fredrickson@celica.DEC (03/05/86)
For those outside Boston crossing their fingers in hopes that there might be a way the Celtics won't win the 1986 title, consider this: Kevin McHale returned the lineup last week. While he was out (with Scott Wedman starting in his place), the Celtics were a sluggish 15-3. After a five-minute stint in New York, McHale has posted the following field-goal shooting numbers: 6 for 9 10 for 11, 26 points in 30 minutes vs. LA Clippers 10 for 10, 25 points in 23 minutes vs. Detroit 10 for 17, 23 points vs. Chicago Four-game totals: 36 for 47, .766 shooting percentage With Kevin back, Bird's minutes should come down to the 35-37 range instead of 40-plus. Parish's minutes are already much lower than in previous years because of Walton's presence. I mention these factors because both Bird and Parish were noticeably worn down during last year's finals. With a 10-game lead over Philly and five over the Lakers for best record, and with Bird's MVP all sewn up, K.C. Jones will be able to rest everyone for the playoffs, a luxury he has not always had in the past. And when it's over, the media can resurrect all those best-team-ever stories they were using on the Lakers a few months ago. They can use them for the Celtics. Mark Fredrickson