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Celtics aim to stay perfect vs. Howard, Magic

Nov 18, 2007 - 1:58 PM Boston (8-0) at Orlando (8-2) 6:00 pm EST

ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) - The Boston Celtics look to maintain their perfect record Sunday when they visit the Orlando Magic.

The Celtics, who are off to their best start since going 10-0 to open the 1972-73 season, blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead but managed to pull out a 92-91 win over Miami on Friday.

Kevin Garnett scored 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Paul Pierce hit the game-winner on a baseline drive with 25 seconds left. It was the first game since November 4 that Boston did not win by double-figures.

Prior to being given a scare by Miami, the Celtics had been crushing opponents by an average of 16 points.

But with Dwight Howard leading the way, the Magic pose a formidable threat to the Celtics' winning streak. Howard scored 21 points and pulled down 19 rebounds to help the Magic to their third straight win, 95-70, over New Jersey on Friday.

While the additions of Garnett and Ray Allen has sparked Boston, Orlando and is thriving thanks to the acquisition of Rashard Lewis. Lewis is averaging 21.3 points and shooting 48.5 percent from the arc, which has freed up Howard to post career highs of 21.8 points and 15.0 rebounds.

The Magic, who won three of four meetings last season, are off to their best start since the lockout-shortened season of 1998-99.