Pierce’s 39 points help thwart Turiaf, Lakers

Paul Pierce scored 39 points, including the deciding free throw with 3.2 seconds remaining, and also had seven rebounds and four assists Sunday in Los Angeles, leading the Boston Celtics to a 112-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pierce has scored at least 30 points in eight of his last nine games, and averaged 33.5 in 11 games during the month.

Former GU star Ronny Turiaf had a career-best three points, five rebounds and two blocks.

Kobe Bryant, who had 40 points, eight rebounds and six assists but was held to three points in the final period, missed from the top of the key as time expired.

Pistons 90, Cavaliers 78: At Auburn Hills, Mich., Chauncey Billups had 21 points and Ben Wallace 11 points and 19 rebounds as Detroit beat Cleveland.

Timberwolves 105, Grizzlies 99: At Minneapolis, Ricky Davis scored a season-high 35 points to help Minnesota beat Memphis.

Kevin Garnett was ejected in the third quarter for flipping the ball into the stands and accidentally hitting a fan. Afterward, Garnett walked over and apologized to the fan, who did not appear to be injured.

Rockets 89, Magic 84: At Orlando, Fla., Yao Ming had 29 points and 11 rebounds and Tracy McGrady had 19 points, nine boards and five assists to help Houston beat Orlando.

Pacers 101, Nets 91: At East Rutherford, N.J., Peja Stojakovic scored 22 points and Fred Jones added 22 off the bench to help Indiana beat New Jersey.

Hornets 88, Trail Blazers 75: At Portland, David West scored 12 of his 22 points in the fourth to help New Orleans beat Portland.