NBA: Boston 80, San Antonio 77

Ray Allen scored 19 points Friday and the Boston Celtics celebrated the return of Kevin Garnett by pulling out an 80-77 victory over San Antonio.

The Celtics and Spurs engaged in a rugged defensive battle, although defense had nothing to do with San Antonio missing six free throws in the final 2:32, which handed Boston the win.

Garnett had not played since Feb. 19 due to a knee strain. He was on the court for 14 minutes Friday and scored 10 points with four rebounds.

Allen was returning from a one-game absence after suffering a hyperextended right elbow. Rajon Rondo added 16 points and 12 assists for Boston, which had a 7-6 record while Garnett was on the bench.

Paul Pierce contributed 12 rebounds, but made only 3-of-16 shots.

Tony Parker scored 25 points to lead San Antonio. Parker came into the game as an 80 percent free throw shooter and Michael Finley was hitting at 81 percent for the year but they combined to miss six foul shots in the late going.