BOSTON – The Boston Celtics found their way to the right side of a rout for the first time in more than a month Friday night.

Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo both had double-doubles, and Paul Pierce came close to joining them as the Celtics beat the New Jersey Nets, 107-94.

The victory put Boston back over .500.

“We’re athletic all of a sudden,” Boston Coach Doc Rivers said. “The defense is good. We’re rebounding and we’re running. And that’s good.”

Garnett had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Rondo finished with 14 points and 13 assists, and Pierce added eight assists to go with his team-high 27 points as the Celtics won by more than 10 for the first time since beating Toronto 100-64 on Feb. 1.

Boston had been on the wrong end of several blowouts since, including three straight during a five-game slide into the All-Star break. The Celtics have returned with three straight wins and the latest was hardly ever in doubt. The Celtics held a 26-point lead in the second half before New Jersey’s reserves got the score slightly closer to respectable in the fourth quarter.

By then Pierce, Rondo and Garnett, who had his second straight double-double and third in four games, were enjoying a nice, relaxing view from the bench.

“We were mentally kind of worn down going into the break those last couple of weeks. Playing so many games and having so many inconsistencies,” Pierce said. “It just gave us a chance to go into the break, refresh ourselves and come back with a positive outlook on the second half. And it’s showing out there on the court.”

The Celtics were playing without Ray Allen, who was sick, but still controlled nearly the entire game and had five players score in double figures. Boston also had assists on 35 of its 45 field goals and topped 100 points for the third time in four games.

Boston also shut down Deron Williams, who scored 10 points in the first quarter and two the rest of the way. Williams also had eight assists but could never get New Jersey’s offense in synch.

Brook Lopez had 28 points, and MarShon Brooks, Anthony Morrow and Gerald Green scored 11 apiece for New Jersey.

The Celtics shot 50 percent in the first half, taking a 58-40 lead into the break after committing just two turnovers. Boston controlled the lane, outscoring New Jersey 32-18 inside and running for 14 fast-break points while holding the Nets to none.

“This is a veteran team,” New Jersey Coach Avery Johnson said. “Garnett looked like he was 21 years old tonight.”

Mickael Pietrus scored 11, and reserve Chris Wilcox had 14 points and seven rebounds while playing 27 minutes and 41 seconds.