Celtics 86, Pacers 72: Paul Pierce scored 24 points and Ray Allen got more comfortable coming off the bench as visiting Boston snapped Indiana’s four-game winning streak and maintained its lead in the Atlantic Division.

Allen finished with 19 points in his second straight game as a reserve and Greg Stiemsma collected 10 points, nine rebounds and five blocks for the Celtics, who opened a two-game lead over Philadelphia for first place in the division.

Boston halted a two-game skid and pulled within 2 ½ games of the Pacers for the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics were called out by their coach for a lack of effort in Thursday’s loss at Chicago and looked like a different team at the start on Saturday. Boston held Indiana to 31 percent shooting in the first half while getting strong production up and down the roster, including 28 points off the bench to take a 43-33 lead at the break.

Allen, who has moved to the second unit with Avery Bradley starting, scored 10 points in the half.

Pierce took over in the second half, scoring 13 points in the third quarter alone to help hold off a charge from the Pacers.

Allen hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Celtics coasted to the finish.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Danny Granger scored 20 points and Roy Hibbert grabbed 17 rebounds to lead Indiana. … The Celtics recorded 27 assists on 32 field goals, led by 12 from Rajon Rondo. … The Pacers shot 5 for 22 from 3-point range and committed 19 turnovers.