Celtics 102, Bobcats 95
CELTICS 102, BOBCATS 95: Paul Pierce scored 36 points as visiting Boston won for the fourth time in the last five games and joined Philadelphia on top of the Atlantic Division.
Pierce, one of four starters in double figures, put the Celtics ahead by 10 points on a three-point play with just over nine minutes remaining. Pierce attacked the rim, scoring seven of his buckets in the paint and picking up 15 points from the foul line. He also had 10 rebounds.
Boston defeated Charlotte for the eighth time in their last 10 meetings.
Gerald Henderson cut the lead to six points with just over three minutes remaining, sinking two long jumpers from the top of the key. Henderson scored 21 points and was the only Charlotte starter in double figures for the second straight game.
Charlotte’s bench outscored the starters 59-36, led by Byron Mullens and Derrick Brown, who scored 18 and 16 points, respectively.
Boston jumped out to a 33-15 lead in the first quarter, finishing the period on a 20-2 run. Charlotte battled back, outscoring the Celtics 35-19 in the second quarter to trail by two at the break.
Kevin Garnett chipped in with 24 points, including 13 in the first half.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Bobcats bench outscored the Celtics reserves 37-8 in the first half. … Avery Bradley started in place of Ray Allen (ankle) for the second straight game, scoring 11 points. … The Celtics are 5-0 when Pierce scores 30 or more points. … Rajon Rondo had 13 assists, recording double figures in that department for the 10th straight game.