Millsap hit 13 of 20 shots and scored 16 points in the second quarter. His previous career-high had been 28, set last season at Orlando, and he became the Jazz's first player to score more than 30 this season.

The last time they came to Boston, the Jazz ended a 10-game winning streak by the Celtics with a 110-92 victory. There would be no repeat. The Celtics' 15-game streak is now the fourth-longest in franchise history and only three shy of the franchise record.

Deron Williams battled foul trouble, but finished with 15 points and seven assists, and scored in bunches at the end. Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 25 points, nine assists and eight rebounds while Kevin Garnett had 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Millsap nailed a step-back fadeaway 19-footer over Leon Powe as the Jazz closed to 73-70 with 9:27 left. But Gabe Pruitt answered with a three-pointer for Boston and the Jazz wound up in the penalty with 8:44 to play.

The Celtics stretched their lead to nine as Garnett hit a turnaround jumper over Millsap and Pruitt converted two free throws after stripping Williams and being fouled. The Jazz got as close as four points, but Rondo drove for a layup and hit two free throws.

Boston scored the first seven points out of halftime to take a 57-50 lead on Ray Allen's three-pointer. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan called timeout only 2:36 into the quarter and yanked C.J. Miles in favor of Ronnie Price not even five minutes in.

The Jazz were beaten to the punch in the first quarter. Boston built a 12-point lead, outrebounded the Jazz 13-6 and piled up 18 points in the paint. Garnett was a ubiquitous presence with eight points, six rebounds, two steals and a block in the quarter.

Led by Millsap, the Jazz clawed back in the game during the second quarter. Millsap scored 16 of the Jazz's 27 points in the quarter, including a follow-up dunk with 37.3 seconds left. The Jazz also converted 13 of 16 free throws in the second.