Celtics finish sweep of trip through Texas

DALLAS -- Ray Allen returned from a three-game injury absence and a long time on the bench in the fourth quarter to make a go-ahead three-point basket with 31.7 seconds left, lifting the Boston Celtics past the Dallas Mavericks, 94-90, on Thursday night.

The Celtics completed an impressive sweep in the Lone Star State, becoming the first team to go 3-0 in San Antonio, Houston and Dallas since the Sacramento Kings in November 2001. Boston gave the Spurs their first home loss in six weeks, ended Houston’s 22-game winning streak, then gave the Mavericks only their sixth home loss.

Allen, recovering from a jammed left ankle, scored 21 points in 31 minutes. His clutch jumper came on his only shot of the final period. He spent the first 10:06 on the bench, then went back in after Dallas had just gone ahead, 88-87.

Paul Pierce had 22 points and a season-high 13 rebounds and Kevin Garnett added 20 and 13 in Boston’s 14th victory in 15 games. Dirk Nowitzki had 22 points and 19 rebounds for Dallas.