Celts Top N.Y.

Larry Bird scored six of his 29 points in an overtime surge sparked by rookie Brian Shaw last night as the Boston Celtics opened their 43rd season with a 122-115 victory over the New York Knicks.

Shaw, a No. 1 draft pick from Cal-Santa Barbara, passed to Bird for two baskets and to Dennis Johnson and Kevin McHale for another pair as the Celtics outscored the Knicks, 15-8, in the extra session.

Bird enabled the Celtics to celebrate in Jimmy Rodgers' debut as the 10th coach in Boston history by tying the score 107-107 with two free throws with 14 seconds left in regulation.