Celtics rebound from loss, roar past New Jersey

Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce each scored 16 points, and the visiting Boston Celtics bounced back from their first loss of the season to beat the winless New Jersey Nets 86-76 on Saturday night.

Ray Allen came alive after three dismal quarters to score 8 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter for the Celtics (7-1), who lost 110-103 to Phoenix on Friday night, allowing 20 more points than in any previous game.

Their defense was back Saturday - and it needed to be, because the Celtics couldn't shoot for most of the night. Boston finished with 20 steals, 5 by Rondo, scoring 19 points off New Jersey's 24 turnovers.

Kevin Garnett shot 3 of 13 but added 9 points and 13 rebounds to help the Celtics beat the Nets for the 10th straight time.

Hawks 125, Nuggets 100: Jamal Crawford scored 25 points and Josh Smith had 22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 blocked shots and 7 assists for host Atlanta.

Joe Johnson added 21 points, and Marvin Williams had 14.

Carmelo Anthony had 30 points for Denver, and Chauncey Billups added 25. The Nuggets have lost two straight after opening 5-0.

Mavericks 129, Raptors 101: Dirk Nowitzki had 29 points and 9 rebounds, and Josh Howard scored 16 in his season debut for host Dallas following ankle and wrist injures.

Kings 104, Jazz 99: Deron Williams had 29 points and 15 assists in a losing effort for host for Utah.

Bucks 102, Knicks 87: Andrew Bogut scored a season-high 22 points and had 8 rebounds, and rookie Jodie Meeks added 19 points for host Milwaukee.