Bird, Erving Scuffle (42-6)

November 10, 1984

BIRD, ERVING SCUFFLE

Superstars Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics and Julius Erving of the Philadelphia 76ers are old friends.

But there was no joking Friday night in the Boston Garden as the unbeaten Celtics rolled to a 130-119 National Basketball Association victory over the previously undefeated 76ers.



Bird scored 42 points before he and Erving were ejected for fighting late in the third period.

Neither would comment about the incident in which there was only one casualty - Boston assistant coach Chris Ford, who suffered a bloodied nose.

However, Philadelphia Coach Billy Cunningham had a veiled warning for Bird. ''Larry Bird is probably the best player in the league," Cunningham said. " I admire him and respect him. However, when he throws elbows, he has to expect it in return, and he doesn't like it that way.

''Hopefully, the officials will see it that way and start calling it because if they don't we'll come in here and point someone out to get into a fight with him.

''It's gotta be both ways. It's a two-way street."

''It's never another game when we play Philly," Boston's M.L. Carr said. "Even if it's on an outdoor playground in the summer. You're trying to establish who's the superior team."

Bird, who also had seven rebounds and three assists, went over the 40- point mark for the sixth time in his career before he squared off against Erving in an unusual confrontation of NBA superstars.

Bird threw a wild punch before he was grabbed in a headlock by 255-pound Moses Malone. The two crashed to the floor as both benches emptied. Order was restored quickly.

The fight broke out after Bird had helped Boston to a 95-75 lead. Erving had been frustrated with only six points.

The 76ers, who played without injured Andrew Toney, fought back and closed to within seven points, 122-115, with just under three minutes remaining.

However, Danny Ainge hit on a jumper from the corner, Robert Parish scored after a steal by Dennis Johnson and Johnson added a field goal to move the Celtics out of danger.

Philadelphia, led by rookie Charles Barkley, who had a career-high 27 points, and Moses Malone, who added 24 points, opened a 32-30 first-period lead despite 17 points by Bird.

The Celtics, with Bird scoring 12 more points, took command in the second period, charging in front 61-52. They built their lead to as much as 24 points in the third period.

Referee Jack Madden was injured in a collision with Johnson and had to be helped off the court at 3:36 of the third period. He suffered a right knee injury, forcing colleague Dick Bavetta to complete the game as the lone official.