Boston -- Rajon Rondo had 18 points and eight assists, outplaying new Pistons acquisition Allen Iverson and leading the Boston Celtics to a 98-80 victory over Detroit on Thursday night in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals.

Iverson had 16 points and four assists for Detroit, which fell to 4-3 since he was acquired from Denver for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess. Iverson helped the Pistons beat the previously undefeated Lakers and snap Cleveland's eight-game win streak, but he hasn't changed their lot when it comes to the defending NBA champs.

Kevin Garnett scored 15 in his return from a one-game suspension, and Kendrick Perkins had 10 rebounds before both teams emptied their benches down the stretch.

Boston has beaten the Pistons in four consecutive regular-season games, plus a six-game playoff series en route to its unprecedented 17th NBA title.

The Celtics also beat Detroit handily on Nov. 9, winning 88-76 in Iverson's home debut.

The Pistons scored 13 of the first 15 points in the game, getting seven early points and a steal from Iverson to open a 13-2 lead. But then they made just a single free throw over the next four minutes and Rondo answered with three baskets to help Boston tie the game 14-all.