Celtics top Pacers 94-87

BOSTON (AP) - Paul Pierce scored 17 of his 28 points in the third quarter, hitting a 3-pointer and two more baskets as the Celtics ran off 11 consecutive points to pull away and beat the Indiana Pacers 94-87 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. Kevin Garnett and Mickael Pietrus added 13 points and eight rebounds apiece as the Celtics matched their longest winning streak of the year.

Danny Granger scored 21 points for Indiana, which had beaten Boston twice this season, both times by more than 10 points. Paul George scored 16 with nine rebounds and David West had 14 points and eight rebounds.