Pierce Helps Celtics Get Even With Pistons, 81-71

Paul Pierce scored 33 points at Auburn Hills, Mich., to help the Boston Celtics defeat the Detroit Pistons, 81-71, and atone for one of the most dubious losses in club history.

It was the first meeting between the teams since Detroit won, 118-66, on Jan. 31 in Boston -- the most lopsided loss in the Celtics’ long history. The 52-point margin also was the largest margin in Piston history.

Antoine Walker added 17 points for the Celtics, who have won seven of 10.

Chauncey Billups scored 19 points and Ben Wallace had 21 rebounds to lead Detroit, which had won four in a row.

Orlando 96, New Orleans 86 -- Playing four games in five nights takes a toll, so it was no surprise that the New Orleans Hornets were outrebounded for the first time in 21 games. As a result, they lost for only the third time in their last 13 games.

The Magic (34-33), who had lost three of their last four, avoided a drop below .500 for the first time in two weeks. Their 48-42 rebounding edge led to a 29-10 advantage on second-chance points at Orlando.

Washington 89, Miami 82 -- Jerry Stackhouse, who arrived at the MCI Center in Washington six hours before tipoff for treatment on a swollen left ankle, scored 37 points to lead the Wizards. He turned the ankle in Friday night’s 90-80 loss to Detroit.

Golden State 94, Seattle 88 -- Antawn Jamison scored 26 points, including a critical three-point basket with 42.5 seconds remaining, and Golden State ended a 14-game losing streak.

It was the Warriors’ first victory over Seattle in four years.

Rashard Lewis led the SuperSonics with 28 points but scored only four in the second half. Reggie Evans pulled down 12 rebounds to lead both teams.