NBA | Thursday’s game

Celtics 98, Pistons 80

BOSTON (AP) — Rajon Rondo had 18 points and eight assists, outplaying new Pistons acquisition Allen Iverson and leading the Boston Celtics to a 98-80 victory over Detroit in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals. Iverson had 16 points and four assists for Detroit, which fell to 4-3 since he was acquired from Denver for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess. Iverson helped the Pistons beat the previously undefeated Lakers and snap Cleveland’s eight-game win streak, but he hasn’t changed their lot when it comes to the defending NBA champs. Kevin Garnett scored 15, and Kendrick Perkins had 10 rebounds before both teams emptied their benches down the stretch.