NBA Roundup : Barkley Plays Lead Role as Celtics Fall

Charles Barkley is enjoying his role as the new villain in the old rivalry between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics.

The burly power forward was the dominant force Friday night at Philadelphia, driving the 76ers to a 122-100 victory over the defending champions.

Julius Erving (24 points) and Roy Hinson (21) were the scoring leaders for the 76ers, but Barkley led in all other departments, including turnovers. He had 7 of them, plus 3 steals, 15 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists.

Barkley has incurred the wrath of Celtic fans for disparaging remarks about Boston and Larry Bird. The fans there boo and taunt him incessantly.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Barkley said. “It seems to help here, though. These fans (a sellout 17,967) were into the game all the way. It was a good feeling.”

Erving echoed the sentiments of many in the league when he said: “They are not blitzing the league this year. They’re a beatable team. We’re able to succeed against them.”

The 76ers lead the season series, 2-1. By the time they meet again late in January at Boston, the 76ers hope to have another player to throw at the Celtics. The 76ers have signed free agent guard World B. Free to an offer sheet. Unless the Cleveland Cavaliers match it within 15 days, he will be a 76er.

Coach K. C. Jones has been receiving considerable criticism for playing his starting five too much and wearing them out. In this game, he substituted freely. He played Greg Kite 22 minutes and six other subs played a total of 53 minutes.

The well-rested regulars trailed only 86-79 going into the last period. But Hinson, easily breaking free of Larry Bird, scored 15 of the points as the 76ers outscored Boston, 36-21, in the last 12 minutes.

Jones praised Erving, Hinson and Cliff Robinson of the 76ers, but did not mention Barkley.

Utah 134, Cleveland 128--The Jazz have changed Darrell Griffith’s nickname from Dr. Dunkenstein to Mr. Clutch. At Louisville his sensational dunks earned him his sobriquet.

For the Jazz, Griffith, after missing all last season with a foot injury, has been coming through with the game-breaking shots.

In this double overtime thriller at Richfield, Ohio, Griffith sank a three-point basket with one second left in regulation to send it into overtime. In the second extra session, Griffith, who finished with 38 points, sank a 20-foot jumper that gave Utah the lead for good with 2:03 left.

Tuesday night Griffith sank a 26-footer against Washington at the buzzer for a 109-106 win.

Detroit 114, San Antonio 84--The Spurs jumped off to a 33-17 lead at Pontiac, Mich., but in the last 37 minutes, were outscored, 97-51. Adrian Dantley scored the Pistons first seven points in the second half to put them in front and they soon turned it into a rout.

The Spurs’ new rookie, Walter Berry, obtained in a trade with Portland, was off to an inauspicious start. Berry, whom the Trail Blazers said was a malingerer, missed his plane and did not arrive until after the game was well underway. He did not suit up.

Dallas 141, Denver 118--Mark Aguirre scored 11 of his season-high 33 points in a 27-9 run that broke open a tight game in the fourth quarter at Dallas. The teams were tied, 102-102, after three quarters.

Seattle 108, Phoenix 106--Dale Ellis scored 28 points at Phoenix, but the SuperSonics barely managed to hold off the Suns closing rally. Mike Sanders’ shot at the buzzer that would have tied the game for the Suns was ruled no good because the buzzer sounded before he shot.

Portland 115, Houston 112--If the playoffs were to start now, the Rockets, the best in the West last season, wouldn’t qualify as one of the eight teams.

The Rockets are 9-14 after losing at Portland. Steve Johnson had 29 points and 13 rebounds for the Trail Blazers.