Former New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury got a much-needed fresh start in Boston yesterday, and the Celtics acquired the backup point guard they wanted to help them push for back-to-back NBA titles.

Hours after Marbury cleared waivers following his messy divorce from the Knicks, he was dressing for the defending champions' game against the Indiana Pacers.

"I'm just so happy to be able to play basketball again, no matter what my role is," Marbury said, wearing a Celtics warmup before his No. 8 jersey was rushed over for a photo opportunity.

Marbury, who turned 32 last week, hasn't played a regular-season game in more than a year while fighting with Knicks management over his role and, ultimately, a buyout of his $20.8 million contract.

The former All-Star, who alienated Knicks management, teammates and fans, was waived on Tuesday after he agreed to a settlement.

"I'm human. I make mistakes," Marbury said. "I have learned from my mistakes. You've got to keep on pushing on."

Also yesterday, the Celtics suspended guard Gabe Pruitt for two games after he was arrested in Hollywood, Calif., for misdemeanor drunken driving. Pruitt said in a statement he knew his behavior was "inappropriate," and he accepted the consequences.

ELSEWHERE

Pistons: Guard Allen Iverson returned to Detroit for further examination of his stiff back and missed Detroit's game at the Orlando Magic last night. The Pistons said Iverson's MRI exam yesterday came back negative. His status for Detroit's game at Boston tomorrow had not been determined.

Spurs: Forward Tim Duncan missed his third consecutive game last night with a right quad injury. Duncan was inactive against Cleveland because of quad tendonosis. The Spurs have listed Duncan as day-to-day. He was a late scratch before Tuesday's victory over Dallas and missed Wednesday's game against Portland.