NBA ROUNDUP : Celtics Have a Familiar Look

Larry Bird is retired because of a bad back, Robert Parish is sidelined because of a sprained ankle and Kevin McHale’s playing time has been limited.

But, for a couple of weeks at least, the new Boston Celtics look a lot like the old.

With Reggie Lewis and Kevin Gamble combining for 21 fourth-quarter points, the Celtics won their ninth in a row Wednesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, 109-103, at Boston.

It is the Celtics’ longest winning streak since they won 14 in a row in 1985-86, the last season they won an NBA championship.

Lewis finished with 33 points, Gamble with 26.

The 76ers, 1-11 in their last 12 games, were led by Hersey Hawkins’ 30 points.

Detroit 120, Portland 111--The Pistons tied a team record with 12 three-pointers in the victory at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Joe Dumars made five three-pointers, scoring 38 points overall. He had four three-pointers and 28 points in the second half.

Clyde Drexler scored 33 points for the Trail Blazers.

Utah 93, San Antonio 85--The Malones--Karl (31 points and 14 rebounds) and Jeff (20 points)--led the Jazz to its fourth victory in five games in the game at Salt Lake City.

Atlanta 103, Denver 94--Kevin Willis had 19 points and 18 rebounds and Dominique Wilkins scored 24 points at Denver as the Hawks won their sixth in a row.

St. Louis, winners of 12 of their last 13, ended the Nuggets’ three-game winning streak.

Indiana 114, Washington 95--Rik Smits had 18 points and 15 rebounds and Reggie Miller scored 12 of his 16 points in the third quarter as the Pacers recorded their 10th consecutive home victory.

The Bullets, playing without center Pervis Ellison (sprained left knee) and point guard Michael Adams, whose wife is expecting a child, lost for the fourth time in six games.

Seattle 103, Dallas 96--Ricky Pierce scored eight of his 23 points in the final 6:04 at Dallas to help the SuperSonics hold off the Mavericks.

Doug Smith scored 26 for Dallas.