Thomas scores 17 as Celtics stave off Pistons’ rally

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, center, is tripped up as he threads through the Detroit Pistons during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016. The Celtics defeated the Pistons 102-95. AP

BOSTON, Massachusetts—Isaiah Thomas had 17 points and seven assists to help the Boston Celtics hold off the Detroit Pistons 102-95 on Wednesday night.

Avery Bradley added 15 points for Boston, which has won six straight home games and seven of eight overall.

Detroit fell behind by as many as 24 in the third quarter before cutting the deficit to seven, but the Celtics strung together enough late baskets to preserve the win.

Reggie Jackson led the Pistons with 17 points. Andre Drummond added 16 points and 13 rebounds.

The Pistons came back despite playing the second half without guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who left with a right groin strain after he appeared to slip on a wet spot on the court late in the second quarter.

The Celtics took advantage of the Pistons’ poor shooting and took a 20-point lead into halftime. Boston shared the ball in the first two quarters, amassing 18 assists on 23 field goals.

All 10 Celtics who played in the first half scored, including 21 points from the bench.