DETROIT, March 3 – The Boston Celtics, buoyed by the return of Paul Pierce, bounced back from an embarrassing loss to lowly New Jersey with a 105-100 NBA triumph over Detroit on Tuesday.
Ray Allen scored 18 points for Boston. Nate Robinson scored 14 points in 16 minutes, Rajon Rondo added 15 points and 11 assists, and Pierce chipped in nine points in 29 minutes.
Jonas Jerebko scored 16 points for Detroit, which lost its fourth straight.
Rasheed Wallace missed a jump shot that could have given the Celtics a 10-point lead early in the third quarter, and his former team rallied to pull within three.
The Pistons continued to press and led 75-72 going into the fourth quarter only to see Boston regain control early in the final period.
Robinson hit back-to-back three-pointers to put Boston up 89-81 with seven minutes to play.
Detroit were within 95-90 with 1:13 remaining, but Ben Wallace missed two free throws and then had to be assisted off the court with an injured right knee.
Tayshaun Prince drained a three-pointer for Detroit before the Celtics sealed the victory from the foul line.
Pierce had missed three games with a sprained thumb. During his injury absence he also battled flu, and Kendrick Perkins missed the contest with flu-like symptoms.
