Celts again denied first winning streak of season

Paul Pierce just missed a triple double for the Celtics, racking up 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, and Boston rallied from a 17-point third-quarter deficit to tie the game early in the fourth. However, Milwaukee withstood the surge down the stretch and dealt the Celtics their third setback in four outings.

Boston, though, did not do itself any favors, as it scored just 11 points on 2-of-20 shots in the second quarter.

Pierce has scored 20 or more points in nine consecutive games. It was also his ninth double-double of the season on Friday.

Guard Marcus Banks made his first appearance of the season, as he contributed 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. He had been sidelined with a stress fracture in his left shin.

Boston recorded a season-high 30 assists in the loss.

The Celtics, who return home for two games after playing in Chicago tonight, are 2-7 away from home this season.

Chicago topped Boston earlier in the season and has won two straight and six of the last nine meetings. The Celtics have also struggled as the road team in this series and have dropped three of five and five of eight at the United Center.