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Perkins leads Celtics over Nets in preseason

Oct 19, 2008 - 10:09 PM By Brian Devine PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

BOSTON (Ticker) -- Kendrick Perkins had 18 points and nine rebounds to help the Boston Celtics defeat the New Jersey Nets, 83-66, in a preseason game Sunday.

Perkins scored eight of his points in the third quarter when the Celtics were able to mount a 20-point lead. He shot 5-of-7 from the floor and made 8-of-10 free throws.

Gabe Pruitt, who started in place of Rajon Rondo because a sprained ankle, had a solid game with 11 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.

A big difference in the contest was the battle of the boards. The Celtics outrebounded Nets, 56-29, including 17 offensive rebounds that led to 26 second-chance points.

In the final minute of the second period, New Jersey was able to reduce its deficit to eight thanks to Yi Jianlian's jumper followed by Brook Lopez's dunk with just two-tenths of a second remaining.

The Celtics, who improved to 6-2 in the preseason, got out to an early lead and finished the opening quarter with a 12-point advantage behind eight points and five rebounds from Kevin Garnett.

Boston will have its final exhibition game Tuesday against the New York Knicks before raising its 17th championship banner on Opening Night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rookie Ryan Anderson netted 20 points and Jianlian chipped in with 10 for New Jersey, which now is 2-2 in the preseason.