BOSTON - Ray Allen scored seven points and Jermaine O'Neal added six points as the Boston Celtics took a 24-22 lead after the first quarter of play in the home opener on Friday night at TD Garden.
Boston and Detroit traded baskets in the early going, but the Celtics pulled away for a 20-15 lead with 3:25 left in the quarter thanks to five straight points from Ray Allen. Detroit closed out the quarter on a 7-4 run to cut the deficit to two.
Paul Pierce, who started and played five minutes in the quarter, had two points. Pierce's first and only basket came on a drive to the basket. Pierce's only other shot attempt was a three-pointer from the corner, which was off target.
Greg Monroe had eight points, three rebounds and two assists to lead the Pistons.
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