Philadelphia 96, Boston 78

UNCASVILLE, Conn., Oct. 20 (AP) -- With Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett dressed in suits on the bench, the Boston Celtics lost for the first time in four preseason games, 96-78 to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

Jason Smith had 16 points, while Andre Iguodala, Rodney Carney and Willie Green added 14 to lead the 76ers (1-4) in the game played at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Ray Allen, a former Connecticut standout, scored 16 points for the Celtics (3-1) and James Posey added 12 points.

Boston coach Doc Rivers rested stars Pierce and Garnett with back-to-back exhibition games against New York and New Jersey scheduled on Monday and Tuesday.

With the Celtics trailing by 10 at halftime, Allen scored five straight points to spark a 16-4 run to open the second half. Brian Scalabrine hit two shots in a row from the corner and Rajon Rondo converted a short jumper to put the Celtics ahead 56-54 with 6:57 remaining in the third quarter.

Reggie Evans made two free throws to give Philadelphia the lead for good, 61-60, with 3:59 remaining in the period. The 76ers led for nearly the entire game, jumping to a 25-15 lead by the end of the first quarter and 50-40 at halftime.