Rejuvenated Celtics crush Wizards in season opener

By Mike Shalin

BOSTON (Reuters) - The rebuilt Boston Celtics began their season with a 103-83 thrashing of the Washington Wizards on Friday, Paul Pierce scoring 28 points and new signings Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen combining for 39.

The Celtics are trying to return to their glory years, making major deals to bring in Garnett and Allen who both excelled as Boston put the game away early on a festive night at the TD Banknorth Garden.

The trio combined to outscore the Wizards 41-36 in the first half, when Pierce fired home 19. Garnett finished with 22 points, 20 rebounds and five assists and Allen 17 points.

"He was so hyped up tonight, his first shot almost broke the backboard," Celtics coach Doc Rivers told reporters of Garnett. "He was terrific. All of them were."

Garnett said the team could play better.

"We didn't execute like we know we can, so we still have some work to do," he said.

Pierce has waited a long time for such assistance.

"I'm in a place right now in my career (where) I couldn't ask for more," he said.