The Boston Celtics slipped away in the final two minutes for a 106-97 victory over the Hornets Saturday night at the Charlotte Coliseum.

Charlotte trailed by 10, 84-74, as the fourth quarter began, primarily because of the difference in shooting in the third. The Celtics outshot the Hornets 57.9percent to 35.0percent. Boston had eight three-pointers to Charlotte's two at that stage.

The Hornets got the margin down to six midway through the period but were playing without point guard Baron Davis, who was on the bench with five personal fouls. They cut the deficit to two a short time later as David Wesley scored eight consecutive Charlotte points, hitting three wing jumpers and two free throws.

The teams went the next two minutes with one free throw between them, by Boston. The Celtics led by three, 98-95. Then with 1 minute, 32 seconds to play Kenny Anderson penetrated and passed to Vitaly Potapenko for a layup and a 100-95 Boston advantage.

The Hornets then came up dry on a fifth straight possession when Matt Bullard's three-point attempt popped off the rim at 1:17. The Celtics missed but rebounded, and Antoine Walker was fouled. He hit twice with 40.2seconds left for a 102-95 Boston lead, sealing the victory.

The Hornets came in with wins in four of their previous five games and were trying to build some momentum at home. They had beaten Toronto in the Coliseum on Thursday to break a five-game home losing streak.