Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010

BOSTON (AP) Doc Rivers met with his team after Friday's shootaround to make sure everyone knew his role. Rajon Rondo's was simple: Spread the ball around.

The Celtics point guard immediately put the lesson into practice.

Rondo had 10 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 24 assists on Friday night to lead Boston to a 105-101 victory over the New York Knicks. It was second most in franchise history and the most since Bob Cousy had 28 in 1959.

"It means a lot, but I'll try and catch him," Rondo said of being on a list with the Hall of Famer. "(It's) all about the teammates. If they don't make the shots, we don't get team assists."

Amare Stoudemire scored 27 for the Knicks, reserve Wilson Chandler had 19 and Raymond Felton scored 17.

Heat 96, Magic 70

In Miami, Dwyane Wade scored 26 points in the Heat's home opener, LeBron James had 15 points and seven assists and the hosts scored the first 14 points of the second half en route to a rout.

Lakers 114, Suns 106

In Phoenix, Lamar Odom had 18 points and 17 rebounds and Los Angeles beat the Suns in Phoenix's home opener.

Hornets 101, Nuggets 95

In New Orleans, Chris Paul scored 18 points and the Hornets kept rookie coach Monty Williams unbeaten.

Timberwolves 96, Bucks 85

In Minneapolis, Michael Beasley had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Minnesota pounded Milwaukee on the boards.

Nets 106, Kings 100

In Newark, N.J., Devin Harris had 21 points and 10 assists, helping the hosts stage another late rally.

Hawks 104, 76ers 101

In Philadelphia, Al Horford had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Joe Johnson scored 22 points and Jamal Crawford finished with 19 for Atlanta.

Pacers 104, Bobcats 101

In Charlotte, Danny Granger scored 33 points, Tyler Hansbrough made a big contribution in his return to North Carolina and Indiana rallied to beat the Bobcats.

Raptors 101, Cavaliers 81

In Toronto, Andrea Bargnani scored 20 points and Linas Kleiza added 19 for the Raptors in a matchup of teams spurned by stars over the summer.

Thunder 105, Pistons 104

In Auburn Hills, Mich., Jeff Green made a layup with 2.5 seconds left for Oklahoma City.

Grizzlies 91, Mavericks 90

In Dallas, Rudy Gay scored 21 points for Memphis, O.J. Mayo added 20, and each made key defensive plays in the final seconds.

Warriors 109, Clippers 91

In Oakland, Monta Ellis had 15 points and 11 assists and Dorel Wright had 24 points to help Golden State beat Los Angeles.

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