NBA: Boston 102, New York 96

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NEW YORK, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Boston's Paul Pierce netted 23 points and Kevin Garnett added a double-double Monday, powering the Celtics to a 102-96 win over New York.

Pierce went 10-of-18 from the field and Garnett contributed 19 points with 10 rebounds as Boston overcame the loss of suspended point guard Rajon Rondo to notch a season-high third consecutive victory.

Avery Bradley provided 13 points and five assists while subbing for Rondo, who was forced to sit out a game after making contact with a game official during Saturday's win at Atlanta.

Jeff Green came off the bench for 16 points as Boston limited the Knicks to a 40.8 percent shooting from the field.

Carmelo Anthony could hit only 6-of-26 of his field goal attempts en route to 20 points for New York.

J.R. Smith supplied 24 points in the Knicks' loss.