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Celtics get chance to avenge loss to Hornets

Mar 28, 2008 - 10:34 AM New Orleans (49-21) at Boston (56-15) 7:30 pm EDT

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics haven't experienced many memorable losses this season, but one came in the last week to the New Orleans Hornets.

The top teams from the Eastern and Western conferences collide on Friday when the Celtics host the Hornets.

In Saturday's 113-106 loss at New Orleans, Boston took an early 15-point lead and appeared to be on its way to another blowout win, especially with Hornets MVP candidate Chris Paul in foul trouble.

However, David West scored 12 of his 37 points and Bonzi Wells recorded six of his eight steals in the fourth quarter as New Orleans outscored Boston, 32-17, over the final 12 minutes to get the win.

"I just wanted to be aggressive," West said. "They were leaving me open and trying to stop Tyson (Chandler) at the rim. I was able to get in my rhythm early and the guys just kept coming to me."

New Orleans won its seventh straight game Wednesday, getting 20 assists from Paul and 20 points from West in a 100-99 road win against Cleveland. With less than a second remaining, West drained a game-winning jumper on an assist from Paul just seconds after LeBron James had put the Cavaliers ahead.

Boston stopped the two-game slide started by the Hornets' loss on Wednesday by pummeling the Phoenix Suns, 117-97. Kevin Garnett scored 30 points and Paul Pierce added 27 for the Celtics, who improved to 24-5 against the Western Conference.