Boston Celtics Team Report - January 27

(Basketball News) - The Celtics re-gained sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with a 100-86 win over Indiana at FleetCenter on Wednesday night.

Paul Pierce scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Celtics to the win. Ricky Davis added 18 points off the bench as the Celtics won their second straight game and passed Philadelphia, who lost to Washington, for the top spot in the Atlantic.

It is the latest the Celtics have been in first place since winning the Atlantic in the 1990-91 season. Boston improved to 12-4 when holding an opponent to under 100 points.

Raef LaFrentz registered 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Gary Payton recorded 10 points and nine assists. Boston shot 46.6 percent from the field, including 10-of-16 (.625) from three-point range. The Celtics drained 22-of-30 (.733) from the free throw line.

Celtics center Al Jefferson left the game with 3:11 left in the first quarter with a high ankle sprain. Jefferson is expected to miss at least four weeks of action.

Prior to the game, Boston forward Walter McCarty formally asked to be traded. McCarty, who is not part of the Celtics’ youth movement, is expected to be dealt to Phoenix for a second round pick. However, the Suns are not sure they want to pick up his $1.4 million option for 2005-06.

The Celtics have a day off before returning to the court on Friday night against Phoenix at FleetCenter. Boston will then finish up its week’s schedule with a trip to Chicago to take on the Bulls at the United Center.