BOSTON – Paul Pierce got the shot he wanted.

Tim Duncan got the result.

Duncan prevented Pierce from driving to the basket, forcing him to take a fadeaway jumper that clanged off the rim at the buzzer Wednesday night, and the San Antonio Spurs held on for their ninth straight victory, 87-86 against the Boston Celtics.

“It was make or miss. I just didn’t want him to go by me,” said Duncan, who had 10 points and 16 rebounds. “To be honest with you, he probably got the shot he wanted.”

Pierce had 15 points and 10 rebounds, but couldn’t maneuver into open space after Boston inbounded the ball with 7.9 seconds left. The 6-foot-11 Duncan stayed on him, forcing the 6-foot-7 Pierce to step back near the top of the key for a floater.

“I got to a good place. Just missed the shot,” Pierce said.