05 March,2009 11:25 AM IST | | AFP
Paul Pierce scored 31 points to lead the Boston Celtics past New Jersey 115-111 yesterday, sealing a playoff berth for the reigning National Basketball Association champions.
Pierce sank a jump shot with 20 seconds remaining to give the Celtics a 113-11 lead, evading defender Jarvis Hayes to hit the decider and finish 12-of-14 from the field.
Vince Carter missed a tying layup attempt for the Nets and Boston's Ray Allen sank two free throws to create the final margin, the Celtics completing a 7-0 run to end the game after a Carter 3-pointer put the Nets ahead.
Rajon Rondo scored 20 points, 16 of them in the third quarter, to help spark the Celtics while former New York Knicks standout Stephon Marbury was greeted with boos in his return to the New York area as a Celtic.
Marbury signed with Boston after a seaon-long dispute with the Knicks saw him sit out until reaching a financial deal with the club and securing his release. Marbury had no points and four assists while playing 14 minutes.
The Celtics (48-14) trail Cleveland (48-12) for the best record in the Eastern Conference ahead of their showdown match-up tomorrow.
