CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Avery Bradley said his goal coming into the season was to expand his game.

So far, so good.

Bradley had 31 points on a career-high eight 3-pointers and grabbed 11 rebounds Saturday night as the Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 104-98.

Bradley was 8 of 11 from beyond the arc as the Celtics shot 75 percent from the field in the fourth quarter.

Bradley is averaging 21.3 points and nearly nine rebounds through three games this season.

“That’s my mindset this year. I’m trying to rebound, pass the ball and make plays for others,” Bradley said. “I work on my game every single summer and now I’m trying to put it in the game.”

Isaiah Thomas had 24 points and seven assists, and Al Horford added 14 points for the Celtics, who trailed by one entering the fourth quarter.

Boston finished 15 of 31 from 3-point range. The Hornets were 9 of 32.

Coach Brad Stevens left Bradley in the game with the second team to start the fourth quarter and the strategy paid off. Bradley was 5 of 7 from the field in the period and made all three 3-point attempts.

“We’ve been starting or playing early in those quarters – the second or fourth – either Isaiah or Avery to try to keep one of our guards in with the second unit,” Stevens said. “I did think he was gassed at about the seven-minute mark. That’s why we took him back out for a couple of minutes.”

Hornets Coach Steve Cliffford said Bradley was terrific.

“Especially in the stretch where they got a little bit of cushion (in the fourth quarter), which ended up being the difference in the game,” Clifford said. “They’re a good team and they played well. You can see why people are saying they’ll be top two or three in the East.”

HAWKS 104, 76ERS 72: Paul Millsap scored 17 points to lead five Hawks in double figures at Philadelphia.

Kyle Korver chipped in 15 points and Mike Muscala added 14 for Atlanta.

BULLS 118, PACERS 101: Doug McDermott had 23 points, Jimmy Butler added 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting and Rajon Rondo had 13 assists to lead Chicago at home – its second straight victory to open the season.

CAVALIERS 105, MAGIC 99: LeBron James scored 23 points, Kyrie Irving added 20 and Cleveland beat visiting Orlando for the 15th straight time.

SPURS 98, PELICANS 79: Kawhi Leonard had 20 points and San Antonio won its home opener.

KNICKS 111, GRIZZLIES 104: Kristaps Porzingis scored 21 points, Carmelo Anthony had 20, and New York used a fast start and strong finish to win its home opener.