Pistons rout Celtics 103-88 after London trip

[January 21, 2013]  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Rookie Andre Drummond had 16 points and seven rebounds, and the Detroit Pistons returned from Europe with a 103-88 victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday night.

The Pistons lost to the New York Knicks in London on Thursday, but they didn't look particularly weary in their first game back. Detroit blew an 18-point second-quarter lead before pulling away again in the second half. Boston never led.

Drummond went 5 of 6 from the field, repeatedly slipping free for dunks. He also made 6 of 8 free throws after entering the game shooting 39 percent from the line.

Kevin Garnett scored 16 points for Boston, and Rajon Rondo had eight points, 15 assists, nine rebounds and nine turnovers.

The Celtics wiped out an 18-point second-quarter lead before the first half even ended, but Detroit lead 52-48 after scoring the last four points before the break. It was a one-point game in the third before Brandon Knight and Tayshaun Prince made 3-pointers for the Pistons to make it 61-54.

Detroit led 70-58 before an 8-0 run by Boston. Drummond snapped that with a one-handed dunk on an alley-oop from fellow big man Greg Monroe. It was 81-71 after three.

Drummond's dunk on an alley-oop from Bynum made it 89-73, and Boston's earlier strategy -- fouling Drummond to put him on the line -- had already been foiled by the rookie's rare free throw accuracy.

Monroe, Knight and Will Bynum scored 15 points apiece for Detroit. Courtney Lee had 16 for Boston, and Jeff Green added 15.

Celtics guard Avery Bradley was back after missing a game with a rib injury, but he scored only six points.

The Pistons arrived back from overseas around midday Friday, but they didn't look particularly weary at the start of this one. Detroit scored the game's first seven points and then went on a 9-0 run at the beginning of the second quarter to take a 36-18 lead.

Boston responded immediately, scoring the game's next 10 points, including a steal and dunk by Paul Pierce and two 3-pointers by Lee. Twice, the Pistons turned the ball over near their own free throw line after defensive rebounds, leading to easy baskets for the Celtics.

Boston finally tied it at 48.

NOTES: The Celtics have lost four straight at Detroit. ... The Pistons had 20 turnovers and Boston had 18. ... Monroe, Knight, Bynum and Kyle Singler had five assists apiece for Detroit.

[Associated Press; By NOAH TRISTER]

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.