NBA Roundup : 76ers Beat the Nets; Celtics Beating Everyone

The Philadelphia 76ers appear to have found a cure for what has ailed them recently.

Coming off a 2-4 trip that ended with a public argument between Coach Matt Guokas and center Moses Malone, the 76ers romped to a 142-107 victory over the New Jersey Nets Wednesday night at the Spectrum.

Malone scored 29 points and Julius Erving had 28 for Philadelphia, which jumped to a 42-18 lead in the first quarter on its way to breaking a three-game losing streak.

“It gives kind of an indication of how we can play when we play not only good individual defense but outstanding team defense,” Guokas said. “It’s amazing how easy baskets come when you play hard at the other end.”

Guokas and Malone had argued on the court Saturday night after the veteran center was lifted late in Philadelphia’s loss to Golden State. But the two made up their differences at practice this week.

It was just one of those nights for New Jersey Coach Dave Wohl.

“I can’t say much good about how we played tonight, except that they didn’t shut us out,” he said. “That’s a moral victory, I guess.”

Boston 103, Washington 88--Larry Bird scored 26 points and Robert Parish 25 as the Celtics rallied from a sluggish start in Boston Garden to post their 13th consecutive victory.

Scott Wedman, filling in for the injured Kevin McHale, contributed 15 points and Bill Walton had 13 as the Celtics extended their longest winning streak since they won 18 in a row in February and March, 1982.

The Bullets, who have lost four in a row, were led by Jeff Malone, with 21 points, and Cliff Robinson, with 15.

With their 22nd victory in 23 home games, the Celtics improved the NBA’s best record at the All-Star break to 38-8.