Garnett impressive in debut for Celtics

BOSTON -- Kevin Garnett’s dazzling debut with the Celtics gave their fans and long-suffering Paul Pierce plenty to celebrate.

Garnett had 22 points, 20 rebounds and five assists, 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 only three playoff series.

Now, after off-season trades for Garnett and Allen, the Celtics are a popular choice to go far in the postseason.

Not bad for a team that had the longest losing streak in its history last season, 18 games, and finished with its second-worst record, 24-58.

Garnett, Pierce, and Allen left the game to a standing ovation with 2:30 left and the Celtics leading, 98-75.

Garnett and Pierce raised their right index fingers to the crowd, then Garnett knelt in front of the bench and slapped hands with his teammates.

Gilbert Arenas scored 21 points and Caron Butler had 18 for the Wizards, who were eliminated in the first round last season by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Arenas made only five of 20 shots.