Vince Carter missed a tying layup attempt for the Nets and Boston's Ray Allen sank two free throws to create the final margin, the Celtics completing a 7-0 run to end the game after a Carter 3-pointer put the Nets ahead.

Rajon Rondo scored 20 points, 16 of them in the third quarter, to help spark the Celtics while former New York Knicks standout Stephon Marbury was greeted with boos in his return to the New York area as a Celtic.

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Marbury signed with Boston after a seaon-long dispute with the Knicks saw him sit out until reaching a financial deal with the club and securing his release. Marbury had no points and four assists while playing 14 minutes.

The Celtics (48-14) trail Cleveland (48-12) for the best record in the Eastern Conference ahead of their showdown match-up tomorrow.