Celtics win as Cavaliers crumble

Walker was a key figure for the Celtics

Celtics 87-72 Cavaliers

The Boston Celtics took full advantage of a four-point second quarter by the Cleveland Cavaliers to record an emphatic 87-72 win.

Cleveland entered the game on top of the Central Division but, after a fine opening 12 minutes, hit just two of 19 shots and failed to score a point over the final 6:43.

The Celtics outscored Cleveland 29-4 in the second session to forge a 49-31 half-time lead, which they never looked like relinquishing.

"I can't put my finger on exactly what happened in the second quarter other than they stepped up their pressure and we struggled," said Cavaliers coach Randy Wittman.

"We became scared and stopped playing. We had no movement and no penetration."

Antoine Walker scored 28 points and Paul Pierce added 20 for Boston.

Timberwolves 96-76 Bulls

In Chicago, Kevin Garnett collected 15 points and 12 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Chicago Bulls.

Garnett failed to lead the Timberwolves in scoring for just the third time this season as Wally Szczerbiak scored 18 points.

Raptors 93-107 Mavericks

In Dallas, Michael Finley scored a season-high 32 points and Steve Nash added 21 and nine assists as the Dallas Mavericks, off to their best start in 17 years, rolled over the short-handed Toronto Raptors.

Bucks 102-101 Heat

In Miami, Sam Cassell hit a three-pointer with nine-tenths of a second to go to give the Milwaukee Bucks a 102-101 victory over the Miami Heat after trailing by 22 points in the fourth quarter.

Jazz 98-92 Nets

In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Karl Malone scored 11 of his 21 points in the final six minutes after being whistled for a technical foul, lifting the Utah Jazz to a win over the New Jersey Nets.

John Starks scored 18 points and John Stockton handed out 14 assists for the Jazz, who have not lost to the Nets since 6 January, 1994.

Hawks 102-75 Wizards

In Washington, Lorenzen Wright scored 18 of his season-high 23 points in the first half as the Atlanta Hawks cruised to a 102-75 victory over the Washington Wizards for their first road win of the season.

Kings 88-81 Rockets

In Houston, Peja Stojakovic scored nine of his 15 points in the decisive first quarter as the Sacramento Kings used a three-point shooting barrage to snap the Houston Rockets' home winning streak.

Sonics 105-93 Trail Blazers

In Portland, Gary Payton scored 24 points and dished out 10 assists while Rashard Lewis added 18 points as the Seattle SuperSonics beat the Portland Trail Blazers in Nate McMillan's debut as coach.

Both Portland coach Mike Dunleavy and guard Bonzi Wells were ejected in the fourth quarter.

Wells whipped his headband across the court at referee Tim Donaghy and knocked over a water cooler before leaving the court.

Pacers 107-124 Lakers

In Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant scored 37 points while Shaquille O'Neal added 27 and 14 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers coasted to an impressive 124-107 victory over the Pacers.