Kevin Garnet appeared uninjured when he stepped around a pick, reached out to interrupt a pass and helped the Celtics steal a win from Orlando on Monday night.

Celtics forward Garnett has returned after missing nine games because of leg injury. He scored 19 points, eight rebounds and a key steal with only 16 seconds remaining in his comeback that helped Boston beat the Magic 109-106.

Garnett had injured his right calf during Celtics’ match against Detroit on December 29. According to him, being hurt is not one of his favorite things and the last two weeks have been dark days for him.

He stepped around Jameer Nelson and intercepted a pass that was intended for Jason Richardson. Then, he threw the ball ahead Ray Allen, who was given a foul while trying to dribble out the clock.

Magic’s Dwight Howard scored 33 points and 13 rebounds, whereas Ryan Anderson scored 19 points that includes four 3-pointers. However, Boston scored 60 percent of its shots, which is yet the season-high for an Orlando opponent.

Orlando scored eight straight points in the fourth quarter that turned the six-point deficit into a 95-93 lead. Allen scored 3-points twice, but his third 3-point shot was negated by Garnett. The score reached 102-102 with only 65 seconds left.

At 39 seconds, the score tied again when Pierce moved in to draw a foul on Richardson. Upon Magic’s next possession, Nelson tried to pass the ball to Richardson but Garnett got the ball with his fingertips and scored it in.

Both teams have met in the playoffs in the last two seasons. Orlando knocked Boston out in 2009 while Celtics eliminated Magic last year.