NBA Playoffs Roundup : Celtics Romp Despite Jordan’s 49

Dennis Johnson, rated just about the best defensive guard in the National Basketball Assn., turned to offense Thursday night at Boston when he found Chicago’s talented Michael Jordan too tough to handle, and led the Celtics to a 123-104 victory.

Jordan scored 30 of his 49 points in the first half, and the surprising Bulls trailed by only 61-59, in the opening game of their best-of-five first-round playoff series.

Johnson missed all six of his shots in the first half, but he took the game apart in the second half. Johnson made seven consecutive shots in the third quarter as the Celtics built a 10-point lead. The Celtics, who trailed by as many as 12 points in the second quarter, ran away and hid in the fourth quarter.

About a month ago, Chicago management decided not to risk injury to Jordan, who missed 65 games with a broken foot, and played him sparingly down the stretch.

Jordan accused the club of using him as an excuse to miss the playoffs and thereby get a chance at a high pick in the draft lottery. With Jordan leading the way, the Bulls charged into the playoffs.

When they can’t beat the Celtics on a phenomenal night by Jordan, there doesn’t seem to be much chance the Bulls can keep the Celtics from a sweep.

Many are saying the Celtics are the best team ever assembled. The way their front line shot against the Bulls, they may have picked up even more followers.

Kevin McHale (10 for 11), Larry Bird (9-13) and Robert Parish (6-10), combined for a 25-for-34 shooting night and were 28 for 33 from the free-throw line.

“I guess I could say I’m lucky,” said Johnson, who scored 24 points in the second half. “The next time out, he may get 52.”

Jordan’s 49 points tied his career high and were only 12 shy of the NBA playoff record of 61 by the Lakers’ Elgin Baylor against the Celtics in 1962.

Bird finished with 30 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists while playing 40 minutes.

Houston 107, Sacramento 87--In the first four opening-round games, there wasn’t a close contest.

At Houston, Akeem Olajuwon shed the bulky knee brace he has been wearing since March 15 for the first time and simply wiped out the Kings.

In 40 minutes, he scored 29 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and blocked 4 shots. The Rockets powered to an early lead and had the game in hand before halftime.

“I wanted to show them I meant business,” Olajuwon said. “I wasn’t even thinking about the brace until someone undercut the other leg. I don’t need another injury. It’s too late in the season.”

The Kings managed only 15 points in the second quarter and just 37 in the first 24 minutes.

Atlanta 140, Detroit 122--It was billed as a shootout between Dominique Wilkins, the scoring champion, and the Pistons’ brilliant guard, Isiah Thomas. In the opener at Atlanta, they were the worst shooters on the court in a high-scoring battle.

Wilkins was only 9 for 26 as the Hawks’ 7-footers, Jon Koncak, Kevin Willis and Tree Rollins, were the sharpshooters. Among them they made 19 out of 23 shots.

They also intimidated the Piston shooters.

The Pistons led, 34-30, after one quarter. Then Willis and Koncak led the Hawks to a 41-27 edge in the second quarter, and the Pistons never made another move. Willis had 14 of his 22 points in the second quarter, and Koncak had 10 of his 19.

Thomas finished with 20 points but made only 6 of 19 shots. Bill Laimbeer led the Pistons with 26 points and 17 rebounds.