Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 29, 1990 TAG: 9004290100
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BOSTON LENGTH: Medium
The Celtics set game playoff records for scoring and shooting accuracy Saturday, routing the Knicks 157-128 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.
"It was like a tidal wave," said Kevin McHale, who led Boston with 31 points.
"The Celtics had it all clicking," said Patrick Ewing, whose 28 points led the Knicks. "They hit all the tough shots and made all the right plays."
The Celtics' point total broke the playoff record of 156 by Milwaukee against Philadelphia on March 30, 1970. The 285 total points equaled a playoff record for two teams set in San Antonio's 152-133 win against Denver in 1983.
The Celtics' 67 percent shooting from the field topped the 66.3 mark by the Los Angeles Lakers against San Antonio in 1986.
Boston's 46 assists matched the second-highest total in playoff history, five fewer than the record by the Spurs during another game in that 1983 series against Denver.
The Celtics made 30 of 33 free throws after hitting 26 of 27 in Game 1. They have won five straight games and 11 of 12.
"Right now we're playing with great confidence," said Jimmy Rodgers, the Celtics' coach. "I hope there's better basketball ahead."
The loss left the Knicks one game from elimination in the best-of-five series and gave home teams a 9-0 record in this year's playoffs. It also was the 26th straight loss for the Knicks at Boston Garden.
"I don't think it's the building; it's the team," said Stu Jackson, the Knicks' coach.
The Knicks, who have lost five in a row and 17 of 23, return home for Game 3 on Wednesday night.
"You can't explain this," New York's Gerald Wilkins said. "The good thing for us is that we get to go home."
The Celtics set the one-team scoring record when Kevin Gamble sank an 18-foot jumper at the buzzer.
Eight Boston players scored in double figures, including Reggie Lewis with 21 points, Robert Parish with 18 and Ed Pinckney with 16. Parish added 16 rebounds as Boston held a 42-35 edge in that statistic.
Larry Bird had 15 points and 16 assists, three short of Bob Cousy's club record. He was 5-of-15 from the field, the only Celtic who shot less than 50 percent.
"If Reggie, Kevin and Robert are hitting their shots early, I don't need to force the shots," Bird said. "With everybody moving like that, I have to make the passes."
New York got 24 points from Wilkins and 21 from Johnny Newman, the former University of Richmond star.
Until Saturday, the most points allowed by the Knicks in a playoff game was 140 against Boston in 1967.
"After you get humiliated like that, there's not much you can say to your team," Jackson said.
The Celtics, who led 41-38 after one quarter, outscored New York 18-5 to start the second for a 59-43 lead. Parish had eight points in the run.
Boston led 74-59 at halftime and started quickly again in the second half.
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB