10.22.2018

C's Batter Cowenless Bucks

November 29, 1982

BIRD, CELTICS BATTER BUCKS FOR 8TH STRAIGHT

It was impressive.

The Celtics closed out a holiday weekend and opened a five-games-in-seven- da ys set with a mighty 124-109 thrashing of the venerable Milwaukee Bucks last night.


It's always best to start at the beginning and the story of this one begins with Larry Bird.

In an age of few absolutes, Boston can claim another "best." The city has the best seafood, the best educational environment . . . and the best basketball player.

In 39 minutes and 18 seconds of nonstop hustle, the veteran from French Lick completely dismantled the Bucks last night. He scored 37 points and could have approached his career-high of 45 if not for the generosity of Bill Fitch, who opted to rest his superstar in the closing minutes.

This was a close ballgame until Bird took over. In the second period there were eight ties and six lead changes, but Bird scored 15 in the quarter and Boston charged to a 67-58 halftime lead.

In the third period, Bird was held to eight, but Boston outscored Milwaukee, 30-23, and surged to a 97-81 lead. Robert Parish scored 12 in that period and the Celtics connected on 14 of 29 floor shots.

It was obvious that the Bucks (six players 30 or older) were showing the effects of two games in as many nights. Bob Lanier, who rested all week to get ready for the weekend set, did not score a basket in the first half. In the second half, Lanier was consistently beaten down court by Parish and the Bucks fell further and further behind.

The Celtics kept running in the final period. Bird scored the first four points of the quarter to put Boston ahead, 101-81. M. L. Carr finally come on for Bird with 8:42 left and the Celtics on top, 106-85.

Boston's lead peaked with 3:24 remaining when Carr scored off the break to make it 115-93. Fitch emptied his bench, Darren Tillis delighted the crowd with a turnaround jumper and the Celts cruised to their eighth straight victory.

The Bucks were without Dave Cowens (knee) and Alton Lister (ill). Boston and Milwaukee came into the game each owning a victory on the other's home court this year. Milwaukee's win over Boston earlier in the month represented the last time the Celtics had been beaten.

After Sidney Moncrief opened the game with a basket (something we would be seeing a lot of before the night was over), the Celtics went on a 14-3 tear to take a 14-5 lead wth 5:57 left in the period. Danny Ainge, who had nine points in the quarter, had a lot to do with the surge, as did Parish and Bird.

Bird scored 10 points in the quarter (Moncrief had 12), but that was nothing compared to what happened in the second period. Moncrief and Junior Bridgeman (16 in the second period) shot the Bucks into a 31-28 lead, then Bird took over. Hitting from the corner, the top of the key, the foul line and on one lefthanded hook, Sir Larry scored 15 points in the quarter (giving him 25 for the half) and the Celtics were up, 67-58, at intermission. Bird played every minute of the first half.

Thanks to the unconscious shooting of Mssrs. Bridgeman and Moncrief, the Bucks stayed in it. Milwaukee hit on 14 of 22 shots (63 percent) in the second period.

The score was tied eight times and there were six lead changes in the second quarter alone. Milwaukee's last lead of the first half came with 4:20 left when Bridgeman hit one of his numerous jumpers. Moments later, Rick Robey was called for a foul on Lanier, some shoving ensued and before Robey could throw a punch, Lanier engulfed Boston's giant with a bear hug. Time was called, order restored and the Celtics went on to dominate the rest of the half.

With the Celtics leading, 57-56, Bird scored on a drive and Cedric Maxwell, Tiny Archibald and Bird all hit pairs of free throws to put Boston ahead, 65-56. Carr's banker at the buzzer sent the Celtics into the locker room with the 67-58 cushion.

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