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(Sports Network) - The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics battled in a storied first-round playoff series a year ago and will renew their rivalry tonight from TD Garden.

Boston won the impressive series in seven games before losing to Orlando in the next round, and is off to a 2-0 start this season. It beat LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Tuesday's series opener on the road, then kicked off a three-game homestand with a 92-59 triumph versus the Charlotte Bobcats the following night. Ray Allen had 18 points and Rajon Rondo chipped in 10 points and 11 assists for the defensive- minded Celtics.

"I thought it was terrific," Boston coach Doc Rivers said about his team's defense. "I thought it was great. I thought, obviously, very active early. Tons of deflections. We keep that number and it was extremely -- as high as you can possibly probably get it at halftime. And I thought we carried it over, contested starts. Last two nights, I thought it has been absolutely wonderful."

Paul Pierce posted 15 points, Shelden Williams ended with 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench and Kevin Garnett netted 10 points in the win. The Celtics will also host New Orleans on the residency.

Chicago will open a quick two-game road trip against Boston and Miami this evening, and won its season opener by handing the San Antonio Spurs a 92-85 loss on Thursday from the United Center.

Luol Deng led the Bulls with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Derrick Rose contributed 13 points, seven boards and seven assists for the Bulls, who got 14 points from Kirk Hinrich and 10 points and 10 rebounds out of Joakim Noah.

"We know it's a good game, but we've got to keep on building on it," Deng said. "It's going to be a long season. I feel like we're mature enough this year that we could stay consistent with it."

Boston went 2-1 in last year's regular season series with Chicago and has won six of the past seven matchups between the stories franchises. The Bulls are winless in their last four games at Boston.