PHILADELPHIA, March 23 (UPI) -- Elton Brand had 20 points and led a Philadelphia 76ers rally Friday in a 99-86 decision over Boston that gave Coach Doug Collins his 400th NBA victory.
The game was marred by an injury suffered by Boston guard Mickael Pietrus, who was taken off the court on a stretcher after falling on his back during the second period.
Club officials said Pietrus would stay overnight in a hospital for precautionary reasons due to a head injury.
Philadelphia trailed by six heading into the third quarter but outscored the Celtics by 20 in that period and coasted from there. Brand had 14 of his 20 points in the third period.
Lou Williams one of six players in double figures for the 76ers, added 19 points off the bench.
The win boosted Philadelphia's lead over Boston to 1 1/2 games at the top of the Atlantic Division.
Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett both had 20 points for the Celtics, who finished an eight-game road trip with a 4-4 record.
The injury to Pietrus was likely a factor in Boston losing its momentum after the Celtics had shot 61.9 percent from the field during the first half.
