BOSTON, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Rookie Joe Johnson scored 13 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter Wednesday night, including nine during a game-ending 15-7 run that lifted the Boston Celtics to their third straight victory, a 101-93 triumph over the Indiana Pacers.
The 6-8 Johnson, who left Arkansas after his sophomore season and was the 10th pick in the NBA draft, entered the contest averaging 12.7 points, giving the Celtics a third option after stars Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce.
On Wednesday night, however, the rookie was the unquestioned star of the decisive final period.
With the game tied at 86-86 midway through the period, Johnson hit a three-pointer that put the Celtics ahead for good. Down the stretch, he had a runner in the lane and pair of layups as Boston held on.
Pierce led the way with 31 points and Walker contributed 24 for the Celtics, who snapped a three-game home losing streak to the Pacers.
Indiana's Jalen Rose scored 24 points, but twice missed jumpers in the final 90 seconds that could have pulled the Pacers within four.
