BOSTON -- Instant reaction after the Boston Celtics posted an 86-83 triumph over the Washington Wizards Sunday night at the TD Garden:

How the game was won: Ray Allen scored 18 second-half points, burying a pair of crucial 3-pointers in the final two minutes, as Boston rallied from a 13-point deficit despite trailing for nearly the entire game. Paul Pierce (17 points), Rajon Rondo (15 points, 7 assists), Kevin Garnett (8 points, 10 rebounds) and Kendrick Perkins (12 points, 7 rebounds) all chipped in for Boston.

Turning point: The Celtics trailed by 13 with less than six minutes to play, but rallied for their first advantage on Allen’s 3-pointer with 1:32 to go. Even still, they had to rally again, with Allen splashing another trifecta with 17 ticks to play to ultimately lift the Green.

Stat of the game: Boston’s bench registered a mere nine points as the six-man collection of Marquis Daniels, Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, Brian Scalabrine, Tony Allen and Nate Robinson combined to go 3 of 21 (14.3 percent). About the only bright spot was Davis, who despite a 1-for-7 shooting performance, did haul in eight rebounds.

Unsung hero: Allen overcame a slow start (3-of-5 shooting for seven points at halftime) to connect on 10-of-15 shots, including 4-of-6 3-pointers, to carry the Celtics from behind.

What it means: Just another lackluster and uninspired effort by the Celtics at home this season. The Wizards led from nearly start to finish before Boston made its late charge. Garnett didn't make a single field goal (0 for 7), but Boston still found a way to emerge with the win.