Associated Press
The NBA roundup …
SAN ANTONIO ó Kevin Garnett finally came back for Boston, but could only watch and writhe on the bench as the Celtics won a nail-biter.
Playing sparingly in his first game in a month, Garnett sat out a thrilling fourth quarter that ended with San Antonio missing six consecutive free throws to help Boston escape with a 80-77 win on Friday night.
Ray Allen scored 19 points as the Celtics avenged a loss at home to San Antonio earlier this year.
Tony Parker led the Spurs with 25 points but missed four free throws in the final minute when San Antonio needed only two to tied the game.
Mavericks 94, Pacers 92
INDIANAPOLIS ó Dirk Nowitzki finished the game with a nifty stepback move, then hit a 20-footer with 1.1 seconds left.
Rockets 107, T’wolves 88
HOUSTON ó Ron Artest scored 20 points, and Aaron Brooks and Von Wafer added 13 apiece.
Nets 96, Heat 88
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. ó Vince Carter had 17 points, nine rebounds and eight assists and the New Jersey Nets spoiled the return of NBA leading scorer Dwyane Wade to the Miami lineup after a one-game absence.
Kings 121, Knicks 94
NEW YORK ó The Sacramento Kings finally beat an Eastern Conference team on their 29th try, getting 30 points from Kevin Martin.
Jazz 101, Thunder 94
OKLAHOMA CITY ó Deron Williams scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half and added 11 assists for Utah, which lost Mehmet Okur in the first half. Carlos Boozer added 15 points.
Hornets 96, Grizzlies 84
NEW ORLEANS ó Chris Paul had 32 points and David West scored 29 to help New Orleans send Memphis to its third straight loss.
Rudy Gay had 23 points for the Grizzlies.
Pistons 108, Clippers 90
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. ó Antonio McDyess scored 24 points and Tayshaun Prince had 23 points and 12 assists for short-handed Detroit.