Olynyk Scores 20, Celtics Beat Hornets 102-89

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Center Kelly Olynyk scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and forward Jae Crowder had 19 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Boston Celtics to a 102-89 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.

The Celtics (16-13) never trailed, and they led by as many as 20 points in the second half. They were on top by seven at halftime, then blew the game open by going on a 23-10 run to open the third quarter.

The Hornets (15-13) got within six only briefly in the fourth quarter. Charlotte shot just 35.8 percent from the field and committed 17 turnovers.

Boston shot 42.4 percent and gave the ball away 14 times.

Guards Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas added 18 points apiece for the Celtics, who won their second straight after previously losing three straight. The Celtics also got 10 points from forward David Lee and 10 rebounds from forward Jared Sullinger.

Charlotte lost its third straight and fell for the fifth time in six games.

Forward Frank Kaminsky led the Hornets with 23 points. Guard Nicolas Batum scored 17, guards Jeremy Lin and Jeremy Lamb scored 12 each, and guard Kemba Walker finished with 10.

Boston led 29-21 after one quarter, 47-40 at halftime and 74-62 after three quarters.

NOTES: The teams faced off for the second time in 12 days. The Celtics won 98-93 on Dec. 12 in Charlotte. The teams also will meet April 11 in Boston. ... The Celtics were without F Amir Johnson (plantar fasciitis) and G Marcus Smart (leg), but C Jared Sullinger returned after missing one game with back spasms. ... Hornets C Al Jefferson served the final game of a five-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy. He will be eligible to return for Saturday night's home game against Memphis. ... Hornets G Nicolas Batum came into the game averaging 16.4 points, making him first in the NBA in scoring among veteran players with new teams this season. Batum was acquired last summer from Portland for G Gerald Henderson and F Noah Vonleh. ... The Hornets play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. ... The Celtics will play Saturday at Detroit.