Celtics try to halt losing streak vs. Clippers

The Celtics latest setback came on Wednesday as they were upended by the Phoenix Suns, 102-94. Paul Pierce scored 33 of his game-high 40 points in the second half for Boston, which dropped its fourth game in five tries.

Al Jefferson had 17 points for the Celtics, but it was a tough night for Wally Szczerbiak, who had five points on 1-of-9 shooting. The recently-acquired swingman did amass 10 rebounds and six assists in defeat.

Pierce has scored at least 33 points in four games this season, and the Celtics have lost all of them.

Boston, which will start a two-game road trip in Orlando on Saturday, has won seven of its last eight at home and is 14-10 in its arena this season.

The Clippers, meanwhile, comes in on a winning note after Elton Brand poured in a game-high 35 points and Sam Cassell added 26, leading Los Angeles to a 106-94 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at TD Waterhouse Centre. Brand pulled down nine rebounds and collected four assists and four steals for the Clippers, winners of six of their last seven games.

Cuttino Mobley netted 16 points and Chris Kaman posted 10 in the win.

Over his last six games, Brand, who is sixth in the league with 25 double- doubles, is averaging 27.2 points on 55.8-percent shooting from the floor.

The Clippers, who are in the midst of a six-game road trip, are 10-10 away from home this season.

Boston defeated Los Angeles earlier in the season and has won three straight and 10 of the last 12 meetings. The Clippers have also lost seven of eight and eight of their last 10 in Beantown.