The Boston Celtics crushed the lowly Washington Wizards 122-88, lifting their 13th straight win on Thursday.

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen each had 22 points for the Atlantic Division-leading Celtics, who held a 63-39 lead at halftime while winning for the ninth time in 10 road games.

Pierce hit all 12 of his free throws, while Allen hit eight of 13 from the floor, including four of seven from three-point range. Caron Butler paced Washington (4-16) with 19 points.

Attributing the winning streak, the defending champions managed a 1.5-game lead over the Cavaliers (19-3), who have clinched a 10th straight.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2008)