Garnett has 22 points, 20 rebounds, leads Boston to opening 103-83 win over Washington

Kevin Garnett had 22 points, 20 rebounds and five assists, Paul Pierce scored 28 points and sparked Boston's take-charge rally in the first half, and the Celtics opened their promising season with a 103-83 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night.

Add 17 points from Ray Allen, another veteran newcomer, and the Celtics looked nothing like the teams Pierce played for in his first nine seasons with Boston. Those teams won just three playoff series.

Garnett, Pierce, and Allen left the game to a standing ovation with 2:30 left and the score 98-75. Garnett and Pierce raised their right index fingers to the screaming crowd, then Garnett knelt in front …