LeBron, new-look Cavaliers blow out Celtics on Pierce’s day

BOSTON — LeBron James quieted a Celtics crowd that came to celebrate Paul Pierce on Sunday, totaling 24 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in helping the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers beat Boston 121-99 with an individual performance reminiscent of the rivalry’s heyday.

Only this time, Pierce was sitting courtside in street clothes, unable to do anything about it.

James shook off a first-quarter leg injury to score 13 in the second quarter — eight of them during a 13-2 run that turned a one-point deficit into a double-digit lead. The Celtics made it 64-55 on the first basket of the third quarter but never got within 10 again.

As the Cavaliers opened a 27-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, the crowd began chanting “We want Paul Pierce!” But he remained in his baseline seat, awaiting the postgame ceremony that would raise his No. 34 to the TD Garden rafters — the 23rd person in the history of the NBA’s mostdecorated franchise to be so honored.

Terry Rozier scored 21 with nine assists, and Kyrie Irving scored 18 against his former team before sitting out the fourth quarter as the game became a blowout.

In their first appearances for Cleveland since being acquired at the trade deadline, Jordan Clarkson scored 17 points, and George Hill had 12.

THUNDER 110, GRIZZLIES 92

Paul George scored 33 points to help Oklahoma City beat visiting Memphis without fellow stars Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.

Westbrook missed the game with a sprained left ankle, and Carmelo Anthony sat out with a sprained right ankle. George responded by making 10 of 24 shots and adding eight assists.

T-WOLVES 111, KINGS 106

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 29 points, Jeff Teague added 12 points and 10 assists, and Minnesota overcame an uncharacteristic sloppy performance at home to defeat Sacramento.

Minnesota had 17 turnovers and allowed Sacramento 22 second-chance points but prevailed after back-to-back road losses.

HAWKS 118, PISTONS 115

Dewayne Dedmon gave Atlanta the lead with a three-point play and then padded the margin with a 3-pointer, sealing a win over Blake Griffin and visiting Detroit.

Dedmon tied his career high with 20 points and had 13 rebounds.

PACERS 121, KNICKS 113

Victor Oladipo had 30 points, nine assists and eight rebounds as Indiana topped visiting New York.

Bojan Bogdanovic made four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points for the Pacers, who have won six of eight.

JAZZ 115, TRAIL BLAZERS 96

Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points, and newcomer Jae Crowder had 15 in his team debut to help visiting Utah win its 10th straight game.

RAPTORS 123, HORNETS 103

DeMar DeRozan had 25 points and eight assists, C.J. Miles had 24 points, and Toronto dominated host Charlotte to win its fifth straight.