The Celtics continued their recent smothering defensive play, holding the Pacers to just 35.1 percent shooting, as Boston won, 86-72, in Indiana. The Atlantic Division-leading Celtics snapped a two-game losing streak with one of thier most impressive road victories of the season.
Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 24 points, while Ray Allen had 19 (albeit on a 7-for-19 shooting night from the floor) and Kevin Garnett had 15 points and seven rebounds. On a night when the Celtics had 27 assists on their 32 baskets, Rajon Rondo led the way with 12 assists.
But it was the Celtics' defense that did the most significant work in the road win. The Pacers converted just 26 of 74 shots, and Greg Stiemsma blocked five shots while Boston also accumulated a dozen steals, led by Ray Allen's four. The Celtics took a 24-19 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The Celtics return home on Sunday to host the 76ers, the second place team in the division.
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