Celtics cruise past Hornets

Pierce also grabbed 12 rebounds, while Ricky Davis contributed 26 points for the Celtics, who have won two of their last three games, but have still yet to win consecutive contests this season.

Mark Blount scored 19 points and Al Jefferson tallied 16 points off the bench, as Boston’s reserves outscored New Orleans/Oklahoma City’s, 39-17.

David West led all scorers with 29 points, while Chris Paul filled the box score with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the loss. The Hornets have lost three in a row.

Davis opened the scoring with a jumper, and the Celtics never trailed from there.

Boston closed the opening quarter on a 13-6 scoring streak to take a 31-24 lead. Most of the damage was in the paint, as Blount made a short jumper, Jefferson converted a hook shot and Blount tipped in a Jefferson miss during the spurt.

The margin increased to 12 on Jefferson’s two free throws with just over nine minutes to go in the half. Boston maintained its advantage and led 59-48 at the break.

Pierce and Davis scored 15 points apiece for the Celtics, while West led the Hornets in the first half with 15 points.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City cut the deficit to 45-37 on Paul’s two free throws almost midway through the period, but the lead would balloon to 16, 79-63, on Davis’ three-pointer with just under two minutes to go in the quarter.

Boston led 83-71 after three quarters and never let the Celtics get closer than 11 points in the final period.

Game Notes

Boston has won the last three meetings...The Hornets are 4-4 at home this season...The Celtics improved to 2-5 on the road...West also grabbed seven boards...Boston made 30-of-35 from the charity stripe...New Orleans/Oklahoma City did not make a three-point basket... The Hornets’ Chris Andersen was called for a technical foul when he hung on the rim following a first-quarter slam...J.R. Smith scored 11 points in the loss.