Celtics Top Braves

Dave Cowens contributed 30 points and Jo Jo White pumped in 27 as the Celtics trounced the Buffalo Braves, 107-98, in the opening game of the National Basketball Association Eastern semifinals last night.

Celts captain John Havlicek also did his part by scoring 22 points.

The Celts' decisive drive came early in the third period, as Cowens and White led a surge that gave their team a 15-point advantage. For the rest of the game, Buffalo's closest approach to the Celtics was six points.

The second game of the series will be played tomorrow night at the Boston Garden.