Bird's Rookie Year: December 20, 1979

The Celtics outran the Sixers by a 49-21 count in fast-break points. That figure of 49 was the night's magical tally, for it was the exact number of points surrendered by the Sixers with their 30 turnovers. "We had a lot of problems," said coach Billy Cunningham, "and it was tough to isolate, but the biggest problem we had was handling the basketball. The Celtics were alert defensively; they got every loose ball.

Darryl Dawkins scored three points in the first half and nine in the game. Caldwell Jones scored his one basket to make the score 110-87, which certainly didn't help much. Julius Erving hit his first three shots from the outside, and he spiced up the dull 76er offense with some nice dunks and exotic moves, but he was basically more flash than substance. The only man who actually hurt Boston was Steve Mix, whose aggressiveness paid off in the form of 20 points in 21 minutes.

Archibald showed some feel when, after Don Chaney had connected on a jumper 15 seconds from Archibald's second quarter entrance, the little guy steered a fast-break pass to The Duck on the next possession for another swisher ... Rick Robey continued his steady recent play with eight points and five rebounds.

Mix on the Celtics:

"They're good. You looked at them during the exhibitions and said, "They're a playoff contender.' Now you look at them after 33 games and say, "They have a good shot at winning this division.' We'd better get our act in gear."

M.L. Carr beat the third-quarter buzzer with a long jumper which gave Boston an 83-69 lead entering the final quarter and which also restored their confidence after a lag period ... Fitch on Dave Cowens: "He probably doesn't think he had a good game offensively (3-for-13), but when you talk about our defense, it all starts with Dave."

Today is the annual Celtics Christmas Party, the one the club of two years ago had no time to attend.