NBA ROUNDUP : Bird Gets 49; Celtics Win in Two Overtimes

The Portland Trail Blazers probably have the best talent in the NBA. But they have some problems that have kept them from being a great team.

One of the problems is a tendency to lose their cool. Another is sloppy play after taking a lead. And finally, they don’t shoot free throws well in the clutch.

A vintage Larry Bird performance enabled the Celtics to exploit those weaknesses Sunday at Boston and gain a 152-148 victory in double overtime.

Although Bird played the way he did before suffering back injuries, the Trail Blazers had to self-destruct to end their seven-game winning streak.

Bird had 49 points, including a three-point basket that sent the game into overtime, 14 rebounds and 12 assists despite a painful Achilles’ tendon. He denied reports that he nearly didn’t play.

The Trail Blazers’ worst mistake was missing free throws with victory at hand. A few seconds before Bird’s tying three-pointer, Jerome Kersey missed two free throws, either of which would have won the game.

Then, during the first overtime, after Clyde Drexler, who had 41 points before fouling out in the second overtime, made two free throws to give Portland a 134-132 lead, Buck Williams was fouled with four seconds remaining.

Williams missed twice, giving the Celtics another reprieve. Kevin Gamble’s shot from the corner as time expired sent the game into the second overtime.

Bird, who had 16 points during the fourth quarter, had a basket and an assist to spark an 8-0 run early in the second overtime.

The Trail Blazers, playing their fourth road game in six days, blew their cool late in the third period while leading, 73-62.

First, Cliff Robinson angrily protested a foul call, was assessed two technical fouls and ejected. Seconds later, Drexler objected to a non-call and was assessed a technical. Bird made two of the three free throws.

The Trail Blazers contended that Bird’s tying three-pointer should have been a two-pointer. If so, the Trail Blazers would have had a one-point lead and the ball with two seconds to play.

With seven seconds to play, Portland led, 122-119. The Celtics worked the ball to Bird near the three-point line. Bird maneuvered under Drexler’s arm. Bird’s left foot was behind the line, but one replay indicated that his right foot might have hit the floor inside the line before the ball left his hand. No matter, it was ruled a three-pointer.

“The shot was lucky,” Bird said. “I didn’t think it had a chance. I was actually fouled on the play.

“I was ready to play. Nobody mentioned me not playing. If I take 35 shots every game, I’ll score 40 all the time.”

Cleveland 100, Denver 91--Lenny Wilkens joined a select group when the Cavaliers held off the Nuggets at Richfield, Ohio.

It was Wilkens’ 800th coaching victory. Previously, Red Auerbach, Jack Ramsay, Dick Motta and Bill Fitch accomplished the feat.

“Now, the pressure is off the players,” he said. “They knew about it. It puts me in elite company and I’m honored.”

Houston 106, Utah 97--On a trip through Texas, the Jazz is learning the race isn’t over in the Midwest Division.

Karl Malone, shutdown by the Spurs Friday night at San Antonio, had 30 of his 36 points in the second half, but the Jazz couldn’t overcome a 25-point deficit.

The loss cut the Jazz’s lead to two games over the Spurs and to seven over the Rockets. The second loss in a row dropped the Jazz to 15-20 on the road.

Kenny Smith had 28 points and nine assists and was instrumental in the Rockets’ fast start.

Seattle 109, Dallas 100--Ricky Pierce had 23 points and the SuperSonics pulled away from stubborn Dallas in the closing minutes at Seattle.

The suprisingly tough game enabled the SuperSonics to pull 1 1/2 games ahead of the Lakers and stay two in front of the Clippers in the battle for the last two playoff spots in the West.

Phoenix 118, Minnesota 113--With Tom Chambers injured, Jeff Hornacek is taking up the scoring slack for the Suns.

Hornacek followed up Friday night’s 35-point performance with 26 at Minneapolis to lead the Suns to their third road victory in a row.