SCOREBOARD
Friday, Nov. 2
Washington at Boston (8 p.m. EDT). Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett make their debut with the Celtics against the Wizards.
STARS
Thursday
-Tayshaun Prince, Pistons, scored a career-high 34 points and matched a career best with 12 rebounds, in a 91-80 victory over Miami.
-Tracy McGrady, Rockets, scored 47 points and Houston beat Utah 106-95.
STRONG IN DEFEAT
Carlos Boozer had 30 points and 16 rebounds in Utah’s 106-95 loss to Houston on Thursday night.
SIGNED
Al Jefferson signed a five-year, $65 million with the Minnesota Timberwolves just before the deadline Wednesday night. The 22-year-old forward was acquired from Boston in a trade July 31.
WAIVED
The New Jersey Nets waived guard David Wesley on Thursday, less than a week after the team traded for the 14-year veteran. The Nets acquired Wesley on Monday from New Orleans for swingman Bernard Robinson, center Mile Ilic and cash considerations.
SPEAKING
“We feel like it’s Game 8 for us. We wanted to get this win and start our new season.” – Yao Ming after Houston’s 106-95 win at Utah on Thursday night. Yao was referring to the seven-game series the Jazz rallied to win last season.