Celtics defeat Hornets 89-77

[February 12, 2009]  NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Paul Pierce scored 30 points and the Boston Celtics spoiled Chris Paul's return from injury with an 89-77 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.

Kevin Garnett added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Eddie House scored eight of his 12 points in the final period to help Boston pull away despite the absence of Ray Allen, who hyperextended his right thumb in the first half.

Paul, who'd missed four games with a right groin strain, finished with 13 points and five assists in 32 minutes. David West had 15 points and Hilton Armstrong 14 for New Orleans.

With Paul, West and Armstrong leading the way, New Orleans played Boston to a 64-64 tie through three quarters.

Paul then rested during the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, when House made two 3-pointers and scored eight points to help the Celtics surge to a 79-67 lead. Rajon Rondo added a difficult floater in the lane and fed a bounce pass to Leon Powe for a dunk during the spurt.

Paul returned soon after, but it was too late. Rasual Butler's 3-pointer got New Orleans within eight points with a little over six minutes to go, but Pierce fed Powe for another dunk on Boston's next trip down the court, Garnett added a jumper and the Celtics led by double-digits the rest of the way.

Powe finished with 11 points for Boston and Rondo had 11 assists.

Peja Stojakovic had an off-night for New Orleans, going 3-of-12 from the field and injuring his left shoulder in the third quarter. He returned to the game late in the fourth quarter but was not a factor and finished with eight points.

New Orleans was 2-of-11 on 3-point attempts, but Boston did not shoot well from long range either, missing its first 10 3s before House hit Boston's only two.

Paul's introduction with the starters brought thunderous applause, but he played only four minutes in the first quarter, checking out with two quick fouls before he had a point or assist.

Paul looked more like himself shortly after his return early in the second quarter. He tossed in a floater over a crowd of defenders as he was being knocked down. He added a midrange jumper and his fast-break layup after a steal by Stojakovic put New Orleans ahead 41-38 late in the half.

West, who had 10 points in the first half, put New Orleans up 43-38 on baseline jumper, but Boston cut it to 44-42 by halftime after Pierce's layup on a spinning drive through the lane.

Notes: Paul was called for a technical foul in the first quarter, when he argued a blocking foul called against him on a drive by Pierce. ... Boston coach Doc Rivers and reserve F Glen Davis also were called for technical fouls for arguing with officials. ... The game was the Hornets' last before this weekend's All-Star break. The Celtics play the second game of a six-game road trip Thursday night in Dallas, then resume the trip next week. ... Boston has won eight straight on the road. ... Recording artist Dave Matthews sat in the front row at midcourt, next to Hornets owner George Shinn.

[Associated Press; By BRETT MARTEL]

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