiana beat visiting New York.

Danny Granger had 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Troy Murphy added 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, who snapped a two-game losing streak.

Hawks 105, Wizards 96: Mike Bibby scored 23 points, and Joe Johnson added 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead host Atlanta over Washington.

The Hawks' third straight win moved them one-half game ahead of idle New Jersey for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Grizzlies 98, Bobcats 80: Mike Miller had 18 points and 13 rebounds, helping Memphis roll past visiting Charlotte and snap a four-game losing streak.

Juan Carlos Navarro led the Grizzlies with 21 points, Hakim Warrick scored 19, and Darko Milicic added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Timberwolves 99, Clippers 90: Al Jefferson had his 48th double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Ryan Gomes scored 19 points as Minnesota defeated Los Angeles.

Corey Maggette had 34 points for the Clippers.

Jazz 96, Raptors 79: Deron Williams scored 21 points and his backup, Ronnie Price, had 13 points and 5 assists as Utah beat Toronto to equal a franchise record with its 19th straight home victory.