Shorthanded C's Fall to Mavericks in Dallas

Playing on the second night of a tough back-to-back, the Celtics were unable to defeat the defending NBA champion Mavericks Monday night in Dallas, falling 89-73. Paul Pierce led the C's with 20 points, but Dirk Nowitzki's 26 points and 16 boards were too much.

Mickael Pietrus had a strong game off the Celtics' bench with team highs of 12 rebounds and four assists. Avery Bradley scored 12 points while starting for the suspended Rajon Rondo.