Reuters/New York
The Boston Celtics stepped up their run to the playoffs on Tuesday by upsetting Miami 115-107 for their second victory over the Heat in 10 days. Kevin Garnett recorded 24 points and nine rebounds and Rajon Rondo had 18 points and 15 assists for the Celtics (33-24), who are two games out of third spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston have reached the NBA Finals in two of the last four seasons but with an aging roster, few considered them a legitimate title contender until their recent run. “We’ve been put to the back burner all year long, this is our opportunity to show the world we still have a lot left in the tank,” forward Paul Pierce told reporters after scoring a team-high 27 points. “It’s a fun time of year, the playoffs are right around the corner and we thrive in these situations.” LeBron James tallied 36 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for Miami, while Dwyane Wade scored 20, but the Heat (40-16) slipped three games behind top seed Chicago after suffering their second home loss in three games. Chicago beat the New York Knicks 98-86 in a late game. Miami had previously enjoyed a 17-game winning streak on their home floor. The Heat, dominated by the Celtics in a 19-point loss last week, fell behind by 11 after the first quarter and never recovered. Boston stretched the lead to 18 at one point in the second before the home team battled to pull within eight by halftime.
| New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (left) tries to keep the ball away from Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler in the second half of their NBA game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on Tuesday |
April 11, 2012 | 12:00 AM