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Celtics get payback for loss

 
Published Dec. 10, 2017

DETROIT — The Celtics prevented Andre Drummond from scoring in the paint and quieted Reggie Jackson on the perimeter.

That helped Boston to a 91-81 victory Sunday over the Pistons and avenged a rare loss.

When Detroit beat the Celtics last month in Boston, Drummond scored 26 and Jackson had 20. In the rematch, Drummond didn't make a basket until late in the game and finished with just six points — he shot 1-of-5 — while Jackson was 0-for-9 with two points.

"We were locked in," Celtics center Aron Baynes said. "Our offense wasn't as crisp as we wanted it to be, but defensively we had a game plan and we stuck with it. We were trying to pack the paint and make them make plays from the outside. Last time, they really had whatever they wanted inside the paint."

The Eastern Conference-leading Celtics bounced back from a loss Friday at San Antonio, extending their feat of losing consecutive games only once this season.

"We responded not only to that loss at home (to Detroit), but also to the tough Spurs loss," said Boston's Kyrie Irving, who scored 16. "We want to continue to build character and identity for our team, and be responsive with a quick turnaround."

Former Gator Al Horford had 18, Jaylen Brown scored 12, reserve Marcus Smart also had 12 and rookie Jayson Tatum scored 11 for the Celtics. Tatum made a 3-pointer late to help hold off a potential comeback by the Pistons, putting Boston ahead by eight with 1:55 left.

Game Highlights: Victor Oladipo had a career-high 47 points and added seven rebounds and six assists to lead the host Pacers to a 126-116 overtime win against the Nuggets. … DeMar DeRozan scored 13 of his 25 in the third as the visiting Raptors held off the Kings 102-87. … Karl-Anthony Towns scored 28, Jimmy Butler added 22 and the host Timberwolves held off the Mavericks 97-92. … Jrue Holiday had 34 points, Anthony Davis added 29, and DeMarcus Cousins had 23 as the host Pelicans defeated the 76ers 131-124. … Kristaps Porzingis scored 30 to lead the host Knicks past the Hawks 111-107.