NBA Basketball

Houston is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since the 1996-97 season. Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming combined for 41 points to lead the Rockets to an 89-80 victory over the Blazers. Ming had 21 points and 12 rebounds and McGrady added 20 points and six assists. Yao scored only eight points and McGrady only five the second half, but the Rockets stayed in control with their defense, forcing 18 turnovers and holding the Blazers to 41 percent shooting (31 of 76). Portland started making baskets when the outcome was decided. The Blazers trailed by 15 at the break after shooting 29.7 percent (11 of 37) and committing 13 turnovers in the first half.

Jason Kidd made it a nifty 50 with New Jersey. Kidd posted his 50th triple-double with the Nets, his box score stuffed again with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in New Jersey's 93-88 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. The triple-doubles are almost routine for the veteran point guard. So are the clutch shots. Kidd thwarted a late Sixers rally with a 3-pointer from the left side to give the Nets an 86-80 lead. Kidd was dependable as he's always been for New Jersey, posting his 88th career triple-double and helping them rebound after they were pounded a night earlier in a 37-point loss to Toronto.

Kevin Garnett walked off the court raising his right index finger to the cheering crowd. By his side, Paul Pierce did the same - a rare gesture of triumph for the long-suffering Celtics star. There was 2:30 left in the game and Boston had been in control since the middle of the second quarter. The Celtics beat the Washington Wizards 103-83 on Friday night, opening their most promising season in Pierce's 10 years with the club. Pierce led Boston with 28 points. Garnett did it all - 22 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and three steals - in a dazzling debut with Boston. He was introduced to a standing ovation and left to cheers that echoed from the rafters where the team's 16 championship banners were hanging. Holy smokes, could it be the Celtics will contend this year?

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