Paul Pierce scored 23 points to lead the Boston Celtics past the Utah Jazz 98-93. It was their fifth victory in the last six games.
In the absence of guard Rajon Rondo, who injured his right ankle and left the game in the third quarter, Leandro Barbosa sparkled during the last two quarters. He had 16 points, three assists and two rebounds. Another reserve Jeff Green also contributed with 16 points, two assists and four rebounds for the Celtics. Kevin Garnett finished with 11 points and eight rebounds.
"That shows we are deep and we can have guys that can step up," backup center Chris Wilcox said. "Tonight we had it down the stretch."
Boston coach Doc Rivers also appreciated Barbosa's contribution. "Barbosa was terrific," Rivers, who was not sure if Rondo would be able to play in Thursday's game, said. "I mean, he bailed us out."
Paul Millsap was the top scorer for the Jazz. He had 20 points, four assists and 12 rebounds, while Al Jefferson added 13 points, three assists and 14 rebounds.
"Tonight we proved that we can fight. That's the difference between the Celtics and us right now. They know how to seal the game," Jefferson said. "That's what we've got to get to.
"Playing these type of teams, it's going to help us get there. Now we know what to do. So, we just need to go and try and take care of these next two games on the road."
The Celtics grabbed a 94-93 lead when Garnett hit the second of two free throws with 1:08 left. After Williams missed a long jumper and Gordon Hayward an attempted put-back, Garnett missed a jumper at the other end with Jefferson grabbing the rebound.
Mo Williams scored 14 points, five assists and held one rebound in the game, but he missed a left-handed scoop shot with only 22 seconds left.
"He made a good drive and took it to the basket, but lost his balance a little bit and tried to push it there at the end," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said.
At the end of the second quarter the Jazz were leading by two points, but they could not maintain their lead and eventually lost the game by five points.
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