In Progress: Celtics, Heat Face Off In Game 3

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Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Paul Pierce scored 32 points and sank the winning jumper as time expired, giving Boston a 100-98 win over Miami and securing the Celtics a commanding lead in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Pierce had 11 points in the final quarter, helping the Celtics take a 3-0 lead. Boston can sweep the best-of-seven series with a win Sunday afternoon, when Game 4 is scheduled back at American Airlines Arena.

The Heat not only lost the game, but star guard Dwyane Wade had to be helped to the bench with 11.7 seconds left after landing awkwardly following a missed jumper.

Ray Allen had 25 points for the Celtics, who also received 17 points and eight assists from Rajon Rondo. Kevin Garnett returned from a one-game suspension and contributed 16 points for the fourth-seeded Celtics, who were coming off a 106-77 rout in Game 2.

The odds are stacked against the Heat. No team in NBA history has ever rallied from an 0-3 deficit to win a seven-game series.

Wade had 34 points and eight assists, but he was forced to leave the game after missing his final shot, a three-pointer from the top of the arc. Wade landed on the right foot of Allen, then grimaced in pain while holding his left leg. He was helped to the Miami bench.

Pierce secured the rebound and Boston called a 20-second timeout to set up the final play. Pierce got the ball beyond the top of the arc, dribbled to his right and his shot over Dorell Wright went through the net.

Wright had 15 points, one fewer than teammate Michael Beasley, as the Heat now find themselves one loss away from being eliminated in the first round for a third straight time.