The Atlantic Division-leading Boston Celtics will continue their stretch of games against playoff-contending teams tonight on the road in a showdown with the Indiana Pacers.
The Celtics have dropped two in a row to San Antonio and Chicago since disposing of Miami in Beantown, but are still 7-3 in their last 10 games. They dropped a 93-86 decision to the Derrick Rose-less Bulls on Thursday, as Paul Pierce scored 22 points, Brandon Bass added 15 and Kevin Garnett compiled 12 points and 14 rebounds.
"I think it was the worst loss of the year for us," Boston coach Doc Rivers said after his team blew an 11-point lead at the half. "That was unacceptable. We're not going anywhere playing like that. I'm just so pissed at the way we've played, the playoffs are the furthest thing from my mind right now."
Ray Allen came off the bench for the first time since 2002-03 and scored 14 points. Allen was dealing with an ankle problem and has played back-to-back games since missing six in a row (5-1). Rajon Rondo posted 10 or more assists for the 15th consecutive game, handing out 12 to go along with 10 points.
Rondo's double-digit assist run is the NBA's longest since Utah's John Stockton did it from March 10-April 7, 1995. Stockton also happens to be the last player to have 10-plus assists in at least 16 in a row since an awe- inspiring 29-game stretch from Jan. 25-March 30, 1992.
Boston is seeded fourth in the Eastern Conference and is only a game ahead of Philadelphia for the division lead. The Celtics will host the rival Sixers Sunday before taking on Miami and Atlanta, and are 11-15 on the road.
The Pacers, meanwhile, have won four straight and five of six after taking care of business against Western Conference power Oklahoma City in the opener of a three-game homestand on Friday.
Danny Granger netted 26 points and the Indiana Pacers held off a late charge in that one to defeat the Thunder, 103-98.
Roy Hibbert had a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, David West supplied 14 points and Paul George contributed a career-high 16 boards as the Pacers remained 1 1/2 games ahead of Atlanta, which edged Detroit later Friday, for third place in the Eastern Conference.
"At first my shots weren't falling, so I had to do what I can to help while I'm out there," said George. "I was able to find my way inside and get some of those offensive rebounds that we needed."
Indiana has taken two of the first three meetings with Boston this season and will try for its first series victory in this matchup since 2006-07 (3-1). The two teams have split the last eight contests in the Hoosier State.
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