The scenarios for both teams hinged on Ray Allen converting the deciding 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds remaining in the second overtime. Allen (22 points), who was living a bad dream for most of the game, led the way in OT, capping a rally as the Celtics overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Allen stole a Gerald Wallace pass and hit a three with 2:11 to go in the second OT to give the Celtics a 106-105 lead. Boston had a chance to gain a 3-point lead after a Kendrick Perkins block, but Paul Pierce's lefthanded drive missed. The Bobcats' Raymond Felton and Pierce (32 points) traded baskets, then Emeka Okafor's post-up banker gave Charlotte a 109-108 lead with 45 seconds remaining. Allen airballed a three off the dribble, but Felton missed on a drive, and Eddie House gathered the rebound. Pierce then found Allen in the corner opposite the Bobcats' bench for the winning shot. Raja Bell missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
"I didn't really expect for Wallace to leave me," Allen said. "But I know Paul. Paul just had the wherewithal to throw it back to me. And that's why I always try to put myself in a position where he has a choice to pass me the ball - whether he does or not, he has a choice."
Charlotte, which took a 114-106 overtime victory over Boston Jan. 6, presented difficult matchups for the Kevin Garnett-less Celtics, who failed to adjust until it was almost too late.
The Celtics, who host Atlanta tomorrow, went through a drought of 9:58 and shot 4 for 15 in the third quarter.
Charlotte scored 33 points in the opening quarter, and the Celtics recovered with a 28-18 second quarter against a lineup missing Boris Diaw and Wallace.
