Celtics survive Cavs’ comeback 93-90


January 31, 2012 at 10:24p.m.

Celtics survive Cavs’ comeback 93-90

CLEVELAND (AP) — Paul Pierce scored 20 points, Ray Allen had 12 in the third quarter and the Boston Celtics avenged a disappointing loss to Cleveland two days ago 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.

However, the Cavs rallied again behind rookie Kyrie Irving and got within two on his twisting layup with 1:18 left. But Kevin Garnett dropped in a short jumper that bounced high off the rim and Pierce made two free throws with 2.6 seconds left as the Celtics avoided further embarrassment. Irving scored 21 points and Anderson Varejao added 20 and 20 rebounds for Cleveland.