NBA – Celtics back in second place after beating Bobcats in two overtimes
BOSTON (NBA) - The Boston Celtics edged the Charlotte Bobcats in a double-overtime thriller on Wednesday to take over second place ahead of Orlando in the Eastern Conference. Ray Allen nailed a three-pointer late in the first overtime to knot the contest at 101-101 and then drilled a game-winning three-ball just 2.1 seconds from the end ...
BOSTON (NBA) - The Boston Celtics edged the Charlotte Bobcats in a double-overtime thriller on Wednesday to take over second place ahead of Orlando in the Eastern Conference.
Ray Allen nailed a three-pointer late in the first overtime to knot the contest at 101-101 and then drilled a game-winning three-ball just 2.1 seconds from the end of the second extra period to give the Celtics a 111-109 lead.
Charlotte, who entered the contest one game behind eighth-place Chicago, inbounded the ball to Raja Bell who put up a potential game-winning shot from the arc but his attempt hit off the iron.
"We had a great opportunity to beat the defending champs in their own building," Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace said.
"We've got to put this game behind us."
Boston's Paul Pierce led all scorers with 32 points with Allen contributed 22 and Rajon Rondo 21.
Wallace had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Bobcats, who also got 17 points, eight assists and seven boards from France international Boris Diaw.
Boston have a one-game lead over Orlando, who were upset at home by the Toronto Raptors.
Team USA's Chris Bosh scored 24 points and pulled down 12 rebounds and Spain's Jose Calderon poured in 21 points as the Raptors prevailed 99-95.
Detroit, clinging to seventh place in the Eastern Conference, lost 111-98 to New Jersey.
The Pistons are just a half-game clear of Chicago and two ahead of Charlotte.
Other results: LA Lakers 104 Milwaukee 98, Washington 107 Memphis 112, Miami 96 Dallas 98, Houston 109 Phoenix 114, Sacramento 141 Golden State 143 (OT), New Orleans 104 LA Clippers 98
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