HoopsVibe

(Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics dropped a 110-106 decision to the Golden State Warriors on Monday at The Arena.

Paul Pierce poured in 26 points for the Celtics, who have dropped two in a row following a three-game win streak. Jiri Welsch finished with a personal-best 24 points in defeat.

With the teams deadlocked at 88-88, Mike Dunleavy buried a 20-foot jumper with less than 8 1/2 minutes left to spark a 5-0 run which would put Golden State on top to stay, although the Celtics would make several runs down the stretch.

The Warriors extended their margin to seven points when Derek Fisher's layup with 3:29 to go made the score 103-96. Golden State led 105-100 with two minutes left before Pierce sank a jumper, then made a pair of free throws, to get Boston within one heading into the final minute.

Fisher then drained a baseline shot just inside the three-point line to give the Warriors a 107-104 edge, but Pierce converted a running one-hander with 35 seconds remaining to again cut it to a single point.

Pierce had a potential game-winning shot blocked with six seconds on the clock and Fisher went to the line with time winding down. He made the first attempt but clanked the second. However, Jason Richardson tipped in the miss to seal the victory.

The Celtics will return to action on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers.