Boston return to winning ways

Boston: The Boston Celtics swept to a confidence-boosting 119-93 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday, quickly returning to form after losing to conference rivals Cleveland a day earlier.

The Celtics (42-24), coming into the game on the back of three defeats in four, cruised to a 64-35 halftime lead and were able to rest most of their starters for the fourth quarter.

Kevin Garnett had 14 points and eight rebounds while Paul Pierce and Ray Allen both scored 15.

"We have been talking and talking. At some point it's time to show some actions," Garnett told reporters. "I'll take it though, hands down night and day, as far as yesterday (in Cleveland) till today."

Will Bynum had 16 points and seven assists for the woeful Pistons (23-44), who were beaten for the ninth time in 11 contests and lost forward Tayshaun Prince in the first quarter to a back injury.

Injuries

Detroit has suffered injuries to key players for most of the season and appears certain to miss out on the play-offs for the first time since the 2000-01 campaign.

The Celtics are trying to return to their championship form of two seasons ago but appear to be slowing with an ageing roster. Boston is just 19-19 overall since Christmas Day and have made a few trades in an attempt to rejuvenate the team.

Veteran acquisition Michael Finley, who was signed on March 6, contributed 15 points for his best game with his new squad.

"I didn't know what to expect, honestly," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "He hadn't played a lot this year with San Antonio and he wasn't making shots. I just don't believe a guy can forget how to shoot."

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