"Tracy McGrady played some point guard early in his career, and returned to those roots Wednesday against the defending Eastern Conference champions.

McGrady deferred early and took over late, leading the Pistons (11-21) to an improbable, 104-92 victory over the Boston Celtics, the team with the league's second-best record (24-6). Starting point guard Rodney Stuckey was out because of a stomach virus.

McGrady had a season-high 21 points, including two late jumpers, and eight assists. He was the only one who didn't seem surprised by his performance.

"It was just a game that I wanted to have under control right away, get us organized," McGrady said. "I'm always confident when I'm on the court and it doesn't matter if I'm a starter or coming off the bench."

Pistons coach John Kuester was more than impressed with McGrady.

"We collectively did things well," Kuester said. "He kept a pace, and it was great for our team. Sometimes you forget how good he really is, and he's so unselfish."

The much-ballyhooed matchup between Kevin Garnett and Charlie Villanueva didn't generate much. They acknowledge each other at tip-off, and although they engaged in some physical play, Villanueva got in early foul trouble. As he exited, Garnett was in his way, and neither budged."