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Hollins and 76ers Drop Celtics To Conclude Boston's Season

The Philadelphia 76ers combined the hot shooting of Lionel Hollins and a tenacious defense yesterday to roll over the Boston Celtics, 105-94, for the National Basketball Association's Eastern Conference championship.

In defeating the Celtics in Boston for the second time, the 76ers captured the best-of-seven series, 4-1, advancing to the NBA championship round against the winner of the Western Conference series between Los Angeles and Seattle.

Hollins, a veteran guard acquired from Portland in midseason, scored 24 points, including 15 in the first half as the 76ers built a 58-52 advantage.

The Celtics, unable to penetrate the tough Philadelphia defense once again, were unable to get closer than four points the rest of the way. Boston lost three games in a row for the first time this season in bowing out of the playoffs.

The Celtics couldn't get any momentum going, falling behind, 83-73, after three periods and by as much as 19 points midway through the finale.

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Philadelphia superstar Julius Erving scored only 14 points. But the Celtics' big gun, Larry Bird, collected only 12 in winding up his rookie year.

The 76ers got a big boost from their bench as Bobby Jones hit for 19 points, including nine in the second period. Reserve forward Steve Mix also added eight in the second quarter surge.

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