NBA: Boston 104, Indiana 99

BOSTON, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Ray Allen scored 30 points Friday night and the Boston Celtics fought off an Indiana comeback bid to defeat the Pacers 104-99.

Allen made 11-of-16 attempts from the field, bringing the Celtics their fifth win in seven games. Paul Pierce, playing despite a dislocated right thumb, added 16 and Rajon Rondo handed out 17 assists.

Stephon Marbury, making his Boston debut, played 12 minutes and had eight points. Marbury was signed Friday after agreeing to a buyout with the New York Knicks.

It was his first game since Jan. 11, 2008, and he received a standing ovation from the Boston crowd when he entered the game.

T.J. Ford led the Pacers with 23 points.

Boston owned a two-point lead entering the fourth period and the lead quickly grew to nine. Indiana closed within four on Ford's two free throws with 35 seconds, but a series of missed 3-point attempts doomed the Pacers' hopes.