Allen's 3 helps Celtics hold off Blazers charge

By Jimmy Golen

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Dec. 1 2010 8:16 p.m. MST

Summary

Ray Allen missed his first five 3-point attempts before hitting one with 10.7 seconds left to help the Boston Celtics hold off a late charge by the Portland Trail Blazers and win 99-95 on Wednesday night.

BOSTON — Ray Allen missed his first five 3-point attempts before hitting one with 10.7 seconds left to help the Boston Celtics hold off a late charge by the Portland Trail Blazers and win 99-95 on Wednesday night.

It was Boston's fifth straight victory, and the fifth straight loss for Portland.

Paul Pierce scored 28 points, Kevin Garnett had 17 points and eight rebounds, and Rajon Rondo had 10 points and 10 assists as the Celtics built a 96-80 lead, then watched the Blazers score 15 in a row to make it a one-point game with 42 seconds left. Pierce dribbled down the 24-second clock, then fed it to Allen on the left side for the clinching 3.

Wesley Matthews scored 23 points and Andre Miller had 20 for the Blazers.

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