Bucks 91, Celtics 88: Larry Sanders followed up his triple-double on Friday by collecting 18 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks as host Milwaukee overcame an early 17-point deficit to slip past Boston.

Monta Ellis had 17 points and seven assists while Ersan Ilyasova added 15 points for the Bucks, who posted just their second win in seven outings.

Paul Pierce had 19 points and Jason Terry added 15 and 11 assists for the Celtics, who split their two games while Rajon Rondo served a suspension following a skirmish versus Brooklyn.

After Pierce drilled a 3-pointer to give Boston an 88-85 lead, Ellis used a spin move in the lane before feeding Sanders, who finished the play with an easy dunk to trim the deficit to one. Sanders had 10 points, 12 rebounds and 10 blocks in a 95-85 loss to Minnesota on Friday.

Pierce missed a short jumper on the ensuing possession before Brandon Jennings sank a 3-pointer with 24 seconds left. Sanders split a pair of free throws before Pierce and Terry missed on potential game-tying 3-point attempts as time expired.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Boston got out of the blocks in a hurry by scoring the game's first 17 points before Ilyasova's 16-foot jumper ended the run. ... Milwaukee F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute entered the game in the first quarter for his first action of the campaign following offseason knee surgery. He finished with eight points. ... The Bucks have won two of the three meetings between the clubs this season. Milwaukee spoiled Boston's home opener with a 99-88 triumph on Nov. 2, while the Celtics answered with a 96-92 road win eight days later.