Richardson, Bobcats surprise the Celtics

Hardly anyone except for maybe Charlotte’s Jason Richardson could have seen this coming.

The Boston Celtics were rolling at home (16-1) and the Bobcats were miserable on the road (1-11).

Richardson had 34 points and nine rebounds, Gerald Wallace had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and the Bobcats stunned the Celtics, 95-83, for only their fourth loss of the season Wednesday night at Boston. It also ended a nine-game winning streak.

“I’m not surprised because we’re a pretty good team,” said Richardson, who made 14 of 22 shots. “It just doesn’t show in our record.”

Kevin Garnett led Boston with 24 points and eight rebounds. Paul Pierce scored 13 points on four-of-14 shooting.

Ray Allen sat out because of a pinched nerve in his neck.

Around the league

Phoenix Suns forward Grant Hill underwent an appendectomy and is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks. . . . Pat Riley dismissed published reports that he was leaning toward vacating his coaching role with the 8-28 Miami Heat after the season to concentrate on his duties as team president. . . . The Hornets and Louisiana agreed to changes in the team’s arena lease that could let them leave New Orleans early, but also would keep the team there longer based on attendance. The lease was extended two seasons to 2014. It also lets the Hornets opt out after next season, albeit with penalties up to $100 million.