NBA Roundup \ Thursday’s games

Celtics 107, Bulls 86

CHICAGO — Paul Pierce took the initiative and the Boston Celtics took control. Pierce scored 24 points, Rajon Rondo added 20 and the defending champions beat the Chicago Bulls to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. The teams split two dramatic games in Boston, but this one never really was in doubt. The Celtics led by 11 after one quarter and 22 at the half on their way to an easy win.

Now, Boston is in good shape heading into Game 4 Sunday even though the injured Kevin Garnett is wearing a suit instead of a uniform these days. Rondo looked just fine after spraining his right ankle in Game 2 and missing practice Tuesday, turning in another dominant postseason performance.

Mavericks 88, Spurs 67

DALLAS — Erick Dampier never messed with Tony Parker. He didn’t have to. Instead of delivering his guaranteed hard foul, Dampier and the Dallas Mavericks slapped around the San Antonio Spurs with tight defense, the return of Dirk Nowitzki’s shooting touch and the energy of their home crowd, turning it into a victory and a 2-1 lead in their first-round series. Dampier drew the scrutiny of the league office for saying he would pop Parker on his first drive of this game. Dampier ended up going the whole game without colliding with Parker. San Antonio finished with its fewest points in a playoff game, while it was the fewest Dallas ever allowed in the postseason.

Associated Press