Kevin Garnett scored 14 of his 28 points in the third quarter and finished with 18 rebounds as the Boston Celtics dominated the second half en route to a 97-81 victory over the visiting Miami Heat on Saturday in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Paul Pierce added 27 points and Ray Allen chipped in 15 for the Celtics, who pulled within 2-1 in the best-of-seven set. Boston will attempt to even the series on Monday night at TD Garden.

After allowing the Heat to shoot 50 percent in the first half and take a 46-44 lead into the break, the Celtics locked down on defense in the third quarter and started feeding Garnett. The All-Star forward had more field goals (seven) in the frame than the entire Miami team (five) as Boston wrested control away from the Heat.

Allen buried a 3-pointer and Rajon Rondo capped a 9-2 spurt to begin the fourth quarter with a fast-break dunk, pushing the lead out to 81-63 with 8:30 remaining and putting the game away.

Rondo suffered a dislocated left elbow in the third quarter but returned to the game after going to the locker room and having it popped back into place. He had six points and 11 assists.

As well as Boston’s “Big Three” played in the game, Miami trio was equally as poor, with Chris Bosh providing the low point at six points on 1-of-6 shooting.

Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 23 points but managed only nine on 4-of-11 shooting in the second half. LeBron James was held to 15.