Boston's Garnett breaks 1,000-game record

BOSTON (AP):

Kevin Garnett became the youngest player in NBA history to play 1,000 games as the Boston Celtics beat the Chicago Bulls 96-80 on Friday.

Garnett, who reached the 1,000-game mark at the age of 32 years, 165 days and broke Shawn Kemp's record, scored 18 points as Boston notched their second victory of the new season.

Three days after their championship banner-raising ceremony, the Celtics dominated from the start and led by at least 10 points throughout the final three quarters. The Bulls made only 10 of 45 shots (22.2 per cent) in the first half.

In Toronto, Chris Bosh scored 31 points to lead Toronto 112-108 over Golden State in overtime. Anthony Parker had 23 points for the Raptors.

In Philadelphia, Elton Brand had 24 points and 14 rebounds as Philadelphia crushed New York 116-87. Andr? Miller added 20 points and eight assists for the 76ers, who shot 59.1 per cent (52-for-88) from the field and led all the way. The Knicks trailed by 30 points in the fourth quarter and never got closer than seven in the second half.

Big victory margin

In Miami, the home team scored a whopping 41 points off turnovers to thrash Sacramento 103-77.

Dwyane Wade had 20 points and eight assists, and Michael Beasley finished with 17 for the Heat, which recorded its biggest victory margin since March last year.

The margin equalled the record for a Miami home season opener, and the Heat also moved to an even 1-1 record in the new season after having more losses than wins throughout last season.

In Memphis, Tennessee, Rudy Gay hit an 18-foot jump-shot as time expired to give Memphis a narrow 86-84 win over Orlando.

Gay scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Grizzlies to their first win in a home opener since moving to Memphis before the 2001-02 season.

In Portland, Oregon, Michael Finley's shot at the buzzer for San Antonio rimmed out, allowing Portland to hang on for a thrilling 100-99 win over San Antonio.

The Spurs took their first lead of the second half with only 90 seconds to play, but the home team snatched back a three-point advantage with two free throws and a LaMarcus Aldridge basket.

San Antonio's Tony Parker hit a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to one point, and after Travis Outlaws missed a bank shot for the Blazers, the Spurs had a chance to steal the victory, but Finley missed as the buzzer sounded.

In Los Angeles, Allen Iverson scored nine of his 25 points in the final 3:35 of overtime as Denver overcame an 18-point half-time deficit to beat Los Angeles Clippers 113-103.

Kenyon Martin missed nine of his first 10 shots and finished with only 13 points for the Nuggets, but he also grabbed 13 rebounds, made a key defensive stop to send the game into overtime, and a 3-pointer in the final minute of the game to secure the victory.