Celtics man up for win

Rivers was only secure enough to remove his starters with 2:12 remaining in the game and, even then, he left in center Kendrick Perkins.

But the Celtics (9-3) put on enough of a defensive display to restore some self-confidence as they prepare for tomorrow’s game against Orlando.

The Celtics made their stand following a halftime talk by captain Paul Pierce. Early in the third quarter, the Celtics stopped the Warriors (3-8) on seven successive possessions, holding them without a field goal for 6:01.

“We had one of those conversations that every team has,’’ said Kevin Garnett (15 points, seven rebounds). “And we just know we’re a better team as far as being solid and consistent. The captain sort of pulled everybody together and just talked to us about what we needed to do to go out in the second half. We followed his lead and followed what he said to us and took it to heart.’’

Rajon Rondo had 12 points and four assists in the third quarter, in which the Celtics outscored the Warriors, 31-19.

Rondo sparked a 12-0 run over a 3:49 span, concluding it with a 3-point play for a 67-55 lead with 4:28 remaining. Pierce, recovered from a left knee sprain, followed two Corey Maggette (game-high 23 points) free throws with a 3-pointer off a Rondo assist for a 70-57 advantage with 4:06 left. Monta Ellis’s drive broke the Warriors’ field goal drought with 3:52 remaining, then Bell’s drive cut their deficit to 70-61 with 3:10 left.

The Celtics then went on a 10-4 run, sparked by 3-pointers by Rasheed Wallace and Rondo, before allowing an Ellis layup just before the buzzer.

“I thought [Rondo] changed the momentum of the game,’’ Garnett said. “He consolidated the ball. He was aggressive. He picked up the energy, started picking up full court. I just think he set the tone for the second half.’’