Rondo double-double lifts Celtics past 76ers

BOSTON - Rajon Rando had 16 points and 11 assists, Kevin Garnett scored 22 points and the Boston Celtics handed the Philadelphia 76ers their fifth straight loss, 96-86 on Friday night.

Ray Allen scored 16 points and Glen Davis had 12 for the Celtics. The aging Celtics — they just added Michael Finley — couldn't put away the lowly Sixers until the end.

Rondo missed a dunk down the lane that the 76ers used to score two free throws on the other end and slice the deficit to 90-85. The Celtics didn't let the Sixers score a field goal over the final 3 minutes and sealed it from the free-throw line to win their third straight game.

Lou Williams led the Sixers with 22 points, and Elton Brand had 17.