Bird Hits the Parquet Running and Celtics Win, 101-91

Larry Bird intimated at Magic Johnson’s retirement party last month that he might follow suit soon.

But the star of the Boston Celtics could have been a bit premature in his assessment of the situation.

Bird, playing his first game in two months Sunday at Boston, was spectacular in leading the Celtics to a 101-91 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The 35-year-old forward, sidelined since Dec. 30 because of an inflamed nerve in his back, missed a triple-double by one assist.

Bird played 35 minutes and had 26 points on nine-for-16 shooting, 13 rebounds and nine assists. He was at his best in the third quarter.

The Celtics trailed, 48-47, at halftime, before Bird powered them into the lead. He had seven points, seven rebounds and five assists in the quarter and the Celtics outscored Dallas, 31-20, to take charge.

The Celtics, at full strength for the first time this season in their 58th game, moved to within three games of the slumping New York Knicks in the Atlantic Division.

Bird, given a standing ovation before the game, tossed up a brick from 18 feet, then settled down to a brilliant performance.

“It was good to get back,” Bird said. “I just came to play. I didn’t expect anything special.

“But once I got into the flow, it was as if I hadn’t even been out. I was bumping and banging and from then on I thought I could do just about anything.”

The Mavericks had that feeling, too.

Coach Chris Ford was just one of those amazed by the performance.

“He was fantastic,” he said. “He carried us in the first half, then won it in the second.”