The Celtics gutted out a 92-85 win over the Miami Heat on Sunday night at American Airlines Arena and this was one of their better wins of the season. Boston is still trying to gain a personality but there is one thing for sure, the Celtics are a hard team to put away. Many times this season teams have made big runs, hoping the Celtics would fade, and they don't.

Even in Boston's losses, it has scared teams with late runs. In losses to Phoenix and Orlando, the Celtics were only a few made shots away from getting the win. And in losses to Atlanta and Indiana, Boston kept pushing until the final minutes. They are one of the few teams in the NBA that hasn't been blown out, and on Sunday, the Heat began the fourth quarter with a 9-2 run for a 74-69 lead. The Celtics could have folded but they chipped away and relied on their playmakers, primarily Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett, down the stretch.

Also, the Celtics are a good enough defensive team that they can stay in games even when they aren't shooting well. That is something that makes Boston one of the league's elite teams.

Paul Pierce -- Pierce was quite productive in the first half and then came through with key buckets in the fourth quarter. He helped contain Dwyane Wade and fed the ball to Garnett for a crucial fourth-quarter jumper.

Rajon Rondo -- Dished out 11 assists and added 13 points but still needs to develop a consistent jumper. Teams are repeatedly leaving him by himself for jumpers and he continues to pass unless he has to shoot.

Ray Allen -- A courageous effort considering the unfortunate situation with his son Walker. But he canned a game-clinching 3-pointer and provided some good defense on Dwyane Wade. An all-around good effort.

Kendrick Perkins -- Another workmanlike performance for Perk, who dominated Jermaine O'Neal defensively to the point where O'Neal appeared intimidated near the basket. Also, Perkins completed some strong finishes. He has been trying to put up the pretty layup instead of just flushing the ball.

Kevin Garnett-- His shot is falling and he is leaping as high as he has since returning from knee surgery. Garnett's game is coming together. He told everyone to be patient with his progress and he is starting to play like the old KG.

Eddie House -- Came off the bench hit a big 3-pointer and played some at point guard. He also nabbed four rebounds.

Rasheed Wallace -- Needs to stop getting daily technicals because now he has seven and we're only 17 games into the season. Any player with 16 or more receives a one-game suspension for each additional technical.

Marquis Daniels -- What we are finding out about Daniels is that he is not the greatest finisher. Can get to the basket with ease but constantly misses layups. Has to improve on those chip shots.

Shelden Williams -- Two assists in five minutes, but not much else in his 7:36.

Brian Scalabrine -- Came off the bench to hit a big 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. It was his biggest shot of the season.