NBA: Boston 104, LA Clippers 76

Paul Pierce scored 17 points, Ray Allen scored 15 and Kevin Garnett 11 Monday night to lead the Boston Celtics past the Los Angeles Clippers 104-76.

Allen also had seven assists. James Posey had 17 points and five rebounds, and Leon Powe scored 12 for the Celtics, who won their second straight game after losing three straight to start their five-game West Coast trip.

Tim Thomas scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Corey Maggette and Al Thornton each scored 11 points for the Clippers, who lost their second straight game.

Boston jumped out to a 23-17 first quarter lead, and ran it to 45-36 at halftime. The Clippers got as close as 10 points midway through the third period, but then the Celtics went on a 14-0 spree and took a 77-57 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Clippers never got closer than 20 points down the rest of the way.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International