NBA: Boston 86, New Jersey 76

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The Boston Celtics responded to their first loss of the season by downing the winless New Jersey Nets 86-76 Saturday at East Rutherford, N.J.

Boston shook off its 110-103 setback to Phoenix Friday, tapping Rajon Rondo's 16 points and five steals and Paul Pierce's 16 points and seven assists to perk up late in the game and drop the Nets to their worst start in franchise history.

Helping out for the Celtics were Ray Allen, who scored eight of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, and Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins, each of whom tallied nine points and combined for 21 rebounds.

Boston pulled away about 4 minutes into the fourth quarter when a pair of Allen baskets triggered an 8-2 Celtics run.

The Nets were led by Brook Lopez's game-high 23 points and Rafer Alston chipped in with 20 points and seven assists.