Grizzlies best Celtics in Memphis

Chucky Atkins added 18 points for Memphis, which snapped a two-game skid. Mike Miller netted 14 points off the bench and Eddie Jones and Pau Gasol both contributed 13 in the win.

Wally Szczerbiak had 18 points for the Celtics, who lost for the second time in three games. Paul Pierce was held to a season-low 15 points while Raef LaFrentz had 10 in the loss.

Down by 18 points entering the final frame, Boston tried to make it a game.

The Celtics scored six straight points midway through the quarter to cut the deficit to 10. Brian Scalabrine capped the mini-run with a triple to make the score 77-67 with 6:10 left in the game.

But, Memphis quickly responded. Atkins buried a trey from the left wing and Tsakalidis followed with an emphatic slam to expand the Grizzlies cushion back to 15, 82-67, with 4:55 on the clock.

After Kendrick Perkins buried a pair from the line, Jones connected on another triple to make it 85-69 with 4:13 remaining.

The Grizzlies then coasted the rest of the way for the victory.

Memphis raced out to a 23-16 lead after the first 12 minutes and extended the advantage to 16, 50-34, by intermission. The Grizzlies led 72-54 after three quarters.

Game Notes

Boston shot just 37.8 percent from the floor...The Grizzlies dominated the boards with a 41-27 advantage...Memphis is 20-10 at FedEx Forum this season...The Celtics are a woeful 8-23 on the road.