A Celtics Win

Wednesday, October 17th 2007, 9:33 pm

By: News On 6

BOSTON (AP) -- Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen made their Boston debuts, and holdover Paul Pierce scored 22 points to lead the Celtics to a 101-61 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Brought in to revive the sagging Celtics after their second consecutive playoff absence, Garnett had 13 points and eight rebounds, and Allen scored 14 points before sitting out the fourth quarter. The New Big Three had seven points apiece in the first quarter as Boston opened a double-digit lead.

Zach Randolph had nine points and 12 rebounds for New York, and Stephon Marbury scored nine for the Knicks, who did not have a player score in double figures. Allan Houston, attempting a comeback after two years off, missed his only shot while playing
six minutes.

A 10-time All-Star acquired in an unprecedented 7-for-1 trade over the summer, Garnett teamed with second-year point guard Rajon Rondo for the former NBA MVP's first highlight in Boston. Taking an entry pass under the basket, Garnett dished it behind his back to Rondo for the layup.

The basket gave the Celtics a 7-5 lead three minutes into the game, and they never trailed again.