BOSTON, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Paul Pierce led Boston with 31 points Wednesday and the Celtics ran away over the closing minutes to defeat New Jersey 94-80.
The Nets led by a point midway through the final period, but were outscored the rest of the way 17-2.
Advertisement
Boston held New Jersey to 10 points in the fourth quarter and the only two points the Nets managed during the closing 6 minutes came on a pair of free throws by Derrick Favors after the Celtics had scored 16 in a row.
Pierce made 10-of-18 shots from the field while Kevin Garnett added 14 points and 10 rebounds. Boston has defeated New Jersey in all of their three meetings this season.
New Jersey was led by 18 points from Brook Lopez. The Nets have lost three straight and six out of eight.
