Indiana wins for the seventh straight time.

BOSTON (AP) – Reggie Miller scored 18 points and Al Harrington added 16 to lead the Indiana Pacers to their seventh straight win, 99-81 over the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Paul Pierce had 21 points for Boston, reaching 10,000 points faster than anyone in Celtics history – in his 431st game. Larry Bird reached the plateau in his 436th game.

Jonathan Bender added 16 points for the Pacers, who didn’t have a starter play more than 30 minutes.

Indiana started to take control with a 10-1 run over the final 3 minutes of the first half for a 48-39. Ron Artest had seven points in the spree.

The Pacers opened the second half by scoring 13 of the first 16 points to build its lead to 61-42 on Miller’s free throw. It was 72-50 on Harrington’s basket in the final minute of the quarter before Walter McCarty made a 3-pointer for Boston.

Indiana, which has allowed the second-fewest points in the league, didn’t let up in the fourth. The closest the Celtics got was 16. The loudest applause the rest of the game came when former Celtic Kenny Anderson checked in with 6:09 to play. Boston’s Ricky Davis left the game with sprained left ankle early in the fourth quarter.

Notes: Pierce recorded his 10,000th point on a 14-foot jumper with 8:08 left in the second quarter. He was given a standing ovation after the PA announcer acknowledged his accomplishment. … Artest was given a technical for blocking Davis’ shot after the whistle in the second quarter. … Boston coach John Carroll snuck up behind Anderson before the game and gave him a bear hug outside the locker rooms. Anderson turned and said: “I’m glad you got some wins.” Carroll responded with a smile and said: “You’re happy. How about me?.” Anderson played for the Celtics while Carroll was an assistant.

… Red Auerbach was in attendance. … The second quarter clock was restarted after the officials mistakenly gave Indiana the ball out of bounds.

AP-ES-03-12-04 2202EST