Celtics Tie Up Cavaliers, 122-91 : NBA: Bird scores 16 points in 37 minutes as Celtics force seventh game in playoff series.

Larry Bird has been angered by questions about his stamina and ability to fit into the Boston Celtics’ plans.

Bird missed 14 games at the end of the regular season and beginning of the playoffs because of back problems. He played 17 minutes as a reserve in the Celtics’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

But Friday night, Bird made his first start since April 3. He answered all the lingering doubts by scoring 16 points in 37 minutes while leading the Celtics to a 122-91 victory over the Cavaliers.

The Celtics’ victory tied the series at 3-3. Game 7 will be Sunday at Richfield Coliseum.

Bird, who left the locker room without comment, also had six rebounds and 14 assists.

“Larry’s been the heart and soul of this team,” said Celtic forward Kevin McHale, who scored 16 of his 22 points in the second quarter. “It’s hard coming back after being out two months.

“Tonight was the first time we saw the real Larry. Everyone feeds off his performance.”

Reggie Lewis scored 26 points to lead the Celtics, who won for the ninth time in 15 games when they have trailed 3-2 in a playoff series.

The Celtics are 17-3 in seventh games while the Cavaliers will be playing a Game 7 for the second time.

The Cavaliers beat Washington in 1976 but lost to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.

“That (Game 7) is what it’s all about.” said Celtic guard Dee Brown, who scored six points and had nine assists. “If you’re going to win a championship, you’re going to have to win on the road.”

Boston has won 85% of the time when it has reached Game 7, going 17-3, including 3-1 away from Boston Garden.

Brad Daugherty, who scored 28 points for the Cavaliers in Game 5, had 11 Friday night. Larry Nance was limited to six.

Craig Ehlo, who scored 20 points for Cleveland in Game 5, had 13 Friday, 11 in the first half.

“The Celtics were aggressive and the ones hitting all the shots,” said John Williams, who led the Cavaliers with 18 points.

Leading 89-73 after three quarters, the Celtics continued to build the lead to as much as 122-87 on Kevin Gamble’s layup with 23 seconds to play.

Gamble finished with 14 points.

The Celtics trailed once, 6-4, and took control of the game with a 16-3 run over 3:46, moving from a 10-10 tie to 26-13.

With Lewis scoring 10 points and Robert Parish adding eight of his 12, the Celtics twice built 13-point leads.