LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Paul Pierce scored 14 of his 32 points during a big third quarter Sunday, pacing the Boston Celtics to a 109-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Celtics trailed 57-52 early in the frame before Pierce scored the next six points to put Boston ahead for good. He then added a pair of 3-pointers, setting his team on course for a win in a rematch of last year's NBA Finals.
Ray Allen added 21 points, Kevin Garnett contributed 18 and 13 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo distributed 16 assists for the Celtics, who won for the third time in four games.
The Lakers, meanwhile, fell to 3-4 in their last seven games despite 41 points from Kobe Bryant, who went 16-of-29 from the field.
Lamar Odom added in 15 points and Pau Gasol was held to 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting for the Lakers.
