NBA Roundup : Lucas Comes Back . . . So Do Bucks

Under the NBA drug rules, John Lucas has two strikes on him. This is his last chance.

Lucas, one of pro basketball’s better playmakers, made an auspicious return Sunday, sinking a three-point field goal to break an 89-89 tie at Milwaukee and lead his new team, the Bucks, to a 100-91 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

In his first game after undergoing rehabilitation for the second time, Lucas had 12 points and 7 assists. His three-pointer came with 1:52 remaining and climaxed a Bucks’ rally that began midway through the third quarter with the Hawks holding a 16-point lead.

The NBA agreement with the Players Assn. allows any player who admits to a drug problem, and undergoes a rehabilitation program, two chances. Lucas has had his two chances, one more failure and he’s out.

The Bucks--with three guards, Sidney Moncrief, Paul Pressey and Scott Skiles, on the disabled list--signed Lucas, a 33-year-old guard who was dropped by Houston last March after he again went for rehabilitation, as a free agent.

The difference between Lucas and the two Rockets--Mitchell Wiggins and Lewis Lloyd--who were booted out of the league last week, is that Lucas admitted he had a cocaine problem, the other two denied it and tested positive.

“I’ve played this game in my head many times,” Lucas told the Associated Press. “This game was very rewarding for me. This team really blended together in the second half, and we were able to fight our way back into the game.

“I was apprehensive about how the fans would accept me. Their reception was real special to me. I’ve made my share of mistakes in life, but I’m trying to get on with my life.”

The fans gave Lucas a warm greeting before the game and cheered wildly when he played a major role in leading the Bucks to only their second win in the last seven games.

Lucas was asked about Wiggins and Lloyd, his former teammates.

“I’m saddened by what happened to them,” he said, “but I have to live my own life. Basketball has been very good to me. I would like to be able to go out the front door.

“I could give something back and, at the same time, maybe save some other lives and get to people who are having problems.”

Coach Don Nelson was astounded. “For a guy to walk off the street and perform like John did today is incredible,” Nelson said. “His play really inspired our club.”

Boston 122, Houston 99--After winning three in a row since losing Wiggins and Lloyd, the Rockets ran afoul of Larry Bird & Co.

With Bird scoring 18 of his 32 points in the first half, the Celtics built a 61-51 lead and coasted to their 17th win in 18 games at Boston Garden.

Ralph Sampson, whose turnaround sparked the Rockets to five wins in a row, reverted to his Boston Garden playoff form--horrid. He was 1 for 8 and had 6 points in 29 minutes.

“We played the wrong game against the wrong team in the wrong building,” Coach Bill Fitch said. “We played a bad game, it’s that simple.”

Cedric Maxwell, a former Celtic traded to the Rockets last week by the Clippers, played 17 minutes in his debut and had five points and three rebounds.

Golden State 116, Portland 106--Joe Barry Carroll scored eight of his 36 points in a 15-4 spurt in the fourth quarter that enabled the Warriors to win for the first time in Portland since 1981. The Warriors had lost 15 in a row in Portland.

The Warriors trailed, 82-70, late in the third quarter, but rallied to pull within one at the end of the period.

Golden State went ahead early in the fourth period, but were ahead only 97-96 with five minutes left. The 15-4 spurt wrapped it up.

Kiki Vandeweghe had 29 for the Trail Blazers.