Celtics Look Like Team of Past as Legends Watch

It seemed like old times on the famed parquet floor--Red Auerbach, Bill Russell and a dominant Boston Celtic team.

Showing the teamwork and unselfishness that distinguished great Celtic teams in the Auerbach-Russell era, Boston opened the season at 2-0 for the first time in nine years by beating the visiting Washington Wizards, 112-101, Wednesday night.

“We’ve got a new era,” Auerbach said as he was honored during a halftime ceremony. “We’ve got Rick Pitino and the boys. They’re young, they’re aggressive. Let’s get behind them.”

Auerbach, now the Celtics’ vice chairman, is 82 and 33 years removed from his last year as coach when he led the Celtics to their ninth championship in 10 years. Russell was part of all those titles, but he’s 65 and it has been 30 years since he coached Boston to its second title in three years.

Leading 53-47, the Celtics opened the third quarter with a 28-9 run that made it 81-56 with five minutes left in the period.

Vitaly Potapenko scored 20 points, and Antoine Walker and Kenny Anderson had 19 each for the Celtics.

Mitch Richmond led Washington with 20 points and passed Julius Erving for 40th place in NBA career scoring with 18,380. Erving had 18,364.

Cleveland 97, New Jersey 90--Shawn Kemp had 27 points and 15 rebounds, and Brevin Knight added 16 points as the Cavaliers won their home opener, giving Randy Wittman his first NBA coaching win.

Stephon Marbury led the Nets with 27 points, but made only seven of 25 shots from the field with six turnovers and one assist.

Orlando 103, Detroit 94--Reserve Pat Garrity scored 20 points at Orlando, Fla., as the Magic gave Doc Rivers his first NBA coaching victory.

Grant Hill, who scored 41 points in an opening-night, double-overtime loss to the Miami Heat, led the Pistons with 30.

New York 84, Chicago 74--Allan Houston scored 23 points and Latrell Sprewell had all 19 of his points in the second half as the visiting Knicks spoiled the Bulls’ opener.