BOSTON (Reuters) – The surging Boston Celtics won their 14th successive game with a clinical 94-82 home victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday.
Paul Pierce scored a game-high 28 points and Kevin Garnett added 19 points and 10 rebounds to help the defending NBA champions run their league-best record to 22-2.
"We knew we had to grind it out; it was the second (game) of a back-to-back and our legs were a little wobbly," Pierce told reporters. "Our offense wasn't the best."
David West had 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Hornets, and Chris Paul recorded 20 points and 14 assists, though the team managed just 35 percent shooting from the field against Boston's stalwart defense.
The Celtics, who trailed 40-39 at halftime, took control of the game in the third quarter where Pierce scored 13.
Boston used a 16-4 run in the pivotal period to take a 56-46 advantage.
Eddie House made three 3-pointers and scored nine points off the bench and also defended Paul for stretches of the second half.
"Going into the game you would have thought (Rondo) would have been the better defender on Chris Paul," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "For whatever reason, it was Eddie tonight."
Rondo had 10 points and six rebounds to add to his impressive run so far this year along with some of the Celtics other complimentary players, making the team even more formidable.
"Those guys are coming into their own this year and its fun to watch," Pierce added. "When they play well I think we're unbeatable."
Hornets veteran James Posey scored seven points in his first meeting against his former team. Posey played a vital role off the bench in Boston's title run last season, and the clutch shooter received his championship ring prior to the contest. (Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Martin Petty)
