Playing their fourth game in five nights, the Sonics demonstrated no ill effects tonight in playing the Boston Celtics in the Fleet Center. Instead, it was entirely different things that did in the Sonics in their 104-94 loss. Paul Pierce had a stellar night from outside for the Celtics, making 8 of 12 three pointers en reute to 35 points. 3 of those three pointers, and 14 of the points, came in the fourth quarter, as the Celtics ran away with what had been a close game.

After trailing the entire game, the Sonics took their second lead of the game at 73-72 as the third quarter came to an end. Just as in last night's loss to New Jersey, the Sonics extended the lead at the beginning of the fourth before coming completely undone down the stretch. There was no dramatic run this time, but the game was essentially decided by -- who else? -- Pierce. After the Sonics got within five, 92-87, on a Vin Baker three point play with just over three minutes left, Pierce made a three pointer from the corner and was fouled on a questionable call as Desmond Mason flew out on defense. Pierce hit the free throw, and the Celtics never looked back.

The Sonics started out slowly, scoring just 15 points in the first quarter, 10 from Gary Payton, who had a hot hand on the evening. For the quarter, the Sonics shot just 5-21, and were down 11 at its conclusion. Seattle rallied at the end of the half to trail by just six going to the lockerroom. The third quarter was back and forth, with the Sonics eventually erasing all of their deficit to set up their fourth quarter collapse.

The Sonics were led by Payton, who recorded his fourth double-double of the young season, 30 points on 13 of 24 shooting and 10 assists. Vin Baker had another solid outing, scoring 23 points and contributing 9 rebounds. The only other Sonic scoring in double figures was Brent Barry, with 10 points and 7 boards. Rashard Lewis had his third straight poor-shooting effort, scoring 9 points on 4 of 14 from the field, and grabbing but four rebounds.

Besides the 35 of Pierce, Boston got 19 points from forward Antoine Walker, along with 9 rebounds and a difficult-to-believe 7 turnovers. Rookie Joe Johnson had a solid effort, with 12 points, mostly on the fast break, and 7 assists. Tony Battie contributed 10 points on 4 of 4 shooting in just 17 minutes played.

For the second straight game, injured Sonic center Calvin Booth sat out with his ankle injury ... Booth's replacement? In a surprise, second year man Olumide Oyedeji -- who had not yet played this season -- started, but played only two minutes and was not seen again ... the Celtics took 29 three point shots as a team, making 12 ... Walker was 2-8 from beyond the arc ... the Sonics will travel to Washington for the final game of their road trip on Sunday.

SC.com Player of the Game: Gary Payton, who singlehandedly kept the Sonics in the game with his shooting in the first half and finished with a 30-10 night.