Paul Pierce scored 24 points and Ray Allen added 22 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 99-92, at the Staples Center on Saturday night.
Kevin Garnett had 16 points and 11 rebounds and Rajon Rondo added two points and 11 assists. Glen Davis finished with 10 points and Delonte West scored nine points off the bench for Boston (42-15).
In their Boston debuts, Jeff Green had seven points and Nenad Kristic totaled nine points and a Celtics season-high six offensive rebounds. Both were acquired in the trade that sent Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Boston made 30-of-73 shots (41.1%) and 4-of-9 shots beyond the arc (44.4%). The Celtics finished with 43 rebounds, 21 assists, 11 steals, three blocks and 16 turnovers.
Blake Griffin had 21 points and 11 rebounds and Randy Foye scored a game-high 32 points and seven assists for the Clippers (21-39). Chris Kaman chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds off the bench for Los Angeles.
L.A. shot 46.1% from the floor (35-for-76) and 27.8% from long distance (5-for-18). The Clippers amassed 36 rebounds, 25 assists, 11 steals, seven blocks and had 17 turnovers.
The Clippers jumped out to a 26-18 lead after one quarter, but the Celtics outscored L.A., 22-21, in the second quarter. Boston outscored Los Angeles, 59-45, in the final half.
Boston returns to action on Monday night when it faces the Utah Jazz. Los Angeles is on the road to play in-state rival Sacramento in its next game on Monday night.