The Celtics have struggled mightily this season with late-game execution and they had another opportunity to seal a victory with one well-executed possession against Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Paul Pierce took the responsibility in his own hands with the clock winding down and the Celtics desperately needing a hoop. Against defensive menace Matt Barnes, faked a forward dribble and then released one of his customary 3-point stepback jumpers. The result? Swish.

Pierce's 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left helped the Celtics beat the Clippers 106-104, avoiding blowing a 19-point lead and notching another impressive victory without Rajon Rondo.

Pierce scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half as the Celtics barely held on to the hard-charging Clippers, who used the hot-shooting of Jamal Crawford and Eric Bledsoe to creep back into the game.

Bledoe's 3-pointer got the Clippers to within 103-101 with 56.2 seconds left.

After a Celtics turnover, Avery Bradley drew a key offensive foul from Crawford, allowing Pierce to seal the Celtics' fourth straight win.

Leandro Barbosa and Jeff Green each added 14 points from Jason Terry scored 13.