Boston halted the Milwaukee Bucks' six-game winning streak on Thursday with a 100-91 road win that tightened the Celtics' grip on an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Paul Pierce led the Celtics (25-21) with 25 points and was outstanding in the third quarter when he scored 10 of Boston's 18 points and helped hold Milwaukee to 13 points.
Boston, who are seventh in the East and now four games ahead of the ninth-placed Bucks (21-25), carried the momentum into the fourth quarter and pushed their lead to 82-73 which they protected through the final eight minutes.
Kevin Garnett scored 16 points and 10 rebounds and Rajon Rondo had 10 points and 14 assists for the Celtics.
Brandon Jennings led the Bucks with 19 points, Carlos Delfino added 16 and Ersan Ilyosova recorded a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
