Allen saves Celtics; Spurs, Lakers lose
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 15 years, 5 months AGO
<p>Boston's Ray Allen celebrates after hitting the game-winning 3-point shot as New York Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni, left, looks on in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoff series in Boston on Sunday.</p>
Ray Allen hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 12 seconds left, Paul Pierce shut down Carmelo Anthony and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the visiting New York Knicks 87-85 in their playoff opener Sunday night.
New York led 85-84 before Anthony was called for an offensive foul for pushing Pierce with 21 seconds remaining. Allen, who led the Celtics with 24 points, sank the decisive basket from beyond the left arc.
The Knicks then rushed downcourt and Anthony missed a long 3-point attempt with 2 seconds left.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is set for Tuesday night in Boston.
Grizzlies 101, Spurs 98: Zach Randolph had 25 points and 14 rebounds, and Shane Battier hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 23.9 seconds left, and eighth-seeded Memphis won the first playoff game in franchise history.
Top-seeded San Antonio had a chance to force overtime, but Richard Jefferson missed an open 3-pointer as time expired.
Tony Parker led the Spurs with 20 points, but they sorely missed All-Star Manu Ginobili, who continued to rest his sprained right elbow. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Ginobili begged to play, and it's a safe bet the All-Star won't have to convince Popovich for Game 2 on Wednesday at home.
Hornets 109, Lakers 100: Chris Paul had 33 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds, and visiting New Orleans pulled away down the stretch, stunning two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles in their playoff opener.
Carl Landry scored 17 points and Jarrett Jack added 15 for the seventh-seeded Hornets, who overcame Los Angeles' major size advantage with a phenomenal game from Paul. The star playmaker scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, leading a late 8-0 run.
Kobe Bryant scored 34 points for the Lakers, who opened the postseason with the same halfhearted effort that comprised much of their regular season after three straight exhausting trips to the NBA finals. Game 2 is Wednesday in L.A.
Thunder 107, Nuggets 103: Kevin Durant scored 41 points, Russell Westbrook had two crucial late baskets among his 31 points and Oklahoma City pulled out a win against visiting Denver in Game 1.
Raymond Felton missed a potential tying 3-pointer with 12 seconds left, and Oklahoma City closed it out at the foul line.
Nene led Denver with 22 points and eight rebounds.
Game 2 is Wednesday at Oklahoma City.