CELTICS 88, WIZARDS 76: Avery Bradley scored 19 of his career-high 23 points in the first half as host Boston shot out early and held off Washington.

Paul Pierce scored 13 of his 21 points in the second half and added eight rebounds while Rajon Rondo handed out 11 assists for the Celtics, who bounced back after a tough loss at Philadelphia on Friday.

Boston is within a half-game game of the 76ers for first place in the Atlantic Division. Philadelphia fell 93-76 to San Antonio later Sunday.

With Ray Allen (ankle) and Mickael Pietrus (neck) both out, Celtics coach Doc Rivers made the decision to start backup point guard Bradley in the backcourt alongside Rondo. Free to drive to the basket at will, Bradley went 8 for 9 from the floor in the first half.

Boston led by as many as 25 points in the second quarter and shot 65 percent in the first half while holding Washington to 29 percent.

The Celtics led 53-34 at the break but fell off the pace a bit in the third quarter as the Wizards crept back into the game. A 13-0 run pulled them to within 55-47 before Boston woke up and took control again behind Pierce.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Jordan Crawford scored 20 points and Kevin Seraphin collected 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Wizards. … The Celtics went 17 for 18 from the free throw line. … Boston has taken each of the four meetings this season.