NBA ROUNDUP : Bird, Celtics Have a Big Finish in 107-95 Victory Over Rockets

Larry Bird scored eight consecutive points in a late 15-0 Boston run Monday night as the visiting Celtics beat the Houston Rockets, 107-95.

Vernon Maxwell gave Houston a 91-90 lead with five minutes left on his fourth three-point shot of the game, but the Rockets didn’t score again until only 18 seconds remained, and they trailed, 105-91, at that point.

Brian Shaw scored 26 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and had seven assists for Boston, which has won 12 of its past 14. Kevin McHale scored 23 and Bird had 21 with 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Maxwell scored 24 points for Houston, followed by Akeem Olajuwon with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

New Jersey 121, Charlotte 115--Reggie Theus scored 26 points and Chris Morris had 10 of his 17 in a decisive fourth-quarter surge as the Nets beat Charlotte at East Rutherford, N.J., handing the Hornets their fourth consecutive loss.

The Nets, who played without injured standout rookie Derrick Coleman for the second game in a row, also played the second half without Coach Bill Fitch, who was ejected after receiving two technical fouls in the first half.

Playing in place of Coleman, Jack Haley scored 18 points and added a career-high 18 rebounds.