Celtics Finally Beat Jazz

Nearly a decade worth of frustration came to a close Friday night as the Boston Celtics defeated the Utah Jazz, 103-99, at Boston.

Paul Pierce scored 12 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter as the Celtics extended their home winning streak to seven games and defeated the Jazz in Boston for the first time since Dec. 20, 1991.

Pierce scored eight consecutive points in the fourth, including four free throws to give the Celtics a 99-93 lead. The Celtics trail the Indiana Pacers by 1 1/2 games for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia 107, Washington 102--Allen Iverson scored 41 points to make up for his team’s lackluster defense as the 76ers held off the Wizards at Philadelphia.

Dikembe Mutombo had 16 rebounds and 14 points, including three key free throws in the final minute after Washington tied the game twice in the fourth quarter and closed to 102-100 with 1:19 remaining.

Chicago 81, New York 72--Elton Brand had 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Bulls upset the cold-shooting Knicks at Chicago.

Bryce Drew added 15 as the Bulls won their 10th game of the season.

Miami 97, Detroit 93--Eddie Jones scored eight of his 25 points in the final 1:23 of regulation to help the Heat to a come-from-behind overtime victory over the Pistons at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Minnesota 89, Denver 71--Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 14 rebounds as the Timberwolves held the Nuggets to a season-low point total at Denver in a matchup of teams fighting for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Toronto 107, New Jersey 90--Vince Carter scored 38 points at Toronto to become the Raptors’ career scoring leader in only his third season. The Raptors won their fourth in a row for the first time since since November.

Orlando 120, Cleveland 94--Tracy McGrady scored 15 of his 36 points in the first quarter as the Magic defeated the reeling Cavaliers at Orlando, Fla.

Seattle 86, Indiana 83--The SuperSonics blew a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter before Rashard Lewis hit back-to-back baskets in holding off the Pacers at Indianapolis.

Charlotte 105, Atlanta 99--Baron Davis scored a career-high 28 points and David Wesley added 17 as the Hornets won their sixth in a row with the victory at Atlanta.

Around the League

Orlando activated forward Pat Garrity from the injured list in time for its game against visiting Cleveland. Garrity has missed five games since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Feb. 20. . . . Washington put guard Tyrone Nesby on the injured list with a sprained ankle. The Wizards also re-signed rookie Mike Smith. . . . Chicago activated forward Michael Ruffin off the injured list after he missed 18 games with a broken bone in his right hand. . . . Utah activated forward David Benoit from the injured list and put guard DeShawn Stevenson on it.