5 November 2009 / REUTERS, AP , PHILADELPHIA
The Boston Celtics maintained their perfect start to the NBA season by trouncing the Philadelphia 76ers 105-74 on the back of a dominant defensive display and sharp three-point shooting.
Paul Pierce had 21 points and eight rebounds, while key reserve Rasheed Wallace made six three-pointers in his 20-point effort as the Celtics outscored the home team 61-38 in the second half to improve to 5-0. The Celtics’ miserly defense, which has not conceded more than 90 points this year, held the 76ers to just 36 percent in shooting from the field. ”It starts with defense for us,” Boston center Kendrick Perkins told reporters. “We know we’re going to get our points. In the Eastern Conference, it’s about getting stops.” Other NBA results: Denver 111, Indiana 93; Cleveland 102, Washington 90; Phoenix 104, Miami 96; Detroit 85, Orlando 80; Chicago 83, Milwaukee 81; LA Lakers 101, Oklahoma City 98, OT; Dallas 96, Utah 85; Atlanta 97, Portland 91.
