Los Angeles ? Now that the Boston Celtics are through playing in February, Paul Pierce can reflect on perhaps the finest month of his eight-year NBA career.

Pierce scored 39 points, including the deciding free throw with 3.2 seconds remaining, and also had seven rebounds, four assists and two steals Sunday, leading the Boston Celtics to a 112-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Pierce scored at least 30 points in eight of his last nine games and averaged 33.5 in 11 games during the month.

“I’m not thinking about points, I’m thinking about wins,” he said. “It’s about roles, and that’s my role. I can say it’s a lot more fun in front of my family and friends.”

Timberwolves 105, Grizzlies 99

Minneapolis – Ricky Davis scored a season-high 35 points for Minnesota. Chucky Atkins led Memphis with 22 points.

Pistons 90, Cavaliers 78

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Chauncey Billups scored 21 points, and Ben Wallace had 11 points and 19 rebounds for Detroit. Richard Hamilton added 18 points to help Detroit improve to 46-9.

Boston's Paul Pierce, left, looks back as the Lakers' Kobe Bryant guards. Pierce scored 39 points, including the game-winning free throw, as the Celtics defeated the Lakers, 112-111, Sunday in Los Angeles.

Pacers 101, Nets 91

East Rutherford, N.J. – Richard Jefferson scored 23 points to lead New Jersey. The Nets played most of the game without leading scorer Vince Carter, who sustained a right hamstring injury late in the first quarter and did not return.

Rockets 89, Magic 84

Orlando, Fla. – Yao Ming had 29 points and 11 rebounds, and Tracy McGrady added 19 points for Houston.

It was McGrady’s second regular-season game in Orlando after the Magic traded him a year and a half ago.

Hornets 88, Trail Blazers 75

Portland, Ore. – David West scored 12 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter for New Orleans.