Pacers Can’t Contain Pierce

Paul Pierce took over for the Boston Celtics on Sunday just when it appeared the Indiana Pacers were getting back in their first round playoff series.

Pierce had 21 of his 37 points in the third quarter -- including the final 11 -- when the Celtics erased a 12-point halftime deficit and went on to beat the Pacers, 102-92, at Boston.

Boston leads the best-of-seven series, 3-1, and can clinch Tuesday by winning Game 5 in Indianapolis.

“We don’t want to prolong the series,” Pierce said. “We don’t want to give them any breathing room.”

Pierce’s 32 points in the second half set a team playoff record for one half. The old mark of 30 was set by John Havlicek on April 1, 1973 and matched by Larry Bird on April 30, 1985.

Pierce had only five points on two-of-seven shooting in the first half, which ended with Indiana leading, 48-36. But he scored the last 11 points of the third quarter in which Boston outscored Indiana, 37-14, and took a 73-62 lead.

The Pacers used various tactics to harass Pierce -- from a taller player leaping at him on long shots to double-teaming when he went inside -- but couldn’t stop him. They fouled him four times in the quarter and he made all seven free throws.

Indiana cut the margin to 81-76 on Brad Miller’s layup with 5:34 left, but Antoine Walker made two straight baskets for an 85-76 lead.

With the score 92-83, Indiana fouled the Celtics six times in the final minute and they made 10 of 12 free throws. Pierce made five and had 11 points in the fourth quarter.

Orlando 100, Detroit 92 -- The Magic is one victory away from eliminating the top-seeded team in the East.

Tracy McGrady had 27 points and nine assists at Orlando as the Magic took a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Rookie Drew Gooden had 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Orlando shot 50% against the NBA’s best defense, and at times it seemed as though everything the Magic attempted went in. The clincher came with 6:14 to play when Armstrong made a miracle falling-away heave on an inbounds pass with one second on the shot clock. It put the Magic ahead, 95-77 -- its largest lead of the series.

The Magic can win the series Wednesday night in Detroit. Orlando hasn’t advanced past the opening round since 1996, when it swept Detroit. The Pistons have lost 12 consecutive road playoff games.