Paul Pierce’s clutch jumper lifts Celtics past Heat in double overtime

Boston, MA, United States (4E Sports) – Paul Pierce submitted a triple-double performance and buried the go-ahead jumper in the dying seconds of second overtime as the Boston Celtics snapped a six-game losing streak by edging the Miami Heat, 100-98, Sunday at TD Garden.

However, the celebration was short-lived after the Celtics learned that All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo will miss the rest of the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that needs immediate surgery.

Rondo suffered the injury in Boston’s 123-112 double-overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks Friday. He suited up and joined the team’s pre-game shootaround but was taken to a hospital due to knee pain.

Later, it was discovered that Rondo suffered a season-ending injury that was considered to be a serious blow to the Celtics campaign.

Rondo arrived at TD Garden on Sunday for a pregame shootaround but was taken to a hospital after complaining of knee pain. Courtney Lee started in Rondo’s place.

Kevin Garnett scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Pierce tallied 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists as the Celtics stopped their longest losing streak in six seasons and ended Miami’s four-game winning run.

This game was the first in Boston for Ray Allen since he left the Celtics after five seasons and signed as a free agent with Miami. He scored 21 points.

Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Pierce added 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for the Celtics (21-23), who ended a six-game losing streak, their longest in six seasons.

Jason Terry added 13 on 4-for-12 shooting off the bench while Jeff Green had 11 points for the Celtics.

LeBron James paced the Heat (28-13) with 34 points and 16 rebounds while Ray Allen came off the bench and scored 21 points against his former team.

Dwayne Wade added 17 points and Chris Bosh had 16 points and 16 boards for the Heat, who have been struggling on the road this season, winning just 10 of 20 games away from home.

Pierce buried a jumper to give the Celtics a 99-98 cushion and buried a foul shot after he was fouled. Shane Battier had a chance to win the game but missed a 28-foot three-pointer.

The Celtics blew their chance to clinch the victory in regulation but Terry missed from top of the key. In the first overtime, Wade also had his opportunity to win it for the Heat but missed a long jumper as time expired.

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