EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Paul Pierce scored 31 points and hit a game-winning 17-footer with 20.9 seconds to play to lead the Boston Celtics to a 115-111 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night.

Ray Allen, who tied the game at 111 with a clutch 3-pointer with 1:05 to play, iced the contest with two free throws with 7.5 seconds to play.

Seconds earlier, Vince Carter had a potential game-tying drive bounce off the rim.

Rajon Rondo added 20 points as the Celtics shot 61.2 percent from the field in beating the Nets for the third time this season. Kendrick Perkins had 17 points and 13 rebounds and Allen finished with 16 points.

Carter had 34 points for New Jersey and Devin Harris added 25 points and 11 assists.