Boston controls visiting Mavericks, 85-100.

Dirk Nowitzki (29 points) never gave up hope for a Dallas comeback, but Paul Millsap (18 points), rookie forward Jared Sullinger (19 points) and a thorough team effort by the Celtics was simply too much to overcome, especially when Dallas was hindered by less than stellar shooting.

Jason Kidd at the point guard position was definitely missed, as recent acquisitions OJ Mayo and Darren Collison failed to be effective in Kidd's stead, sorely deficient by comparison to guards Derek Fisher, Rajon Rondo & Avery Bradley. Streaky shooter Vince Carter finished with a sour 5 points and never got rolling, leaving Nowitzki with too heavy of a burden, despite a nice effort in the frontcourt by traveling player, Chris Kaman, and former 76er, Elton Brand (14 points), Mark Cuban's answers to losing Tyson Chandler to the Knicks and failing to acquire Dwight Howard from Orlando, who now plays for the rival Lakers.

Finally, Boston wins against an elite team. The crowd was pleased.