Boston 109, Orlando 106

Paul Pierce’s three-point play broke a tie with 38.7 seconds left and Kevin Garnett’s steal with 15 seconds to go helped the host Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 109-106 on Monday night.

Dwight Howard finished with 33 points and 13 rebounds for the Magic (26-15) in a game which had a distinct playoff feel.

The second half featured 16 lead changes and 13 ties.

Garnett returned to the Boston lineup after missing nine games with a leg injury and finished with 19 points and eight rebounds.

Ray Allen had 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting and Rajon Rondo had 13 assists for the Celtics (31-9), who improved to 19-3 at home. Pierce finished with 14 points as Boston shot 60 percent from the field.

The Celtics led by as many as 10 in the first quarter before Ryan Anderson made four 3-pointers to give the Magic its first lead, 28-27 early in the second quarter.

Garnett had six rebounds in the first quarter when Boston took a 27-22 lead. The Celtics are 18-3 when leading or tied after one quarter this season.

Howard, who has the most free throw attempts in the NBA, finished 13-for-18 from the line.

The Celtics improved to 19-2 when they score 100 or more points and 11-3 when their opponent reaches 100.

• Boston will play their next game at home against Detroit. The Celtics have a W/L % of .806 after a win and .667 after a loss.
• Orlando will play their next game at home against Philadelphia. The Magic have a W/L % of .741 after a win and .429 after a loss.