Celtics topple Nuggets

Pierce ended with 38 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, while Allen had a career-best 30 points and also corralled eight boards. Jeferson had 28 points and 10 rebounds. The three combined to shoot 35-for-49 from the field, with the team ending the evening at 56 percent, on the way to their season- high fourth straight victory.

Carmelo Anthony posted 42 points on 15-of-26 shooting for the Nuggets, who have lost back-to-back contests for the first time since dropping their opening three games of the season.

Andre Miller’s layup pulled Denver within 94-91 with 6:03 left, but Pierce countered with three free throws and the Celtics widened the margin to 11 points at 106-95 following a Pierce three with 2 1/2 minutes remaining.

Anthony’s layup with two seconds remaining made it a three-point game, but Pierce hit two free throws to seal Boston’s win.

Wally Szczerbiak added 16 points for the Celtics, who ended 10-of-25 from three-point range.

Miller tallied 18 points and J.R. Smith scored 15.

Boston scored the first eight points, on the way to a 31-17 lead after the opening quarter. It was 64-47 at the half and the Celtics led 85-74 going into the fourth.

Game Notes

Earl Boykins scored 14 and Marcus Camby 11 for Denver...Denver has lost nine of 10 and 15 of its last 17 at Boston.