Celtics 107, Nets 94
CELTICS 107, NETS 94: Paul Pierce collected 27 points and eight assists as host Boston cruised to its third straight victory while halting New Jersey’s road winning streak at three.
Kevin Garnett continued his recent surge with 20 points on 10-for-13 shooting to go with 10 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo shook off the trade rumors with 14 points, 13 assists and five steals for the Celtics, who pulled above .500 at 18-17.
The Nets have dropped 11 of their last 14 overall.
Boston had the advantage from the start, holding New Jersey to 33 percent shooting in the first half and stretching the lead to as much as 52-31 following an 18-1 run in the second quarter.
Pierce’s three-point play midway through the third gave the Celtics their largest lead, 79-53.
Boston totaled 35 assists on 45 field goals - the second-highest mark in the NBA this season - and ended up shooting 52 percent from the floor. The Celtics' 107 points matched their single-game high this season.
Brook Lopez led New Jersey with 28 points.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Nets committed 20 turnovers … Former Celtic Gerald Green scored 11 points off the bench for New Jersey … Boston hosts the New York Knicks on Sunday in a battle for the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference.