BOSTON, March 12 (UPI) -- Antoine Walker scored 23 points and Paul Pierce added 21 Wednesday night as the Boston Celtics rebounded from a disappointing effort and cooled off the New Orleans Hornets, 93-65.
The Hornets, who lost for just the second time in 11 games, matched the lowest point total in franchise history, set in a 65-56 victory over Miami on Dec. 20, 2000.
One day after Sunday's 94-78 loss to San Antonio, Boston Coach Jim O'Brien challenged his players to end the season strong, telling them that if they go 14-5, they will reach 50 wins and possibly finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics responded with a dominating performance from start to finish. Boston allowed just 15 points in each of the first two periods to open a 47-30 halftime lead, then turned the contest into a rout in the third quarter.
J.R. Bremer made three of his four three-pointers in the period, when the Celtics stretched their lead to as many as 30 points. Mark Blount's jumper made it 69-39 with 2:35 left.
Baron Davis scored 16 points for the Hornets, who also had a five-game road winning streak snapped.
