Celtics Ride On Garnett, Pierce To Wear Down Visiting Suns

Boston, MA (AHN) - Boston allowed Phoenix to come back after leading by 15 points in the first period before waiting for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to rescue itself down the stretch and the Celtics snapped a two-game losing streak with a 117-97 whipping of the Suns at the TD Banknorth Garden on Wednesday night.

The Celtics burned the visitors with 33 points in the first 12 minutes of play but the Suns cooked up an onslaught of their own, pouring in 37 before the half to tie at 57-all. But with Garnett scattering 30 points and Pierce firing 12 of his 27 markers in the fourth, the Celtics had an easier time pulling away for good.

It was the first victory for Boston following back-to-back defeats against New Orleans and Philadelphia. The win also made sure the Celtics have a six-game lead over Detroit for the best record in the NBA.

Boston and Phoenix both shot above 50 percent from the field but the Celtics were the aggressors in the glass, collecting 41 rebounds to the Suns' 27. The Celtics also were given more opportunities from the foul line, making 22-of-28 while the Suns finished 17-of-19.

The loss was Phoenix's second straight following a seven-game winning run that ended Monday night at Detroit. Amare Stoudamire topscored with 32 points, Shaquille O'Neal chipped in 16 and Boris Diaw had 15 for the Suns, who travel to Philadelphia on Friday before visiting New Jersey the following night.

Garnett shot 12-of-19 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the line to go with six assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo each had 14 points and Kendrick Perkins scored 13 points and pulled down 10 boards.

The Celtics will try to avenge Saturday's 113-106 defeat at New Orleans when they host the Hornets on Friday.