Associated Press
The NBA roundup …
BOSTON ó Paul Pierce scored 20 of his 22 points in the third quarter, and the Boston Celtics (3-0) rolled to a 118-90 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night in the teams’ first matchup since last spring’s thrilling seven-game playoff series.
Ray Allen had 20 points for Boston and Kevin Garnett, who missed the final 25 games of the regular season and the playoffs with strained ligaments in his right knee, added 16.
Hornets 97, Kings 92
NEW ORLEANSó Chris Paul scored 31 points and Emeka Okafor capped another strong performance by blocking Kevin Martin’s tying 3-point attempt in the final seconds.
Okafor, who missed the entire preseason with a sprained toe, finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks for his second straight double-double with New Orleans.
76ers 99, Bucks 86
PHILADELPHIA ó Andre Iguodala scored 19 points, Elton Brand had 17 and the Philadelphia 76ers bounced back from a dismal opener.
Samuel Dalembert had 10 points and 12 rebounds to help the Sixers look sharp in their home opener.
Cavaliers 104, Timberwolves 87
MINNEAPOLIS ó LeBron James scored 24 points and had nine rebounds and six assists to avoid his first 0-3 start in five years.
Thunder 91, Pistons 83
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. ó Kevin Durant scored 11 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. The franchise is 2-0 for the first time since the 2003-04 season when it was in Seattle.
Heat 96, Pacers 83
INDIANAPOLIS ó Jermaine O’Neal had 22 points and 12 rebounds against his former team.
Magic 95, Nets 85
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. ó Vince Carter returned to New Jersey and scored 16 points before leaving the game against his former teammates in the second quarter with a sprained left ankle.
Hawks 100, Wizards 89
ATLANTA ó Josh Smith scored 20 points and reached a blocked shots milestone, and Atlanta held off Gilbert Arenas and Washington.
Grizzlies 115, Raptors 107
MEMPHIS, Tenn. ó Zach Randolph scored 30 points to lead Memphis to its first victory of the season.
Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 37 points and 12 rebounds.