NBA ROUNDUP : Celtics Win as Pierce’s Free-Throw Streak Ends

It was a big night in Boston Friday. Ricky Pierce missed the free-throw record, Dennis Johnson was honored and the Celtics took over an accustomed spot--first place in the Atlantic Division.

Pierce, who had made 75 in a row and was three away from Calvin Murphy’s 11-year-old record, didn’t get a free throw until the third quarter and he missed it, bouncing the ball off the back rim.

Johnson, an outstanding defensive guard who helped win two NBA championships, saw his No. 3 retired, and it was raised to the rafters of Boston Garden with seven others.

Larry Bird had 28 points to lead the Celtics to a 117-97 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics. Their ninth victory in 10 games gave the Celtics a 14-6 record and a one-game lead over the New York Knicks.

Pierce, who led the SuperSonics with 21 points, has made 113 of 121 free throws this season.

The 32-year-old guard started the streak at Indiana on Nov. 15. When he made seven free throws at New York on Wednesday night, he passed Bird (71) and moved into second place.

“I’m not disappointed,” Pierce said. “I didn’t feel pressure. I just want to make all of my shots.”

Johnson was honored during halftime. A message from Magic Johnson, in which he said Dennis was the best defensive guard ever, was read.

Chicago 99, New York 89--Michael Jordan rarely loses his cool on the court. But the Bulls’ star had to be restrained from fighting with Knick rookie Greg Anthony during the third quarter at Chicago.

Anthony stepped in the path of Jordan on a drive to the basket and they crashed to the floor. Jordan rose, flung the ball at Anthony and went after the former UNLV guard.

Teammates separated the two and no punches were thrown.

Anthony was assessed a flagrant foul and Knick Coach Pat Riley and Jordan were assessed technical fouls. Jordan’s three free throws and an ensuing jumper by John Paxson extended the Bulls’ lead to 72-54.

The Bulls have won 16 of 17. The Knicks had won nine of 10.

Phoenix 112, San Antonio 107--Jeff Hornacek had 26 points and Tom Chambers 24 at San Antonio as the Suns took a 97-79 lead on the way to their ninth consecutive victory.

Despite 30 points and 15 rebounds by David Robinson, the Spurs, who won their first eight games at home, lost their second in a row at the Reunion Arena.

Vinnie Johnson made his debut for the Spurs, but missed all six shots in 19 minutes.

Detroit 113, Portland 103--The Pistons, playing their third road game in four nights, should have been the tired team.

But the Trail Blazers wilted. Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars led a 22-7 run in the first 7:39 of the fourth quarter to break open a tight game.

Philadelphia 104, Minnesota 95--Hersey Hawkins and Charles Shackleford led the 76ers at Minneapolis.

Hawkins had 23 points, and Shackleford had 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Indiana 124, Dallas 108--The Pacers’ Reggie Miller scored 17 of his 30 points during the second quarter at Indianapolis. Chuck Person had 32 points and Rik Smits had 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Pacers.

Miami 112, Charlotte 108--Charlotte fans booed the Heat’s Rony Seikaly incessantly, but it didn’t stop him from getting 28 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Heat to only its third road victory in 10 games.