26 March,2009 11:09 AM IST | | AFP
The Orlando Magic clinched their second consecutive Southeast Division title Wednesday with an 84-82 victory over reigning National Basketball Association champions Boston.
Dwight Howard blocked a potential go-ahead layup by Paul Pierce with 3.8 seconds to play, finishing with 24 points and 21 rebounds.
Orlando improved to 53-18, percentage points ahead of Boston for second in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland.
"We get another banner," said Howard, of the division title that was secured as divison rivals Atlanta also lost to San Antonio. "Hopefully we can get two more."
"The politically correct answer in the NBA is to say that we don't care about winning division titles and we're on to bigger things," Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "Hopefully, we are, but I do care. I'd rather it be us than anyone else. I think it's big."
Pierce's jump shot with 1:27 to play cut Orlando's lead to 83-82.
But the Celtics couldn't get over the hump without Kevin Garnett, who was limited to 16 minutes as he continues to regain fitness after missing 13 games with a strained right knee.
Pierce missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
The Magic forced 18 turnovers and held Boston to 37 percent shooting, despite being outrebounded 47-41.
"When we sit down and look at the film, we can see that we can get quality shots against very good defenses if we move the ball," Van Gundy said. "It shows you something when you have to gut out a win like that. It gives you more confidence... and yet people continue to question the toughness of our team."
