Then, in a perfectly designed play, Rajon Rondo caught an alleyoop off the inbounds pass and converted the layup to tie the game at 101 and send it into overtime, where Boston defeated Miami 112-106.

Rondo showed no ill-effects returning from a hamstring injury,  playing a fantastic all-around game, tallying 25 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and logging 50 minutes. Rondo led a balanced attack, with all five starters scoring 16 points or more. Perkins notched another double-double, adding 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Pierce, Allen, and Wallace contributed 17,22, and 16 points, respectively.

Boston was its own worst enemy tonight, finishing the game with 25 turnovers while giving up 17 offensive rebounds. The lackluster effort and execution allowed Miami to hang around, shooting 31 more shots than the Celtics for the game.

Despite the sloppy play, the Celtics were able to overcome a double-digit deficit midway through the fourth quarter and pull out the win.

For Miami, Dwayne Wade was spectacular, dominating the first half with 25 points, on his way to 44 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds for the game.  After Wade dunked the ball with 0.6 seconds left, Miami celebrated like they had won the game, but the Celtics used a timeout to give coach Doc River a chance to set up an inbounds play.

Over the last few seasons in Boston, Doc has proven to be a genius at diagramming inbounds plays, especially late in the game, and he didn’t disapoint tonight. Rivers put his shooting big men ( Scalabrine and Davis) in the game to spread the defense out wide, only to surprise the Heat with the lob to Rondo.

With the win, Boston moves to 25-8, and heads out to Atlanta for a big Friday night game. After the game, Rivers said he was hopeful that sharpshooter Eddie House would be on a flight to Atlanta, ready to play on Friday.

Celtics Loudmouth Quote of the Night:

• “Come on everybody ain’t fouling, you know what it is.”- Sheed, to the official after a Dwayne Wade free throw.
• Next possession? An off-the-ball foul was called on Sheed. The NBA: Where biased officiating happens.