Holding their place

“It definitely was a benchmark game for us because we’ve talked about this game for the last month or so,’’ said Ray Allen (18 points).

“After they beat us [83-78 in Boston Nov. 20] we knew we were playing them here on Christmas Day. Everybody was focused and we took care of the game and we all feel good about it, and it does propel us going forward.’’

The Celtics took command late in the first half, extending their lead to 14 points in the third quarter, then finishing strong, despite losing Garnett for the final minute.

“It was a good win for us,’’ coach Doc Rivers said. “No. 1, it’s Orlando, they’re the team we have to beat, they’re the defending Eastern Conference champs and we understand that. More importantly, it’s the first game of a long road trip. And we have to go on the West Coast and do our jobs.’’

The Celtics compensated for Pierce’s absence with Tony Allen, making his first start since last season, and Brian Scalabrine defending Vince Carter. They slowed Carter (27 points) just enough. Although Kendrick Perkins got into early foul trouble, Rasheed Wallace’s 32-minute stint reinforced the inside defense and even Glen Davis was effective in his first appearance of the season, as the Magic’s Dwight Howard was held to one field goal.

But it wasn’t until Rajon Rondo (17 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists) shifted into gear that the Celtics’ offense took off. .

The Celtics went nine possessions spanning the opening quarters without a field goal before Perkins’s shot-clock buzzer shot cut the deficit to 25-22 with 7:25 left in the half. That seemed to get the Celtics untracked, as they went on an 18-2 run, holding the Magic scoreless for 4:30 and to one field goal over the final 7:53 of the half (the streak extended to 10:38 spanning the halves).

The Celtics outscored Orlando, 20-8, in the second quarter.

“That was a turning point for us,’’ Rivers said. “I thought that was a terrific stretch for us.’’