C’s rock Pacers

Pierce leads the charge in Indiana

NBA. Paul Pierce was in control again, as he helped the Celtics storm past the Pacers last night in Indiana.
Pierce had game highs with 28 points and 12 rebounds to go along with five assists, as the C’s improved to an NBA-best    40-9. The Celtics also won their fourth straight game and are 6-2 with Kevin Garnett out of the lineup with a strained abdomen.

The Celtics host the Knicks tonight at 7:30 in their final game before the All-Star break and last contest at the TD Banknorth Garden for two weeks.

Ray Allen added 23 points, two rebounds, two steals and an assist for the Celtics, and Rajon Rondo had 12 points, seven assists, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Rondo’s strong guard play carried through the rest of the team, with the Celtics turning the ball over just eight times in the game.

The Pacers, who were without Jermaine O’Neal, had six players score in double figures, but no one scored 20.

With Kendrick Perkins out for the second straight contest with a strained left shoulder, Leon Powe started at center and had 16 points and nine rebounds, including a team-high four on the offensive end.