Here's to Ray's game-winning shot tonight breaking him out of a slump.

Ray Allen was 3/14 on the night, but he made the shot that mattered most. With 41.3 seconds to go and the Celtics down two, Allen curled off a Garnett screen, took a pass from Rondo, and nailed his first 3-pointer of the game to give the Celtics a 96-95 lead.

A Tony Allen hustle play and dunk gave Boston a 98-95 lead, and Boston survived two Rudy Fernandez 3′s on Portland’s final possession to win in Kevin Garnett’s return. Garnett’s return predictably rejuvenated a deflated Celtics bunch that played well in the OT win.

Pierce led Boston in points, with 24, but missed a shot at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime. Before Pierce’s shot, Blazer guard Martell Webster (19 points) sunk the game-tying jumper with 32 seconds left.

Andre Miller also played fantastic for the Blazers, getting a look at a triple-double with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Preview Keys of the Game:

• Rajon Rondo vs. Andre Miller- Rondo: 19 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds   Miller: 28 points 8 assists, 8 rebounds
• Injuries- KG brought energy to the Celtics, and the Blazers missed Brandon Roy down the stretch of regulation and OT. Also, Jerryd Bayless was playing well with 12 first-half points when he sprained an ankle right before the half, while Brian Scalabrine was a late scratch with a sore shoulder.
• Get Ray easy looks, early- Well, Ray got some good looks but he missed most of them (3/14) until the big 3 in OT.
• Defending LaMarcus Aldridge- 19 points, 10 rebounds, but most of his damage done in first half, only 7/18 shooting.

Play of the game:

Welcome Back, KG!

Rajon Rondo had the ball leading the break, while Kevin Garnett filled the lane. A split-second and a sweet bounce pass later, Kevin Garnett announced his return with a thunderous dunk, rubbing Rondo’s head in a gesture of gratitude as he ran back on defense.