New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - Kendrick Perkins scored a career-high 24 points as Boston downed New York, 109-93, at Madison Square Garden.

Kevin Garnett added 20 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists for the Celtics, who won their third straight game and are an impressive 15-3 on the road this season. Ray Allen chipped in with 17 points and eight boards, while Rajon Rondo, playing with a balky back and hamstring, netted 14 points.

Zach Randolph had 24 points and 15 boards for the Knicks, who lost for just the second time in six games. Jamal Crawford donated 22 points and Eddy Curry had 19 points.

Boston entered the fourth quarter with a 12-point cushion but was minus All- Star Paul Pierce, who was tossed, along with the Knicks' Quentin Richardson, for arguing late in the third quarter.

New York closed to within seven points, 86-79, when Crawford buried a three from the left corner, the first of the game for New York, with 9:07 left.

Allen answered at the other end with his own three to stem the tide and ignite a 14-4 run that sealed the game for the Celtics. Garnett had three straight buckets for Boston during the flurry and Eddie House finished it with a jumper to give Boston a more than comfortable 100-83 lead with 4:52 remaining.

The Knicks never seriously threatened from there.

The Celtics held a 29-23 advantage after the opening quarter and then closed the second stanza with an 11-0 run to take a 14-point edge at intermission. Rondo capped the burst with a driving layup followed by a jumper to make it 59-45 heading to the locker room.

Boston extended its lead to as many as 19 points in the third quarter when Leon Powe deposited a layup with 4:24 left in the frame. The Knicks closed the quarter strongly, however, and made it an 82-70 game heading to the final frame.

Game Notes

Pierce had 10 points and seven assists before being ejected...Nate Robinson added 15 points for the Knicks off the bench...New York is just 9-14 at MSG this season...Boston also notched a 104-59 victory over the Knicks on November 29 this season at TD Banknorth Garden and has won four straight, five of six and eight of the last 10 meetings with New York...The Celtics have also won five straight in the Big Apple.