Celtics big comeback falls short

BOSTON (AP) - The Orlando Magic threatened to hand the Boston Celtics one of the worst home playoff losses in team history before squeezing out a Game-1 victory in the NBA's Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Magic pulled out a 95-90 victory in Boston Monday night after leading by 28 early in the second half. Dwight Howard contributed 16 points and 22 rebounds in his return from a one-game suspension. J.J. Redick iced the victory by going 4-for-4 from the line in the final 14 seconds.

Paul Pierce scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half, including a three-pointer that brought the Celtics within 93-90 with 6.6 seconds remaining. Rajon Rondo delivered 14 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Celtics, who are coming off a grueling seven-game series against Chicago. Rondo and Ray Allen each shot just 2-for-12.

Game 2 is Wednesday in Boston.