Boston Celtics Team Report - January 29

(Basketball News) - The Boston Celtics dropped their first game under interim coach John Carroll on Wednesday with a 106-103 loss to the Detroit Pistons at the FleetCenter.

Paul Pierce scored 26 points for the for the Celtics, who have drpped two straight .

Carroll replaced Jim O’Brien, who resigned Tuesday.

Jiri Welsch added 19 points and Chris Mihm contributed 16 points, his career- high with Boston.

Two free throws by Pierce with 1:26 to play brought the Celtics within 97-95. But they never took a shot to force a tie or go ahead after a turnover by Welsch on their ensuing possession.

Tayshaun Prince then hit a jumper to put the Pistons ahead 99-95 with 42.7 seconds remaining.

A three-pointer by Mike James brought Boston within 100-98 with 17.2 seconds to go, but two free throws by Hamilton made it a two-possession game. The Celtics then pulled within 104-103 on a three-pointer by James with 8.4 seconds to play. But Chauncey Billups hit two free throws for Detroit for the final margin.

James took the final shot, a three-pointer from the right wing, but it bounced off the rim as time expired.

The Celtics return to action on Friday against the New York Knicks.