Celtics hold off Heat and improve to 8-0

BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics overcame a very imperfect fourth quarter to keep their perfect season going.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 11 rebounds, Paul Pierce made the go-ahead layup with 25 seconds left after Boston blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead, and the Celtics beat the Miami Heat, 92-91, on Friday night to improve to 8-0.

Boston had not started a season with eight consecutive wins since the 1972-73 team won its first 10. Miami dropped to 1-8, but only after scoring 15 consecutive points in the fourth to tie it.

The Heat took a 91-90 lead on Udonis Haslem’s free throw with 33 seconds left. But Pierce muscled his way to the basket to give the Celtics back the lead.

Dwyane Wade, making his first start after off-season knee and shoulder surgery, dribbled out most of the clock before missing Miami’s last shot.

Wade, who came off the bench and played 24 minutes for his first appearance on Wednesday, scored 23 for the Heat. He also missed five free throws -- the Heat made only 16 of 28 free throws. Shaquille O’Neal had 17 points and nine rebounds.

The Celtics led, 86-71, with 8:12 left before Miami scored 15 straight points and tied it when O’Neal made one of two free throws with 2:24 to play.