CHARLOTTE, N. C., Nov. 29  -- Paul Pierce scored 19 points Saturday, pacing Boston to an 89-84 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats for the Celtics' eighth straight win.

Kendrick Perkins added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Celtics, who have beaten the Bobcats three straight times. Ray Allen also had 15 points and Tony Allen 11 as the defending NBA champions improved their record to 16-2.

Gerald Wallace scored 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting for the Bobcats. Jason Richardson added 22 points for Charlotte and D. J. Augustin had 13. (UPI).