Dwight Howard scored 24 points, Rashard Lewis added 22 and the Orlando Magic dealt the Boston Celtics their first loss of the NBA season, 104-102 yesterday.

Paul Pierce missed an off-balance jumper with time running out that could have forced overtime. Pierce finished with 28 points.

Two nights after surviving a challenge with a 92-91 win over Miami, the Celtics (8-1) lost despite shooting 53.3 percent from the field. The Magic countered by hitting 33-of-65 shots (50.8 percent).

Orlando was up by as much as 20, but Boston chipped away in the third and fourth quarters. Mounting several small runs, the Celtics finally claimed their first lead -- 88-87 -- halfway through the fourth on consecutive 3's by Eddie House and James Posey.

Allen had 19 for Boston and Rajon Rondo scored 18, while Kevin Garnett had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Warriors 106, Raptors 100

At Toronto, Stephen Jackson scored 17 points, Andris Biedrins had 15 points and 14 rebounds and Golden State won its second straight after opening the season with six consecutive losses.

Baron Davis had 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Kelenna Azubuike scored 16 points and Al Harrington added 10 for Golden State, which saw all five starters reach double figures scoring.

T.J. Ford scored 29 points for the Raptors, who have won just twice in six tries at home this season. Ford added eight assists and six rebounds.

Andrea Bargnani scored 12 points and Chris Bosh had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Toronto.

(Shanghai Daily via Agencies November 19, 2007)