Magic is now second

ORLANDO, FLA. — Dwight Howard blocked a potential go-ahead layup by Paul Pierce with 3.8 seconds left, and the Orlando Magic clinched its second straight Southeast Division title with an 84-82 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

Howard had 24 points and 21 rebounds as the Magic (53-18) bumped Boston (54-19) by percentage points for second in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland.

The Celtics cut the lead to one point with 1 minute 27 seconds left but couldn’t make up the difference without Kevin Garnett, limited to 16 minutes as he recovers from a knee strain.