Pierce scores 31 to lead Celtics past Nets 94-80

By Jimmy Golen

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Feb. 16 2011 8:10 p.m. MST

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce (34) grabs a rebound against New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries (43) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011.

Elise Amendola, Associated Press

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Summary

Paul Pierce bounced back from one of the worst games of his career to score 31 points Wednesday night and lead the Boston Celtics to a 94-80 victory over the New Jersey Nets.

BOSTON — Paul Pierce bounced back from one of the worst games of his career to score 31 points Wednesday night and lead the Boston Celtics to a 94-80 victory over the New Jersey Nets.

With the win, the Celtics head into the All-Star break with the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Pierce, who was 0 for 10 and had one point in Sunday's victory over the Miami Heat, scored seven points during a 16-0 run late in the fourth quarter as the Celtics turned a one-point deficit into a blowout.

Kevin Garnett scored 14 points with 10 rebounds for Boston.

Brook Lopez scored 18 points and Devin Harris had 16 for the Nets, who scored just 10 points in the fourth quarter and had just two free throws in the last 6:17 of the game.

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