Kevin Garnett returned to the Boston Celtics’ lineup after missing nine games with a strained right calf, and he didn’t appear to show any effects of being hurt. Garnett was everywhere defensively in the fourth quarter, and made the key play to seal the game for Boston.
Magic Vs. Celtics: Kevin Garnett Returns, Makes Game-Sealing Defensive Play In 109-106 Win
The Magic had the ball down by three points with 30 seconds remaining. Hedo Turkoglu missed, but Ryan Anderson tracked down a rebound to give the Magic an extra possession. This time, though, Garnett stepped in front of a Jameer Nelson pass and slapped it away for the interception.
The play wrapped up a playoff preview that came right down to the wire. Both teams made huge shots to keep the game close, and in the end, Boston was just a little bit better. Paul Pierce gave Boston the lead for good when he drew Jason RIchardson into the air on a pump fake and hit a jumper while being fouled, and that was that.
Ray Allen led the Celtics with 26 points, and five other players scored in double figures. Dwight Howard dominated the paint with 33 points and 13 rebounds, but the rest of the Magic, save for Ryan Anderson, weren’t all that great from the field.
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