Rajon Rondo scored a season-high 26 points, helping the Boston Celtics recover from a sloppy start and pull away for a 91-80 win over the Orlando Magic. Dwight Howard posted 28 points and 13 rebounds for the Magic, who led by as many as ten points in the first quarter. Howard and his teammates were unable to sustain the momentum however, due to the Boston's stifling defense and the spectacular play of Rondo. The All-Star point guard also dished out seven assists and got to the line a season-high nine times in his best offensive performance of the year. Orlando mustered just 34.4 percent shooting and made only 3-of-24 three-point shot attempts against Boston's pesky defense, leaving them incapable of posing a comeback late as Boston led comfortably for the majority of the second half.
Elsewhere, Miami outplayed the Clippers as D-Wade netted 28 and the Pacers made it four on the spin with new coach Vogel as they defeated Donthey Jones had 18 and Mike Dunleavy 17. The Knicks had the better of Philadelphia.