Celtics snap streak

The Boston Celtics ended their franchise-record losing streak at 18 games Wednesday night, getting 32 points from Paul Pierce and 21 from Gerald Green to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 117-97 in Boston.

The Celtics had not won since Jan. 5, taking just two of 24 games when Pierce was out with foot and elbow injuries. The NBA’s most decorated franchise long ago broke the team record of 13 straight losses and seemed destined for the league record of 24 (23 in one season).

After the Bucks, Boston was headed on a five-game, seven-day road trip against teams that promised a tougher test than Milwaukee.

But, with a half-filled house winnowed by the winter’s first big snowstorm, the Celtics took advantage of the Bucks’ woes and rallied from a 15-point, second-quarter deficit to take the lead.

Spurs 90, Pistons 81: At Auburn Hills, Mich., Tim Duncan scored 23 points and Francisco Elson added 12 points and a career-high 18 rebounds as San Antonio beat Detroit.

Warriors 120, Knicks 101: At Oakland, Calif., Stephen Jackson scored 21 of his season high-tying 36 points in the first half, as Golden State defeated New York.

Hornets 110, Kings 93: At Oklahoma City, Desmond Mason scored 18 points and David West had 16 to lead New Orleans to a victory over Sacramento.

Timberwolves 99, Nuggets 94: At Minneapolis, Mark Blount scored 24 points to lift Minnesota to a victory over Denver.

Hawks 96, Clippers 93: At Los Angeles, Joe Johnson scored 27 points to help Atlanta rally past the Clippers.

Pacers 114, Grizzlies 104: At Indianapolis, Jermaine O’Neal scored 23 points, Danny Granger added 21 and Indiana defeated Memphis.

Magic 103, Trail Blazers 91: At Orlando, Fla., Hedo Turkoglu scored 24 points and Dwight Howard had 20 points and 16 rebounds to lift the Magic to a victory over Portland.

Bobcats 100, Bulls 85: At Charlotte, N.C., Gerald Wallace scored 32 points, Emeka Okafor added 15 points and 21 rebounds and the Bobcats pulled out a win over Chicago.

Raptors 120, Nets 109: At Toronto, Chris Bosh had 25 points to lead the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors past injury-plagued New Jersey.

Wizards 92, 76ers 85: At Philadelphia, Gilbert Arenas finished with 22 points, and Washington held on for a victory over the 76ers.

Jazz 99, Cavaliers 98: At Salt Lake City, Deron Williams had a career-high 33 points and 12 assists to lead Utah to a win over Cleveland.

Around the league

Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks was chosen by commissioner David Stern for the NBA’s East All-Star team as a replacement for injured New Jersey guard Jason Kidd. … Dallas Mavericks forward Devean George has a sprained right knee and will miss tonight’s game at Houston.