Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce (right) gets a foul from New Jersey Nets’ Terrence Williams during their NBA game last Saturday. Celtics won, 86-76 (Reuters)

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (AP) — Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce each scored 16 points as the Boston Celtics bounced back from their first loss of the NBA season to beat the winless New Jersey Nets 86-76 on Saturday.

Their defense was back – and it needed to be, because the Celtics couldn't shoot for most of the game. Boston finished with 20 steals, five by Rondo, scoring 19 points off New Jersey's 24 turnovers.

The Celtics beat the Nets for the 10th straight time. Brook Lopez scored 23 points for the Nets.

Hawks 125, Nuggets 100

At Atlanta, Jamal Crawford scored 25 points, and Josh Smith had 22 points, nine rebounds, six blocked shots and seven assists for Atlanta. Carmelo Anthony had 30 points for Denver, and Chauncey Billups added 25. The Nuggets have lost two straight after opening 5-0.

Mavericks 129, Raptors 101

At Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki had 29 points and nine rebounds, and Josh Howard scored 16 in his season debut for Dallas following ankle and wrist injuries.

Jason Terry added 19 points, and Shawn Marion had 18 points and eight rebounds for Dallas.