BOSTON - Even without leading scorer Ray Allen on hand, Paul Pierce (24 points, six rebounds) and the Boston Celtics did just fine against the New Jersey Nets, blowing out their division rivals, 89-70, on Wednesday night at TD Garden.
Boston (4-3) stretched its winning streak to four straight and has not lost a home game in three tries this season. New Jersey, meanwhile, continue to struggle and are now 1-6 on the season and have dropped six games in a row after beating the Washington Wizards, 90-84, in the season opener on December 26.
Pierce led all scorers with his 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting in 29 minutes for Boston, which made 35-of-71 field goals to shoot 49.3 percent. Brandon Bass had another terrific game off the bench, scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Kevin Garnett finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds and Rajon Rondo totaled eight points and 12 assists in the win.
MarShon Brooks scored 17 points to lead the Nets before leaving with an ankle injury early in the fourth quarter. Jordan Farmar scored 11 points and had six assists, Anthony Morrow had nine points and Shelden Williams (nine rebounds) and Sundiata Gaines each scored eight points for New Jersey, which made 30-of-74 field goals to shoot 40.5 percent.
New Jersey was without its two leading scorers, Deron Williams and Kris Humphries, while Boston was without its leading scorer in Allen (cold/flu).
Boston returns to action on Friday night when it hosts the improved Indiana Pacers.
For more Boston Celtics coverage, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog.