Celtics Hold Off Hornets to Improve to 4-0

The Boston Celtics (4-0) defeated the visiting New Orleans Hornets (1-2) by a score of 97-87 tonight at the TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics, who never really developed a good rhythm until late in the game, were led by Paul Pierce's 27 points (on 10-of-14 shooting), and Ray Allen's 17 points (on 8-of-15 shooting). Paul Pierce continued his barrage from Friday night (when he was last seen dropping 20 points in the 3rd quarter--on 7 of 7 shooting--against the Chicago Bulls), scoring an efficient 20 points in the first half. He added another crucial 5 points down the stretch in the fourth quarter as the Cs finally put the game away. Kevin Garnett also chipped in with perhaps his most well-rounded game this season, contributing 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in only 26 minutes. The Hornets were led by Peja Stojakovic, who erupted for 26 points in 23 minutes, and the ever-steady Chris Paul, who scored 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, and handed out 8 assists along with 2 steals. Read more...