Pierce, Celtics surge past Pacers

BOSTON – Paul Pierce scored 17 of his 28 points in the third quarter, hitting a three-pointer and two more baskets as the Celtics ran off 11 consecutive points to pull away and beat the Indiana Pacers, 94-87, on Friday night.

Pierce added 10 rebounds and eight assists to help Boston win its fourth consecutive game despite playing without starters Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O’Neal.

Danny Granger scored 21 points for Indiana, which had beaten Boston twice this season.

76ers 89, Bucks 72: At Philadelphia, Lou Williams scored 17 points and Jrue Holiday had 15 for Philadelphia.

Timberwolves 87, Spurs 79: At Minneapolis, Ricky Rubio scored nine of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and dished out 10 assists for Minnesota.

Hawks 107, Pistons 101 (OT): At Auburn Hills, Mich., Joe Johnson scored 30 points and hit a tying three-pointer with 1.9 seconds left in regulation, and Atlanta stunned Detroit in overtime.

Nets 99, Cavaliers 96: At Cleveland, Deron Williams scored 27 points for New Jersey.

Rockets 103, Wizards 76: At Houston, Chase Budinger scored a season-high 21 points, and Houston blew out Washington.

Hornets 93, Magic 67: At New Orleans, Carl Landry scored 17 points for New Orleans.

Heat 99, Knicks 89: At Miami, LeBron James scored 31 points as Miami rolled.

Mavericks 116, Jazz 101: At Dallas, Roddy Beaubois had a season-high 22 points to lead Dallas to victory.

Nuggets 96, Raptors 81: At Denver, Rudy Fernandez scored a season-high 23 as Denver beat Toronto.