Paul Pierce hit the game-winning jumper with 0.4 seconds remaining and finished with 32 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics past the New York Knicks 118-116 on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Amar'e Stoudemire, who scored a game-high 39 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, hit a three as time expired that would have given the Knicks a thrilling victory, but an official review showed that he did not get the shot off in time. Stoudemire's 39 points were the most by a single player against the Celtics this season, and he extended his franchise-record streak of games with 30 points or more to nine.
With the Celtics win, Boston (20-4) built its winning streak to 11 games and ended New York's (16-10) eight game winning streak.
"The Knicks have arrived," said Pierce after the game (via Yahoo! Sports). "They're going to be a force to reckon with in the division."
Ray Allen scored 20 points on 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc and Kevin Garnett added 20 points and 13 rebounds for Boston. Rajon Rondo left the game with an injury midway through the fourth quarter, but did return and finished with 10 points and 14 assists.
Glen Davis had 11 points and five rebounds while former Knicks point guard Nate Robinson had nine points off the bench for the Celtics.
Raymond Felton finished with 26 points and 14 assists for New York. Danilo Gallinari scored 20 points, Wilson Chandler had 18 points and 12 rebounds and rookie Toney Douglas added five points for the Knicks.
Boston connected on 45-of-86 shots (52.3%) and 7-of-14 three pointers while New York made 43-of-81 shots (53.1%) and 9-of-23 shots beyond the arc (39.1%). In addition, Boston was a perfect 21-for-21 from the free throw line.
The Celtics amassed 39 rebounds, 26 assists, 13 turnovers, 11 steals and had 19 personal fouls. The Knicks totaled 35 rebounds, 19 assists, 17 turnovers, five steals and 18 fouls in the loss.
The win was head coach Doc Rivers' 300th victory with Boston. He is now 300-216 in six seasons at the helm of the Celtics. Boston returns home to face the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night at 8 p.m. EST (TV/Radio: TNT, CSNNE/WEEI)