Paul Pierce scored 30 points and Kevin Garnett reached a major rebounding milestone as the Boston celtics held on to beat the visiting New York Knicks 91-89 on Friday night.

Leading by one late in the game, Boston thought it had taken a 93-89 lead after Pierce knocked down a 3-pointer with 14 seconds remaining. Referees overturned the basket after ruling that the attempt was made after the shot clock had expired.

Carmelo Anthony missed a long jumper that would have given the Knicks the lead and Pierce grabbed the rebound, taking a foul and making one of two free throws. New York had one final chance to force overtime, but Steve Novak's 20-footer was off the mark.

Garnett pulled down his 10,000th career defensive rebound in the first quarter, joining Karl Malone and Robert Parish as the only players in league history to reach the plateau. He finished with 15 points and eight boards.

Ray Allen scored nine of his 14 points late in the fourth quarter while Rajon Rondo returned from an eight-game injury absence to post seven points, seven assists and five rebounds.

Carmelo Anthony had 26 points to pace the Knicks, who have dropped nine of 11. Tyson Chandler added 20 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.