NBA: Boston 97, New Orleans 87

BOSTON, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- A season-high 27 points from Paul Pierce Sunday led the Boston Celtics to a 97-87 win over the New Orleans Hornets.

Boston led 47-38 at the half but Chris Paul's string of seven straight points drew New Orleans within 69-66 with 38 seconds left in the third period. Boston then secured its victory with a 25-18 fourth.

Ray Allen scored 17 and Kevin Garnett scored 14 with seven rebounds and five assists. Rasheed Wallace had 12 points with five rebounds, Kendrick Perkins scored 12 with seven rebounds and Rajon Rondo had 10 assists for the Celtics, who are 4-0.

They also started 4-0 in the 2007-08 season.

Peja Stojakovic led New Orleans with 26 points and four rebounds. Paul scored 22 with eight assists and Davis West added 10 points for the Hornets, who sank just 13-of-28 3-point attempts.