Paul Pierce scored 20 points on Tuesday to push the Boston Celtics past the upset-hungry Cleveland Cavaliers, 93-90.

The Celtics controlled most of the contest. However, the Cavaliers made a furious comeback in the second half. At one point, the former defending champions were up by 22 points.

Team captain Kevin Garnett scored a fade away jumper with under two minutes left to neutralize the Cleveland rally.

During their last meeting, the Celtics lost by one point care of a clutch layup by Kyrie Irving.

Garnett and Brandon Bass scored 13 points apiece to help Boston earn its fifth victory in its past five games.

For the Cavaliers, rookie sensation Kyrie Irving scored 21 points, while Anderson Varejao had 20 points and 20 boards.