Pierce helps Celtics start season with win in Cleveland

Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James (R) drives past Boston Celtics Paul Pierce during the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game in Cleveland, October 27, 2009.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (Reuters) - The Boston Celtics seized an early advantage over their Eastern Conference rival Cleveland Cavaliers with a 95-89 season-opening victory on Tuesday.

Paul Pierce recorded a team-high 23 points and 11 rebounds to help the Celtics withstand 38 points from league MVP LeBron James to record their first win in Cleveland since 2004.

With Boston holding on to a slim 87-83 lead, Pierce made two jump shots in the final 1:02 as the Celtics started the 2009-10 campaign on the right foot.

Kevin Garnett, playing his first game since a knee injury forced him out in March, scored 13 points and made 10 rebounds while new signing Rasheed Wallace chipped in with 12 points off the bench.

Cleveland's major offseason acquisition Shaquille O'Neal had 10 points and 10 rebounds in his debut with his new team.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)