Celtics, without Rajon Rondo, top Nets

Paul Pierce scored 23 points, and the visiting Boston Celtics beat the New York Knicks, 102-96, on Monday night in the heated first meeting of the season between the Atlantic Division rivals.

Kevin Garnett added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who were without the suspended Rajon Rondo. He was suspended Monday for making contact with a referee in a game against Atlanta on Saturday and failure to cooperate with an NBA investigation.

Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points for the Knicks but shot 6 for 26.

Pierce put it away with a jumper with 45 seconds to go, blowing a kiss toward the crowd.

Anthony and Garnett had become extra physical on a Boston possession that ended with a turnover with 9 minutes, 3 seconds remaining. Anthony followed him to midcourt as they jawed at each other, leading to technical fouls for both. Anthony approached the Celtics locker room after the game and was screaming, according to the MSG Network.

Elsewhere: Bradley Beal scored with 0.3 seconds remaining as Washington beat the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 101-99. Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 29 points. The Wizards were without Nene and Jordan Crawford. John Wall and Trevor Booker already were inactive.

Center Dwight Howard and forward Pau Gasol are out indefinitely with injuries, the Lakers said.

Howard has a torn labrum (cartilage) in his right shoulder, and Gasol has a concussion.

Minnesota is promising those who renew their season ticket or buy a new one for next season a 10 percent discount if the Timberwolves don't make the playoffs this year.

Forward Kevin Love met with doctors to evaluate his broken right hand.

- Associated Press