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The NBA tipped off the 2011-2012 season today with the clash between the Celtics and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

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Outplayed throughout the first half, the Celtics came back and led by as many as 10 in the fourth quarter but lost, 106-104.

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Knicks star Carmelo Anthony had key buckets down the stretch and finished with 37 points.

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In Dallas, the Mavericks' championship banner was raised before the game against the Miami Heat.

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The Heat dominated the Mavs, leading by as many as 35 points en route to a 105-94 win.

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LeBron James, notoriously ineffective in crucial moments of the NBA Finals, had 37 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists today.

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Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Chicago Bulls.

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Derrick Rose, last year's MVP, drained a short jumper with under five seconds to play that eventually gave the Bulls an 88-87 victory.

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Dwight Howard drove past Kendrick Perkins as the Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the Orlando Magic.

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Kevin Durant dropped 30 points to lead theThunder past the Magic, 97-89.

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Chris Paul netted 20 points and had nine assits in his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers against the Golden State Warriors.

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Blake Griffin shot over the Warriors' David Lee as the renewed Clippers came away with the win, 105-86.