O'Neal leads Celts to 1st win, 96-85 over Pistons
Posted: 12.31.2011 at 12:09 AM
BOSTON - Jermaine O'Neal scored 19 points as he and the
Boston Celtics ended a dismal start to their season with a 96-85
victory in their home opener over the Detroit Pistons on Friday
night.
O'Neal, who played passively in totaling just eight points in
the first three games, all losses, was aggressive throughout. He
had 10 points in the first half, which ended with Boston on top
50-43. Then he scored seven in the third quarter, when the Celtics
outscored the Pistons 36-21 to take an 86-64 lead.
Ray Allen and Brandon Bass added 17 points apiece for Boston and
Paul Pierce had 12 in his debut after being sidelined with a
bruised right heel.
Greg Monroe had 22 points for Detroit, which fell to 0-3.