Celtics Come Up Short in New Coach’s Debut

John Carroll enjoyed his first game as an NBA head coach. Imagine how he’ll feel when his team wins.

Chauncey Billups scored eight of his 21 points in the final five minutes to help the Detroit Pistons beat the Boston Celtics, 106-103, Wednesday night despite squandering a 14-point second-half lead.

The game came one day after Jim O’Brien’s surprising resignation as coach of the Celtics.

“It was one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve had as a basketball coach,” Carroll said. “I’m really extremely proud of how hard they played for me.”

Paul Pierce had 26 points for Boston, which last led, 93-90, with 2:56 left.