NBA Roundup : Wilkins Loses Hot Hand, Hawks Lose to Celtics

When Dominique Wilkins became one of the National Basketball Assn.’s top players last season, he carried the Atlanta Hawks into the upper echelons with him.

This was to be the season that the Hawks proved that Wilkins, who soared to the scoring title last season, was not their only weapon. In fact, they won a couple of games early when Wilkins was out with a sprained ankle.

But in their first real test Wednesday night at Boston against the league champion Celtics, the Hawks reverted to last season, relying on Wilkins almost exclusively.

They should have been looking for alternatives. The 6-7 sharpshooter was as cold as the subzero temperature outside, and the Hawks lost to the Celtics, 111-107.

The Hawks, although their ace sank only 11 of 31 shots, stayed in the battle until Dennis Johnson made three consecutive baskets late in the game to assure the Celtics’ victory.

While Wilkins was shooting 31%, his teammates made 30 of 50 shots for 60%.

As they have been doing all season, the Celtics, in winning their 45th consecutive home game, used their starting five almost the entire game. Even though they brought Danny Ainge off the injured list for his first appearance, he played only 16 minutes.

The three frontliners, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish played all but 15 minutes and scored 71 points.

The Celtics beat the Hawks all six times in the regular season a year ago, then defeated them in the playoffs, 4-1. They have won 13 consecutive regular-season games from the Hawks.

Atlanta Coach Mike Fratello has been insisting that the Hawks (7-2) have to beat the Celtics to prove they belong with the top teams.

The Celtics say that the Hawks are getting close.

“It was important that we establish ourselves against them because we play them again Saturday,” Parish said. “We are the best team but we have to keep proving it.”

Boston Coach K. C. Jones, who missed three previous Celtic victories because of the flu, returned----but not for long. He was ejected with two technicals just before halftime and missed seeing his team go to 7-2.

The Celtics started fast, building a 32-18 lead. But the improved Kevin Willis, who made 9 of 12 shots, brought the Hawks back, and it was close down to the last three minutes.

Washington 119, Detroit 105--When well rested, Moses Malone is still one of the great players in the game. He demonstrated as much to the Pistons at Landover, Md.

The big center, off since Sunday, scored 31 points and had 11 rebounds in just 35 minutes. He has scored more than 30 points in all four Bullet victories and fewer than 30 in the six defeats.

Malone gave the credit to Jeff Malone and the other Bullet outside shooters. “Once somebody starts hitting outside, it opens up for me,” he said.

Golden State 112, Cleveland 104--In his first appearance at Richfield, Ohio, since the Cavaliers fired him last spring, George Karl had his Warriors primed for an outstanding effort.

Although he downplayed the importance, Karl smiled when he said: “I don’t think I’m elated, vindicated or anything like. that. It just feels nice.”

Purvis Short, although he twice had to leave the game due to injuries, led the Warriors with 21 points. He reinjured a knee and may be out three weeks.

Philadelphia 98, New York 94--Roy Hinson scored 23 points, blocked 5 shots, had 6 rebounds and played all but three minutes at Philadelphia to lead the 76ers to a hard-earned victory.

Hinson was matched against Patrick Ewing at the start. Ewing was so thoroughly outplayed that he lasted only 24 minutes.

Phoenix 111, New Jersey 101--Former Bruin Mike Sanders came off the bench to score 21 points at Phoenix and lead the Suns to their third victory in a row.

The win was their first over the Nets in two years. The Suns are unbeaten in four home games, while the Nets (2-8) have lost four straight.