Magic hands Celtics their first defeat

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Boston Celtics’ big three -- and big three-point attack -- came up short Sunday.

The NBA’s best-shooting team, the Celtics found themselves uncharacteristically down 20 points and still trailing after three quarters. They came back and made it close, but Paul Pierce missed an off-balance jumper with time running out and Orlando dealt Boston (8-1) its first loss, 104-102.

“We’re not perfect,” said Kevin Garnett, who had 14 points and 11 rebounds. “We didn’t think we were going to go 82-0. But we are a team of character. We do play hard. We do play together -- just not perfect.”

Garnett, Ray Allen and Pierce were each averaging 20 points. Only Pierce topped the mark Sunday, scoring 28 points and keying several quick runs that brought Boston back. Allen finished with 19 but had only eight points on four-for-12 shooting before the fourth quarter.

It was a chance for Orlando (9-2) to show it deserved the conference’s second-best record. The Magic forced 20 Boston turnovers, shot 50.8% and won despite the Celtics’ 41-28 rebounding edge.

Dwight Howard had 24 points and Rashard Lewis had 22 for Orlando.