Paul Pierce led Boston with 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Allen finished with 27 points and four rebounds. He also grabbed a missed shot by Milwaukee's Richard Jefferson and sank two free throws, securing the Celtics' seventh win in eight games at the start of their title defense.

Kevin Garnett scored 15 with seven rebounds, before fouling out, and Eddie House scored 10 points for Boston.

Milwaukee got 19 points from Luke Ridnour, including a game-tying layup with 1.4 seconds in regulation. Andrew Bogut scored 20 with nine rebounds, despite being ejected with 3:58 left after receiving his second technical foul.

Both Jefferson and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute scored 14 points for the Bucks.