Knicks edge Celtics to open shortened NBA season

The New York Knicks edged the Boston Celtics 106-104 Sunday to get the NBA season rolling on Christmas Day following a bitter labour dispute which resulted in a shortened 66-game regular season. Carmelo Anthony scored 37 points and Amare Stoudemire added 21 points for the Knicks, who rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter. New York led by 17 in the opening half. The Knicks see-saw win over the Celtics was the first of five opening day games in the 2010-11 regular season. In the other early game, the Miami Heat earned a measure of revenge with a convincing 105-94 win over reigning league champion Dallas who raised its championship banner in a pre-game ceremony. In later games, the Chicago Bulls travel to the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City hosts Orlando and the Los Angeles Clippers visit Golden State.