Paul Pierce was the only uncertainty before the Celtics’ game against the Miami Heat, but he came in strong on Friday night and helped Boston win 92-91 to stay undefeated in this NBA season.

Pierce muscled in for the go-ahead lay-up with 25 seconds on the clock and the Celtics got their eighth consecutive win. He scored just 12 points on Friday night but those were key points in getting the win.

"I'd been struggling with a strain in my back all night," said Pierce.

"But coach (Doc Rivers) saw tremendous confidence in me and I wanted to be there for my teammates in the end."

Pierce’s lay-up put the Celtics back in front after squandering a 15-point fourth quarter cushion. However, the succession of events left the final game play and the ball in Miami's All-Star guard Dwyane Wade’s hands, who just made his come back after undergoing off-season shoulder and knee surgeries.

After a timeout the Heat Wade received the ball at the top of the key and dribbled in order to make his shot without giving the Celtics enough time to answer. He made his jump shot over former teammate James Posey, but it banged off the back of the rim as the time expired.

"There was a lot of stuff going through my head: Being out six months and my second game back," said Wade after the game was over.

Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 26 points and 11 rebounds while Ray Allen scored 19 points. Boston’s 8-0 start is the best since the 1972-73 team won 10 in a row.

Wade was Miami’s top scorer with 23 points and was closely followed by Ricky Davis who finished with 20 points for the Heat (1-8). Shaquille O'Neal collected 17 and nine boards.