Braves, Celts Even Up

Randy Smith connected on a 25-foot jumper with three seconds remaining in the game last night to give the Buffalo Braves a 124-122 triumph over the Boston Celtics. Their best-of-seven series is now knotted at two victories apiece.

The Celtics had tied the game with seven seconds left when center Dave Cowens tipped in his own missed shot. They got one last opportunity after Smith's clutch shot gave the lead back to Buffalo, but Don Nelson's last-second baseline jump shot was blocked by forward John Shumate.

Seven players finished with more that 20 points in the shootout. Cowens had 29, Jo Jo White 28, and Don Nelson 27 for the Celts, but four players countered for the Braves, Bob McAdoo with 30, Smith 28 and Ernie DiGregorio 21, and Shumate had 20.

The fifth game will be played Friday night in Boston.