NBA: Boston 101, Milwaukee 89

BOSTON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Paul Pierce scored 18 points Friday, helping rally the Boston Celtics from an early deficit to a 101-89 decision over Milwaukee.

The defending champion Celtics won their third straight. They dug themselves out of a seven-point hole after one period and never trailed during the second half.

Milwaukee had won its previous two games.

Kevin Garnett added 16 points and pulled down nine rebounds for Boston. Tony Allen (13), Eddie House (11) and Leon Powe (10) all came off the bench to score in double figures.

Richard Jefferson paced Milwaukee with 20. The Bucks were without guard Michael Redd for the second straight game. He sprained an ankle against New York Sunday.

Milwaukee had a four-point lead with 5:50 remaining in the first half, but Boston went on a 15-1 run to take command. Pierce scored seven points during that surge.