NBA Roundup: Pierce paces Celtics

? Paul Pierce is helping his Celtics teammates do what he does best – score points.

Pierce led Boston with 35 points and had nine assists as the Celtics used defense and the three-point shot to beat the Utah Jazz, 112-95, Monday night.

“I know the focus of the defense most of the time is going to be on me,” Pierce said. “If I can find open men, it’s going to open things up for me.”

The Celtics were 10-for-29 on three-pointers, and six of those baskets came on assists from Pierce after defenders collapsed on him. They were 9-for-17 in the second half when Tony Delk and Shammond Williams each went 3-for-4.

Antoine Walker’s 27 points included three three-pointers as Boston won its fifth straight game after losing its other two.

Utah was led by Karl Malone with 20 points and Matt Harpring and Scott Padgett with 15 each as it lost its fourth straight road game and fifth game in its last six.

Mavs 82, Blazers 73

Dallas – Dirk Nowitzki had 26 points, 17 rebounds and six steals as Dallas remained the NBA’s lone unbeaten team. Dallas improved to 7-0, extending the best start in franchise history. Michael Finley finished with 21 points and eight rebounds. Rasheed Wallace led Portland with 14 points and Arvydas Sabonis had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Warriors 108, Grizzlies 101

Memphis, Tenn. – Antawn Jamison had 37 points and 11 rebounds as Golden State beat winless Memphis. The Grizzlies (0-8), the only team in the NBA without a victory, were led by Pau Gasol’s 24 points. Former Kansas standout Drew Gooden had 15 points and nine rebounds.

Spurs 91, T-Wolves 75

San Antonio – Tim Duncan scored 20 points and Steve Kerr connected on five three-pointers to lead San Antonio past Minnesota. Kerr finished with 17 points in 23 minutes. Robinson had 19 rebounds for his fifth double-double in seven games.