NBA Roundup : Bird Shoots Through Texas Like Whirlwind

When the Boston Celtics hit the road after the All-Star break, Larry Bird had shot only 31% in the last three games and made only 3 of his last 19 three-point shots.

In Texas, they’ll tell you he has turned it around.

Friday night at Dallas, Bird hit a three-pointer with four seconds left to give the Celtics a 105-104 victory over the Mavericks.

Bird scored 39 points, hitting 16 of 25 shots. He also had 39 points Wednesday night at San Antonio and 44 Tuesday night at Houston. In the three games, he has shot 61% and hit seven three-pointers.

His game-winner Friday night, a 25-footer from the top of the key, climaxed Boston’s comeback from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.

“The shot was there, so I just stopped and took it,” Bird said. “I like shooting in this place.”

Detroit 108, Atlanta 92--Isiah Thomas, wearing a support for a sore back, scored 25 points at Pontiac, Mich., as the Pistons pulled within 1 1/2 games of the first-place Hawks in the Central Division.

Atlanta’s Dominique Wilkins led all scorers with 31 points.

Indiana 107, Phoenix 102--Scott Skiles, former Michigan State All-American whose career has been hampered by injuries, came off the bench to score all 15 of his points in the second half for the Pacers at Phoenix.

Jay Humphries of the Suns and John Long of the Pacers both were ejected shortly before halftime after a brief shoving match underneath the Indiana basket.

Chicago 95, Milwaukee 93--Michael Jordan scored 27 points, including two free throws with two seconds left for the Bulls at Milwaukee.

Jordan fell under the basket after being fouled by Milwaukee’s Terry Cummings and stayed there for a few moments before going to the line and sinking both free throws.

Cleveland 98, New Jersey 96--Ron Harper scored 28 points, and the Cavaliers converted 35 of 47 free throws while the Nets made 6 of 13 at Richfield, Ohio.

Portland 120, Denver 105--Jerome Kersey had 34 points and a career-high 20 rebounds for the Trail Blazers at Portland, Ore.

Denver’s Alex English led all scorers with 37 points.