Pierce Scores 18 But C's Fall To Pistons Again

The Celtics took on the Pistons without Kevin Garnett for the second time this week, and they couldn't overcome his absence yet again. Boston fell 96-81 on Sunday night in Detroit while Garnett missed the game due to a family matter.

Paul Pierce scored a game-high 18 points and Jermaine O'Neal recorded game highs of 11 rebounds and five blocks. Rajon Rondo piled up 10 assists before being ejected in the third quarter for throwing the basketball. The C's turned the ball over 24 times and committed 31 fouls in the loss.