PISTONS 96, CELTICS 81: Greg Monroe led five players in double figures with 17 points and added 10 rebounds as Detroit picked up its third straight win by beating Boston for the second time in less than a week.

The Pistons forced 22 turnovers and held a 46-15 advantage in free throw attempts to keep the Celtics from setting the pace.

Detroit took control at the beginning of the second quarter, starting the frame with a 21-8 burst to turn a tie game into a 47-34 edge. The Pistons would attempt 29 free throws in the first half, hitting 17, and cruise into the break with a 55-42 lead.

The Celtics cut it to 59-54 early in the third quarter but went the next 5:59 without a point as Detroit stretched it back out. The Pistons were not threatened again.

Rajon Rondo, who scored a career-high 35 points in the loss to the Pistons on Wednesday, was held to five points on 1-of-6 shooting on Sunday. Paul Pierce paced the Celtics with 18 points.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Boston F Kevin Garnett sat out due to personal reasons. … The Celtics have dropped three straight and five of six. … Rodney Stuckey went 12 for 15 from the free throw line to make up for a 2 for 10 effort from the field.