Boston Celtics defeat Charlotte Bobcats, 89-84

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Paul Pierce has either failed to, or barely topped, double-figure scoring in four of the last six Celtics games.

But Pierce needed only the final 3:57 to score 10 of his team-high 19 points in the Celtics' 89-84 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats last night.

With Pierce's help, the Celtics (16-2) improved their winning streak to eight games and are 5-1 in the second of games played on consecutive nights.

Things did not go as planned against the lowl...