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High-powered Celtics' trio trounces listless Knicks

Oct 18, 2007 - 2:07 AM By Mike Petraglia PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer BOSTON (Ticker) -- The first of two dress rehearsals before their home fans at TD Banknorth Garden couldn't have gone any better for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and the Boston Celtics.

Playing before a near-capacity crowd, the trio showed off their chemistry, passing and scoring skills in a 101-61 victory over the New York Knicks in their first home game since returning from a two-game European swing on Wednesday night.

The newest "Big Three" started both halfs and had their way with their Atlantic Division rivals.

Pierce led all scorers with 22 points in 26 minutes while Garnett, who received the loudest ovation during pre-game introductions, added 13 and eight rebounds in 29 minutes.

Allen played 27 minutes and poured in 14 for the Celtics.

The Knicks made just 22-of-85 shots from the field on the night and were led by Stephon Marbury and newcomer Zach Randolph, who each scored nine points.

Boston made 13-of-18 shots from the floor to open the contest en route to a 30-18 lead after one quarter. Pierce, Garnett and Allen each had seven in the opening quarter to lead the Celtics.

The advantage grew to 17 as Boston went on a 12-4 run midway through the second quarter.

The superstar trio put the game away in third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 13-6 to open the period and closing out the quarter with a 14-3 run to open up a 77-46 lead. The Knicks made just 4-of-25 shots in the third.

Allan Houston - wearing No. 7 - received some cheers from Knicks fans in attendance when he came into the game with 5:01 remaining in the third quarter to replace Stephon Marbury.

Houston, who did not dress for New York's first two preseason games, was making his first appearance since announcing his comeback following a two-year absence due to chronic injuries to both knees.

Eddy Curry, who was playing with a brace on his injured shoulder, scored seven points in 16 minutes for New York.