Associated Press
Notable NBA games …
BOSTON ó Kevin Garnett returned after missing nine games with an injured leg and came up with a steal in the final seconds to help the Boston Celtics beat the Orlando Magic 109-106 on Monday night.
Garnett went around Jameer Nelson and intercepted a pass intended for Jason Richardson, then threw the ball ahead to Ray Allen. Allen was fouled trying to dribble out the clock, but he made both free throws ó giving him 26 points for the game and 13 in the fourth quarter alone.
Garnett scored 19 with eight rebounds in his first game since he strained his right calf on Dec. 29. Rajon Rondo had 10 points and 13 assists.
Clippers 114, Pacers 107
LOS ANGELES ó Blake Griffin had a career-high 47 points and 14 rebounds for his 27th consecutive double-double, and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied to beat the Pacers.
It was Griffinís 33rd double-double of his rookie season, and his 19 field goals made were a career best.
Hawks 100, Kings 98
ATLANTA ó Joe Johnson scored a season-high 36 points, including two free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining, and the Atlanta Hawks recovered after trailing most of the game to beat the Hawks.
Johnson drove past three defenders for layup with 23 seconds remaining to give Atlanta a 98-96 lead. Carl Landry answered with a tying basket for Sacramento with 11.7 seconds remaining.
Following a timeout, Johnson was fouled by Tyreke Evans on a drive with less than a second remaining. Johnson made both free throws.
Hornets 85, Raptors 81
NEW ORLEANS ó David West had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets won their fifth straight.
Westís jumper with 31.7 seconds left put New Orleans ahead 83-81. He then preserved the lead with a block on Amir Johnson in the paint, got the rebound, was fouled and hit two free throws for the final margin.
Warriors 109, Nets 100
OAKLAND, Calif. ó Monta Ellis had 26 points and nine assists to help the Golden State Warriors beat the New Jersey Nets for the sixth straight time on Monday.
David Lee added 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Warriors, who have won two of their first three games in a key stretch to the season that features 13 of 14 games at home.
Pistons 103, Mavericks 89
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. ó Rodney Stuckey scored 20 points, and the Detroit Pistons sent the Dallas Mavericks to their sixth consecutive loss.
Dirk Nowitzki scored 32 points for Dallas in his second game back from a sprained right knee.