EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Paul Pierce scored 10 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter Friday night as Boston used a big final period to down New Jersey, 95-90.
Boston Coach Jim O'Brien held an intense three-hour practice session Wednesday in preparation for the exhibition game against the Nets, who have ousted the Celtics from the playoffs each of the last two seasons.
O'Brien then used his two stars, Pierce and Antoine Walker, down the stretch against New Jersey reserves.
It paid off as the Celtics posted their first exhibition win in five tries. Pierce made all 18 of his foul shots, including eight in the fourth quarter, and Walker scored 19 points. Pierce also grabbed 10 rebounds.
First-round pick Marcus Banks finished with 11 points for Boston. Rookie Kendrick Perkins, drafted out of high school, did not play.
