Celtics hold off Cavaliers

| February 1, 2012 8:15 PM

Paul Pierce scored 20 points, Ray Allen had 12 in the third quarter and the visiting Boston Celtics avenged a disappointing loss to Cleveland two days earlier by barely holding off the Cavaliers 93-90 on Tuesday night.

The Celtics, who blew an 11-point lead at home Sunday in the final four minutes and lost by one, led by 22 late in the third quarter.

Pacers 106, Nets 99: At Indianapolis, Paul George scored a career-high 24 points to lead Indiana past New Jersey.

Knicks 113, Pistons 86: Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points, Landry Fields added 16 of his 18 in the first half, and New York beat visiting Detroit to snap a three-game losing streak.

Lakers 106, Bobcats 73: Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, Andrew Bynum added 20, and Los Angeles beat visiting Charlotte.

Hawks 100, Raptors 77: Joe Johnson needed just three quarters to match his season high with 30 points, Tracy McGrady scored 15 against his former team and visiting Atlanta recorded its sixth consecutive victory over Toronto.

Warriors 93, Kings 90: At Oakland, Calif., Brandon Rush scored 15 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to spark a late rally, and Golden State spoiled former coach Keith Smart's return with a victory over Sacramento.

Grizzlies 100, Nuggets 97, OT: O.J. Mayo scored 18 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 35 seconds left in overtime, as Memphis beat visiting Denver.