NBA ROUNDUP : Celtics’ Streak Looks Good After Ugly Victory

The Boston Celtics are the NBA’s hottest team because of some impressive performances against strong clubs. Wednesday night’s 98-93 victory over the Washington Bullets at Boston wasn’t one of them.

After a mediocre first half, Boston survived a late surge for its seventh consecutive victory.

“It would have been a shame if our winning streak was stopped at home. It would have been an embarrassment,” said Reggie Lewis, who led Boston with 27 points. “We finally got out and played some defense.”

The Bullets closed an 83-72 deficit with 10 minutes left to 95-92 with 2:14 to play. But they missed three of four free throws and all four field-goal attempts the rest of the way.

Detroit 112, Dallas 96--Isiah Thomas scored 20 points as the Pistons spoiled the debut of Maverick interim Coach Gar Heard at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Heard was named to replace Richie Adubato, fired earlier in the day, but it made no difference as Dallas lost its 13th consecutive game and fell to 2-28 for the season and 0-14 on the road.

The Pistons’ backcourt of Thomas and Joe Dumars outscored the Mavericks, 19-18, in the first quarter. Thomas had 13 points and Dumars six as the Pistons built a 33-18 lead.

San Antonio 89, Minnesota 81--Avery Johnson scored a season-high 17 points at Minneapolis as the Spurs spoiled the debut of Timberwolves interim Coach Sidney Lowe.

Lowe replaced Jimmy Rodgers, who was fired Sunday, and the Timberwolves played with more spirit than usual. But they still lost for the 17th time in 19 games and fell to 6-24, the NBA’s second-worst record.

Denver 108, New York 92--Reggie Williams scored 22 points and Dikembe Mutombo had 16 rebounds and six blocked shots as the Nuggets posted their second victory in 18 games at Denver.

John Starks led the Knicks with 27 points. Patrick Ewing had 22 points and 17 rebounds.

Philadelphia 129, Golden State 122--Jeff Hornacek scored 29 points as the 76ers defeated the Warriors at Philadelphia.

Rookie Clarence Weatherspoon and Johnny Dawkins each had 28 points for Philadelphia, which played without leading scorer Hersey Hawkins, who was sidelined because of a sprained ankle.

New Jersey 104, Cleveland 98-- Derrick Coleman scored 25 points as the Nets beat the Cavaliers at East Rutherford, N.J.

Kenny Anderson had 23 points to help the Nets post a season-high three-game winning streak at home. The loss was the second in as many nights for the Cavaliers, who got 22 points from Brad Daugherty.