NBA ROUNDUP : Fast Start Wins for the Pistons

The Boston Celtics bring out the best in Isiah Thomas.

Thomas, who has struggled in his comeback from serious wrist surgery, scored 22 of his 25 points in the first half Tuesday night at Auburn Hills, Mich., to get the Pistons off to a fast start.

They took a 15-2 lead in 3 1/2 minutes in sailing to a 118-90 victory over Boston.

It was only the second victory in the last six games for the two-time defending NBA champions. The other was also at home, against another Eastern power, the Chicago Bulls.

Boston’s Larry Bird still has a back problem and missed his fifth game in a row. The Pistons have two players out with back problems--Mark Aguirre and James Edwards.

“By a night game,” said Thomas, who was 10 for 19 from the field, “the swelling (he has every morning) was gone. But it was weak Sunday when I tried to play a day game.

“I really think I’ll be much better and so will the team by playoff time.”

With Washington upsetting Milwaukee, the Pistons virtually assured themselves the third-best record in the East. The loss dealt a severe blow to the Celtic hopes of finishing No. 1 in the East. With three games left they trail Chicago by two games.

Portland 115, Houston 96--The Trail Blazers won their 15th consecutive game, holding the Rockets to 24% shooting in the second and third quarters.

Cliff Robinson scored 12 of his 14 points during a 38-22 third-quarter rout for the Blazers. The loss dealt a severe blow to the Midwest Division title hopes of the Rockets, who fell two games behind first-place San Antonio with three games to go.

The Trail Blazers tied a franchise record for longest win streak and are one victory short of the Lakers’ 16-game string, the longest in the NBA this season.

Utah 111, Sacramento 101--Losing by only 10 points at Salt Lake City was almost like a moral victory for the Kings.

Karl Malone had 28 points and Jeff Malone 26 for the Jazz, and Sacramento extended its NBA-record losing streak on the road to 36 games.

Phoenix 153, Denver 118--Kevin Johnson returned after missing five games with a hamstring injury, made his first four shots and the Suns made their first 13 at Denver.

Washington 112, Milwaukee 106--John Williams forced overtime at Landover, Md., with a layup in the last second, then scored eight of his 22 points in the overtime period to give the Bullets their third victory in a row.

Williams, taking charge in the absence of injured Bernard King, had 12 assists and 10 rebounds.

Despite the loss, the Bucks were assured of the fourth playoff spot in the East when the 76ers were beaten.

Indiana 132, New Jersey 126--Chuck Person scored 18 of his 24 points in the Pacers’ 78-point first half at East Rutherford, N.J., to move them closer to clinching seventh place in the East.

The Pacers, who climbed to .500 (40-40) need a victory in one of their last two games or a New York defeat.

New York 108, Philadelphia 99--It was of little consolation to the 76ers that they set an NBA record by playing their 14th overtime game in a season.

With Patrick Ewing scoring eight of his 38 points in overtime at New York, the 76ers lost, missing a chance for a record ninth overtime victory.

Before the game the 76ers, who lost their third in a row, learned that they might not have the services of Charles Barkley for the playoffs. He has an injured right knee that has not yet healed.

Orlando 113, Atlanta 106--Scott Skiles and Otis Smith each scored 25 points at Orlando to lead the Magic to victory.

Charlotte 92, Miami 87--Dell Curry scored 19 points at Charlotte to lead the Hornets past the Heat.