Celtics beat Hornets 97-87

One year removed from winning the NBA title, a healthy and confident Boston Celtics team are making an early season statement that they are ready to reclaim their throne. The Celtics, perfect through three games going for four in a row against the New Orleans Hornets.

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett (5) and Paul Pierce walk toward each  other for congratulations as New Orleans Hornets' Emeka Okafor,  right, walks away during the second half of Boston's 97-87 win  in a NBA basketball game in Boston Sunday, Nov. 1,2009.(AP  Photo/Winslow Townson)

Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. 1 November, 2009. Boston's Paul Pierce. First quarter, Pierce lay-up and foul, 13-13.

Pierce went hard to the basket and came away with the hoop and the foul to tie the game.

Second quarter, Ray Allen three-pointer, 33-28 Boston.

Boston led by two at the end of the first quarter, and they were still up by that margin midway through the second when Ray Allen shook himself loose for an open three-pointer.