NBA: Boston 119, Sacramento 95

BOSTON, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Paul Pierce boosted Boston to a big third quarter Wednesday and the Celtics went on to defeat Sacramento 119-95.

Boston had lost two in a row, but eight players scored in double figures and the Celtics made 12-of-20 from 3-point range against the Kings.

Pierce scored 25 points while playing 26 minutes, Nate Robinson added 16 points and Ray Allen had 14. Boston played its eighth game without star Kevin Garnett, who has missed time with a strained calf, but who has been declared almost ready to return by Coach Doc Rivers.

Boston had an eight-point lead at halftime, and then outscored the Kings by 15 in the third period. The Celtics played the second contest in a six-game homestand.

Carl Landry scored 17 points off the bench to lead Sacramento.