BOSTON -- It's safe to say the Boston Celtics have found their long-awaited third offensive option in the person of rookie Joe Johnson.

Last night, the Celtics won the type of game they always seemed to lose over the last few years as they pulled away from the Indiana Pacers late in the fourth quarter for a 101-93 win.

With Pacer stars Jalen Rose and Reggie Miller mounting a comeback, Johnson answered by scoring 13 of his 22 points in the final period. Celtics coach Jim O'Brien has so much confidence in the Arkansas rookie he actually called plays with Johnson as the first option in the final four minutes.

"Joe Johnson continues to play magnificent basketball," O'Brien said. "To go to a rookie late in a game speaks to our confidence in him."