Defence is the key for the Celtics

• Last Updated: November 05. 2009 12:29AM UAE / November 4. 2009 8:29PM GMT

The Boston Celtics maintained their perfect start to the season by trouncing the Philadelphia 76ers 105-74 in a dominant defensive display on Tuesday.

Paul Pierce had 21 points and eight rebounds, while key reserve Rasheed Wallace made six three-pointers in his 20-point effort as the Celtics outscored the home team 61-38 in the second half to triumph.

The Celtics’ miserly defence, which has not conceded more than 90 points this year, also held the 76ers to just 36 per cent in shooting from the field.

“It starts with defence for us,” Boston centre Kendrick Perkins said. “We know we’re going to get our points. In the Eastern Conference, it’s about getting stops.”

Kobe Bryant played a lead role with 31 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won 101-98 in overtime at the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Dallas Mavericks had Dirk Nowitzki to thanks after he scored 40 points in a 96-85 victory over the Utah Jazz, while the Denver Nuggets preserved their unbeaten record with a 111-93 win against the Indiana Pacers on the back of 25 points from Carmelo Anthony and 24 from Chauncey Billups.

The Phoenix Suns preserved their unbeaten run and ended that of the Miami Heat with a 104-96 win in which Steve Nash netted 30 points.

The Cleveland Cavaliers clinched a 102-90 win against the Washington Wizards, with Shaquille O’Neal grabbing 21 points.

Ben Gordon’s 23-point haul helped the Detroit Pistons to an 85-80 triumph over the previously unbeaten Orlando Magic.

Luol Deng inspired the Chicago Bulls to an 83-81 win against the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Atlanta Hawks recovered from falling 25-15 down after the first quarter to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 97-91, with Jamal Crawford scoring 27 points.

* Reuters