nba.614vpoznanovic,
Još malo analiza i prognoza, ovog puta u režiji Jacka Ramsaya...
BREAKDOWN: NO. 1 BULLS VS. NO. 8 HEAT
DR. JACK RAMSAY'S SCORECARD
Dr. Jack Ramsay examines the first-round playoff matchup between the
Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat.
Guards: Chicago is a very good defensive team that forces a lot of
turnovers. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are great team defenders
and they pick off a lot of passes, so I expect they will be focused
and operating at their best.
Forwards: Pippen and Dennis Rodman make up a devastating forward
tandem that any team would be hard pressed to top.
Centers: Alonzo Mourning is one of the league's top centers, meaning
he is certainly better than the Bulls' center-by-committee.
Bench/Depth: Toni Kukoc is one of the best sixth men in the league
and Steve Kerr is instant offense off the bench.
3-point shooting: The Bulls are third in the NBA in 3-point
percentage.
Playoff experience: The Bulls have a decided edge here.
Coaching: Phil Jackson and Pat Riley are two of the best in the
postseason.
Overall: Chicago will win in three or four, taking advantage of the
Heat's tendency to turn it over too often and Miami's inability to
make consistent perimeter shots.
nba.615vpoznanovic,
BREAKDOWN: NO. 4 CAVS VS. NO. 5 KNICKS
DR. JACK RAMSAY'S SCORECARD
Dr. Jack Ramsay examines the first-round playoff matchup between the
Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks.
Guards: Derek Harper and John Starks rate a slight step ahead of
Terrell Brandon and Bobby Phills.
Forwards: The Charles Oakley-Anthony Mason combination has the edge
on the inside, but Danny Ferry and Chris Mills take the edge outside.
Centers: Patrick Ewing is ahead of Michael Cage in every area.
Bench/Depth: Pretty even here with Cleveland's Dan Majerle and New
York's Hubert Davis each providing a solid spark.
3-point shooting: The Cavs are a great 3-point shooting team. They
have Phills, Mills, Ferry and Majerle. Brandon mostly penetrates to
set up the shots, but he also can shoot treys.
Playoff experience: A slight edge to the Knicks here.
Coaching: Mike Fratello has done the most with the least of any team
in the NBA.
Overall: Cleveland in four. Player-for-player you would probably
give the Knicks the advantage at almost every position, but Cleveland
demonstrates the epitomy of team play.
nba.616vpoznanovic,
BREAKDOWN: NO. 2 MAGIC VS. NO. 7 PISTONS
DR. JACK RAMSAY'S SCORECARD
Dr. Jack Ramsay examines the first-round playoff matchup between the
Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons.
Guards: On the surface, you would say Orlando, with Penny Hardaway
and Nick Anderson, has the big edge. But thinking practically, Joe
Dumars and Allan Houston are very capable guys. Dumars has a lot of
experience and that makes it a lot closer.
Forwards: My expectation is that Anderson will defend Grant Hill,
but he won't stop him from penetrating. Hill takes it to the basket
probably better than anybody in the league. He's really their point
guard -- a point forward --and that really fits his game. Horace Grant
has the edge over Otis Thorpe, even though Thorpe is a good player.
Centers: Shaq will dominate over whomever they put out there. The
Pistons will trap him and force him to make passes, but he's so quick
and strong that he'll score before they have a chance to double him.
Bench/Depth: Neither team is very strong off the bench.
3-point shooting: Orlando with a big edge because of Dennis Scott,
Anderson and Hardaway.
Playoff experience: Except for Dumars, Thorpe and Mark West, Detroit
has very little.
Coaching: I think Brian Hill is an underrated guy, so I think that's
a wash.
Overall: Orlando in four. For the Pistons to have a chance, and they
certainly do, they have to play the good defense they've played all
year. But Orlando has the best first team in the league, and if
they're focused, which I think they'll be for this series. I don't
think Detroit can beat them. I think the games will be hard fought,
and Detroit will probably win a game -- maybe two, but I doubt it.
nba.617vpoznanovic,
BREAKDOWN: NO. 3 PACERS VS. NO. 6 HAWKS
DR. JACK RAMSAY'S SCORECARD
Dr. Jack Ramsay examines the first-round playoff matchup between the
Indiana Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks.
Guards: With Reggie Miller on the sideline, you have to favor the
Hawks. But an X-factor for the Pacers is rookie guard Travis Best. If
he comes up big -- and he is a feisty little guy -- that could be
enough for the Pacers to win.
Atlanta's Mookie Blaylock and Stacey Augmon will steal your eye teeth
if your mouth's open a little bit. Steve Smith can stroke it long.
Blaylock is a little erratic, but he will knock down big shots for
you.
Forwards: Derrick McKey and Dale Davis form a formidable pair,
especially on the glass. Augmon can run the floor and is a great
complement to the other guys. Atlanta's Grant Long is one of the most
underrated players in the league.
Centers: Give the edge to Rik Smits, but he is hurting (foot
injury). Christian Laettner is doing a good job and he will fight
Smits.
Bench/Depth: Ricky Pierce and Eddie Johnson give the Pacers a pair
of experienced veterans to draw upon. Craig Ehlo could be a factor for
the Hawks.
3-point shooting: Without Miller, you give the edge to Atlanta.
Playoff experience: They've both been there, it's just that
Indiana's gone farther. But I still call it even.
Coaching: Very even with Lenny Wilkens and Larry Brown.
Overall: The Hawks in five. I think Atlanta is capable of the upset.
What the Hawks have to do is hold the Pacers even on the boards. If
they do that, I think they win. Atlanta is great at forcing turnovers
and generating an up-tempo game. The Hawks will be outsized at every
frontcourt position by the Pacers, but they won't be out-battled. It's
another team that's bigger than the sum of its parts.
nba.618vpoznanovic,
BREAKDOWN: NO. 1 SONICS VS. NO. 8 KINGS
DR. JACK RAMSAY'S SCORECARD
Dr. Jack Ramsay examines the first-round playoff matchup between the
Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings.
Guards: Gary Payton against whomever: Tyus Edney, Bobby Hurley,
Sarunas Marciulionis -- Payton is just going to harass them to death.
At the two-guard, Mitch Richmond is one of the top players in the
league, but in this case, he just can't do it himself. Teamwise, the
Sonics force the most turnovers in the league, and Sacramento is
second in turnovers. It's just too much.
Forwards: I think Seattle dominates in every department except the
two-guard. The Kings only chance is if Richmond, Brian Grant and
Marciulionis have career games three times, and I don't think that can
happen.
Centers: Ervin Johnson is maturing and seeing more minutes.
Bench/Depth: Sam Perkins provides a double threat for the Sonics on
the inside and outside.
3-point shooting: The Kings' percentage is better, but the Sonics
get more production and have four legitimate weapons here: Hersey
Hawkins, Perkins, Detlef Schrempf and Payton.
Playoff experience: The Kings haven't been there since 1985-86 and
haven't won a game since 1980-81. Enough said.
Coaching: Even though he hasn't had much success in the postseason,
Seattle's George Karl gets the edge over Garry St. Jean, who is making
his first playoff appearance.
Overall: Sonics in a sweep. The Seattle defense is just too strong.
I think the Sonics come into this series focused, they'll dominate and
defensively they will just take the Kings right out of the game.
nba.619vpoznanovic,
BREAKDOWN: NO. 4 LAKERS VS. NO. 5 ROCKETS
DR. JACK RAMSAY'S SCORECARD
Dr. Jack Ramsay examines the first-round playoff matchup between the
Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Guards: I'd say it's even. The Rockets have a flood of guys now who
have gained valuable experience, but they have their main guys back
now. They have Clyde Drexler, Kenny Smith and Sam Cassell, and
Eldridge Recasner is a solid guy now. They can use Mario Elie back
there, and Sam Mack suddenly has developed.
I don't what list of players they're going to use because they can't
keep all those guys eligible for the playoffs, but they have a flood
of pretty good backcourt men.
And, of course, the Lakers have Nick Van Exel and they can use Magic
Johnson back there. I like Eddie Jones a lot. Anthony Peeler is strong
and Sedale Threatt is a very valuable utility guy. So I'd say it
washes out.
Another key in this series is how the Lakers will defend Drexler.
Jones is a pretty good defender, but I don't think he can play Clyde
when he takes him to the post. Clyde will take him down there and
score against him.
Forwards: I would give a slight edge to the Lakers, with Cedric
Ceballos' scoring outweighing Robert Horry's defense.
Centers: Hakeem Olajuwon has been virtually impossible for the
Lakers to stop. And the problem there is if they double Olajuwon, that
opens up the 3-point shooting.
Bench/Depth: The Rockets have the edge with all their 3-point
shootersand the guys off the bench. They can start Chucky Brown, they
can bring Elie into the game or they can start Elie. They can bring
Pete Chilcutt in off the bench. They can start Kenny Smith or bring
him off the bench. This is a team that is very deep and skilled with
players who know their roles very, very well.
3-point shooting: Houston by a big margin. They have all kinds of
guys: Horry and Cassell, Elie is a very good shooter and Smith will
shoot in streaks. Even the big guys can go out and knock down the
3-pointer. Chilcutt can hit threes, so they havet a load of guys.
That's a strong part of their game.
Playoff experience: You go with Houston again -- except for Magic,
who is the X-factor for the Lakers. He is capable of controlling a
game down the stretch, but my sense is that the Rockets will defend
him adequately, so he isn't quite as dominant as he has been during
the regular season.
Coaching: I'd say that's a wash. You have two very capable guys.
Overall: Rockets in five.
nba.620vpoznanovic,
BREAKDOWN: NO. 2 SPURS VS. NO. 7 SUNS
DR. JACK RAMSAY'S SCORECARD
Dr. Jack Ramsay examines the first-round playoff matchup between the
San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns.
Guards: A great matchup at the point guard with Kevin Johnson
against Avery Johnson -- Johnson against Johnson. Both guys need to
keep the other guy from penetrating, but I don't think either guy can
do it. So whoever does that better might tip the scales in favor of
his team.
At the two-guard position it's very even with Vinny Del Negro and
Wesley Person -- they're both good shooters. Del Negro has more
experience, but Person has done well in big games.
Forwards: If everybody is healthy, I would give the edge to Phoenix.
Charles Barkley against Charles Smith -- that favors the Suns. Sean
Elliott against Michael Finley is a great matchup. If Finley (sprained
ankle) isn't 100 percent, that's a big loss. If Finley isn't
available, that makes the job considerably easier for San Antonio
because Finley is a great young player.
Centers: That's a big factor because Phoenix almost has to do it by
committee, and then you get into the need to double-team and that
stretches them out too much. The Suns best chance might be to play
three forwards and use Wayman Tisdale down there and double-team David
Robinson as often as they can and play very aggressively -- but I
don't think it's enough.
Bench/Depth: It's really even.
3-point shooting: The Spurs are among the NBA's best in 3-point
shooting at just more than 39 percent. Chuck Person provides a huge
spark off the bench here. Phoenix's philosophy without Dan Majerle and
Danny Ainge has changed: The Suns don't take as many and don't make
as many as they used to.
Playoff experience: About even.
Coaching: I'd give Cotton Fitzsimmons a little edge here just
because all the playoff action he has had.
Overall: Spurs in five.
nba.621vpoznanovic,
BREAKDOWN: NO. 3 JAZZ VS. NO. 6 BLAZERS
DR. JACK RAMSAY'S SCORECARD
Dr. Jack Ramsay examines the first-round playoff matchup between the
Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Guards: John Stockton is the master point guard on offense, but he
can't stop Rod Strickland from penetrating. The series might hinge on
which guy is able to somehow control the other.
Forwards: Karl Malone over anybody that the Blazers have, but Buck
Williams and Co. -- Harvey Grant, Cliff Robinson, Chris Dudley -- will
all get a whack at Malone. While they won't stop him, I think they
might be able to wear him down.
Centers: When you add Arvydas Sabonis' complete game -- passing,
scoring, rebounding -- to the team defense and Strickland's
penetration, I think Portland upsets Utah.
Bench/Depth: I give the edge to the Blazers.
3-point shooting: Jeff Hornacek and Stockton are high percentage
from 3-point land. The Blazers shoot 'em -- not with the accuracy of
Utah, but not bad. I'd give Utah a little edge there, but not
decisive.
Playoff experience: Utah has more experience and has gone farther
lately.
Coaching: I'd go with Utah's Jerry Sloan over Portland's P.J.
Carlesimo because of his experience.
Overall: Portland in five.
nba.622vpoznanovic,
I na kraju, konačne individualne i timske statistike regularnog dijela
sezone 1995/96 i liste najboljih svih vremena po kategorijama...
NBA Team-By-Team Statistics Atlantic Division Through Sunday, April 21
BOSTON CELTICS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Dino Radja 53 19.7 9.9 1.6 113- 409- 522 48 81 117 161
Rick Fox 81 14.0 5.6 4.6 158- 292- 450 113 41 216 290
Dana Barros 80 13.0 2.4 3.8 21- 171- 192 58 3 120 116
David Wesley 82 12.3 3.2 4.8 68- 196- 264 100 11 159 207
Todd Day 79 11.7 2.8 1.4 70- 154- 224 81 51 109 225
Eric Williams 64 10.7 3.4 1.1 92- 125- 217 56 11 88 147
Dee Brown 65 10.7 2.1 2.3 36- 100- 136 80 12 74 119
Greg Minor 78 9.6 3.3 1.9 93- 164- 257 36 11 77 161
Eric Montross 61 7.3 5.8 0.7 119- 233- 352 19 29 83 181
Pervis Ellison 69 5.3 6.5 0.9 151- 300- 451 39 99 84 207
Junior Burrough 61 3.1 1.8 0.3 45- 64- 109 15 10 40 74
Thomas Hamilton 11 2.3 2.0 0.1 10- 12- 22 0 9 9 12
Alton Lister 64 2.2 4.4 0.3 67- 213- 280 6 42 48 136
Doug Smith 17 1.9 1.3 0.2 12- 10- 22 3 0 11 21
Todd Mundt 33 1.1 0.9 0.1 11- 17- 28 2 5 3 29
Charles Claxton 3 0.7 0.7 0.0 2- 0- 2 0 1 1 4
Larry Sykes 1 0.0 2.0 0.0 1- 1- 2 0 0 1 0
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Radja 426-852 .500 0-0 .000 191-275 .695 1043 33
Fox 421-928 .454 99-272 .364 196-254 .772 1137 33
Barros 379-805 .471 150-368 .408 130-147 .884 1038 27
Wesley 338-736 .459 116-272 .426 217-288 .753 1009 37
Day 299-817 .366 100-302 .331 224-287 .780 922 41
Williams 241-546 .441 3-10 .300 200-296 .676 685 31
Brown 246-617 .399 68-220 .309 135-158 .854 695 21
Minor 320-640 .500 7-27 .259 99-130 .762 746 24
Montross 196-346 .566 0-0 .000 50-133 .376 442 19
Ellison 145-295 .492 0-0 .000 75-117 .641 365 23
Burrough 64-170 .376 0-0 .000 61-93 .656 189 13
Hamilton 9-31 .290 0-0 .000 7-18 .389 25 13
Lister 51-105 .486 0-0 .000 41-64 .641 143 10
D Smith 14-39 .359 0-0 .000 5-8 .625 33 6
Mundt 16-41 .390 0-0 .000 5-8 .625 37 8
Claxton 1-2 .500 0-0 .000 0-2 .000 2 2
Sykes 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0 0
MIAMI HEAT
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Alonzo Mourning 70 23.2 10.4 2.3 218- 509- 727 70 189 262 245
Tim Hardaway 80 15.2 2.9 8.0 35- 194- 229 132 17 235 201
Rex Chapman 56 14.0 2.6 3.0 22- 123- 145 45 10 79 117
Walt Williams 73 13.6 4.3 3.2 94- 221- 315 83 58 150 238
Sasha Danilovic 19 13.4 2.4 2.5 12- 34- 46 15 3 37 49
Chris Gatling 71 11.1 5.9 0.6 129- 288- 417 36 40 95 217
Kurt Thomas 74 9.0 6.0 0.6 126- 314- 440 49 36 99 271
Keith Askins 75 6.1 4.3 1.6 113- 211- 324 48 61 82 271
Voshon Lenard 30 5.9 1.7 1.0 12- 40- 52 6 1 23 31
Tyrone Corbin 71 5.8 3.4 1.2 81- 163- 244 63 20 67 147
Jeff Malone 32 5.8 1.3 0.8 8- 32- 40 16 0 22 25
Tony Smith 59 5.1 1.6 2.6 30- 65- 95 37 10 66 106
Dan Schayes 32 3.2 2.8 0.3 29- 60- 89 11 16 23 60
Stacey King 15 2.5 1.5 0.1 9- 14- 23 7 2 18 39
Leron Ellis 12 1.1 0.7 0.3 5- 3- 8 2 3 3 11
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Mourning 563-1076 .523 9-30 .300 488-712 .685 1623 50
Hardaway 419-992 .422 138-379 .364 241-305 .790 1217 31
Chapman 289-679 .426 125-337 .371 83-113 .735 786 39
Williams 358-803 .446 112-289 .388 167-234 .714 995 29
Danilovic 83-184 .451 34-78 .436 55-72 .764 255 30
Gatling 326-567 .575 0-1 .000 139-207 .671 791 24
Thomas 275-552 .498 2-6 .333 114-176 .648 666 29
Askins 157-391 .402 99-237 .418 45-57 .789 458 21
Lenard 53-141 .376 36-101 .356 34-43 .791 176 20
Corbin 155-351 .442 3-18 .167 100-120 .833 413 19
Malone 76-193 .394 5-16 .313 29-32 .906 186 21
Smith 116-274 .423 38-116 .328 28-46 .609 298 17
Schayes 32-94 .340 0-0 .000 37-46 .804 101 17
King 17-36 .472 0-0 .000 4-8 .500 38 8
Ellis 5-22 .227 0-0 .000 3-6 .500 13 4
NEW JERSEY NETS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Armon Gilliam 78 18.3 9.1 1.8 241- 472- 713 73 53 177 180
Kendall Gill 47 14.0 4.9 5.5 72- 160- 232 64 24 131 131
Chris Childs 78 12.9 3.1 7.0 51- 194- 245 111 8 230 246
Shawn Bradley 79 12.0 8.1 0.8 221- 417- 638 49 288 179 286
Kevin Edwards 34 11.6 2.2 2.1 14- 61- 75 54 7 68 67
P J Brown 81 11.3 6.9 2.0 215- 345- 560 79 100 133 249
Jayson Williams 80 9.0 10.0 0.6 342- 461- 803 35 57 106 238
Vern Fleming 77 7.7 2.2 3.3 49- 121- 170 41 5 122 115
Ed Obannon 64 6.2 2.6 1.0 65- 103- 168 44 11 62 95
Khalid Reeves 51 5.5 1.6 2.3 18- 61- 79 37 3 63 115
Greg Graham 53 4.5 1.1 1.0 17- 40- 57 25 1 46 64
Robert Werdann 13 3.0 1.8 0.2 5- 18- 23 5 3 6 17
Yinka Dare 58 2.8 3.1 0.0 56- 125- 181 8 40 72 117
Rick Mahorn 50 2.4 2.2 0.3 31- 79- 110 14 13 30 72
Tim Perry 30 2.4 1.6 0.3 21- 27- 48 4 13 10 16
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
A Gilliam 576-1216 .474 0-1 .000 277-350 .791 1429 32
K Gill 246-524 .469 26-79 .329 138-176 .784 656 30
Childs 324-778 .416 95-259 .367 259-304 .852 1002 30
Bradley 387-873 .443 1-4 .250 169-246 .687 944 32
Edwards 142-390 .364 42-104 .404 68-84 .810 394 26
Brown 354-798 .444 3-15 .200 204-265 .770 915 30
Williams 279-660 .423 2-7 .286 161-272 .592 721 35
Fleming 227-524 .433 3-28 .107 133-177 .751 590 21
Obannon 156-400 .390 10-56 .179 77-108 .713 399 19
Reeves 95-227 .419 28-91 .308 61-82 .744 279 19
Graham 78-193 .404 32-82 .390 52-68 .765 240 15
Werdann 16-32 .500 0-0 .000 7-13 .538 39 10
Dare 63-144 .438 0-0 .000 38-62 .613 164 12
Mahorn 43-122 .352 0-1 .000 34-47 .723 120 11
Perry 31-65 .477 4-8 .500 5-9 .556 71 14
NEW YORK KNICKS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Patrick Ewing 76 22.5 10.6 2.1 157- 649- 806 68 184 221 247
Anthony Mason 82 14.6 9.3 4.4 220- 544- 764 69 34 211 246
Derek Harper 82 14.0 2.5 4.3 32- 170- 202 131 5 178 201
John Starks 81 12.6 2.9 3.9 31- 205- 236 103 11 156 226
Charles Oakley 53 11.4 8.7 2.6 162- 298- 460 58 14 104 195
Hubert Davis 74 10.7 1.7 1.4 35- 88- 123 31 8 63 120
Willie Anderson 76 9.8 3.2 2.6 48- 198- 246 75 59 141 230
Jr Reid 65 6.6 3.9 0.7 73- 182- 255 43 17 79 187
Gary Grant 47 4.9 1.1 1.5 12- 40- 52 39 3 45 91
Charlie Ward 62 3.9 1.7 2.1 29- 73- 102 54 5 79 98
Brad Lohaus 55 3.6 1.2 0.8 7- 57- 64 10 18 20 70
Herb Williams 44 3.1 2.1 0.6 15- 75- 90 14 33 22 79
Ronnie Grandison 6 3.0 2.2 0.3 5- 8- 13 4 1 1 4
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Ewing 678-1456 .466 4-28 .143 351-461 .761 1711 41
Mason 449-798 .563 0-0 .000 298-414 .720 1196 30
Harper 436-939 .464 121-325 .372 156-206 .757 1149 25
Starks 375-846 .443 143-396 .361 131-174 .753 1024 37
Oakley 211-448 .471 7-26 .269 175-210 .833 604 20
Davis 275-566 .486 127-267 .476 112-129 .868 789 30
Anderson 288-660 .436 34-120 .283 132-163 .810 742 26
Reid 160-324 .494 0-1 .000 107-142 .754 427 22
Grant 88-181 .486 8-24 .333 48-58 .828 232 16
Ward 87-218 .399 33-99 .333 37-54 .685 244 15
Lohaus 71-175 .406 51-122 .418 4-5 .800 197 22
Williams 62-152 .408 1-4 .250 13-20 .650 138 10
Grandison 7-15 .467 0-0 .000 4-6 .667 18 7
ORLANDO MAGIC
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Shaquille Oneal 54 26.6 11.0 2.9 182- 414- 596 34 115 155 193
Penny Hardaway 82 21.7 4.3 7.1 129- 225- 354 166 41 229 160
Dennis Scott 82 17.5 3.8 3.0 63- 246- 309 90 29 121 169
Nick Anderson 77 14.7 5.4 3.6 92- 323- 415 121 46 141 135
Horace Grant 63 13.4 9.2 2.7 178- 402- 580 62 74 64 144
Kenny Gattison 25 9.2 4.6 0.6 35- 79- 114 10 11 40 75
Brian Shaw 75 6.6 3.0 4.5 58- 166- 224 58 11 173 160
Donald Royal 64 5.3 2.4 0.7 57- 96- 153 29 15 52 97
Joe Wolf 64 4.6 2.9 1.0 49- 138- 187 15 5 42 163
Brooks Thompson 33 4.2 0.7 0.9 4- 20- 24 12 0 24 35
Anthony Bowie 74 4.2 1.7 1.4 40- 83- 123 34 10 55 112
Anthony Bonner 4 3.3 4.8 1.0 6- 13- 19 3 0 3 11
Darrell Armstrong 13 3.2 0.2 0.4 0- 2- 2 6 0 6 4
Jon Koncak 67 3.0 4.1 0.8 63- 209- 272 27 44 41 226
David Vaughn 33 1.9 2.4 0.2 33- 47- 80 6 15 18 68
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Oneal 592-1033 .573 1-2 .500 249-511 .487 1434 49
Hardaway 623-1215 .513 89-283 .314 445-580 .767 1780 42
Scott 491-1117 .440 267-628 .425 182-222 .820 1431 37
Anderson 400-904 .442 168-430 .391 166-240 .692 1134 34
Grant 347-677 .513 1-6 .167 152-207 .734 847 29
Gattison 91-190 .479 0-0 .000 47-78 .603 229 20
Shaw 182-486 .374 41-144 .285 91-114 .798 496 19
Royal 106-216 .491 0-2 .000 125-164 .762 337 16
Wolf 135-263 .513 0-6 .000 21-29 .724 291 16
Thompson 48-103 .466 25-64 .391 19-27 .704 140 21
Bowie 128-272 .471 12-31 .387 40-46 .870 308 20
Bonner 5-15 .333 0-0 .000 3-7 .429 13 11
Armstrong 16-32 .500 6-12 .500 4-4 1.000 42 8
Koncak 84-175 .480 3-9 .333 32-57 .561 203 11
Vaughn 27-80 .338 0-1 .000 10-18 .556 64 10
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Jerry Stackhouse 72 19.2 3.7 3.9 90- 175- 265 76 79 252 179
Clarence Weatherspoon78 16.7 9.7 2.0 237- 516- 753 112 108 179 214
Vernon Maxwell 75 16.2 3.1 4.4 39- 190- 229 96 12 215 182
Trevor Ruffin 61 12.8 2.2 4.4 21- 111- 132 43 2 149 132
Derrick Coleman 11 11.2 6.6 2.8 13- 59- 72 4 10 28 30
Tony Massenburg 54 10.0 6.5 0.6 127- 225- 352 28 20 73 140
Sean Higgins 44 8.0 2.1 1.3 20- 72- 92 24 11 49 90
Ed Pinckney 74 6.5 6.2 1.0 189- 269- 458 64 28 77 156
Scott Skiles 10 6.3 1.6 3.8 1- 15- 16 7 0 16 21
Derrick Alston 73 6.2 4.1 0.8 127- 175- 302 56 52 59 191
Richard Dumas 39 6.2 2.5 1.1 42- 57- 99 42 6 49 79
Greg Sutton 48 5.3 1.0 2.1 8- 42- 50 25 2 62 92
Rex Walters 44 4.2 1.3 2.4 13- 42- 55 25 4 41 53
Trevor Wilson 6 3.8 2.3 0.7 7- 7- 14 3 0 1 9
Scott Williams 13 3.1 3.5 0.4 13- 33- 46 6 7 8 27
Mike Brown 9 2.9 4.1 0.3 14- 23- 37 3 2 6 24
Lasalle Thompson 44 1.9 4.5 0.6 62- 137- 199 19 20 37 125
Elmer Bennett 8 1.4 0.6 1.0 1- 4- 5 1 1 7 6
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Stackhouse 452-1091 .414 93-292 .318 387-518 .747 1384 34
Weatherspoon 491-1015 .484 0-2 .000 318-426 .746 1300 35
Maxwell 410-1052 .390 146-460 .317 251-332 .756 1217 41
Ruffin 263-648 .406 104-284 .366 148-182 .813 778 32
Coleman 48-118 .407 7-21 .333 20-32 .625 123 27
Massenburg 214-432 .495 0-3 .000 111-157 .707 539 25
Higgins 134-323 .415 48-129 .372 35-37 .946 351 27
Pinckney 171-335 .510 0-3 .000 136-179 .760 478 16
Skiles 20-57 .351 15-34 .441 8-10 .800 63 22
Alston 198-387 .512 1-3 .333 55-112 .491 452 30
Dumas 95-203 .468 2-9 .222 49-70 .700 241 20
Sutton 85-217 .392 47-117 .402 35-46 .761 252 15
Walters 61-148 .412 22-66 .333 42-52 .808 186 23
Wilson 10-20 .500 0-0 .000 3-4 .750 23 12
Williams 15-29 .517 0-2 .000 10-12 .833 40 10
Brown 9-16 .563 0-0 .000 8-17 .471 26 7
Thompson 33-83 .398 0-0 .000 19-24 .792 85 10
Bennett 4-17 .235 0-0 .000 3-4 .750 11 6
WASHINGTON BULLETS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Chris Webber 15 23.7 7.6 5.0 37- 77- 114 27 9 49 51
Juwan Howard 81 22.1 8.2 4.4 188- 472- 660 67 39 303 269
Robert Pack 31 18.1 4.3 7.8 29- 103- 132 62 1 114 68
Calbert Cheaney 70 15.1 3.4 2.2 67- 172- 239 67 18 128 205
Gheorghe Muresan 76 14.5 9.6 0.7 248- 480- 728 52 172 143 297
Rasheed Wallace 65 10.1 4.7 1.3 93- 210- 303 42 54 103 206
Brent Price 81 10.0 2.8 5.1 38- 190- 228 78 4 153 184
Tim Legler 77 9.4 1.8 1.8 29- 111- 140 45 12 45 141
Ledell Eackles 55 8.6 2.7 1.6 44- 104- 148 28 3 57 84
Mark Price 7 8.0 1.0 2.6 1- 6- 7 6 0 10 7
Chris Whitney 21 7.1 1.6 2.4 2- 31- 33 18 1 23 46
Mitchell Butler 61 3.9 1.9 1.1 29- 89- 118 41 12 67 104
Kevin Pritchard 2 3.5 1.0 3.5 0- 2- 2 2 0 0 3
Greg Grant 21 3.3 1.3 4.0 4- 23- 27 20 2 25 36
Bob Mccann 62 3.0 2.3 0.4 46- 97- 143 21 14 42 116
Jim Mcilvaine 80 2.3 2.9 0.1 66- 164- 230 21 166 36 171
Jeff Webster 11 1.6 0.6 0.3 2- 5- 7 4 0 3 7
Cedric Lewis 3 1.3 0.7 0.0 2- 0- 2 1 0 0 0
Bob Thornton 7 0.4 1.7 0.0 6- 6- 12 1 1 1 7
Mike Peplowski 2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0- 0- 0 0 0 0 4
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Webber 150-276 .543 15-34 .441 41-69 .594 356 40
Howard 733-1500 .489 4-13 .308 319-426 .749 1789 42
Pack 190-444 .428 26-98 .265 154-182 .846 560 35
Cheaney 426-905 .471 52-154 .338 151-214 .706 1055 29
Muresan 466-798 .584 0-1 .000 172-278 .619 1104 31
Wallace 275-565 .487 27-82 .329 78-120 .650 655 22
B Price 252-534 .472 139-301 .462 167-191 .874 810 30
Legler 233-461 .505 128-246 .520 132-153 .863 726 21
Eackles 161-377 .427 54-128 .422 98-118 .831 474 24
M Price 18-60 .300 10-30 .333 10-10 1.000 56 13
Whitney 45-99 .455 19-44 .432 41-44 .932 150 19
Butler 88-229 .384 13-60 .217 48-83 .578 237 22
K Pritchard 2-3 .667 1-1 1.000 2-3 .667 7 7
Grant 29-76 .382 6-28 .214 5-6 .833 69 14
Mccann 76-153 .497 1-2 .500 35-74 .473 188 13
Mcilvaine 62-145 .428 0-0 .000 58-105 .552 182 12
J Webster 8-23 .348 2-6 .333 0-0 .000 18 12
Lewis 2-3 .667 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 4 2
Thornton 1-6 .167 0-0 .000 1-2 .500 3 2
Peplowski 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0 0
(NOTE: STATISTICS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR MORE THAN ONE TEAM
ARE CUMULATIVE)
nba.623vpoznanovic,
NBA Team-By-Team Statistics Central Division Through Sunday, April 21
ATLANTA HAWKS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Steve Smith 80 18.1 4.1 2.8 124- 202- 326 68 17 151 207
Christian Laettner 74 16.5 7.3 2.7 184- 354- 538 71 71 187 276
Mookie Blaylock 81 15.7 4.1 5.9 110- 222- 332 212 17 188 151
Grant Long 82 13.2 9.6 2.2 248- 540- 788 108 34 157 233
Stacey Augmon 77 12.7 4.0 1.8 137- 167- 304 106 31 138 188
Ken Norman 34 8.9 3.9 1.9 40- 92- 132 15 16 46 68
Craig Ehlo 79 8.5 3.2 1.8 65- 191- 256 85 9 104 138
Sean Rooks 65 6.5 3.9 0.7 81- 174- 255 23 42 80 141
Alan Henderson 79 6.4 4.5 0.7 164- 192- 356 44 43 87 217
Reggie Jordan 24 3.9 2.2 1.2 23- 29- 52 12 7 19 30
Matt Bullard 46 3.8 1.3 0.4 18- 42- 60 17 11 24 50
Donnie Boyce 8 3.0 1.3 0.4 5- 5- 10 3 1 6 2
Howard Nathan 5 2.6 0.0 0.4 0- 0- 0 3 0 8 2
Ronnie Grandison 22 2.1 1.9 0.5 15- 27- 42 8 1 11 27
Tim Kempton 3 0.0 0.7 0.3 0- 2- 2 0 0 1 5
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Smith 494-1143 .432 140-423 .331 318-385 .826 1446 32
Laettner 442-907 .487 9-39 .231 324-396 .818 1217 29
Blaylock 455-1123 .405 231-623 .371 127-170 .747 1268 28
Long 395-838 .471 31-86 .360 257-337 .763 1078 24
Augmon 362-738 .491 1-4 .250 251-317 .792 976 24
Norman 127-273 .465 33-84 .393 17-48 .354 304 26
Ehlo 253-591 .428 82-221 .371 81-103 .786 669 28
Rooks 144-285 .505 1-7 .143 135-202 .668 424 19
Henderson 192-434 .442 0-3 .000 119-200 .595 503 16
Jordan 36-71 .507 0-0 .000 22-38 .579 94 14
Bullard 66-162 .407 26-72 .361 16-20 .800 174 28
Boyce 9-23 .391 4-8 .500 2-4 .500 24 8
Nathan 5-9 .556 0-1 .000 3-4 .750 13 6
Grandison 15-43 .349 4-14 .286 13-19 .684 47 8
Kempton 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 0 0
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Glen Rice 79 21.7 4.8 2.9 86- 292- 378 91 19 163 217
Larry Johnson 81 20.5 8.4 4.4 249- 434- 683 55 43 182 173
Kenny Anderson 69 15.2 2.9 8.3 63- 140- 203 111 14 146 178
Dell Curry 82 14.5 3.2 2.2 68- 196- 264 108 25 130 173
Scott Burrell 20 13.2 4.9 2.4 26- 72- 98 27 13 43 76
Matt Geiger 77 11.3 8.4 0.8 201- 448- 649 46 63 137 290
Anthony Goldwire 42 5.5 1.0 2.7 8- 35- 43 16 0 63 79
Michael Adams 21 5.4 1.1 3.2 5- 17- 22 21 4 25 25
Darrin Hancock 63 4.3 1.6 0.8 40- 58- 98 28 5 56 94
George Zidek 71 4.0 2.6 0.2 69- 114- 183 9 7 38 170
Robert Parish 74 3.9 4.1 0.4 89- 214- 303 21 54 50 80
Pete Myers 71 3.9 2.0 2.0 35- 105- 140 34 17 81 132
Rafael Addison 53 3.2 1.7 0.6 25- 65- 90 9 9 27 74
Tyrone Bogues 6 2.3 1.2 3.2 6- 1- 7 2 0 6 4
Gerald Glass 15 1.7 0.5 0.3 6- 2- 8 3 1 0 10
Donald Hodge 15 1.2 1.5 0.3 9- 14- 23 1 8 2 26
Corey Beck 5 1.0 1.4 1.0 3- 4- 7 1 0 4 8
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Rice 610-1296 .471 171-403 .424 319-381 .837 1710 38
L Johnson 583-1225 .476 67-183 .366 427-564 .757 1660 44
Anderson 349-834 .418 92-256 .359 260-338 .769 1050 39
Curry 441-974 .453 164-406 .404 146-171 .854 1192 27
Burrell 92-206 .447 37-98 .378 42-56 .750 263 26
Geiger 357-666 .536 3-8 .375 149-205 .727 866 28
Goldwire 76-189 .402 33-83 .398 46-60 .767 231 20
Adams 37-83 .446 14-41 .341 26-35 .743 114 14
Hancock 112-214 .523 1-3 .333 47-73 .644 272 16
Zidek 105-248 .423 0-0 .000 71-93 .763 281 21
Parish 120-241 .498 0-0 .000 50-71 .704 290 16
Myers 91-247 .368 14-58 .241 80-122 .656 276 20
Addison 77-165 .467 0-9 .000 17-22 .773 171 16
Bogues 6-16 .375 0-1 .000 2-2 1.000 14 4
Glass 12-33 .364 1-6 .167 1-1 1.000 26 5
Hodge 9-24 .375 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 18 8
Beck 2-8 .250 0-0 .000 1-2 .500 5 5
CHICAGO BULLS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Michael Jordan 82 30.4 6.6 4.3 148- 395- 543 180 42 197 195
Scottie Pippen 77 19.4 6.4 5.9 152- 344- 496 133 57 207 198
Toni Kukoc 81 13.2 4.0 3.5 115- 208- 323 64 27 114 150
Luc Longley 62 9.1 5.1 1.9 104- 214- 318 22 84 114 224
Steve Kerr 82 8.4 1.3 2.3 25- 85- 110 63 2 42 109
Ron Harper 80 7.4 2.7 2.6 74- 139- 213 105 32 73 137
Dennis Rodman 64 5.5 14.9 2.5 356- 596- 952 36 27 138 196
Bill Wennington 71 5.3 2.5 0.7 58- 116- 174 21 16 37 172
Jack Haley 1 5.0 2.0 0.0 1- 1- 2 0 0 1 2
Jud Buechler 74 3.8 1.5 0.8 45- 66- 111 34 7 39 70
Dickey Simpkins 60 3.6 2.6 0.6 66- 90- 156 9 8 56 78
James Edwards 28 3.5 1.4 0.4 15- 25- 40 1 8 21 61
Jason Caffey 57 3.2 2.0 0.4 51- 60- 111 12 7 48 91
Randy Brown 68 2.7 1.0 1.1 17- 49- 66 57 12 31 88
John Salley 17 2.1 2.5 0.9 20- 23- 43 8 16 16 38
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Jordan 916-1850 .495 111-260 .427 548-657 .834 2491 53
Pippen 563-1216 .463 150-401 .374 220-324 .679 1496 40
Kukoc 386-787 .490 87-216 .403 206-267 .772 1065 34
Longley 242-502 .482 0-0 .000 80-103 .777 564 21
Kerr 244-482 .506 122-237 .515 78-84 .929 688 19
Harper 234-501 .467 28-104 .269 98-139 .705 594 22
Rodman 146-304 .480 3-27 .111 56-106 .528 351 12
Wennington 169-343 .493 1-1 1.000 37-43 .860 376 18
Haley 2-6 .333 0-0 .000 1-2 .500 5 5
Buechler 112-242 .463 40-90 .444 14-22 .636 278 14
Simpkins 77-160 .481 1-1 1.000 61-97 .629 216 12
Edwards 41-110 .373 0-0 .000 16-26 .615 98 12
Caffey 71-162 .438 0-1 .000 40-68 .588 182 13
Brown 78-192 .406 1-11 .091 28-46 .609 185 16
Salley 12-35 .343 0-0 .000 12-20 .600 36 12
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Terrell Brandon 75 19.3 3.3 6.5 47- 201- 248 132 33 142 147
Chris Mills 80 15.1 5.5 2.4 112- 331- 443 73 52 121 240
Bobby Phills 72 14.6 3.6 3.8 62- 199- 261 102 27 126 192
Danny Ferry 82 13.3 3.8 2.3 71- 238- 309 56 37 122 233
Dan Majerle 82 10.6 3.7 2.6 70- 235- 305 81 34 93 131
Tyrone Hill 44 7.8 5.6 0.8 94- 150- 244 31 20 64 144
Michael Cage 82 6.0 8.9 0.7 288- 441- 729 87 79 54 215
Bobby Sura 79 5.3 1.7 3.0 34- 101- 135 56 21 115 126
Harold Miner 19 3.2 0.6 0.4 4- 8- 12 0 0 14 23
John Crotty 58 3.0 0.9 1.8 20- 34- 54 22 6 51 60
Antonio Lang 41 2.8 1.3 0.3 17- 36- 53 14 12 24 61
John Amaechi 28 2.8 1.9 0.3 13- 39- 52 6 11 34 49
Donny Marshall 34 2.3 0.8 0.2 9- 17- 26 8 2 7 26
Joe Courtney 23 1.7 2.1 0.4 24- 25- 49 5 6 17 35
Darryl Johnson 11 1.1 0.2 0.1 2- 0- 2 0 0 1 3
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Brandon 510-1096 .465 91-235 .387 338-381 .887 1449 32
Mills 454-971 .468 79-210 .376 218-263 .829 1205 30
Phills 386-826 .467 93-211 .441 186-240 .775 1051 43
Ferry 422-919 .459 143-363 .394 103-134 .769 1090 32
Majerle 303-748 .405 146-414 .353 120-169 .710 872 25
Hill 130-254 .512 0-0 .000 81-135 .600 341 19
Cage 220-396 .556 0-1 .000 50-92 .543 490 20
Sura 148-360 .411 27-78 .346 99-141 .702 422 19
Miner 23-52 .442 2-10 .200 13-13 1.000 61 13
Crotty 51-114 .447 8-27 .296 62-72 .861 172 19
Lang 41-77 .532 0-2 .000 34-47 .723 116 14
Amaechi 29-70 .414 0-0 .000 19-33 .576 77 11
Marshall 24-68 .353 7-30 .233 22-35 .629 77 9
Courtney 15-35 .429 0-0 .000 8-18 .444 38 5
Johnson 5-12 .417 0-1 .000 2-2 1.000 12 2
DETROIT PISTONS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Grant Hill 80 20.2 9.8 6.9 127- 656- 783 100 48 263 242
Allan Houston 82 19.7 3.7 3.1 54- 246- 300 61 16 233 233
Otis Thorpe 82 14.2 8.4 1.9 211- 477- 688 53 39 195 300
Joe Dumars 67 11.8 2.1 4.0 28- 110- 138 43 3 97 106
Terry Mills 82 9.4 4.3 1.2 108- 244- 352 42 20 98 197
Lindsey Hunter 80 8.5 2.4 2.4 44- 150- 194 84 18 80 185
Michael Curry 46 4.6 1.9 0.6 27- 58- 85 24 2 24 92
Theo Ratliff 75 4.6 4.0 0.2 110- 187- 297 16 116 56 144
Don Reid 69 3.8 2.9 0.2 78- 125- 203 47 40 41 199
Mark Macon 23 3.2 1.0 0.7 10- 12- 22 15 0 9 34
Mark West 47 3.2 2.8 0.1 49- 84- 133 6 37 35 135
Eric Leckner 18 2.4 1.9 0.1 8- 26- 34 2 4 11 30
Stephen Bardo 9 2.4 2.4 1.7 2- 20- 22 4 1 5 17
Lou Roe 49 1.8 1.6 0.3 30- 48- 78 10 8 17 42
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Hill 564-1221 .462 5-26 .192 485-646 .751 1618 35
Houston 564-1244 .453 191-447 .427 298-362 .823 1617 38
Thorpe 452-853 .530 0-4 .000 257-362 .710 1161 27
Dumars 255-598 .426 121-298 .406 162-197 .822 793 41
Mills 283-675 .419 82-207 .396 121-157 .771 769 24
Hunter 239-628 .381 117-289 .405 84-120 .700 679 21
Curry 73-161 .453 20-53 .377 45-62 .726 211 17
Ratliff 128-230 .557 0-1 .000 85-120 .708 341 21
Reid 106-187 .567 0-0 .000 51-77 .662 263 12
Macon 29-67 .433 7-15 .467 9-11 .818 74 12
West 61-126 .484 0-0 .000 28-45 .622 150 15
Leckner 18-29 .621 0-0 .000 8-13 .615 44 13
Bardo 9-23 .391 0-4 .000 4-6 .667 22 8
Roe 32-90 .356 2-9 .222 24-32 .750 90 14
INDIANA PACERS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Reggie Miller 76 21.1 2.8 3.3 38- 176- 214 77 13 189 175
Rik Smits 63 18.5 6.9 1.8 119- 314- 433 21 45 160 226
Derrick Mckey 75 11.7 4.8 3.5 123- 238- 361 83 44 143 246
Dale Davis 78 10.3 9.1 1.0 252- 457- 709 56 112 119 238
Mark Jackson 81 9.9 3.8 7.8 65- 242- 307 100 5 201 153
Ricky Pierce 76 9.7 1.8 1.3 40- 96- 136 57 6 93 188
Antonio Davis 82 8.8 6.1 0.5 188- 313- 501 33 65 87 248
Eddie Johnson 62 7.7 2.5 1.1 45- 108- 153 20 4 56 104
Travis Best 59 3.8 0.8 1.6 11- 33- 44 20 3 63 80
Duane Ferrell 54 3.7 1.7 0.6 32- 61- 93 23 3 34 83
Haywoode Workman 77 3.6 1.6 2.8 27- 97- 124 65 5 93 152
Dwayne Schintzius 33 3.4 2.4 0.4 23- 55- 78 12 12 19 53
Adrian Caldwell 51 2.2 2.2 0.1 42- 68- 110 9 5 35 73
Fred Hoiberg 15 2.1 0.6 0.5 4- 5- 9 6 1 7 12
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Miller 504-1066 .473 168-410 .410 430-498 .863 1606 40
Smits 466-894 .521 1-5 .200 231-293 .788 1164 44
Mckey 346-712 .486 17-68 .250 170-221 .769 879 25
D Davis 334-599 .558 0-0 .000 135-289 .467 803 21
Jackson 296-626 .473 64-149 .430 150-191 .785 806 21
Pierce 264-590 .447 35-104 .337 174-205 .849 737 26
A Davis 236-482 .490 1-2 .500 246-345 .713 719 26
Johnson 180-436 .413 45-128 .352 70-79 .886 475 26
Best 69-163 .423 8-25 .320 75-90 .833 221 13
Ferrell 80-166 .482 0-8 .000 42-57 .737 202 14
Workman 101-259 .390 23-71 .324 54-73 .740 279 14
Schintzius 49-110 .445 0-0 .000 13-21 .619 111 17
Caldwell 46-83 .554 0-0 .000 18-36 .500 110 11
Hoiberg 8-19 .421 1-3 .333 15-18 .833 32 8
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Vin Baker 82 21.1 9.9 2.6 263- 545- 808 65 91 216 272
Glenn Robinson 82 20.2 6.2 3.6 137- 368- 505 95 42 282 236
Sherman Douglas 79 11.2 2.3 5.5 55- 125- 180 61 4 193 164
Johnny Newman 82 10.9 2.4 1.9 66- 134- 200 92 15 109 257
Benoit Benjamin 83 8.8 6.5 0.8 141- 398- 539 45 86 144 224
Terry Cummings 81 8.0 5.5 1.1 162- 283- 445 56 30 69 263
Marty Conlon 74 5.3 2.4 0.9 58- 119- 177 20 11 79 126
Lee Mayberry 82 5.2 1.1 3.7 21- 69- 90 64 11 89 144
Shawn Respert 62 4.9 1.2 1.1 28- 46- 74 32 6 42 67
Randoplh Keys 69 3.4 1.8 0.9 41- 84- 125 32 13 31 139
Jerry Reynolds 19 3.0 1.7 0.6 13- 20- 33 15 6 16 20
Mike Peplowski 5 1.4 0.8 0.2 1- 3- 4 1 2 2 6
Kevin Duckworth 8 1.1 0.9 0.3 2- 5- 7 2 0 2 19
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Baker 699-1429 .489 10-48 .208 321-479 .670 1729 41
Robinson 627-1382 .454 90-263 .342 316-389 .812 1660 39
Douglas 343-684 .501 41-111 .369 161-220 .732 888 26
Newman 323-650 .497 60-161 .373 185-231 .801 891 27
Benjamin 294-590 .498 0-3 .000 140-194 .722 728 29
Cummings 270-584 .462 1-7 .143 104-160 .650 645 24
Conlon 153-327 .468 5-30 .167 84-110 .764 395 18
Mayberry 153-364 .420 75-189 .397 41-68 .603 422 16
Respert 113-292 .387 42-122 .344 35-42 .833 303 20
Keys 87-208 .418 22-71 .310 36-43 .837 232 17
Reynolds 21-53 .396 1-10 .100 13-21 .619 56 9
Peplowski 3-5 .600 0-0 .000 1-3 .333 7 3
Duckworth 3-14 .214 0-0 .000 3-6 .500 9 3
TORONTO RAPTORS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Damon Stoudamire 70 19.0 4.0 9.3 59- 222- 281 98 19 267 166
Tracy Murray 82 16.2 4.3 1.6 114- 238- 352 87 40 132 208
Oliver Miller 76 12.9 7.4 2.9 177- 385- 562 108 143 202 277
Sharone Wright 57 11.7 6.3 0.7 148- 208- 356 30 49 109 163
Alvin Robertson 77 9.3 4.4 4.2 110- 232- 342 166 36 183 268
Carlos Rogers 56 7.7 3.0 0.6 80- 90- 170 25 48 61 87
Zan Tabak 67 7.7 4.8 0.9 117- 203- 320 24 29 101 204
Doug Christie 55 7.6 2.8 2.1 34- 120- 154 70 19 95 141
Acie Earl 42 7.5 3.1 0.6 51- 78- 129 18 37 49 73
Dan Osullivan 5 6.6 6.4 0.4 13- 19- 32 2 4 5 13
John Salley 25 6.0 3.9 1.6 26- 71- 97 11 12 39 72
Dwayne Whitfield 8 5.0 3.1 0.3 9- 16- 25 3 2 8 14
Martin Lewis 16 4.7 1.8 0.2 15- 14- 29 8 3 14 21
Jimmy King 62 4.5 1.8 1.4 43- 67- 110 21 13 60 78
Vincenzo Esposito 30 3.9 0.5 0.8 4- 12- 16 7 0 39 27
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Stoudamire 481-1129 .426 133-337 .395 236-296 .797 1331 30
Murray 496-1092 .454 151-358 .422 182-219 .831 1325 40
Miller 418-795 .526 0-11 .000 146-221 .661 982 35
Wright 248-512 .484 1-3 .333 167-259 .645 664 30
Robertson 285-607 .470 41-151 .272 107-158 .677 718 30
Rogers 178-344 .517 3-21 .143 71-130 .546 430 28
Tabak 225-414 .543 0-1 .000 64-114 .561 514 26
Christie 150-337 .445 46-106 .434 69-93 .742 415 30
Earl 117-276 .424 0-3 .000 82-114 .719 316 40
Osullivan 13-35 .371 0-1 .000 7-8 .875 33 15
Salley 51-105 .486 0-0 .000 47-65 .723 149 15
Whitfield 13-30 .433 0-0 .000 14-22 .636 40 16
Lewis 29-60 .483 2-7 .286 15-25 .600 75 17
King 110-255 .431 5-34 .147 54-77 .701 279 14
Esposito 36-100 .360 13-56 .232 31-39 .795 116 18
(NOTE: STATISTICS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR MORE THAN ONE TEAM
ARE CUMULATIVE)
nba.624vpoznanovic,
NBA Team-By-Team Statistics Pacific Division Through Saturday, April 21
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Latrell Sprewell 78 18.9 4.9 4.2 124- 256- 380 127 45 222 150
Joe Smith 82 15.3 8.7 1.0 300- 417- 717 85 134 138 224
Chris Mullin 55 13.4 2.9 3.5 44- 115- 159 75 32 122 127
B J Armstrong 82 12.3 2.2 4.9 22- 162- 184 68 6 128 147
Rony Seikaly 64 12.1 7.8 1.1 166- 333- 499 40 69 180 219
Bimbo Coles 81 11.0 3.2 5.2 49- 211- 260 94 17 171 253
Kevin Willis 75 10.6 8.5 0.7 208- 430- 638 32 41 161 253
Jerome Kersey 76 6.7 4.8 1.5 154- 209- 363 91 45 75 205
Donyell Marshall 62 5.5 3.4 0.8 65- 148- 213 22 31 48 83
Jon Barry 68 3.8 0.9 1.3 17- 46- 63 33 11 42 51
Clifford Rozier 59 3.1 2.9 0.4 71- 100- 171 19 30 40 135
Andrew Declercq 22 2.7 1.8 0.4 18- 21- 39 7 5 4 30
Robert Churchwell 4 1.5 0.8 0.3 0- 3- 3 0 0 2 1
Geert Hammink 6 1.3 0.7 0.0 2- 2- 4 0 0 2 2
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Sprewell 515-1202 .428 91-282 .323 352-446 .789 1473 32
Smith 469-1024 .458 10-28 .357 303-392 .773 1251 30
Mullin 269-539 .499 59-150 .393 137-160 .856 734 26
Armstrong 340-727 .468 98-207 .473 234-279 .839 1012 35
Seikaly 285-568 .502 2-3 .667 204-282 .723 776 31
Coles 318-777 .409 88-254 .346 168-211 .796 892 26
Willis 325-712 .456 1-9 .111 143-202 .708 794 25
Kersey 205-500 .410 3-17 .176 97-147 .660 510 16
Marshall 125-314 .398 28-94 .298 64-83 .771 342 24
Barry 91-185 .492 44-93 .473 31-37 .838 257 19
Rozier 79-135 .585 0-2 .000 26-55 .473 184 14
Declercq 24-50 .480 0-1 .000 11-19 .579 59 10
Churchwell 3-8 .375 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 6 6
Hammink 2-4 .500 0-0 .000 4-7 .571 8 4
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Loy Vaught 80 16.2 10.1 1.4 204- 604- 808 87 40 158 241
Brian Williams 65 15.8 7.6 1.9 149- 343- 492 70 55 190 227
Terry Dehere 82 12.4 1.7 4.3 41- 102- 143 54 16 191 239
Pooh Richardson 63 11.7 2.5 5.4 35- 123- 158 77 13 95 134
Rodney Rogers 67 11.6 4.3 2.5 113- 173- 286 75 35 144 216
Malik Sealy 62 11.5 3.9 1.9 76- 164- 240 84 28 113 150
Brent Barry 79 10.1 2.1 2.9 38- 130- 168 95 22 120 196
Lamond Murray 77 8.4 3.2 1.1 89- 157- 246 61 25 108 151
Stanley Roberts 51 7.0 3.2 0.8 42- 120- 162 15 39 48 153
Eric Piatkowski 65 4.6 1.6 0.7 40- 63- 103 24 10 45 83
Antonio Harvey 55 3.7 3.6 0.3 69- 131- 200 27 47 44 76
Charles Outlaw 80 3.6 2.5 0.6 87- 113- 200 44 91 45 127
Keith Tower 34 2.4 1.5 0.2 22- 29- 51 4 11 16 50
Logan Vander Velden 15 0.6 0.4 0.1 1- 5- 6 0 0 0 4
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Vaught 571-1087 .525 7-19 .368 149-205 .727 1298 28
Williams 416-766 .543 1-6 .167 196-267 .734 1029 35
Dehere 315-686 .459 139-316 .440 245-325 .754 1014 31
Richardson 281-664 .423 94-245 .384 78-105 .743 734 31
Rogers 306-641 .477 49-153 .320 113-180 .628 774 25
Sealy 272-655 .415 21-100 .210 147-184 .799 712 29
Barry 283-597 .474 123-296 .416 111-137 .810 800 30
Murray 257-575 .447 37-116 .319 99-132 .750 650 22
Roberts 141-304 .464 0-0 .000 74-133 .556 356 25
Piatkowski 98-242 .405 38-114 .333 67-82 .817 301 16
Harvey 83-224 .371 0-2 .000 38-83 .458 204 13
Outlaw 107-186 .575 0-3 .000 74-164 .451 288 14
Tower 32-72 .444 0-1 .000 18-26 .692 82 19
Vander Velde 3-14 .214 0-5 .000 3-4 .750 9 2
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Cedric Ceballos 78 21.2 6.9 1.5 215- 321- 536 94 22 167 144
Nick Van Exel 74 14.9 2.5 6.9 29- 152- 181 70 10 156 115
Magic Johnson 32 14.6 5.7 6.9 40- 143- 183 26 13 103 48
Elden Campbell 82 13.9 7.6 2.2 162- 461- 623 88 212 137 300
Vlade Divac 79 12.9 8.6 3.3 198- 481- 679 76 131 199 274
Eddie Jones 70 12.8 3.3 3.5 45- 188- 233 129 45 99 162
Anthony Peeler 73 9.7 1.9 1.6 45- 92- 137 59 10 56 139
Sedale Threatt 82 7.3 1.2 3.3 20- 75- 95 68 11 74 178
George Lynch 76 3.8 2.8 0.7 82- 127- 209 47 10 40 106
Fred Roberts 33 3.7 1.4 0.8 18- 29- 47 16 4 24 24
Derek Strong 63 3.4 2.8 0.5 60- 118- 178 18 12 20 80
Corie Blount 57 3.2 3.0 0.7 69- 101- 170 25 35 47 109
Anthony Miller 27 1.3 0.9 0.2 11- 14- 25 4 1 8 19
Frankie King 6 1.2 0.3 0.3 1- 1- 2 2 0 2 4
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Ceballos 638-1203 .530 51-184 .277 329-409 .804 1656 38
Van Exel 396-950 .417 144-403 .357 163-204 .799 1099 30
Johnson 137-294 .466 22-58 .379 172-201 .856 468 30
Campbell 447-888 .503 0-5 .000 249-349 .713 1143 29
Divac 414-807 .513 3-18 .167 189-295 .641 1020 29
Jones 337-685 .492 83-227 .366 136-184 .739 893 27
Peeler 272-602 .452 105-254 .413 61-86 .709 710 25
Threatt 241-526 .458 60-169 .355 54-71 .761 596 27
Lynch 117-272 .430 4-13 .308 53-80 .663 291 14
Roberts 48-97 .495 4-14 .286 22-28 .786 122 19
Strong 72-169 .426 1-9 .111 69-85 .812 214 16
Blount 79-167 .473 0-2 .000 25-44 .568 183 11
Miller 15-35 .429 0-2 .000 6-10 .600 36 6
F King 3-11 .273 0-1 .000 1-3 .333 7 3
PHOENIX SUNS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Charles Barkley 71 23.2 11.6 3.7 243- 578- 821 114 56 218 208
Kevin Johnson 56 18.7 4.0 9.2 42- 179- 221 82 13 170 144
Michael Finley 82 15.0 4.6 3.5 139- 235- 374 85 31 133 199
Danny Manning 33 13.4 4.3 2.0 30- 113- 143 38 24 77 121
Wesley Person 82 12.7 3.9 1.7 56- 265- 321 55 22 85 148
Wayman Tisdale 63 10.7 3.4 0.9 55- 159- 214 15 36 63 188
Elliot Perry 81 8.6 1.7 4.4 34- 102- 136 87 6 146 140
Ac Green 82 7.5 6.8 0.9 166- 388- 554 45 23 79 141
John Williams 62 7.3 6.0 1.0 129- 243- 372 46 90 62 170
Mario Bennett 19 4.5 2.6 0.3 21- 28- 49 11 11 11 46
Chris Carr 60 4.0 1.7 0.7 27- 75- 102 10 5 40 77
Terrence Rencher 36 2.9 1.2 1.5 9- 35- 44 16 2 43 37
Joe Kleine 56 2.9 2.4 0.8 36- 96- 132 13 5 37 113
John Coker 5 1.6 0.4 0.2 2- 0- 2 0 1 0 1
Stefano Rusconi 7 1.1 0.9 0.4 3- 3- 6 0 2 3 10
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Barkley 580-1160 .500 49-175 .280 440-566 .777 1649 45
Johnson 342-674 .507 21-57 .368 342-398 .859 1047 39
Finley 465-976 .476 61-186 .328 242-323 .749 1233 27
Manning 178-388 .459 3-14 .214 82-109 .752 441 32
W Person 390-877 .445 117-313 .374 148-192 .771 1045 29
Tisdale 279-564 .495 0-0 .000 114-149 .765 672 30
Perry 261-549 .475 24-59 .407 151-194 .778 697 35
Green 215-444 .484 14-52 .269 168-237 .709 612 29
Williams 180-397 .453 0-1 .000 95-130 .731 455 23
Bennett 29-64 .453 0-1 .000 27-42 .643 85 12
Carr 90-217 .415 11-42 .262 49-60 .817 240 15
Rencher 33-100 .330 9-29 .310 31-46 .674 106 8
Kleine 71-169 .420 2-7 .286 20-25 .800 164 15
Coker 4-5 .800 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 8 4
Rusconi 3-9 .333 0-0 .000 2-5 .400 8 7
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Clifford Robinson 78 21.1 5.7 2.4 123- 320- 443 86 68 194 248
Rod Strickland 67 18.8 4.4 9.6 89- 208- 297 97 16 255 135
Arvydas Sabonis 73 14.5 8.1 1.8 147- 441- 588 64 78 154 211
Aaron Mckie 81 10.7 3.8 2.5 86- 218- 304 92 21 135 204
Harvey Grant 76 9.3 4.8 1.5 117- 244- 361 60 43 82 173
James Robinson 76 8.5 2.1 2.0 44- 113- 157 34 16 111 146
Gary Trent 69 7.5 3.5 0.7 84- 154- 238 25 11 92 116
Buck Williams 70 7.3 5.8 0.6 159- 245- 404 40 47 90 187
Rumeal Robinson 43 5.7 1.8 3.3 19- 59- 78 26 5 72 79
Chris Dudley 80 5.1 9.0 0.5 239- 481- 720 41 100 78 251
Dontonio Wingfield 44 3.8 2.4 0.6 45- 59- 104 20 6 31 73
Randolph Childress 28 3.0 0.7 1.1 1- 18- 19 8 1 28 22
Anthony Cook 11 1.4 1.1 0.2 5- 7- 12 0 1 1 8
Elmore Spencer 17 0.8 0.8 0.1 3- 10- 13 0 2 6 12
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
C Robinson 553-1306 .423 178-471 .378 360-542 .664 1644 41
Strickland 471-1023 .460 38-111 .342 276-423 .652 1256 32
Sabonis 394-723 .545 39-104 .375 231-305 .757 1058 26
Mckie 337-722 .467 38-117 .325 152-199 .764 864 24
Grant 314-679 .462 21-67 .313 60-110 .545 709 24
J Robinson 229-574 .399 102-284 .359 89-135 .659 649 22
Trent 220-429 .513 0-9 .000 78-141 .553 518 21
Williams 192-384 .500 2-3 .667 125-187 .668 511 21
R Robinson 92-221 .416 30-79 .380 33-51 .647 247 20
Dudley 162-358 .453 0-1 .000 80-157 .510 404 13
Wingfield 60-157 .382 19-63 .302 26-34 .765 165 17
Childress 25-79 .316 13-47 .277 22-27 .815 85 18
Cook 7-16 .438 0-2 .000 1-4 .250 15 4
Spencer 5-13 .385 0-0 .000 4-6 .667 14 5
SACRAMENTO KINGS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Mitch Richmond 81 23.1 3.3 3.2 54- 215- 269 125 19 220 233
Brian Grant 78 14.4 7.0 1.6 175- 370- 545 40 103 185 269
Billy Owens 62 13.0 6.6 3.3 143- 268- 411 49 38 164 192
Olden Polynice 81 12.2 9.4 0.7 257- 507- 764 52 66 127 250
Sarunas Marciulionis 53 10.8 1.5 2.2 20- 57- 77 52 4 96 112
Tyus Edney 80 10.8 2.5 6.1 63- 138- 201 89 3 192 203
Kevin Gamble 65 5.9 1.7 1.5 21- 92- 113 35 8 43 147
Corliss Williamson 53 5.6 2.1 0.4 56- 56- 112 11 9 76 115
Michael Smith 65 5.5 6.0 1.7 143- 246- 389 47 46 72 166
Lionel Simmons 54 4.6 2.7 1.5 41- 104- 145 31 20 51 85
Byron Houston 25 3.4 3.4 0.3 31- 53- 84 13 7 17 59
Duane Causwell 73 3.4 3.4 0.3 83- 165- 248 27 78 53 173
Bobby Hurley 72 3.1 1.0 3.0 12- 63- 75 28 3 86 121
Clint Mcdaniel 12 2.4 0.8 0.6 3- 7- 10 5 0 2 10
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Richmond 611-1368 .447 225-515 .437 425-491 .866 1872 47
Grant 427-842 .507 4-17 .235 262-358 .732 1120 32
Owens 323-673 .480 5-18 .278 157-247 .636 808 34
Polynice 431-818 .527 1-3 .333 122-203 .601 985 27
Marciulionis 176-389 .452 64-157 .408 155-200 .775 571 25
Edney 305-740 .412 53-144 .368 197-252 .782 860 20
Gamble 152-379 .401 44-114 .386 38-48 .792 386 37
C Williamson 125-268 .466 0-3 .000 47-84 .560 297 26
Smith 144-238 .605 1-1 1.000 68-177 .384 357 15
Simmons 86-217 .396 19-51 .373 56-77 .727 247 19
Houston 32-64 .500 1-3 .333 21-26 .808 86 8
Causwell 90-216 .417 0-1 .000 70-96 .729 250 18
Hurley 65-230 .283 22-76 .289 68-85 .800 220 17
Mcdaniel 8-23 .348 2-6 .333 11-14 .786 29 8
SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Shawn Kemp 79 19.6 11.4 2.2 276- 628- 904 93 127 315 298
Gary Payton 81 19.3 4.2 7.5 104- 235- 339 231 19 260 220
Detlef Schrempf 63 17.1 5.2 4.4 73- 255- 328 56 8 146 179
Hersey Hawkins 82 15.6 3.6 2.7 86- 211- 297 149 14 164 173
Sam Perkins 82 11.8 4.5 1.5 101- 266- 367 83 48 82 173
Vincent Askew 69 8.5 3.2 2.4 65- 153- 218 47 15 96 178
Ervin Johnson 81 5.5 5.4 0.6 129- 304- 433 40 129 98 245
Frank Brickowski 63 5.4 2.4 0.9 26- 125- 151 26 8 78 185
Nate Mcmillan 55 5.0 3.8 3.6 41- 169- 210 95 18 75 143
David Wingate 60 3.7 0.9 1.0 17- 39- 56 20 4 42 66
Sherell Ford 28 3.2 0.9 0.2 12- 12- 24 8 1 6 27
Eric Snow 43 2.7 1.0 1.7 9- 34- 43 28 0 38 53
Steve Scheffler 35 1.7 0.9 0.1 16- 17- 33 6 1 8 25
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Kemp 526-937 .561 5-12 .417 493-664 .742 1550 32
Payton 618-1276 .484 98-299 .328 229-306 .748 1563 38
D Schrempf 360-740 .486 73-179 .408 287-370 .776 1080 35
Hawkins 443-936 .473 146-380 .384 247-283 .873 1279 35
Perkins 325-797 .408 129-363 .355 191-241 .793 970 26
Askew 215-436 .493 29-86 .337 125-163 .767 584 21
Johnson 180-352 .511 1-3 .333 85-127 .669 446 28
Brickowski 123-252 .488 32-79 .405 61-86 .709 339 21
Mcmillan 100-238 .420 46-121 .380 29-41 .707 275 13
Wingate 88-212 .415 15-34 .441 32-41 .780 223 18
Ford 30-80 .375 4-25 .160 26-34 .765 90 9
Snow 42-100 .420 2-10 .200 29-49 .592 115 9
S Scheffler 24-45 .533 1-5 .200 9-19 .474 58 8
(NOTE: STATISTICS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR MORE THAN ONE TEAM
ARE CUMULATIVE)
nba.625vpoznanovic,
NBA Team-By-Team Statistics Midwest Division Through Saturday, April 21
DALLAS MAVERICKS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Jamal Mashburn 18 23.4 5.4 2.8 37- 60- 97 14 3 55 39
Jim Jackson 82 19.6 5.0 2.9 173- 237- 410 47 23 191 165
George Mccloud 79 19.0 4.8 2.7 116- 263- 379 113 38 166 212
Jason Kidd 81 16.6 6.8 9.7 203- 350- 553 175 25 328 155
Tony Dumas 67 11.6 1.7 1.5 58- 57- 115 42 13 77 128
Popeye Jones 68 11.3 10.8 1.9 260- 477- 737 54 27 109 262
Lucious Harris 61 7.9 2.0 1.3 41- 81- 122 35 3 46 56
Scott Brooks 69 5.1 0.6 1.5 11- 30- 41 42 3 43 53
Loren Meyer 72 5.0 4.4 0.8 114- 205- 319 20 32 67 224
Terry Davis 28 4.9 4.2 0.8 43- 74- 117 10 4 25 66
Cherokee Parks 64 3.9 3.4 0.5 66- 150- 216 25 32 31 100
David Wood 62 3.4 2.5 0.6 51- 103- 154 19 10 24 150
Lorenzo Williams 65 3.1 8.0 1.3 234- 287- 521 48 122 78 226
Reggie Slater 11 2.8 1.4 0.2 4- 11- 15 2 3 9 11
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Mashburn 145-383 .379 35-102 .343 97-133 .729 422 37
Jackson 569-1308 .435 121-333 .363 345-418 .825 1604 38
Mccloud 530-1281 .414 257-678 .379 180-224 .804 1497 37
Kidd 493-1293 .381 133-396 .336 229-331 .692 1348 37
Dumas 274-655 .418 74-207 .357 154-257 .599 776 39
Jones 327-733 .446 14-39 .359 102-133 .767 770 24
Harris 183-397 .461 47-125 .376 68-87 .782 481 19
Brooks 134-293 .457 25-62 .403 59-69 .855 352 18
Meyer 145-330 .439 3-11 .273 70-102 .686 363 14
Davis 55-108 .509 0-0 .000 27-47 .574 137 15
Parks 101-247 .409 7-26 .269 41-62 .661 250 25
Wood 75-174 .431 20-62 .323 38-50 .760 208 19
Williams 87-214 .407 0-1 .000 24-70 .343 198 10
Slater 14-27 .519 0-0 .000 3-7 .429 31 11
DENVER NUGGETS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Mahmoud Abdul-rauf 57 19.2 2.4 6.8 26- 112- 138 64 3 115 117
Dale Ellis 81 14.9 3.9 1.7 88- 227- 315 57 8 97 191
Bryant Stith 82 13.7 4.9 2.9 125- 275- 400 114 16 157 187
Antonio Mcdyess 76 13.4 7.5 1.0 225- 343- 568 54 114 154 250
Don Maclean 56 11.2 3.7 1.6 62- 143- 205 21 5 68 105
Dikembe Mutombo 74 11.0 11.8 1.5 249- 622- 871 38 332 150 258
Laphonso Ellis 45 10.5 7.2 1.6 93- 229- 322 36 32 83 163
Jalen Rose 80 10.0 3.3 6.2 46- 214- 260 53 39 234 229
Tom Hammonds 71 4.8 3.1 0.3 85- 138- 223 23 13 48 137
Reggie Williams 52 4.6 2.4 1.4 25- 97- 122 34 21 51 137
Doug Overton 55 3.3 1.2 1.9 8- 55- 63 13 5 40 49
Matt Fish 18 2.9 1.2 0.4 10- 11- 21 3 7 3 19
Randy Woods 8 2.4 0.8 1.5 3- 3- 6 6 1 5 13
Greg Grant 10 1.4 0.7 1.4 3- 4- 7 2 0 5 7
Rastko Cvetkovic 14 0.7 0.8 0.2 4- 7- 11 2 1 3 11
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Abdul-rauf 414-955 .434 121-309 .392 146-157 .930 1095 51
D Ellis 459-959 .479 150-364 .412 136-179 .760 1204 33
Stith 379-911 .416 41-148 .277 320-379 .844 1119 27
Mcdyess 427-880 .485 0-4 .000 166-243 .683 1020 32
Maclean 233-547 .426 14-49 .286 145-198 .732 625 38
Mutombo 284-569 .499 0-1 .000 246-354 .695 814 22
L Ellis 189-432 .438 4-22 .182 89-148 .601 471 22
Rose 290-604 .480 32-108 .296 191-277 .690 803 19
Hammonds 127-268 .474 0-0 .000 88-115 .765 342 26
Williams 94-254 .370 20-89 .225 33-39 .846 241 27
Overton 67-178 .376 8-26 .308 40-55 .727 182 16
Fish 21-36 .583 0-0 .000 10-19 .526 52 10
Woods 6-22 .273 5-21 .238 2-2 1.000 19 5
Grant 6-23 .261 2-6 .333 0-0 .000 14 5
Cvetkovic 5-16 .313 0-1 .000 0-4 .000 10 2
HOUSTON ROCKETS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Hakeem Olajuwon 72 26.9 10.9 3.6 176- 608- 784 113 207 247 242
Clyde Drexler 52 19.3 7.2 5.8 97- 276- 373 105 24 134 153
Sam Cassell 61 14.5 3.1 4.6 51- 137- 188 53 4 157 166
Robert Horry 71 12.0 5.8 4.0 97- 311- 408 116 109 160 197
Tracy Moore 8 11.4 2.8 0.8 10- 12- 22 2 0 8 16
Mario Elie 45 11.1 3.4 3.1 47- 108- 155 45 11 59 93
Sam Mack 31 10.8 3.2 2.6 18- 80- 98 22 9 28 75
Chucky Brown 82 8.6 5.4 1.1 134- 307- 441 47 38 94 163
Kenny Smith 68 8.5 1.4 3.6 21- 75- 96 47 3 100 116
Mark Bryant 71 8.4 4.9 0.7 130- 216- 346 31 19 83 228
Eldridge Recasner 63 6.9 2.3 2.7 31- 113- 144 23 5 61 111
Henry James 7 4.3 0.9 0.3 3- 3- 6 0 0 4 13
Melvin Booker 11 4.0 0.8 1.9 1- 8- 9 5 1 12 18
Tim Breaux 54 3.2 1.2 0.4 23- 42- 65 11 8 30 47
Pete Chilcutt 74 2.7 2.1 0.4 51- 105- 156 19 14 22 65
Alvin Heggs 4 2.0 0.5 0.0 1- 1- 2 0 0 0 0
Jaren Jackson 4 2.0 0.8 0.0 0- 3- 3 1 0 0 5
Charles Jones 46 0.4 1.6 0.3 28- 46- 74 5 24 3 44
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Olajuwon 768-1494 .514 3-14 .214 397-548 .724 1936 51
Drexler 331-764 .433 78-235 .332 265-338 .784 1005 41
Cassell 289-658 .439 73-210 .348 235-285 .825 886 33
Horry 300-732 .410 142-388 .366 111-143 .776 853 40
Moore 30-76 .395 13-30 .433 18-19 .947 91 18
Elie 180-357 .504 41-127 .323 98-115 .852 499 20
Mack 121-287 .422 54-135 .400 39-46 .848 335 38
Brown 300-555 .541 1-8 .125 104-150 .693 705 18
Smith 201-464 .433 91-238 .382 87-106 .821 580 22
Bryant 237-439 .540 0-2 .000 126-176 .716 600 30
Recasner 149-359 .415 81-191 .424 57-66 .864 436 21
James 10-24 .417 5-15 .333 5-5 1.000 30 16
Booker 16-50 .320 3-19 .158 9-11 .818 44 9
Breaux 64-168 .381 15-46 .326 29-46 .630 172 17
Chilcutt 73-179 .408 37-98 .378 17-26 .654 200 15
Heggs 3-5 .600 0-0 .000 2-3 .667 8 7
Jackson 0-8 .000 0-5 .000 8-10 .800 8 7
Jones 6-19 .316 0-0 .000 4-13 .308 16 4
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Isaiah Rider 75 19.6 4.1 2.8 99- 210- 309 48 24 201 204
Tom Gugliotta 78 16.2 8.9 3.1 176- 514- 690 139 96 234 265
Andrew Lang 71 11.7 6.4 0.9 153- 302- 455 42 126 124 241
Sam Mitchell 78 10.8 4.4 1.0 107- 232- 339 49 26 84 220
Kevin Garnett 80 10.4 6.3 1.8 175- 326- 501 86 131 110 189
Terry Porter 82 9.4 2.6 5.5 36- 176- 212 89 15 172 154
Spud Webb 77 7.1 1.3 3.8 26- 74- 100 52 7 110 109
Darrick Martin 59 7.0 1.4 3.7 16- 66- 82 53 3 107 123
Doug West 73 6.4 2.2 1.6 48- 113- 161 30 17 79 228
Micheal Williams 9 6.1 2.6 3.4 3- 20- 23 5 3 22 37
Eric Riley 25 3.7 3.0 0.2 32- 44- 76 8 15 17 42
Mark Davis 57 3.3 2.2 0.8 56- 69- 125 40 22 68 92
Jerome Allen 41 2.6 0.6 1.2 5- 20- 25 21 5 34 42
Marques Bragg 53 2.5 1.5 0.2 38- 41- 79 17 8 26 71
Charles Smith 8 0.8 0.6 0.8 0- 5- 5 1 0 5 7
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Rider 560-1206 .464 102-275 .371 248-296 .838 1470 33
Gugliotta 473-1004 .471 26-86 .302 289-374 .773 1261 36
Lang 353-790 .447 1-5 .200 125-155 .806 832 29
Mitchell 303-618 .490 1-18 .056 237-291 .814 844 23
Garnett 361-735 .491 8-28 .286 105-149 .705 835 33
Porter 269-608 .442 71-226 .314 164-210 .781 773 23
Webb 186-430 .433 47-129 .364 125-145 .862 544 21
Martin 147-362 .406 20-69 .290 101-120 .842 415 24
West 175-393 .445 1-13 .077 114-144 .792 465 16
Williams 13-40 .325 1-3 .333 28-33 .848 55 18
Riley 35-74 .473 0-1 .000 22-28 .786 92 9
Davis 55-149 .369 4-13 .308 74-116 .638 188 12
Allen 36-105 .343 10-33 .303 26-36 .722 108 9
Bragg 54-120 .450 0-0 .000 23-41 .561 131 13
Smith 3-10 .300 0-3 .000 0-2 .000 6 4
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
David Robinson 82 25.0 12.2 3.0 319- 681-1000 111 271 190 262
Sean Elliott 77 20.0 5.1 2.7 69- 327- 396 69 33 198 178
Vinny Del Negro 82 14.5 3.3 3.8 36- 236- 272 85 6 100 166
Avery Johnson 82 13.1 2.5 9.6 37- 169- 206 119 21 195 179
Chuck Person 80 10.9 5.2 1.3 76- 337- 413 49 26 91 197
Charles Smith 73 8.3 5.0 0.9 133- 229- 362 50 80 106 224
Will Perdue 80 5.2 6.1 0.4 175- 310- 485 28 75 86 183
Doc Rivers 78 4.0 1.8 1.6 30- 108- 138 73 21 57 175
Dell Demps 16 3.3 0.6 0.5 2- 7- 9 3 1 12 10
Cory Alexander 60 2.8 0.7 2.0 9- 33- 42 27 2 68 94
Monty Williams 31 2.2 1.3 0.3 20- 20- 40 6 2 18 26
Carl Herrera 44 1.9 1.8 0.4 30- 51- 81 9 8 29 61
Greg Anderson 46 1.2 2.2 0.2 29- 71- 100 9 24 22 66
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Robinson 711-1378 .516 3-9 .333 626-823 .761 2051 45
Elliott 525-1127 .466 161-392 .411 326-423 .771 1537 36
Del Negro 478-962 .497 57-150 .380 178-214 .832 1191 31
Johnson 438-887 .494 6-31 .194 189-262 .721 1071 26
C Person 308-705 .437 190-463 .410 67-104 .644 873 25
Smith 244-578 .422 2-15 .133 119-163 .730 609 21
W Perdue 173-331 .523 0-1 .000 67-125 .536 413 18
Rivers 108-290 .372 47-137 .343 48-64 .750 311 11
Demps 19-33 .576 1-2 .500 14-17 .824 53 15
Alexander 63-155 .406 26-66 .394 16-25 .640 168 14
Williams 27-68 .397 0-1 .000 14-20 .700 68 14
Herrera 40-97 .412 0-1 .000 5-17 .294 85 6
Anderson 24-47 .511 0-1 .000 6-25 .240 54 6
UTAH JAZZ
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Karl Malone 82 25.7 9.8 4.2 175- 629- 804 138 56 199 245
Jeff Hornacek 82 15.2 2.6 4.2 62- 147- 209 106 20 127 171
John Stockton 82 14.7 2.8 11.2 54- 172- 226 140 15 246 207
Chris Morris 66 10.5 3.5 1.2 100- 129- 229 63 20 71 140
David Benoit 81 8.2 4.7 1.0 90- 293- 383 43 49 71 166
Antoine Carr 80 7.3 2.5 0.9 71- 129- 200 28 65 78 254
Adam Keefe 82 6.1 5.6 0.8 176- 279- 455 51 41 88 174
Felton Spencer 71 5.6 4.3 0.2 100- 206- 306 20 54 77 240
Howard Eisley 65 4.4 1.2 2.3 22- 56- 78 29 3 77 130
Greg Foster 73 3.8 2.4 0.3 53- 125- 178 7 22 58 120
Greg Ostertag 57 3.7 3.1 0.1 57- 118- 175 5 63 25 91
Jamie Watson 16 3.0 1.7 1.5 5- 22- 27 8 2 17 30
Byron Russell 59 3.0 1.5 0.5 28- 62- 90 29 8 36 66
Andy Toolson 13 1.7 0.5 0.1 0- 6- 6 0 0 2 12
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Malone 789-1520 .519 16-40 .400 512-708 .723 2106 51
Hornacek 442-880 .502 104-223 .466 259-290 .893 1247 29
Stockton 440-818 .538 95-225 .422 234-282 .830 1209 31
Morris 265-606 .437 63-197 .320 98-127 .772 691 23
Benoit 255-581 .439 64-192 .333 87-112 .777 661 24
Carr 233-510 .457 0-3 .000 114-144 .792 580 20
Keefe 180-346 .520 0-4 .000 139-201 .692 499 16
Spencer 146-281 .520 0-0 .000 104-151 .689 396 16
Eisley 104-242 .430 14-62 .226 65-77 .844 287 14
Foster 107-244 .439 1-8 .125 61-72 .847 276 16
Ostertag 86-182 .473 0-0 .000 36-54 .667 208 14
Watson 18-43 .419 3-7 .429 9-13 .692 48 7
Russell 56-142 .394 14-40 .350 48-67 .716 174 19
Toolson 8-22 .364 3-12 .250 3-4 .750 22 5
VANCOUVER GRIZZLIES
REBOUNDS
G PPG RPG APG OFF-DEF --TOT STL BLK TO PF
Greg Anthony 69 14.0 2.5 6.9 29- 145- 174 116 11 160 137
Bryant Reeves 77 13.3 7.4 1.4 178- 392- 570 43 55 157 226
Blue Edwards 82 12.7 4.2 2.6 98- 248- 346 118 46 170 243
Byron Scott 80 10.2 2.4 1.5 40- 152- 192 63 22 100 126
Eric Murdock 73 8.9 2.3 4.5 26- 143- 169 135 9 132 140
Chris King 80 7.9 3.6 1.3 102- 183- 285 68 33 103 163
Gerald Wilkins 28 6.7 2.3 2.4 22- 43- 65 21 2 37 55
Lawrence Moten 44 6.6 1.4 1.1 36- 25- 61 29 8 44 54
Ashraf Amaya 54 6.3 5.6 0.6 114- 189- 303 22 10 57 151
Anthony Avent 71 5.9 5.0 1.0 108- 247- 355 30 42 107 202
Eric Mobley 39 4.8 3.6 0.6 54- 86- 140 14 24 50 87
Rich Manning 29 3.7 1.9 0.2 16- 39- 55 3 6 17 37
Jeff Turner 13 3.6 2.2 0.5 10- 18- 28 2 1 11 33
Doug Edwards 31 3.0 2.8 1.3 35- 52- 87 10 18 29 51
Cuonzo Martin 5 1.8 0.4 0.4 1- 1- 2 1 0 1 1
FG 3PT FT
M-A PCT M-A PCT M-A PCT PTS HI
Anthony 324-781 .415 90-271 .332 229-297 .771 967 32
Reeves 401-877 .457 0-3 .000 219-299 .732 1021 28
B Edwards 401-956 .419 84-245 .343 157-208 .755 1043 26
Scott 271-676 .401 74-221 .335 203-243 .835 819 27
Murdock 244-587 .416 45-145 .310 114-143 .797 647 20
King 250-585 .427 44-113 .389 90-136 .662 634 21
Wilkins 77-205 .376 14-64 .219 20-23 .870 188 15
Moten 112-247 .453 18-55 .327 49-75 .653 291 21
Amaya 121-252 .480 0-1 .000 97-149 .651 339 18
Avent 179-466 .384 0-0 .000 57-77 .740 415 16
Mobley 74-138 .536 1-2 .500 39-87 .448 188 12
Manning 49-113 .434 0-1 .000 9-14 .643 107 13
Turner 18-51 .353 9-27 .333 2-2 1.000 47 16
D Edwards 32-91 .352 0-4 .000 29-38 .763 93 11
Martin 3-5 .600 3-3 1.000 0-2 .000 9 3
(NOTE: STATISTICS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR MORE THAN ONE TEAM
ARE CUMULATIVE)
nba.626vpoznanovic,
National Basketball Association Leaders Through Sunday, April 21
Scoring Average
Player G FG FT PTS AVG
Jordan, Chi. 82 916 548 2491 30.4
Olajuwon, Hou. 72 768 397 1936 26.9
O'Neal, Orl. 54 592 249 1434 26.6
Malone, Utah 82 789 512 2106 25.7
Robinson, S.A. 82 711 626 2051 25.0
Barkley, Pho. 71 580 440 1649 23.2
Mourning, Mia. 70 563 488 1623 23.2
Richmond, Sac. 81 611 425 1872 23.1
Ewing, N.Y. 76 678 351 1711 22.5
Howard, Was. 81 733 319 1789 22.1
Hardaway, Orl. 82 623 445 1780 21.7
Rice, Cha. 79 610 319 1710 21.6
Ceballos, LA-L 78 638 329 1656 21.2
Miller, Ind. 76 504 430 1606 21.1
Baker, Mil. 82 699 321 1729 21.1
C. Robinson, Por. 78 553 360 1644 21.1
Johnson, Cha. 81 583 427 1660 20.5
Robinson, Mil. 82 627 316 1660 20.2
Hill, Det. 80 564 485 1618 20.2
Elliott, S.A. 77 525 326 1537 20.0
Houston, Det. 82 564 298 1617 19.7
Kemp, Sea. 79 526 493 1550 19.6
Rider, Min. 75 560 248 1470 19.6
Jackson, Dal. 82 569 345 1604 19.6
Pippen, Chi. 77 563 220 1496 19.4
Brandon, Cle. 75 510 338 1449 19.3
Payton, Sea. 81 618 229 1563 19.3
Stackhouse, Phi. 72 452 387 1384 19.2
Stoudamire, Tor. 70 481 236 1331 19.0
McCloud, Dal. 79 530 180 1497 18.9
Sprewell, G.S. 78 515 352 1473 18.9
Gilliam, N.J. 78 576 277 1429 18.3
Smith, Atl. 80 494 318 1446 18.1
Scott, Orl. 82 491 182 1431 17.5
Weatherspoon, Phi. 78 491 318 1300 16.7
Kidd, Dal. 81 493 229 1348 16.6
Laettner, Min.-Atl. 74 442 324 1217 16.4
Maxwell, Phi. 75 410 251 1217 16.2
Vaught, LA-C 80 571 149 1298 16.2
Gugliotta, Min. 78 473 289 1261 16.2
Field Goal Pct.
Player FG FGA PCT
Muresan, Was. 466 798 .584
Gatling, G.S.-Mia. 326 567 .575
O'Neal, Orl. 592 1033 .573
Mason, N.Y. 449 798 .563
Kemp, Sea. 526 937 .561
D. Davis, Ind. 334 599 .558
Sabonis, Por. 394 723 .545
Williams, LA-C 416 766 .543
Brown, Hou. 300 555 .541
Stockton, Utah 440 818 .538
Geiger, Cha. 357 666 .536
Ceballos, LA-L 638 1203 .530
Thorpe, Det. 452 853 .530
Polynice, Sac. 431 818 .527
Miller, Tor. 418 795 .526
Vaught, LA-C 571 1087 .525
Mourning, Mia. 563 1076 .523
Smits, Ind. 466 894 .521
Malone, Utah 789 1520 .519
Robinson, S.A. 711 1378 .516
Olajuwon, Hou. 768 1494 .514
Divac, LA-L 414 807 .513
Hardaway, Orl. 623 1215 .513
Grant, Orl. 347 677 .513
Johnson, Pho. 342 674 .507
Grant, Sac. 427 842 .507
Douglas, Bos.-Mil. 345 685 .504
Campbell, LA-L 447 888 .503
Hornacek, Utah 442 880 .502
Barkley, Pho. 580 1160 .500
Minor, Bos. 320 640 .500
Radja, Bos. 426 852 .500
Del Negro, S.A. 478 962 .497
Jordan, Chi. 916 1850 .495
Newman, Mil. 321 649 .495
Johnson, S.A. 438 887 .494
Jones, LA-L 337 685 .492
Garnett, Min. 361 735 .491
Augmon, Atl. 362 738 .491
Kukoc, Chi. 386 787 .490
Steals Per Game
Player G STL AVG
Payton, Sea. 81 231 2.85
Blaylock, Atl. 81 212 2.62
Jordan, Chi. 82 180 2.20
Kidd, Dal. 81 175 2.16
Robertson, Tor. 77 166 2.16
Hardaway, Orl. 82 166 2.02
Murdock, Mil.-Van. 73 135 1.85
Jones, LA-L 70 129 1.84
Hawkins, Sea. 82 149 1.82
Gugliotta, Min. 78 139 1.78
Brandon, Cle. 75 132 1.76
Pippen, Chi. 77 133 1.73
Stockton, Utah 82 140 1.71
Malone, Utah 82 138 1.68
Hardaway, G.S.-Mia. 80 132 1.65
Horry, Hou. 71 116 1.63
Sprewell, G.S. 78 127 1.63
Barkley, Pho. 71 114 1.61
Harper, N.Y. 82 131 1.60
Anderson, Orl. 77 121 1.57
Olajuwon, Hou. 72 113 1.57
Richmond, Sac. 81 125 1.54
Johnson, S.A. 82 119 1.45
B. Edwards, Van. 82 118 1.44
Weatherspoon, Phi. 78 112 1.44
McCloud, Dal. 79 113 1.43
Childs, N.J. 78 111 1.42
Miller, Tor. 76 108 1.42
Phills, Cle. 72 102 1.42
Stoudamire, Tor. 70 98 1.40
Fox, Bos. 81 113 1.40
Stith, Den. 82 114 1.39
Augmon, Atl. 77 106 1.38
Robinson, S.A. 82 111 1.35
Curry, Cha. 82 108 1.32
Long, Atl. 82 108 1.32
Harper, Chi. 80 105 1.31
Hornacek, Utah 82 106 1.29
Maxwell, Phi. 75 96 1.28
Starks, N.Y. 81 103 1.27
Rebounds Per Game
Player G OFF DEF TOT AVG
Rodman, Chi. 64 356 596 952 14.9
Robinson, S.A. 82 319 681 1000 12.2
Mutombo, Den. 74 249 622 871 11.8
Barkley, Pho. 71 243 578 821 11.6
Kemp, Sea. 79 276 628 904 11.4
Olajuwon, Hou. 72 176 608 784 10.9
Ewing, N.Y. 76 157 649 806 10.6
Mourning, Mia. 70 218 509 727 10.4
Vaught, LA-C 80 204 604 808 10.1
Williams, N.J. 80 342 461 803 10.0
Baker, Mil. 82 263 545 808 9.9
Malone, Utah 82 175 629 804 9.8
Hill, Det. 80 127 656 783 9.8
Weatherspoon, Phi. 78 237 516 753 9.7
Long, Atl. 82 248 540 788 9.6
Muresan, Was. 76 248 480 728 9.6
Polynice, Sac. 81 257 507 764 9.4
Mason, N.Y. 82 220 544 764 9.3
Gilliam, N.J. 78 241 472 713 9.1
D. Davis, Ind. 78 252 457 709 9.1
Dudley, Por. 80 239 481 720 9.0
Cage, Cle. 82 288 441 729 8.9
Gugliotta, Min. 78 176 514 690 8.8
Smith, G.S. 82 300 417 717 8.7
Divac, LA-L 79 198 481 679 8.6
Willis, Mia.-G.S. 75 208 430 638 8.5
Johnson, Cha. 81 249 434 683 8.4
Geiger, Cha. 77 201 448 649 8.4
Thorpe, Det. 82 211 477 688 8.4
Howard, Was. 81 188 472 660 8.1
Bradley, Phi.-N.J. 79 221 417 638 8.1
Sabonis, Por. 73 147 441 588 8.1
Campbell, LA-L 82 162 461 623 7.6
McDyess, Den. 76 229 343 572 7.5
Reeves, Van. 77 178 392 570 7.4
Miller, Tor. 76 177 385 562 7.4
Laettner, Min.-Atl. 74 184 354 538 7.3
Grant, Sac. 78 175 370 545 7.0
Brown, N.J. 81 215 345 560 6.9
Ceballos, LA-L 78 215 321 536 6.9
Assists Per Game
Player G AST AVG
Stockton, Utah 82 916 11.2
Kidd, Dal. 81 783 9.7
Johnson, S.A. 82 789 9.6
Strickland, Por. 67 640 9.6
Stoudamire, Tor. 70 653 9.3
Johnson, Pho. 56 517 9.2
Anderson, N.J.-Cha. 69 575 8.3
Hardaway, G.S.-Mia. 80 640 8.0
Jackson, Ind. 81 635 7.8
Payton, Sea. 81 608 7.5
Hardaway, Orl. 82 582 7.1
Childs, N.J. 78 548 7.0
Anthony, Van. 69 476 6.9
Van Exel, LA-L 74 509 6.9
Hill, Det. 80 548 6.9
Brandon, Cle. 75 487 6.5
Rose, Den. 80 495 6.2
Edney, Sac. 80 491 6.1
Blaylock, Atl. 81 478 5.9
Pippen, Chi. 77 452 5.9
Douglas, Bos.-Mil. 79 436 5.5
Porter, Min. 82 452 5.5
Coles, Mia.-G.S. 81 422 5.2
B. Price, Was. 81 416 5.1
Armstrong, G.S. 82 401 4.9
Wesley, Bos. 82 390 4.8
Fox, Bos. 81 369 4.6
Shaw, Orl. 75 336 4.5
Murdock, Mil.-Van. 73 327 4.5
Howard, Was. 81 360 4.4
Mason, N.Y. 82 363 4.4
Maxwell, Phi. 75 330 4.4
Johnson, Cha. 81 355 4.4
Perry, Pho. 81 353 4.4
Harper, N.Y. 82 352 4.3
Jordan, Chi. 82 352 4.3
Dehere, LA-C 82 350 4.3
Malone, Utah 82 345 4.2
Sprewell, G.S. 78 328 4.2
Robertson, Tor. 77 323 4.2
3-Pt Field Goal Pct.
Player 3FG 3GA PCT
Legler, Was. 128 245 .522
Kerr, Chi. 122 237 .515
Davis, N.Y. 127 267 .476
Armstrong, G.S. 98 207 .473
Hornacek, Utah 104 223 .466
B. Price, Was. 139 301 .462
Phills, Cle. 93 211 .441
Dehere, LA-C 139 316 .440
Richmond, Sac. 225 515 .437
Houston, Det. 191 447 .427
Jordan, Chi. 111 260 .427
Wesley, Bos. 116 272 .426
Scott, Orl. 267 628 .425
Rice, Cha. 171 403 .424
Stockton, Utah 95 225 .422
Murray, Tor. 151 358 .422
Askins, Mia. 99 237 .418
Barry, LA-C 123 296 .416
Peeler, LA-L 105 254 .413
D. Ellis, Den. 150 364 .412
Elliott, S.A. 161 392 .411
Person, S.A. 190 463 .410
Miller, Ind. 168 410 .410
Barros, Bos. 150 368 .408
Dumars, Det. 121 298 .406
Hunter, Det. 117 289 .405
Curry, Cha. 164 406 .404
Kukoc, Chi. 87 216 .403
Mills, Det. 82 207 .396
Stoudamire, Tor. 133 337 .395
Ferry, Cle. 143 363 .394
Abdul-Rauf, Den. 121 309 .392
Anderson, Orl. 168 430 .391
Williams, Sac.-Mia. 114 293 .389
Brandon, Cle. 91 235 .387
Hawkins, Sea. 146 380 .384
Richardson, LA-C 94 245 .384
Smith, Hou. 91 238 .382
McCloud, Dal. 257 678 .379
C. Robinson, Por. 178 471 .378
Free Throw Pct.
Player FT FTA PCT
Abdul-Rauf, Den. 146 157 .930
Hornacek, Utah 259 290 .893
Brandon, Cle. 338 381 .887
Barros, Bos. 130 147 .884
B. Price, Was. 167 191 .874
Hawkins, Sea. 247 283 .873
Richmond, Sac. 425 491 .866
Miller, Ind. 430 498 .863
Legler, Was. 132 153 .863
Webb, Atl.-Min. 125 145 .862
Johnson, Pho. 342 398 .859
Mullin, G.S. 137 160 .856
Johnson, LA-L 172 201 .856
Brown, Bos. 135 158 .854
Curry, Cha. 146 171 .854
Childs, N.J. 259 304 .852
Pierce, Ind. 174 205 .849
Pack, Was. 154 182 .846
Stith, Den. 320 379 .844
Armstrong, G.S. 234 279 .839
Rider, Min. 248 296 .838
Rice, Cha. 319 381 .837
Scott, Van. 203 243 .835
Jordan, Chi. 548 657 .834
Oakley, N.Y. 175 210 .833
Del Negro, S.A. 178 214 .832
Murray, Tor. 182 219 .831
Stockton, Utah 234 282 .830
Mills, Cle. 218 263 .829
Smith, Atl. 318 385 .826
Jackson, Dal. 345 418 .825
Cassell, Hou. 235 285 .825
Houston, Det. 298 362 .823
Dumars, Det. 162 197 .822
Scott, Orl. 182 222 .820
Laettner, Min.-Atl. 324 396 .818
Mitchell, Min. 237 291 .814
Ruffin, Phi. 148 182 .813
Robinson, Mil. 316 389 .812
Anderson, Tor.-N.Y. 132 163 .810
Blocks Per Game
Player G BLK AVG
Mutombo, Den. 74 332 4.49
Bradley, Phi.-N.J. 79 288 3.65
Robinson, S.A. 82 271 3.30
Olajuwon, Hou. 72 207 2.88
Mourning, Mia. 70 189 2.70
Campbell, LA-L 82 212 2.59
Ewing, N.Y. 76 184 2.42
Muresan, Was. 76 172 2.26
O'Neal, Orl. 54 115 2.13
McIlvaine, Was. 80 166 2.08
Miller, Tor. 76 143 1.88
Williams, Dal. 65 122 1.88
Lang, Atl.-Min. 71 126 1.77
Divac, LA-L 79 131 1.66
Garnett, Min. 80 131 1.64
Smith, G.S. 82 134 1.63
Kemp, Sea. 79 127 1.61
Johnson, Sea. 81 129 1.59
Ratliff, Det. 75 116 1.55
Horry, Hou. 71 109 1.54
McDyess, Den. 76 114 1.50
D. Davis, Ind. 78 112 1.44
Weatherspoon, Phi. 78 108 1.38
Grant, Sac. 78 103 1.32
Dudley, Por. 80 100 1.25
Brown, N.J. 81 100 1.23
Gugliotta, Min. 78 96 1.23
Outlaw, LA-C 80 91 1.14
Baker, Mil. 82 91 1.11
Stackhouse, Phi. 72 79 1.10
Smith, N.Y.-S.A. 73 80 1.10
Causwell, Sac. 73 78 1.07
Sabonis, Por. 73 78 1.07
Benjamin, Van.-Mil. 83 85 1.02
Cage, Cle. 82 79 0.96
Laettner, Min.-Atl. 74 71 0.96
Perdue, S.A. 80 75 0.94
C. Robinson, Por. 78 68 0.87
Geiger, Cha. 77 63 0.82
Polynice, Sac. 81 66 0.81
nba.627vpoznanovic,
NBA Team-By-Team Statistics (Through Sunday, April 21)
OFFENSE
TEAM G FGM-FGA PCT 3PM-3PA PCT FTM-FTA PCT AVG
==== == ========= === ======= === ========= === ===
Chicago 82 3293-6892 .478 544-1349 .403 1495-2002 .747 105.2
Orlando 82 3203-6640 .482 622-1645 .378 1543-2232 .691 104.5
Seattle 82 3074-6404 .480 581-1596 .364 1843-2424 .760 104.5
Phoenix 82 3159-6673 .473 327-984 .332 1907-2472 .771 104.3
Boston 82 3163-6941 .456 539-1452 .371 1630-2284 .714 103.6
San Antonio 82 3148-6602 .477 518-1320 .392 1663-2261 .736 103.4
LA Lakers 82 3216-6707 .479 477-1359 .351 1529-2049 .746 102.9
Charlotte 82 3108-6618 .470 584-1520 .384 1631-2119 .770 102.8
Dallas 82 3124-7431 .420 735-2039 .360 1426-1975 .722 102.6
Houston 82 3078-6638 .464 637-1761 .362 1611-2105 .765 102.5
Utah 82 3129-6415 .488 377-1013 .372 1769-2302 .768 102.5
Washington 82 3202-6616 .484 493-1211 .407 1511-2076 .728 102.5
Golden State 82 3056-6696 .456 447-1198 .373 1775-2340 .759 101.6
Sacramento 82 2971-6494 .457 462-1194 .387 1759-2407 .731 99.6
LA Clippers 82 3126-6618 .472 509-1374 .370 1392-1984 .702 99.4
Indiana 82 2979-6205 .480 363-973 .373 1823-2416 .755 99.3
Portland 82 3064-6709 .457 480-1358 .353 1537-2321 .662 99.3
Atlanta 82 2985-6665 .448 566-1595 .355 1523-2012 .757 98.3
Minnesota 82 2974-6481 .459 279-858 .325 1797-2313 .777 97.8
Denver 82 3001-6657 .451 397-1148 .346 1614-2173 .743 97.7
Toronto 82 3084-6598 .467 414-1168 .354 1412-1953 .723 97.5
New York 82 3003-6382 .471 485-1285 .377 1480-1954 .757 97.2
Miami 82 2902-6347 .457 552-1458 .379 1553-2187 .710 96.5
Milwaukee 82 3034-6489 .468 357-1052 .339 1412-1920 .735 95.6
Detroit 82 2810-6122 .459 545-1350 .404 1657-2206 .751 95.4
Philadelphia 82 2796-6418 .436 492-1437 .342 1662-2263 .734 94.5
New Jersey 82 2881-6750 .427 250-746 .335 1672-2244 .745 93.7
Cleveland 82 2761-5998 .460 596-1582 .377 1355-1775 .763 91.1
Vancouver 82 2772-6483 .428 372-1129 .329 1446-1998 .724 89.8
- REBOUNDS -
OFF-DEF TRB AST STL TO BLKS
======= === === === == ====
Chicago 1249-2409 3658 2033 745 1175 345
Orlando 966-2401 3367 2081 666 1160 406
Seattle 955-2448 3403 1999 882 1441 392
Phoenix 1009-2501 3510 2001 623 1206 344
Boston 1050-2427 3477 1792 653 1302 412
San Antonio 937-2586 3523 2044 645 1195 534
LA Lakers 995-2303 3298 2080 722 1163 514
Charlotte 987-2256 3243 1907 582 1240 277
Dallas 1408-2379 3787 1913 642 1270 342
Houston 919-2451 3370 1981 645 1243 475
Utah 993-2373 3366 2139 667 1215 416
Washington 929-2328 3257 1815 596 1327 506
Golden State 1170-2288 3458 1887 706 1342 469
Sacramento 1111-2346 3457 1829 643 1442 434
LA Clippers 979-2190 3169 1672 703 1355 411
Indiana 1009-2263 3272 1909 583 1335 326
Portland 1160-2577 3737 1760 594 1376 417
Atlanta 1182-2148 3330 1609 771 1227 319
Minnesota 984-2272 3256 1867 650 1435 481
Denver 1053-2487 3540 1851 521 1264 597
Toronto 1071-2213 3284 1927 746 1542 493
New York 829-2447 3276 1822 645 1271 377
Miami 998-2493 3491 1752 574 1394 456
Milwaukee 972-2161 3133 1753 579 1287 312
Detroit 884-2443 3327 1610 506 1215 367
Philadelphia 1031-2161 3192 1629 644 1414 432
New Jersey 1350-2503 3853 1752 627 1375 571
Cleveland 867-2055 2922 1818 673 1073 340
Vancouver 957-2170 3127 1706 727 1344 349
DEFENSE
TEAM G FGM-FGA PCT 3PM-3PA PCT FTM-FTA PCT AVG
==== == ========= === ======= === ========= === ===
Cleveland 82 2674-5787 .462 513-1322 .388 1400-1844 .759 88.6
Chicago 82 2880-6428 .448 437-1249 .350 1424-1985 .717 92.9
Detroit 82 2827-6396 .442 505-1380 .366 1458-2039 .715 92.9
New York 82 2859-6470 .442 442-1311 .337 1621-2191 .740 94.9
Miami 82 2734-6304 .434 446-1237 .361 1878-2498 .752 95.0
Utah 82 2747-6174 .445 550-1427 .385 1820-2421 .752 95.9
Indiana 82 2841-6292 .452 493-1368 .360 1703-2302 .740 96.1
Seattle 82 2873-6552 .438 533-1531 .348 1654-2307 .717 96.7
Portland 82 2953-6677 .442 472-1355 .348 1574-2127 .740 97.0
Atlanta 82 3044-6419 .474 479-1329 .360 1392-1866 .746 97.1
San Antonio 82 3017-6866 .439 441-1337 .330 1485-2034 .730 97.1
New Jersey 82 3006-6625 .454 543-1415 .384 1476-1994 .740 97.9
LA Lakers 82 3118-6806 .458 442-1203 .367 1395-1890 .738 98.5
Orlando 82 3060-6736 .454 496-1357 .366 1499-2037 .736 99.0
Vancouver 82 3080-6488 .475 459-1226 .374 1561-2129 .733 99.8
Denver 82 3091-6741 .459 453-1235 .367 1600-2105 .760 100.4
Houston 82 3178-6908 .460 482-1344 .359 1423-2012 .707 100.7
Milwaukee 82 3084-6415 .481 514-1293 .398 1590-2193 .725 100.9
Washington 82 3061-6648 .460 377-1102 .342 1822-2378 .766 101.5
Sacramento 82 2987-6461 .462 461-1215 .379 1950-2596 .751 102.3
LA Clippers 82 3090-6472 .477 444-1195 .372 1824-2444 .746 103.0
Golden State 82 3206-6752 .475 477-1306 .365 1564-2102 .744 103.1
Minnesota 82 3086-6586 .469 530-1393 .380 1761-2368 .744 103.2
Charlotte 82 3254-6651 .489 530-1338 .396 1440-1957 .736 103.4
Phoenix 82 3217-6837 .471 551-1492 .369 1540-2083 .739 104.0
Philadelphia 82 3284-6796 .483 526-1421 .370 1472-1986 .741 104.5
Toronto 82 3146-6624 .475 519-1416 .367 1799-2416 .745 105.0
Boston 82 3296-6857 .481 415-1163 .357 1767-2366 .747 107.0
Dallas 82 3403-6921 .492 470-1194 .394 1535-2097 .732 107.5
- REBOUNDS -
OFF-DEF TRB AST STL TO BLKS
======= === === === == ====
Cleveland 874-2167 3041 1818 504 1282 345
Chicago 977-2139 3116 1592 595 1405 312
Detroit 964-2268 3232 1730 559 1153 385
New York 995-2425 3420 1671 653 1291 281
Miami 983-2314 3297 1645 662 1285 414
Utah 936-2152 3088 1640 585 1283 409
Indiana 1004-2051 3055 1726 663 1258 420
Seattle 1076-2253 3329 1776 758 1513 390
Portland 929-2319 3248 1817 711 1192 407
Atlanta 1054-2292 3346 1841 580 1404 351
San Antonio 1109-2473 3582 1849 604 1257 428
New Jersey 1028-2355 3383 1876 665 1270 515
LA Lakers 1146-2316 3462 2006 588 1334 483
Orlando 1087-2365 3452 1869 644 1238 333
Vancouver 1102-2550 3652 1988 698 1432 472
Denver 934-2385 3319 1875 617 1130 418
Houston 1126-2497 3623 1945 671 1223 400
Milwaukee 994-2306 3300 1935 648 1210 372
Washington 1105-2367 3472 1690 696 1362 390
Sacramento 1056-2308 3364 1804 767 1356 504
LA Clippers 1034-2362 3396 1658 688 1357 401
Golden State 1113-2291 3404 2096 695 1372 382
Minnesota 1036-2317 3353 1966 725 1343 498
Charlotte 953-2358 3311 2049 536 1212 380
Phoenix 1003-2382 3385 2088 586 1190 423
Philadelphia 1163-2479 3642 2099 724 1288 491
Toronto 1097-2271 3368 1990 769 1326 492
Boston 1039-2591 3630 1916 667 1314 489
Dallas 1087-2726 3813 1983 702 1348 529
(NOTE: DEFENSIVE STATISTICS REFLECT CUMULATIVE TOTALS OF A
TEAM'S OPPONENTS)
nba.628vpoznanovic,
NBA Team Comparison Through Sunday, April 21
POINTS FIELD GOAL 3-PT FG
PER GAME PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE TURNOVERS PER GAME
TEAM OWN OPP OWN OPP OWN OPP OWN OPP MARGIN
Atlanta 98.3 97.1 .448 .474 .355 .360 15.0 17.1 +2.1
Boston 103.6 107.0 .456 .480 .371 .357 15.9 16.0 +0.1
Charlotte 102.8 103.4 .470 .489 .384 .396 15.1 14.8 -0.3
Chicago *105.2 92.9 .478 .448 .403 .350 14.3 17.1 *+2.8
Cleveland 91.1 *88.5 .460 .462 .377 .388 *13.1 15.6 +2.5
Dallas 102.5 107.5 .420 .492 .360 .394 15.5 16.5 +1.0
Denver 97.7 100.4 .451 .459 .346 .367 15.4 13.8 -1.6
Detroit 95.4 92.9 .459 .443 .404 .366 14.8 14.1 -0.7
Golden State 101.6 103.1 .456 .475 .373 .365 16.4 16.7 +0.3
Houston 102.5 100.7 .464 .460 .362 .359 15.2 14.9 -0.3
Indiana 99.3 96.1 .480 .452 .373 .360 16.3 15.3 -1.0
LA Clippers 99.4 103.0 .472 .477 .370 .372 16.5 16.5 0.0
LA Lakers 102.9 98.5 .480 .458 .351 .367 14.2 16.3 +2.1
Miami 96.5 95.0 .457 *.434 .379 .360 17.0 15.7 -1.3
Milwaukee 95.5 100.9 .467 .481 .338 .398 15.7 14.8 -0.9
Minnesota 97.9 103.2 .459 .469 .326 .380 17.4 16.3 -1.1
New Jersey 93.7 97.9 .427 .454 .335 .383 16.8 15.5 -1.3
New York 97.2 94.9 .471 .442 .377 .337 15.5 15.7 +0.2
Orlando 104.5 99.0 .482 .454 .378 .366 14.1 15.1 +1.0
Philadelphia 94.5 104.5 .436 .483 .342 .370 17.2 15.7 -1.5
Phoenix 104.3 104.0 .473 .470 .332 .370 14.7 14.5 -0.2
Portland 99.3 97.0 .458 .442 .353 .348 16.8 14.5 -2.3
Sacramento 99.5 102.3 .457 .462 .387 .379 17.6 16.6 -1.0
San Antonio 103.4 97.1 .477 .439 .392 *.330 14.6 15.3 +0.7
Seattle 104.5 96.7 .480 .439 .364 .348 17.6 *18.4 +0.8
Toronto 97.5 105.0 .467 .475 .354 .367 18.8 16.2 -2.6
Utah 102.5 95.9 *.488 .445 .372 .385 14.8 15.6 +0.8
Vancouver 89.8 99.8 .428 .475 .329 .374 16.4 17.4 +1.0
Washington 102.5 101.5 .484 .461 *.406 .342 16.2 16.6 +0.4
------------------ RECORDS ------------------
UNDER 100 PTS OT DECIDED BY
REBOUND PCT OWN OPP GAMES 3-PTS(LESS) 10-PTS(MORE)
TEAM OFF DEF TOT W-L W-L W-L W-L W-L
Atlanta .341 .671 .499 21-27 36-11 2-0 9-8 19-12
Boston .288 .700 .489 4-31 14-9 3-4 8-7 13-26
Charlotte .295 .703 .495 11-20 23-6 2-5 6-9 18-17
Chicago *.368 .712 *.540 16-8 55-3 2-0 5-3 46-2
Cleveland .286 .701 .490 30-31 43-25 2-2 10-6 27-18
Dallas .341 .686 .498 4-28 12-8 4-4 7-9 10-30
Denver .306 .727 .516 15-36 26-21 2-1 5-6 12-21
Detroit .280 .717 .507 20-32 40-20 4-2 8-10 25-12
Golden State .339 .672 .504 10-30 19-10 2-1 8-6 13-22
Houston .269 .685 .482 10-19 25-11 1-3 6-9 16-13
Indiana .330 .693 .517 17-26 39-11 1-1 10-8 22-7
LA Clippers .293 .679 .483 7-30 20-8 0-2 4-3 11-23
LA Lakers .301 .668 .488 9-23 36-11 0-0 9-9 31-13
Miami .301 .717 .514 14-35 32-21 2-1 6-9 21-17
Milwaukee .297 .685 .487 9-45 16-21 1-1 3-5 9-25
Minnesota .298 .687 .493 9-38 21-8 0-4 5-9 11-26
New Jersey .364 .709 .532 20-41 27-21 3-3 5-6 10-28
New York .255 .711 .489 22-29 39-14 3-2 4-0 20-15
Orlando .290 .688 .494 17-15 43-5 5-0 12-5 35-14
Philadelphia .294 .650 .467 3-44 11-15 1-1 7-6 4-44
Phoenix .297 .714 .509 3-23 20-8 4-4 4-5 20-18
Portland .333 *.735 .535 16-26 32-14 3-3 7-11 21-12
Sacramento .325 .689 .507 14-29 27-7 2-1 7-5 10-27
San Antonio .275 .700 .496 13-17 39-6 0-3 9-4 31-9
Seattle .298 .695 .506 17-13 44-7 4-2 8-8 30-8
Toronto .321 .668 .494 6-35 13-15 2-4 6-9 8-31
Utah .316 .717 .521 14-17 44-8 1-2 5-6 37-8
Vancouver .273 .663 .461 7-59 10-32 4-3 5-3 2-36
Washington .282 .678 .484 10-25 26-12 2-3 4-8 21-19
* = Indicates League Leader
REBOUND PERCENTAGE:
Off - a team's offensive rebounds divided by offensive rebound
opportunities (that team's total number of missed shots)
Def - a team's defensive rebounds divided by defensive rebound
opportunities (the total number of missed shots by that
team's opponents)
Tot - a team's total rebounds divided by rebound opportunities
(the sum of missed shots by that team and its opponents)
nba.629vpoznanovic,
(Complete through Sunday, April 21st)
Division Records
Eastern Conference
------------------
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
-------- ------- ------- -------
Atlanta Hawks 17-9 15-13 7-7 7-7
Boston Celtics 12-12 11-19 5-9 5-9
Charlotte Hornets 13-13 13-15 8-6 7-7
Chicago Bulls 23-3 24-4 13-1 12-2
Cleveland Cavaliers 16-10 13-15 8-6 10-4
Detroit Pistons 12-14 15-13 9-5 10-4
Indiana Pacers 17-9 19-9 8-6 8-6
Miami Heat 13-12 16-13 9-5 4-10
Milwaukee Bucks 8-18 8-20 5-9 4-10
New Jersey Nets 8-17 13-16 6-8 3-11
New York Knicks 16-8 16-14 10-4 5-9
Orlando Magic 21-3 19-11 10-4 10-4
Philadelphia 76ers 5-19 7-23 5-9 1-13
Toronto Raptors 9-17 5-23 3-11 4-10
Washington Bullets 10-14 11-19 10-4 8-6
Western Conference
------------------
Atlantic Central Midwest Pacific
-------- ------- ------- -------
Dallas Mavericks 4-10 3-13 10-14 9-19
Denver Nuggets 6-8 7-9 13-11 9-19
Golden State Warriors 8-6 6-10 15-13 7-17
Houston Rockets 6-8 11-5 15-9 16-12
Los Angeles Clippers 6-8 2-14 13-15 8-16
Los Angeles Lakers 10-4 9-7 17-11 17-7
Minnesota Timberwolves 3-11 6-10 10-14 7-21
Phoenix Suns 10-4 8-8 14-14 9-15
Portland Trail Blazers 10-4 5-11 18-10 11-13
Sacramento Kings 7-7 9-7 12-16 11-13
San Antonio Spurs 10-4 10-6 19-5 20-8
Seattle SuperSonics 11-3 11-5 21-7 21-3
Utah Jazz 10-4 12-4 14-10 19-9
Vancouver Grizzlies 4-10 2-14 3-21 6-22
East vs. West Division Records
Eastern Conference
------------------
vs. Eastern vs. Western
93-94 94-95 95-96 93-94 94-95 95-96
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Atlanta Hawks 42-14 28-28 32-22 15-11 14-12 14-14
Boston Celtics 21-35 24-32 23-31 11-15 11-15 10-18
Charlotte Hornets 29-27 36-20 26-28 12-14 14-12 15-13
Chicago Bulls 38-18 35-21 47-7 17-9 12-14 25-3
Cleveland Cavaliers 31-25 33-23 29-25 16-10 10-16 18-10
Detroit Pistons 12-44 21-35 27-27 8-18 7-19 19-9
Indiana Pacers 32-24 35-21 36-18 15-11 17-9 16-12
Miami Heat 32-24 25-31 29-25 10-16 7-19 13-15
Milwaukee Bucks 14-42 26-30 16-38 6-20 8-18 9-19
New Jersey Nets 32-24 21-35 21-33 13-13 9-17 9-19
New York Knicks 40-16 37-19 32-22 17-9 18-8 15-13
Orlando Magic 35-21 39-17 40-14 15-11 18-8 20-8
Philadelphia 76ers 17-39 16-40 12-42 8-18 8-18 6-22
Toronto Raptors 0-0 0-0 14-40 0-0 0-0 7-21
Washington Bullets 17-39 16-40 21-33 7-19 5-21 18-10
Western Conference
------------------
vs. Eastern vs. Western
93-94 94-95 95-96 93-94 94-95 95-96
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Dallas Mavericks 3-25 13-15 7-23 10-44 23-31 19-33
Denver Nuggets 15-13 14-14 13-17 27-27 27-27 22-30
Golden State Warriors 17-11 7-21 14-16 33-21 19-35 22-30
Houston Rockets 20-8 20-8 17-13 36-18 27-27 31-21
Los Angeles Clippers 10-18 7-21 8-22 17-37 10-44 21-31
Los Angeles Lakers 15-13 18-10 19-11 18-36 30-24 34-18
Minnesota Timberwolves 7-21 9-19 9-21 13-41 12-42 17-35
Phoenix Suns 19-9 20-8 18-12 37-37 39-15 23-29
Portland Trail Blazers 18-10 16-12 15-15 29-25 28-26 29-23
Sacramento Kings 11-17 14-14 16-14 17-37 25-29 23-29
San Antonio Spurs 23-5 21-7 20-10 32-22 41-13 39-13
Seattle SuperSonics 19-9 23-5 22-8 44-10 34-20 42-10
Utah Jazz 17-11 24-4 22-8 36-18 36-18 33-19
Vancouver Grizzlies 0-0 0-0 6-24 0-0 0-0 9-43
Records on Days of Week
Eastern Conference
------------------
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
------ ------- --------- -------- ------ -------- ------
Atlanta 2-4 8-5 5-5 5-7 10-6 8-8 8-1
Boston 2-3 2-9 12-9 2-2 9-11 3-5 3-10
Charlotte 2-2 8-5 6-10 3-5 7-11 9-5 6-3
Chicago 4-1 13-3 9-0 14-0 13-1 12-1 7-4
Cleveland 2-1 9-6 3-5 11-4 6-7 11-5 5-7
Detroit 4-5 5-3 10-7 6-4 9-4 7-10 5-3
Indiana 3-0 12-4 6-7 4-5 12-6 8-3 7-5
Miami 3-6 5-5 8-7 4-5 8-6 10-8 4-3
Milwaukee 1-3 4-13 5-7 6-5 3-14 3-9 3-6
New Jersey 2-5 5-9 7-6 1-6 5-13 7-8 3-5
New York 3-3 7-7 8-7 4-5 8-6 9-4 8-3
Orlando 5-1 12-2 11-3 4-2 17-3 5-6 6-5
Philadelphia 2-4 4-6 5-16 0-2 4-17 1-15 2-4
Toronto 1-6 6-12 1-8 0-11 4-11 3-7 6-6
Washington 2-4 3-5 8-10 4-3 8-12 7-5 7-4
Western Conference
------------------
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
------ ------- --------- -------- ------ -------- ------
Dallas 3-3 5-15 2-2 6-8 5-10 2-11 3-7
Denver 3-2 7-8 3-5 5-11 3-9 8-7 6-5
Golden State 2-5 7-7 4-8 3-9 7-7 11-6 2-4
Houston 3-3 12-6 7-5 11-5 2-4 9-6 4-5
LA Clippers 1-4 5-11 3-9 7-5 6-5 3-12 4-7
LA Lakers 2-0 10-8 10-4 2-3 18-3 3-7 8-4
Minnesota 3-1 4-8 4-14 1-2 8-13 3-10 3-8
Phoenix 1-3 9-6 7-7 5-2 9-11 3-4 7-8
Portland 4-3 8-8 5-4 5-5 8-7 5-7 9-4
Sacramento 3-4 6-9 5-6 4-5 9-9 5-4 7-6
San Antonio 5-2 8-5 12-4 7-2 9-6 11-0 7-4
Seattle 6-0 12-5 12-3 4-1 14-4 11-3 5-2
Utah 12-2 7-3 11-3 6-3 10-6 7-6 2-4
Vancouver 1-7 1-11 2-10 1-8 5-14 3-5 2-12
Triple-Doubles
Date Player Team Opponent Statistics, Categories
Career
---- ------ ---- -------- ----------------------
------
11/09 Scottie Pippen Chicago Cleveland 18 Pts, 13 Reb, 12 Ast 15
11/18 Kendall Gill Charlotte S. Antonio 11 Pts, 10 Reb, 12 Ast 1
11/21 Damon Stoudamire Toronto Seattle 20 Pts, 12 Reb, 11 Ast 1
11/21 Jason Kidd Dallas Chicago 25 Pts, 15 Reb, 11 Ast 5
11/22 Scottie Pippen (2) Chicago S. Antonio 15 Pts, 10 Reb, 13 Ast 16
11/22 Charles Barkley Phoenix Atlanta 20 Pts, 12 Reb, 11 Ast 18
12/02 Grant Hill Detroit Atlanta 24 Pts, 13 Reb, 11 Ast 2
12/02 Dikembe Mutombo Denver Minnesota 22 Pts, 16 Reb, 10 Blk 8
12/12 Kendall Gill (2) Charlotte Phoenix 18 Pts, 11 Reb, 12 Ast 2
12/13 Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Vancouver 15 Pts, 14 Reb, 10 Blk 11
12/15 Grant Hill (2) Detroit New Jersey 19 Pts, 10 Reb, 12 Ast 3
12/20 Derrick McKey Indiana La Lakers 17 Pts, 13 Reb, 11 Ast 1
12/27 Chris Webber Washington Golden St. 40 Pts, 10 Reb, 10 Ast 5
12/28 Hakeem Olajuwon (2) Houston New Jersey 22 Pts, 18 Reb, 10 Ast 12
12/28 Grant Hill (3) Detroit Toronto 17 Pts, 10 Reb, 11 Ast 4
12/29 Brian Shaw Orlando LA Clippers 11 Pts, 10 Reb, 10 Ast 1
01/05 Sherman Douglas Milwaukee Portland 15 Pts, 10 Reb, 11 Ast 1
01/12 Jason Kidd (2) Dallas Phoenix 33 Pts, 12 Reb, 16 Ast 6
01/13 Jason Kidd (3) Dallas Charlotte 17 Pts, 10 Reb, 11 Ast 7
01/13 Grant Hill (4) Detroit New Jersey 26 Pts, 13 Reb, 13 Ast 5
01/16 Dennis Rodman Chicago Philadelphia10 Pts, 21 Reb, 10 Ast 1
01/23 Jason Kidd (4) Dallas Sacramento 29 Pts, 10 Reb, 10 Ast 8
01/27 Clyde Drexler Houston Detroit 24 Pts, 10 Reb, 10 Ast 19
01/30 Jason Kidd (5) Dallas LA Clippers 21 Pts, 16 Reb, 16 Ast 9
02/01 Clyde Drexler (2) Houston Charlotte 16 Pts, 10 Reb, 14 Ast 20
02/02 Karl Malone Utah LA Clippers 27 Pts, 15 Reb, 10 Ast 1
02/13 Clyde Drexler (3) Houston Dallas 21 Pts, 14 Reb, 12 Ast 21
02/14 Magic Johnson LA Lakers Atlanta 15 Pts, 10 Reb, 13 Ast 138
02/21 Grant Hill (5) Detroit New York 25 Pts, 15 Reb, 11 Ast 6
02/23 Jason Kidd (6) Dallas LA Lakers 17 Pts, 10 Reb, 12 Ast 10
02/29 Jason Kidd (7) Dallas Denver 26 Pts, 12 Reb, 12 Ast 11
03/01 Blue Edwards Vancouver Dallas 15 Pts, 13 Reb, 11 Ast 1
03/04 Grant Hill (6) Detroit Atlanta 17 Pts, 11 Reb, 12 Ast 7
03/07 Larry Johnson Charlotte Dallas 21 Pts, 10 Reb, 10 Ast 5
03/13 Grant Hill (7) Detroit Phoenix 18 Pts, 17 Reb, 11 Ast 8
03/14 Shawn Bradley New Jersey Washington 19 Pts, 17 Reb, 11 Blk 1
03/15 Kevin Johnson Phoenix Phila. 14 Pts, 10 Reb, 13 Ast 11
03/16 Chris Childs New Jersey Chicago 18 Pts, 10 Reb, 14 Ast 1
03/17 Grant Hill (8) Detroit Denver 20 Pts, 13 Reb, 10 Ast 9
03/18 Gary Payton Seattle LA Clippers 20 Pts, 10 Reb, 10 Ast 4
03/19 Anthony Bowie Orlando Detroit 20 Pts, 10 Reb, 10 Ast 1
04/05 Vlade Divac LA Lakers Vancouver 10 Pts, 10 Reb, 13 Ast 4
04/07 Grant Hill (9) Detroit Boston 16 Pts, 10 Reb, 10 Ast 10
04/11 Jason Kidd (8) Dallas Portland 19 Pts, 10 Reb, 10 Ast 12
04/13 Hakeem Olajuwon (3) Houston Dallas 31 Pts, 13 Reb, 10 Blk 13
04/14 Grant Hill (10) Detroit Boston 16 Pts, 12 Reb, 10 Ast 11
04/17 Shawn Bradley (2) New Jersey Toronto 11 Pts, 10 Reb, 12 Blk 2
04/19 Shawn Bradley (3) New Jersey Boston 17 Pts, 13 Reb, 10 Blk 3
04/19 Patrick Ewing New York Charlotte 28 Pts, 15 Reb, 11 Ast 1
04/21 Jason Kidd (9) Dallas San Antonio 21 Pts, 10 Reb, 15 Ast 13
Attendance
Home Attendance Road Attendance
TEAM G Att Avg G Att Avg
---- - --- --- - --- ---
Atlanta Hawks 41 496669 12114 41 714066 17416
Boston Celtics 41 732841 17874 41 706112 17222
Charlotte Hornets 41 985722 24042 41 690050 16830
Chicago Bulls 41 969149 23638 41 816705 19920
Cleveland Cavaliers 41 730095 17807 41 681421 16620
Dallas Mavericks 41 684138 16686 41 705178 17199
Denver Nuggets 41 675426 16474 41 677487 16524
Detroit Pistons 41 730573 17819 41 715632 17454
Golden State Warriors 41 616025 15025 41 687222 16762
Houston Rockets 41 667685 16285 41 729564 17794
Indiana Pacers 41 673967 16438 41 714843 17435
Los Angeles Clippers 41 414560 10111 41 676181 16492
Los Angeles Lakers 41 649634 15845 41 751924 18340
Miami Heat 41 606091 14783 41 713406 17400
Milwaukee Bucks 41 647088 15783 41 679670 16577
Minnesota Timberwolves 41 585669 14285 41 664271 16202
New Jersey Nets 41 811422 19791 41 699704 17066
Seattle SuperSonics 41 697301 17007 41 708723 17286
Toronto Raptors 41 950330 23179 41 676865 16509
Utah Jazz 41 813073 19831 41 703999 17171
Vancouver Grizzlies 41 704489 17183 41 665147 16223
Washington Bullets 41 688354 16789 41 707747 17262
Grand Totals 1189 20513218 17252 1189 20513218 17252
nba.630vpoznanovic,
Games won/lost by # points
20- 15- 10- WINS LOSSES 6- 11- 16-
>20 16 11 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20 >20
Dallas ....... 2 1 4 7 4 1 3 4 0 4 0 5 1 2 15 17 6 6
Denver ....... 2 2 7 13 3 3 4 1 0 3 3 0 3 4 15 7 4 8
Houston ...... 3 4 9 17 5 4 3 2 1 3 4 2 1 3 8 9 2 2
Minnesota .... 3 2 5 5 3 3 1 2 2 1 5 3 1 4 19 5 6 12
San Antonio .. 9 5 15 19 1 1 4 2 3 1 1 2 1 3 7 4 3 1
Utah ......... 12 9 12 15 1 1 3 2 0 2 1 3 3 3 9 4 1 1
Vancouver .... 0 0 2 4 1 3 0 2 3 0 3 0 4 8 18 13 7 14
Golden State . 4 2 5 12 3 2 7 0 1 1 2 3 3 3 16 10 4 4
LA Clippers .. 1 2 7 8 5 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 5 3 21 8 8 5
LA Lakers .... 11 8 8 9 4 4 4 3 2 6 1 2 1 1 6 7 4 1
Phoenix ...... 5 2 9 12 5 4 2 1 1 2 2 1 3 5 12 8 4 4
Portland ..... 6 5 9 13 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 7 7 3 6 6 3 2
Sacramento ... 4 5 0 14 6 3 3 1 3 1 4 0 2 0 11 11 5 9
Seattle ...... 10 8 10 20 6 2 2 3 3 3 0 5 0 1 1 4 1 3
Boston ....... 4 3 4 8 3 3 0 2 6 2 2 3 2 6 11 7 6 10
Miami ........ 6 8 4 18 0 0 4 2 0 4 3 2 5 1 8 8 6 3
New Jersey ... 1 3 6 10 3 2 0 3 2 1 1 4 3 1 18 12 5 7
New York ..... 7 2 9 18 4 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 17 5 5 2
Orlando ...... 10 8 14 10 4 2 2 6 4 2 1 2 1 0 3 7 3 3
Philadelphia . 2 0 2 4 0 3 2 2 3 1 2 3 1 4 10 17 11 15
Washington ... 6 4 10 12 2 1 1 2 1 3 3 2 3 3 14 7 6 2
Atlanta ...... 5 4 9 14 4 1 6 2 1 2 3 3 2 3 11 4 3 5
Charlotte .... 2 4 8 16 2 3 1 2 3 0 5 4 2 4 12 7 1 6
Chicago ...... 21 11 13 15 2 5 4 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 1
Cleveland .... 9 4 11 8 3 2 5 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 10 10 5 2
Detroit ...... 6 6 10 14 1 1 1 4 3 4 1 5 2 3 10 7 1 3
Indiana ...... 2 7 11 19 2 1 4 2 4 3 3 2 2 1 13 3 1 2
Milwaukee .... 1 1 6 7 3 4 1 0 2 0 2 3 3 3 25 6 6 9
Toronto ...... 0 4 4 5 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 7 3 5 14 11 7 12
Win-Loss for last # games (H=home, R=road):
L5 L10 L15 L20 HL5 HL10 HL15 HL20 RL5 RL10 RL15 RL20
Dallas ...... 2-3 4-6 5-10 5-15 2-3 3-7 5-10 7-13 1-4 2-8 4-11 4-16
Denver ...... 2-3 4-6 7-8 8-12 3-2 6-4 9-6 13-7 2-3 3-7 3-12 4-16
Houston ..... 3-2 5-5 6-9 8-12 4-1 5-5 8-7 12-8 1-4 3-7 6-9 8-12
Minnesota ... 0-5 2-8 4-11 7-13 1-4 4-6 6-9 8-12 1-4 3-7 4-11 6-14
San Antonio . 3-2 6-4 10-5 15-5 3-2 8-2 13-2 17-3 2-3 7-3 11-4 14-6
Utah ........ 3-2 5-5 8-7 12-8 3-2 7-3 12-3 17-3 2-3 4-6 7-8 9-11
Vancouver ... 2-3 3-7 4-11 4-16 1-4 2-8 2-13 3-17 2-3 2-8 2-13 2-18
Golden State 2-3 5-5 6-9 8-12 3-2 5-5 7-8 11-9 2-3 3-7 4-11 6-14
LA Clippers . 1-4 2-8 4-11 7-13 2-3 6-4 9-6 9-11 0-5 1-9 3-12 4-16
LA Lakers ... 4-1 8-2 11-4 13-7 5-0 7-3 11-4 15-5 3-2 6-4 10-5 14-6
Phoenix ..... 2-3 4-6 8-7 10-10 4-1 8-2 12-3 16-4 1-4 2-8 4-11 7-13
Portland .... 3-2 7-3 12-3 16-4 4-1 9-1 12-3 12-8 3-2 7-3 8-7 12-8
Sacramento .. 4-1 6-4 9-6 11-9 4-1 8-2 10-5 11-9 1-4 3-7 4-11 4-16
Seattle ..... 3-2 7-3 12-3 16-4 5-0 10-0 14-1 19-1 2-3 6-4 10-5 14-6
Boston ...... 3-2 5-5 7-8 10-10 2-3 5-5 8-7 9-11 3-2 5-5 6-9 8-12
Miami ....... 3-2 5-5 8-7 12-8 3-2 7-3 10-5 13-7 2-3 6-4 8-7 10-10
New Jersey .. 1-4 1-9 3-12 5-15 1-4 3-7 4-11 7-13 0-5 2-8 5-10 6-14
New York .... 2-3 5-5 7-8 11-9 2-3 6-4 8-7 13-7 3-2 6-4 8-7 9-11
Orlando ..... 4-1 6-4 10-5 13-7 3-2 6-4 11-4 16-4 4-1 8-2 11-4 14-6
Philadelphia 2-3 4-6 5-10 5-15 2-3 3-7 5-10 7-13 2-3 2-8 3-12 4-16
Washington .. 1-4 6-4 9-6 11-9 3-2 5-5 9-6 10-10 3-2 6-4 7-8 8-12
Atlanta ..... 3-2 5-5 8-7 11-9 2-3 6-4 10-5 14-6 3-2 6-4 7-8 11-9
Charlotte ... 2-3 4-6 7-8 10-10 1-4 5-5 8-7 11-9 4-1 6-4 7-8 9-11
Chicago ..... 4-1 8-2 12-3 17-3 3-2 8-2 13-2 18-2 5-0 9-1 12-3 15-5
Cleveland ... 3-2 6-4 9-6 12-8 3-2 6-4 8-7 13-7 3-2 6-4 8-7 11-9
Detroit ..... 3-2 6-4 8-7 11-9 5-0 9-1 13-2 16-4 1-4 2-8 5-10 8-12
Indiana ..... 4-1 8-2 11-4 13-7 5-0 8-2 12-3 14-6 3-2 5-5 8-7 10-10
Milwaukee ... 2-3 3-7 4-11 4-16 1-4 2-8 3-12 5-15 2-3 2-8 2-13 4-16
Toronto ..... 1-4 2-8 3-12 5-15 2-3 3-7 5-10 6-14 1-4 1-9 2-13 4-16
Month and Division Records
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Mid Pac Atl Cen
Dallas ....... 5-8 3-11 6-8 5-9 3-14 4-6 10-14 9-19 4-10 3-13
Denver ....... 4-9 9-7 5-9 5-7 7-9 5-6 13-11 9-19 6-8 7-9
Houston ...... 11-4 11-4 7-8 9-4 4-9 6-5 15-9 16-12 6-8 11-5
Minnesota .... 3-9 4-11 4-10 5-9 8-8 2-9 10-14 7-21 3-11 6-10
San Antonio .. 8-4 11-4 9-5 9-5 16-0 6-5 19-5 20-8 10-4 10-6
Utah ......... 12-4 8-5 9-5 9-3 12-4 5-6 14-10 19-9 10-4 12-4
Vancouver .... 2-13 3-12 5-9 1-8 0-17 4-8 3-21 6-22 4-10 2-14
Golden State . 5-10 7-7 6-8 8-5 5-11 5-5 15-13 7-17 8-6 6-10
LA Clippers .. 7-8 4-11 5-8 3-10 8-8 2-8 13-15 8-16 6-7 2-15
LA Lakers .... 7-7 9-8 9-3 10-2 10-5 8-4 17-11 17-7 10-4 9-7
Phoenix ...... 6-7 7-7 6-9 9-4 8-8 5-6 14-14 9-15 10-4 8-8
Portland ..... 7-8 5-9 9-6 4-9 11-3 8-3 18-10 11-13 10-4 5-11
Sacramento ... 11-4 6-5 6-7 2-13 7-9 7-5 12-16 11-13 7-7 9-7
Seattle ...... 9-6 11-2 12-3 11-1 13-3 8-3 21-7 21-3 11-3 11-5
Boston ....... 5-7 7-9 4-11 4-9 8-8 5-5 5-9 5-9 12-12 11-19
Miami ........ 9-3 6-10 4-12 8-5 10-4 5-6 9-5 4-10 13-12 16-13
New Jersey ... 5-8 5-9 7-9 7-6 5-11 1-9 6-8 3-11 8-17 13-16
New York ..... 10-4 9-5 8-6 5-8 9-6 6-6 10-4 5-9 16-8 16-14
Orlando ...... 13-2 10-4 8-6 11-3 12-3 6-4 10-4 10-4 21-3 19-11
Philadelphia . 2-10 3-12 3-12 3-10 3-14 4-6 5-9 1-13 5-19 7-23
Washington ... 5-8 10-5 6-8 3-11 9-7 6-4 10-4 8-6 10-14 11-19
Atlanta ...... 9-5 4-10 11-4 7-5 9-7 6-5 7-7 7-7 17-9 15-13
Charlotte .... 7-8 7-8 7-5 7-6 8-8 5-6 8-6 7-7 13-13 13-15
Chicago ...... 12-2 13-1 14-0 11-3 12-2 10-2 13-1 12-2 23-3 24-4
Cleveland .... 6-8 9-4 8-8 10-2 7-9 7-4 8-6 10-4 16-10 13-15
Detroit ...... 5-9 10-5 6-6 7-6 11-5 7-5 9-5 10-4 12-14 15-13
Indiana ...... 6-6 9-6 14-2 8-6 7-8 8-2 8-6 8-6 17-9 19-9
Milwaukee .... 4-9 6-8 5-9 5-9 1-15 4-7 5-9 4-10 8-18 8-20
Toronto ...... 5-10 4-11 3-10 2-10 4-12 3-8 3-11 4-10 9-17 5-23
Division Records
W-L HW HL RW RL Mid Pac Atl Cen
Midwest 264-310 161 126 103 184 84-84 86-110 43-55 51-61
Pacific 306-268 187 100 119 168 110-86 84-84 62-35 50-63
Atlantic 269-305 163 124 106 181 55-43 36-62 85-85 93-115
Central 350-306 208 120 142 186 61-51 62-50 115-93 112-112
10 Largest Win Margins (home team listed first)
11/8 49 SA 111, Van 62
4/15 46 NY 125, Tor 79
3/5 41 Mia 113, Min 72
3/29 40 Tor 86, Orl 126
3/23 40 Sea 129, Phi 89
12/12 40 Sac 93, Hou 133
12/29 39 Sea 124, Bos 85
12/30 38 SA 122, Min 84
3/27 37 Sea 132, Cha 95
2/14 37 Sea 130, Min 93
10 Lowest Scores (home team listed first)
2/21 57 Phi 57, Mia 66
11/8 62 SA 111, Van 62
3/30 64 GS 64, Cle 90
1/13 65 Van 69, Mia 65
2/21 66 Phi 57, Mia 66
3/19 67 Chi 89, Sac 67
3/1 68 Atl 74, Cle 68
12/21 68 Sea 92, Van 68
3/15 69 Det 80, Cle 69
1/16 69 Por 87, Den 69
10 Highest Scores (home team listed first)
1/12 140 Pho 130, Dal 140
4/6 139 Tor 106, NY 139
2/29 137 Den 120, Dal 137
11/15 137 Pho 127, Den 137
4/12 136 Bos 136, Tor 108
2/8 136 Dal 136, Uta 133
12/27 135 Por 135, Bos 109
12/2 135 Was 135, Bos 107
2/8 133 Dal 136, Uta 133
12/12 133 Sac 93, Hou 133
nba.631vpoznanovic,
NBA All-Time Points Leaders
POINTS
------
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387
2. Wilt Chamberlain 31,419
3. Moses Malone 27,409
4. Elvin Hayes 27,313
5. Oscar Robertson 26,710
6. John Havlicek 26,395
7. Alex English 25,613
8. Dominique Wilkins 25,389
9. Jerry West 25,192
10. x-Michael Jordan 24,503
11. x-Karl Malone 23,347
12. Adrian Dantley 23,177
13. Elgin Baylor 23,149
14. x-Robert Parish 23,173
15. x-Hakeem Olajuwon 21,837
16. Larry Bird 21,791
17. Hal Greer 21,586
18. Walt Bellamy 20,941
19. Bob Pettit 20,880
20. George Gervin 20,708
x-active
LEADING ACTIVE PLAYERS CLOSING IN
---------------------------------
Charles Barkley 20,542
Clyde Drexler 19,816
nba.632vpoznanovic,
NBA All-Time Rebound Leaders
REBOUNDS
--------
1. Wilt Chamberlain 23,924
2. Bill Russell 21,620
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 17,440
4. Elvin Hayes 16,279
5. Moses Malone 16,212
6. x-Robert Parish 14,620
7. Nate Thurmond 14,464
8. Walt Bellamy 14,241
9. Wes Unseld 13,769
10. Jerry Lucas 12,942
11. Bob Pettit 12,849
12. x-Buck Williams 12,437
13. Paul Silas 12,347
14. Elgin Baylor 11,463
15. Dolph Schayes 11,256
16. Bill Bridges 11,054
17. x-Hakeem Olajuwon 11,023
18. Jack Sikma 10,816
19. Dave Cowens 10,444
20. Bill Laimbeer 10,400
X-ACTIVE
LEADING ACTIVE PLAYERS CLOSING IN
---------------------------------
Charles Barkley 10,316
Karl Malone 9,725
nba.633vpoznanovic,
N-B-A All-Time Assist Leaders
ASSISTS
-------
1. x-John Stockton 11,297
2. x-Magic Johnson 10,131
3. Oscar Robertson 9,887
4. Isiah Thomas 9,061
5. Maurice Cheeks 7,392
6. Len Wilkens 7,211
7. Bob Cousy 6,955
8. Guy Rodgers 6,917
9. Nate Archibald 6,476
10. John Lucas 6,454
11. Reggie Theus 6,453
12. x-Muggsy Bogues 5,870
13. x-Derek Harper 5,834
14. x-Kevin Johnson 5,788
15. x-Terry Porter 5,759
16. Larry Bird 5,695
17. Rickey Green 5,221
18. Sleepy Floyd 5,074
X-ACTIVE
nba.634vpoznanovic,
N-B-A All-Time Blocks Leaders
BLOCKS
------
1. x-Hakeem Olajuwon 3,190
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 3,189
3. Mark Eaton 3,064
4. Tree Rollins 2,542
5. x-Robert Parish 2,335
6. x-Patrick Ewing 2,332
7. Manute Bol 2,086
8. George Johnson 2,082
9. Larry Nance 2,027
10. X-David Robinson 1,994
X-ACTIVE
nba.635vpoznanovic,
N-B-A All-Time Steals Leaders
STEALS
------
1. x-John Stockton 2,364
2. Maurice Cheeks 2,310
3. x-Alvin Robertson 2,112
4. x-Michael Jordan 2,024
5. x-Clyde Drexler 1,962
6. Isiah Thomas 1,861
7. x-Derek Harper 1,753
8. x-Magic Johnson 1,714
9. x-Hakeem Olajuwon 1,692
10. Fat Lever 1,666
11. Gus Williams 1,638
12. Julius Erving 1,511
nba.636vpoznanovic,
All-Time Winningest NBA Coaches
(THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 21ST)
COACH W-L PCT.
===== === ====
x-Lenny Wilkens 1,013-851 .543
Red Auerbach 938-479 .662
x-Dick Motta 918-963 .488
x-Bill Fitch 891-994 .473
Jack Ramsay 864-783 .525
Don Nelson 851-629 .575
X-Cotton Fitzsimmons 835-764 .522
Gene Shue 784-861 .477
x-Pat Riley 799-337 .703
John MacLeod 707-657 .518
x - active
nba.637vpoznanovic,
Records For Expansion Coaches
Below are the records in terms of service for the head
coach of recent N-B-A expansion teams:
Team Coach Record/duration
---- ----- ----------------
Toronto Brendan Malone 1 year, 21-61
Orlando Matt Guokas 4 years, 111-217
Miami Ron Rothstein 3 years, 57-189
Charlotte Dick Harter 1 year, 20-62
Minnesota Bill Musselman 2 years, 51-113
Vancouver Brian Winters (X) 1 year, 15-67
(X) - still active
nba.638vpoznanovic,
REPORT: DUNLEAVY ABOUT TO GET BUCKED
The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly will relieve Mike Dunleavy of his head
coaching duties.
The New York Post reported Tuesday that Dunleavy is out as head coach
of the Bucks, but the official announcement will be delayed pending
the completion of negotiations regarding the four years left on
Dunleavy's eight-year contract and his status as vice president of
basketball operations.
WITI TV in Milwaukee reported last week that Dunleavy would be
relieved of his duties after the 1995-96 season.
Milwaukee finished with a disappointing 25-57 record this season, a
nine-game slide from 1994-95 when the Bucks were 34-48. Dunleavy has a
107-221 record in four years as Bucks' coach.
Dunleavy resigned as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in May of
1992 to accept an eight-year, $8 million contract as coach and vice
president of operations with the Bucks.
Dunleavy spent 11 seasons in the NBA as a player after being selected
by the Philadelphia 76ers in the sixth round of the 1976 draft. He
also played with Houston, San Antonio and Milwaukee and helped the
1980-81 Rockets to the NBA Finals.
Dunleavy retired after the 1985-86 season and became an assistant
coach for the Bucks, where he suited up for a total of seven games
during the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons.
nba.639vpoznanovic,
BRISTOW FEELS HORNETS' STING
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Allan Bristow is out as head coach of the Charlotte
Hornets.
The Hornets and Bristow announced at a morning news conference that
both sides have mutually agreed on a coaching change for the 1996-97
season. A search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
"Allan and I came to a mutual agreement that it was time for us to
make a change and head in a different direction," said Hornets owner
George Shinn. "Allan has been with us a long time. I feel he always
did the very best job he possibly could."
The Hornets finished 41-41 this season and failed to make the
playoffs after recording a franchise-record 50 wins in 1994-95.
"We will begin the search for a head coach immediately," said Hornets
Vice President of Basketball Operations Bob Bass. "Our primary goal is
to bring in the best available coach for our particular team.
Combining that with our two first round draft picks and our salary
slot, we feel we are heading in the right direction."
Charlotte was involved in a race with the Miami Heat for the eighth
and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. But the Hornets
finished the season with four losses in their last six games and
dropped their final four home games, including a 116-95 loss to the
Heat on April 10.
Bristow, the winningest coach in franchise history, compiled a
207-203 mark in five seasons at Charlotte.
Bristow owned the third-longest tenure with his current team of any
coach in the NBA, trailing only Chicago's Phil Jackson and Utah's
Jerry Sloan.
Bristow guided Charlotte to the club's first 50-win season and second
trip to the NBA playoffs in 1994-95. But the Hornets were beaten in
the first round of the playoffs by the Chicago Bulls. The Hornets'
50-32 mark was nine games better than their previous season.
Bristow led Charlotte to the playoffs in two of the last four years,
including a 1993 playoff-series win over the Boston Celtics.
Before moving to the sidelines in 1991, Bristow spent the previous
year as the Hornets' vice president of basketball operations. He was
responsible for drafting center Alonzo Mourning, who the Hornets
traded to the Heat for Glen Rice in a six-player deal just prior to
the start of the 1995-96 season.
Bristow played 10 years in the NBA and averaged 7.8 points and 4.0
rebounds. He was selected in the second round of the 1973 draft by the
Philadelphia 76ers and played two seasons with the Sixers before
signing with the San Antonio Spurs.
After spending four years with San Antonio, Bristow played two
seasons apiece for Utah and Dallas. Following his playing career,
Bristow was an assistant coach for the Spurs and Denver Nuggets.
nba.640vpoznanovic,
IS THE ADMIRAL TOO MUCH OF A GENTLEMAN?
David Robinson is a shot-blocking, unselfish big man who can beat
guards down the floor. He has won a Most Valuable Player Award and an
Olympic gold medal, however he has been labeled soft in some NBA
circles, especially when the post season rolls around.
"You take any of the guys you call 'toughest guys out there,' and you
pit them against me on that floor, and none of them are going to come
out on top," Robinson said.
That's pretty tough talk from a guy who has spent some time on
Sesame Street.
His talent is unquestioned. He's won just about every individual honor
in the NBA. But until he can spur his team to postseason greatness,
Robinson's career may be haunted by that four-letter word.
"I don't think you have a guy who can win the MVP being soft," said
Spurs forward Sean Elliott. "I don't think you have a guy who could
put up the kind of numbers he puts up being soft. I don't think that's
possible."
A soft MVP does sound a bit strange, so maybe that's not quite the
perfect term to describe the Admiral.
"He's never been soft," said Spurs G.M. Gregg Popovich. "But has he
been passionate? No. Is he passionate now? He's getting real close."
If he lacks say Michael Jordan's passion for the game, maybe it's
because the game hasn't been in his blood nearly as long. For
Robinson, basketball has been an acquired taste.
"David never really played basketball in an inner city all his life
like most of us did," said Spurs guard Avery Johnson. "Dave is a Naval
Academy guy. He comes from a great family. I love his parents. It's
just a different upbringing.
"But at the same time, he has to be tough to accomplish all the
things he has in his career."
"I'm not sure that he's not quite tough enough," said ESPN NBA
analyst Dr. Jack Ramsay.
If he's toughness isn't the problem, then what is?
"He may not be mean enough," Ramsay said. "All the great guys who
have led their teams -- Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird --
these guys would tear your heart out if it meant winning the game.
Playoff plight
David Robinson: last three seaons
Reg. season playoffs
PPG> 26.9 23.8
FG% 52 44
Team Win% 68 52
> 25.0 PPG in '95-96
"That kind of grab ya by the throat, reach down and take your heart
and rip it out -- that kind of mentality, while in social company is
not acceptable, on the basketball floor it's pretty good."
"Guys in this league, man they're like sharks," Johnson said. "They
see blood and no matter what it is, they'll try to eat you alive. With
David, he's accomplished a lot and everybody's saying he's got to get
a little tougher to win a championship."
So if Robinson were meaner, would the Spurs have done more in previous
postseason appearances?
"I would say yes," said Ramsay.
Mr. Robinson: Too nice to his neighbors?
"He kind of shies away from contact a little bit," said Heat center
Alonzo Mourning. "You can tell the players who kind of shy away and
don't want the banging."
However, that's not the way Robinson sees it.
"I play 82 games a season and everybody sends their biggest fellas at
me," Robinson said. "They double and triple team me, and so I go to the
foul line 10 or 15 times a night."
Of course to hear his coach and teammates tell it, Robinson should be
going to the line even more than that.
"I think that his 'nice guy' image hurts him," said Spurs guard Doc
Rivers. "Quite honestly, I think that referees feel like they can call
what they want to on David. They don't have to worry about it.
"Charles Barkley cries on every call, so I think refs think about it
sometimes. With David they don't think that they are going to have a
problem, so David gets taken advantage somewhat."
He's an officer and a gentleman -- a Naval Lieutenant with a degree in
mathematics, a pianist and a saxophonist.
"He's the greatest role model this league has, and we don't use him
enough," said Spurs coach Bob Hill. "I have three sons and if they grow
up to be anywhere close to what David is, I'll die a happy father."
How can you not admire Robinson's well-roundedness -- his intelligence,
the way he deals with people and the way he contributes to his
community. But if he comes up short in the playoffs again, his critics
may not care what kind of role model he is.
"I guess maybe he's a state of the art professional in a time where
being professional is not the right thing to do and that's where our
society is headed in the wrong direction," said Hill. "With kids
wearing their pants down below their butts and earrings and all this
stuff, he came along at probably the right time."
So what's more important to the Admiral? An NBA championship or being
a role model?
"Being a role model is much more important," Robinson said. "You'll
have all the rings you want, all the records you want, but what really
lasts is the impact you have on the people's lives.
"When you die it's neat to be a trivia question for somebody 20 years
from now, but in all honesty, that's not what it's all about."
So, while the Spurs aren't guaranteed any playoff success this season,
their fans can take pride in the fact that they have the most
gentlemanly center in the league on their side.
nba.641vpoznanovic,
MAGIC'S GABRIEL WITHDRAWS FROM SIXERS' GM JOB RACE
Orlando Magic vice president of basketball operations and player
personnel John Gabriel announced Tuesday that he has withdrawn from
consideration for the Philadelphia 76ers' general manager position.
Gabriel was believed to be the leading candidate when Comcast, a major
cable television corporation, announced March 19 that it was buying
both the 76ers and the NHL Philadelphia Flyers. Pat Croce, a close
friend of Gabriel, became the Sixers' new president upon the purchase
of the teams.
"Even though the temptation to rebuild a team was a great one and it's
flattering to be recognized by another organization, we still have the
challenge and goal of bringing a world championship to Orlando," said
Gabriel.
Negotiations between the Magic and Gabriel are on-going regarding
Gabriel's future with the team.
"The most important aspect to me was to avoid this being a distraction
as our team prepares for the playoffs," said Gabriel. "I will continue
to work within ownership's time frame regarding my future."
Gabriel is in his 14th season in the NBA and has been with the Magic
organization since its inception. He was promoted to his current
position in January of 1994 after serving as the club's director of
player personnel and director of scouting.
Gabriel and Orlando general manager Pat Williams are responsible for
building the roster of the Magic, which went to the 1995 NBA Finals in
just the team's sixth year of existence.
John Lucas currently holds the titles of head coach and general
manager of the Sixers. But he is on shaky ground with the new
ownership after a disastrous 18-64 season.
nba.642vpoznanovic,
DID JORDAN'S 'EMERGENCY' INVOLVE A SAND TRAP?
DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson snickered
Wednesday when told that Michael Jordan had canceled a nationwide
conference call with reporters earlier in the day, citing an
unspecified emergency.
At least the coach didn't show any concern about missing the NBA's
leading scorer and his team leader on the eve of the playoffs.
"I think the emergency is the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day
in Chicago," said Jackson, who somehow kept the word "golf" from
crossing his smiling lips.
Jordan said he hoped to reschedule the conference call.
"These things happen from time to time," NBA spokesman Chris Brienza
said. "He said there was an emergency. We understand what the word
means. People are human beings. He was doing us a favor. They said he
would try to reschedule. We take them at their word."
nba.643vpoznanovic,
KEMP MUST MISS SONICS' FIRST PLAYOFF GAME
NEW YORK -- Seattle SuperSonics All-Star forward Shawn Kemp on Tuesday
was suspended for one game and fined $7,500 for his altercation with
Tom Hammonds of Denver during the regular-season finale on Sunday.
Kemp was suspended for trading punches with Hammonds in the Sonics'
99-88 loss and will miss Seattle's playoff opener at home on Friday
against Sacramento.
Hammonds received the same penalty as Kemp and will sit out the first
game of the 1996-97 regular season. The Nuggets did not make the
playoffs.
Part of the NBA's problem in determining punishment for the two
players was that the league was not able to find any video of the
incident, so NBA vice president Rod Thorn had to rely on reports and
word of mouth.
"Of the 1,189 games, something like 1,050 are on television. This is
one of the ones that wasn't," Thorn said. "We have a local TV tape of
the aftermath, but it doesn't show the altercation itself."
"I saw two guys get tied up and they tried to separate with their arms
and elbows," Sonics coach George Karl said. "They just got tangled
up."
Kemp gave the Sonics a 63-59 lead with a 3-pointer with 4:45 left in
the third quarter. Returning downcourt, Hammonds tried to set a pick
and Kemp met him with a forearm to his chest. Hammonds also threw a
forearm and the battle was on until coaches, teammates and referees
restored order.
The Seattle Times quoted unnamed McNichols Arena security personnel as
saying Kemp pursued Hammonds near the Denver locker room before being
restrained.
Neither player spoke with reporters after the game.
The Sonics ended the season with the second-best record in the league
and have won more games than any other NBA team in the last four years
-- 239, 18 more than the Chicago Bulls -- but have lost in the first
round of the playoffs the past two seasons.
The 6-foot-10, 245-pound Kemp, who never played college basketball, is
in his sixth NBA season, averaging team-bests of 19.6 points and 11.4
rebounds. He is shooting 57.4 percent from the field.
Kemp, who was recently passed over for "Dream Team III", missed three
games this season due to a sprained left foot suffered March 1 at
Boston. The Sonics won two of the three games.
The NBA on Tuesday also suspended Washington Bullets forward Ledell
Eackles for one game and fined him $7,500 for throwing a punch at
Chicago's James Edwards in the Bullets' 103-93 loss to the Bulls on
Sunday. Eackles, like Hammonds, will sit out the first game of the
1996-97 regular season.
The ejections of Kemp, Hammonds and Eackles also carry an automatic
$1,000 fine.
nba.644vpoznanovic,
PITINO REPORTEDLY TURNS DOWN HUGE OFFER
Rick Pitino, who led Kentucky to the NCAA championship this season,
has reportedly turned down a five-year, $20 million offer to become
the head coach and director of basketball operations of the New Jersey
Nets.
The New York Daily News reported Tuesday that Pitino officially
declined the Nets' offer Monday night.
The newspaper said that Pitino flew in from Lexington, Kent. last
Tuesday to meet with Nets owners David Gerstein and Joe Taub. But the
major stumbling block in the negotiations was that Pitino was
reportedly seeking part ownership of the team.
Pitino flew back to Lexington on Thursday when the Nets reportedly
made a counter-offer for as high as $20 million for five years, but
were not willing to give Pitino equity in the franchise.
Pitino has said in numerous interviews that he has no intention of
leaving Kentucky. He has coached the Wildcats for the past seven years
and led the school to its first national championship since 1978 this
season.
The New Jersey Nets fired head coach Butch Beard on Monday.
nba.645vpoznanovic,
ROCKETS OPEN DEFENSE OF TITLE AS NBA PLAYOFFS BEGIN THURSDAY
The Houston Rockets begin their quest for a third straight National
Basketball Association title when the playoffs begin Thursday night.
The Rockets (48-34) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (53-29) in the most
compelling of the eight opening-round series.
Three other series begin Thursday. The Utah Jazz host the Portland
Trail Blazers in the other Western Conference series. In the Eastern
Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers entertain the New York Knicks and
the Atlanta Hawks visit the Indiana Pacers.
Houston again spent the second half of the regular season shuffling
personnel while stumbling in the standings. They again open the
playoffs with a handful of players nursing injuries. They again will
probably not have the homecourt advantage in any of their playoff
series.
The center of Houston is again Hakeem Olajuwon, who averaged nearly 27
points and 11 rebounds while becoming the all-time leading
shot-blocker. While the Rockets' roster contains a number of former
CBA players, the Rockets have three key players back from injuries --
Clyde Drexler, Mario Elie and Sam Cassell. Olajuwon is also healthy
after missing a chunk of playing time.
The Lakers counter with Magic Johnson, who ended his 4 1/2-year
retirement in January and provided a talented team with on-court
leadership, smarts and skills still among the best in the game.
However, the Lakers have had their share of problems off the court,
beginning with captain and forward Cedric Ceballos going AWOL over
playing time. Earlier this month, Nick Van Exel and Johnson received
suspensions from the NBA for confrontations with officials.
Johnson, Van Exel and Ceballos will be ready for the playoffs and give
the Lakers an excellent rotation of eight players, all of whom have
the potential to score 30 points on any night.
Two teams whose offenses begins with their point guards meet in the
series between Utah (55-27) and Portland (44-38). For Utah, it is John
Stockton, who led the league in assists for an unprecedented ninth
straight season at 11.2 per contest.
Stockton's counterpart is Rod Strickland, who had put aside his
differences with coach P.J. Carlesimo to spark the Trail Blazers to 16
wins in their last 20 games.
New York and Cleveland finished with identical 47-35 marks, but the
squads took different paths to the playoffs.
The Knicks were considered underachievers this season and enter the
playoffs with five losses in their last eight games. New York was
19-21 against teams with winning records and posted its lowest win
total in five seasons. Head coach Don Nelson was fired in March and
replaced by Jeff Van Gundy.
Mike Fratello is a strong candidate for NBA Coach of the Year after
guiding the Cavs to the fourth seed in the East.
The Pacers will be without star guard Reggie Miller for their series
with the Hawks. Miller, who led the Pacers in scoring for the seventh
straight season at 21.1 points per game, suffered a severely fractured
right eye socket in a collision with Detroit forward Otis Thorpe on
April 13th.
The remaining four playoff series begin Friday night.
The Chicago Bulls set an NBA record with 72 regular season wins and
will host the Miami Heat, who play their first playoff game under head
coach Pat Riley.
While Chicago is the top seed in the East, the honor in the West
belongs to the Seattle SuperSonics, who host the Sacramento Kings. The
Sonics have been ousted in the first round of the playoffs the last
two seasons and will play Friday without forward Shawn Kemp, who will
sit out a one-game suspension for fighting.
Phoenix is at San Antonio and Orlando plays Detroit in Friday's other
playoff openers.
All first round series are best-of-five. All remaining series are
best-of-seven.
nba.646vpoznanovic,
SIX TEAMS DRAW TO DETERMINE DRAFT POSITIONS
NEW YORK -- Three pairs of teams who finished the regular season with
identical records had their positions in the 1996 NBA draft determined
Wednesday by blind draws.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, who finished tied with the Dallas
Mavericks at 26-56, won their draw and will have the fifth-most
chances -- 77 out of 1,000 -- in the 13-team draft lottery.
The Detroit Pistons, who finished tied with the Atlanta Hawks at
46-36, won their draw and will pick 18th. Atlanta will select 19th.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who finished tied with the New York Knicks at
47-35, won their draw and get the 20th pick. The Knicks pick 21st.
The NBA draft lottery, which weights the non-playoff teams by order of
record, will be conducted May 12 and determine the order of the first
13 picks in the draft.
The draft will take place June 26 at the Continental Arena in East
Rutherford, N.J.
nba.647vpoznanovic,
SMOOTH SAILING IN SALT LAKE
As soon as the NBA regular season ended, the chopping-block started
falling. Monday, Toronto's Brendan Malone and New Jersey's Butch Beard
found themselves jobless; Tuesday, it was Charlotte's Allan Bristow.
Rumors persist that more coaches will be joining them in the coming
weeks.
This all brings to mind the tenuous nature of being a head coach in
the NBA. With all the changes, it may be hard to believe, but the
senior statesman among active coaches is Utah's Jerry Sloan. Some 70
coaches have come and gone since Sloan became head coach of the Utah
Jazz in December of 1988.
Even Sloan is surprised by his own longevity. "I'm totally shocked by
it all the time, the fact that I still have a job," he said.
What might be more shocking is that he has held his job despite never
being named coach of the year and never taking the Jazz to the NBA
Finals. In fact, his teams have been first-round playoff losers four
times, despite the nearly uninterrupted service of two players among
the greatest ever at their positions -- John Stockton and Karl Malone.
"We have two of the greatest players at their positions because of
Jerry Sloan," said Jazz president Frank Layden. "I don't know of
anybody else who could take our team to the next level and do it the
way we want to do it. We haven't paid the devil to get to the next
level."
In Salt Lake City, the devil never has and never will be a season
ticket holder. Jazz audiences are mainly Mormon. The NBA's smallest
market may be it's friendliest.
"Jerry's a blue-collar guy," said Layden. "These people identify with
Jerry. They like how he is. He doesn't have the Italian suits on and
the Gucci shoes. He's got a John Deere hat on."
"They're very, very forgiving people," Malone said. "Everybody likes
to takes shots at the Mormons, but they are some of the most forgiving
people that I have ever met."
"Traditionally, we try to be nice," said Robert Kirby, a religion
humor columnist for The Salt Lake Tribune. "There's something about
us. If you're not nice, you go to hell and nobody wants to go to hell;
so let's behave ourselves.
"I guess most Mormons don't want to turn themselves into monsters
over something like sports."
So does the fact that Sloan works in an environment largely made up
of Mormon's explain his longevity?
"I think so," said Malone. "Larry is a Mormon."
That's Larry H. Miller, the owner of the Jazz. Surviving the
volatility of Miller, who's never shy about expressing himself, is
another testament to Sloan's mastery.
"There's no geniuses in the business," Sloan said. "I'm certainly at
the bottom of the list when it comes to basketball coaching."
He may not be a genius, but his record speaks for itself. Not only
does he have the longest tenure of any coach in the league, but he's
won more than 50 games seven times.
"I think there's a lot more to the game than X's and O's," Sloan
said. "I think it's having the ability to be able to relate to
people."
And certain locations produce people who are easier to communicate
with.
"Running the New York Knicks is a lot different than running the Utah
Jazz," explained Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts. The
Utah native ran the Jazz for six years during the '80s. Now he is the
man responsible for firing Don Nelson after posting a 34-25 record.
"When you're running the New York Knicks, you can't say 'Well, we hope
we have a competitive team.' or 'We're looking forward to having a
good team.' The only answer is 'We want a championship team. That's
what we're all about here.' And in Utah, I'm not sure the urgency is
quite the same."
As a result, in many respects Sloan is the most fortunate and most
secure coach in the league. The Jazz haven't fired a coach since Dec.
10, 1981.
"Jerry would have to do some pretty radical things to get himself
fired," Miller said. "He'd probably have to come in with a Dennis
Rodman haircut in yellow and do a few other things worse than that."
And if Miller ever fired Sloan, he'd face the ire of both his stars.
"I'll go to bat for him as long as I play," Malone said. "I will not
play for any other coach."
"I don't want to play for anybody besides Jerry Sloan," added
Stockton.
If such extreme loyalty from today's superstars appears startling,
consider the superstars. Malone and Stockton are the modern embodiment
of Sloan himself.
"Those guys could only play for a coach like Sloan," said University
of Utah coach Rick Majerus. "Sloan was them and they are Sloan."
"Is it worth dealing with a coach that I can't sit down with and have
dinner with or I can't walk to the back of the plane and sit down and
talk about personal stuff?" Malone said. "A championship is not worth
that to Karl Malone."
They say that winning isn't everything, and in Utah it could become
the state motto. In fact, there are some players team management
doesn't want to see in a Jazz uniform.
"I would rather lose than have Dennis Rodman on our team," Layden
said.
"If what it took to win a championship was to win 60 games but have
guys I wouldn't talk to in the locker room, I wouldn't be in this,"
Miller said.
Despite lacking the "win at all costs" frame of mind, Utah has been
remarkably successful -- both before and after Sloan became head
coach. Over the last 10 years, only the Lakers have won more games
than the Jazz. And in a state where sports is not the predominant
religion, that kind of consistency is appreciated.
"Are they good enough to win a championship?" asked Lex Hemphill,
beat writer for The Salt Lake Tribune. "Well, if the answer is no,
then I think that mature people can accept that."
"Sure I want to win a championship," admitted Guard Jeff Hornacek.
"But if you don't win it, you're a good person. Life goes on."
And for Jerry Sloan and the Utah Jazz that's all that seems to
matter.
nba.648vpoznanovic,
STATS CLASS: A LOOK INSIDE THE PLAYOFF NUMBERS
Bulls beware
Over the last six seasons, only one team has finished with the best
regular-season record and gone on to win the NBA championship:
Season Top team Record Playoff result
94-95 San Antonio 62-20 Lost in Western finals
93-94 Seattle 63-19 Lost in 1st round
92-93 Phoenix 62-20 Lost in finals
91-92 CHICAGO 67-15 WON TITLE
90-91 Portland 63-19 Lost in Western finals
89-90 Lakers 63-19 Lost in finals
Charles in charge
In the last four years, Charles Barkley's scoring average has
increased during the postseason compared to his regular season stats:
Reg. season Postseason
94-95 23.0 25.7
93-94 21.6 27.6
92-93 25.6 26.6
91-92 23.1 24.9
Life of Riley
Phil Jackson and Pat Riley meet in the postseason for the fourth time.
Here's a glance at the prior three meetings:
93-94: Eastern semifinals Knicks def. Bulls 4-3
92-93: Eastern finals Bulls def. Knicks 4-2
91-92: Eastern semifinals Bulls def. Knicks 4-3
Three for all
Well, almost all. Of the four players with 200 or more three-point
field goals made this season, three are in the playoffs. Only George
McCloud of Dallas is missing from that group.
Dennis Scott, Orlando 267
George McCloud, Dallas 257
Mookie Blaylock, Atlanta 231
Mitch Richmond, Sacramento 225
Fab 15
Only 15 players participating in the playoffs started all 82 games
this season. San Antonio is the only team to boast three men in this
select circle: David Robinson, Avery Johnson and Vinny Del Negro.
Orlando (Penny Hardaway and Dennis Scott), New York (Anthony Mason and
Derek Harper) and Utah (Karl Malone and John Stockton) had two each.
The others were: Grant Long, Atlanta; Michael Jordan, Chicago; Otis
Thorpe, Detroit; Chucky Brown, Houston; Elden Campbell, Lakers; and
Hersey Hawkins, Seattle.
nba.649vpoznanovic,
JORDAN, OTHER BULLS ARE PEOPLE'S CHOICES
Michael Jordan called Scottie Pippen the leader of the Chicago Bulls
earlier this season, but by the end of the year there were few fans
who believed him.
Jordan, with 70 percent of vote in the weeklong poll, received roughly
10 times the support of each of the runnerups, Orlando's Anfernee
Hardaway (7.3 percent) and Pippen (6.3 percent). His share of the vote
was appropriate -- considering that the Bulls were the first team in
league history to break the 70-win barrier. Chicago finished at 72-10,
with Jordan leading the team and NBA in scoring at 30.4 points a game.
Pippen was second on the team, at 19.4 points a game.
A total of 22,786 votes were accepted in the poll, one of six Zone
polls related to NBA postseason player awards in which a total of
53,017 votes were accepted. In a previous poll, Chicago's Phil Jackson
was tabbed as Coach of the Year.
Jordan was also the people's choice for Comeback Player of the Year,
beating out the Los Angeles Lakers' Magic Johnson. Bulls players won in
two other categories as well, with Toni Kukoc the landslide choice for
Sixth Man of the Year and Dennis Rodman edging out Seattle's Gary
Payton for Defensive Player of the Year. The only non-Bulls to emerge
with any virtual hardware were Toronto's Damon Stoudamire, the top
choice for Rookie of the Year, and Washington's Gheorghe Muresan, the
Most Improved Player of the Year.
Now that's domination. Below are the results of each poll.
Most Valuable Player
Choice Percentage
Michael Jordan 70.0 %
Anfernee Hardaway 7.3
Scottie Pippen 6.3
David Robinson 5.8
Shawn Kemp 5.4
Hakeem Olajuwon 4.2
Shaquille O'Neal 1.0
Rookie of the Year
Damon Stoudamire 47.0 %
Arvydas Sabonis 11.8
Michael Finley 9.6
Jerry Stackhouse 9.1
Joe Smith 8.8
Kevin Garnett 6.2
Bryant Reeves 3.9
Antonio McDyess 3.6
Sixth Man of the Year
Toni Kukoc 58.2 %
Magic Johnson 16.4
Sam Cassell 14.2
Sam Perkins 4.7
Hubert Davis 3.6
Sarunas Marciulionis 2.9
Defensive Player of the Year
Dennis Rodman 24.1 %
Gary Payton 21.7
Hakeem Olajuwon 17.3
Scottie Pippen 14.4
Michael Jordan 10.6
Dikembe Mutombo 8.8
Mookie Blaylock 3.1
Comeback Player of the Year
Michael Jordan 42.8 %
Magic Johnson 32.0
Terrell Brandon 15.5
Sarunas Marciulionis 4.0
LaPhonso Ellis 3.4
Greg Anthony 2.3
Most Improved Player
Gheorghe Muresan 29.4 %
Elden Campbell 15.9
Allan Houston 13.6
George McCloud 12.3
Danny Ferry 11.5
Chris Childs 5.9
Tracy Murray 4.0
Jayson Williams 3.9
Matt Geiger 3.6
nba.650vpoznanovic,
BULLETS' JUWAN HOWARD NAMED NBA PLAYER OF MONTH FOR APRIL
Juwan Howard of the Washington Bullets today was named National
Basketball Association Player of the Month for April.
Howard helped the Bullets remain in contention for a playoff spot
despite playing without several key members of the team. He averaged
29.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 10 games. Howard shot
52.8 percent (144-of-216) from the floor and 80.5 percent at the free
throw line (62-of-77).
Other candidates for Player of the Month honors were Michael Jordan of
Chicago, Latrell Sprewell of Golden State, Tim Hardaway of Miami and
Shaquille O'Neal of Orlando.
nba.651vpoznanovic,
PHIL JACKSON OF CHICAGO NAMED NBA COACH OF THE MONTH
Phil Jackson of the Chicago Bulls today was named National Basketball
Association Coach of the Month for April.
The Bulls won 10-of-12 games for the month to become the winningest
team in NBA history with a 72-10 season record. The Bulls eclipsed the
Los Angeles Lakers' 24-year old record with an 86-80 win over the
Milwaukee Bucks on April 16th.
During the month, Chicago averaged 103.7 points while holding
opponents to 88.8 points per game. No team scored 100 points against
Chicago for the month.
Jackson also won the award in January and is the only NBA coach to win
the award twice in this season.
Other candidates for the award were Indiana's Larry Brown, Miami's Pat
Riley, P.J. Carlesimo of Portland, Sacramento's Garry St. Jean, George
Karl of Seattle, and Washington's Jim Lynam.
nba.652vpoznanovic,
PORTLAND'S ARVYDAS SABONIS NAMED NBA ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
Arvydas Sabonis of the Portland Trail Blazers today was named National
Basketball Association Rookie of the Month for April.
The 7-foot-3 Sabonis averaged 16.1 points, 11.0 rebounds during 10
games in April. Sabonis helped the Blazers to an 18-3 record after
being inserted into the starting lineup on March 8th.
Sabonins averaged 17.6 points and 10.7 rebounds over the final 21
games and became the first Portland rookie to score 1,000 points in a
season since Kelvin Ramsey in 1980-81.
Other candidates for the award included Golden State's Joe Smith, Kurt
Thomas of Miami, Kevin Garnett of Minnesota and Sacramento's Tyus
Edney.
nba.653vpoznanovic,
ORLANDO'S DENNIS SCOTT NAMED NBA PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Orlando Magic forward Dennis Scott today was named the National
Basketball Association Player of the Week for the period ending April
21st.
Scott set a new NBA three-point field goal record against the Atlanta
Hawks last week, going 11-for-17 from the three-point arc to lead
Orlando to a 119-104 win on Thursday. Scott's hot hand helped the
Magic to an overall 4-0 record for the week.
Scott averaged 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game,
shooting 55.8 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from three-point
range on the week. He had 35 points against the Atlanta Hawks and 20
points in a win over Washington Tuesday.
Scott earned the award over last week's winner Juwan Howard of
Washington, Philadelphia's Clarence Weatherspoon and Kevin Johnson of
Phoenix.
nba.654vpoznanovic,
SIXERS OWNERSHIP CHANGES HANDS
The NBA Board of Governors has approved the sale of the Philadelphia
76ers to the Comcast Corporation. The partnership takes over the
ownership of the club, with Pat Croce assuming the role of team
president, effective immediately.
"The chance to restore the pride in the 76ers name throughout our
community is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Croce said. "I'm
psyched to take on this challenge."
Comcast becomes the fourth group to own the franchise since it moved
to Philadelphia from Syracuse, New York in May of 1963.
The Sixers are 1,429-1,240 in 34 seasons in Philadelphia, and the
franchise possesses an overall mark of 2,035-1,677 since the 1949-50
season. The franchise is one of only three to have recorded over 2,000
wins in its history. The Sixers garnered world championships in 1967
and 1983.
Comcast has also entered into a partnership with Spectacor, Inc. to
own the Philadelphia Flyers, subject to NHL approval. When that
transfer is completed, Comcast will contribute the 76ers to the new
partnership.
Comcast is principally engaged in the development, management and
operation of wired telecommunications, including cable television and
telephone services; wireless telecommunications, including cellular,
personal communications services and direct to home satellite
television; and content through principal ownership of QVC, the
world's premier electronic retailer and other programming investments.
The company's consolidated and affiliated operations serve over nine
million customers worldwide.
nba.655vpoznanovic,
GRIZZIES' RICH MANNING UNDERGOES ANKLE SURGERY
Vancouver Grizzlies reserve center Rich Manning today underwent
successful surgery to remove a bone spur from his right ankle and is
expected to make a complete recovery.
Manning appeared in 29 games this season, averaging 3.7 points and 1.9
rebounds. He began the season on the injured list, was waived on
November 27th and re-signed with Vancouver on January 12th. Manning
recorded a team-record five blocked shots against Phoenix on February
19th.
nba.656vpoznanovic,
SPURS' DAVID ROBINSON WINS 1996 IBM AWARD
Center David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs today was named the
winner of the 1996 IBM Award, determined by a computerized rating that
measures a player's overall contributions to a team.
It was the fifth IBM Award and third straight for Robinson, who
previously won the award in 1990, 1991, 1994 and 1995. Charles Barkley
of Phoenix won the IBM Award three consecutive seasons from 1987 to
1989.
Robinson led the Spurs to a 59-23 record and the Midwest Division
title this season. He averaged 25.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.3 blocks,
3.0 assists and 1.35 steals per game. Robinson ranked second in the
league in rebounding, third in shot-blocking, fifth in scoring and
20th in field goal percentage (.516).
The seven-time All-Star scored in double figures in 81 of 82 games,
scoring only six points on March 4th when he was forced to leave the
game due to a finger injury. He had 20 or more points 64 times and 30
or more points 23 times.
The IBM Award, created before the 1983-84 season, honors the player
who contributes most to his team's overall success. The award utilizes
a computer evaluation of key offensive and defensive statistics to
determine an overall leader.
Detroit Pistons forward Grant Hill finished second. Utah Jazz forward
Karl Malone was third followed by guard Michael Jordan of Chicago and
center Alonzo Mourning of Miami.
nba.657vpoznanovic,
REGGIE-LESS PACERS MUST PICK UP SLACK WHEN HAWKS ATTACK
INDIANAPOLIS -- Without All-Star guard Reggie Miller in the early
going, earning a third consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference
finals will be very difficult for the Indiana Pacers, who begin their
playoff journey with a first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks.
From top to bottom, the Pacers might have the best roster in the
league. Even without Miller, they have enough to knock off the Hawks,
whom they have eliminated in each of the past two years. But Miller
will be very much needed for a likely rematch with the Orlando Magic
in the second round.
GAME ONE
The series opener between the Hawks and Pacers will be Thursday at 8
p.m. ET on TNT and The Zone's Live Audio. Miller, who led the Pacers
in scoring for the seventh season in a row at 21.1 points per game,
sustained a fracture of his right eye socket during a collision with
Detroit's Otis Thorpe on April 13. Miller is doubtful for the series
against Atlanta.
"They cleared him to do some exercise and some shooting," Pacers coach
Larry Brown said of Miller. "He has a little double-vision when he
looks up and to the side. I don't anticipate him playing in the near
future.
"He's trying in any way possible to come back. The doctors say when
the double vision leaves, he'll be able to play."
Indiana had won eight of 10 games prior Miller's eye injury and and
managed to win three of the final four contests without him. But the
Pacers will need contributions from everyone to return to the
conference finals.
The new go-to player will be center Rik Smits, who became a star in
last year's playoffs and averaged 18.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per
game this season. Smits has been unable to practice lately because of
an injury, but he is expected to play.
The rest of the scoring slack must be absorbed by forwards Derrick
McKey and Eddie Johnson and guards Mark Jackson and Ricky Pierce, none
of whom averaged more than 12 points this season. Pierce will replace
Miller in the starting lineup.
Miller normally operates from the perimeter. That puts the burden on
Johnson and Pierce, veterans who can shoot but don't do it with the
same intensity and flair as Miller.
"Everybody stepped up after Reggie's injury," Brown said. "Eddie
Johnson and Ricky Pierce stepped up the scoring and spread out the
defense. They're probably going to double up Smits, so we need that
outside shooting."
Atlanta coach Lenny Wilkens won't be lulled into a false sense of
security by Miller's absence.
"We have to approach it as if Reggie is going to be there," he said.
"Ricky Pierce shoots well and has been in playoff situations. We have
our work cut out for us."
Indiana will have history on its side against Atlanta, having won
playoff encounters the Hawks the past two years. Last year, Miller
averaged better than 31 points per game in a first-round sweep. The
year before, the Pacers won a second-round matchup in six games from
the Hawks.
The teams' only other playoff meeting occurred in 1987, with Atlanta
posting a 3-1 first-round victory. Overall, the Pacers have won
8-of-13 playoff games with the Hawks.
Atlanta won four of its past six games, including a victory over Miami
on the final day to clinch the sixth seed over Detroit and avoid the
Magic until the second round.
Steve Smith led the club in scoring at 18.1 points per game and could
shine without the trash-talking Miller in his face. Mookie Blaylock,
Stacey Augmon and Grant Long helped Atlanta enjoy balanced scoring
throughout the season, as evidenced by a different leading scorer in
each of the last six games.
Center Christian Laettner will have an opportunity to prove his worth
as he appears in his first NBA postseason action. He was acquired Feb.
22 after spending 3Ż tumultuous seasons with the Minnesota
Timberwolves.
"I hope he's going to be really excited because he hasn't been there
before," Wilkens said of Laettner. "I expect he''ll be nervous, but
I'm sure being in the playoffs will override that."
Laettner will guard Smits, who has a six-inch height advantage.
"Smits has the size and is a good low-post player," Wilkens said.
"Christian is a little quicker."
The Pacers won three of four meetings with Atlanta this season. Miller
averaged 26.0 points and Smits 18.6. Smith scored 16 points per game
for the Hawks.
nba.658vpoznanovic,
HOUSTON STILL THE TEAM TO BEAT AT PLAYOFF TIME
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- The Houston Rockets have the Los Angeles Lakers
and the rest of the Western Conference right where they want them.
The two-time defending NBA champions again spent the second half of
the regular season shuffling personnel while stumbling in the
standings. They again open the NBA playoffs with a handful of players
nursing injuries. Once again it's doubtful they will have home-court
advantage in any of their playoff series.
GAME ONE
The series opener between the Rockets and Lakers will be Thursday at
10:30 p.m. ET on TNT and The Zone's Live Audio. And again, the Rockets
are the team to beat for the NBA title.
"They're a good defensive team," said Lakers coach Del Harris, whose
team will get the first crack at dethroning the champions. "They have
a prolific inside game as well as an outside game. They have a lot of
weapons."
Harris has a weapon of his own in Magic Johnson, who ended his 4Ż-year
retirement in January and provided a talented team with on-court
leadership, smarts and skills still among the best in the game.
However, the Lakers have had problems that threaten to disrupt the
team's chemistry and bring an early end to a potentially special
postseason.
In March, team captain and forward Cedric Ceballos left the team
without permission because he was upset about playing time. He claimed
he had to take care of a personal matter, which turned out to be water
skiing at Lake Havasu, Ariz.
Upon his return, Ceballos was suspended by the team and stripped of
his captaincy.
Teammate Nick Van Exel admonished Ceballos for his actions, but it
wasn't long before he had problems of his own. He shoved a referee
onto a scorer's table and was suspended by the league for the final
seven games of the regular season.
Even Johnson got into the act. Five days after he admonished Van
Exel, Johnson himself bumped an official and drew his own three-game
suspension from the league.
The suspensions of Van Exel and Johnson forced Harris to juggle his
rotation for the final two weeks of the season. This is not the time
of the season that a coach wants to be dealing with chemistry and
doling out minutes.
Johnson, Van Exel and Ceballos will be ready for the playoffs and give
the Lakers an excellent rotation of eight players, each of whom have
the potential to score 30 points on any night.
"They have so much talent," Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "We
count eight players who can score points on any night and young
players who can run the floor.
"Here is a team that, without Magic, is good. With Magic, he gives
them championship caliber."
The Lakers had seven players average at least 9.7 points per game, led
by Ceballos at 21.2. Included in that group is forward Elden Campbell,
who averaged 13.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks and was one of
the league's most improved players.
"I think he is having a great year and his confidence is high,"
Tomjanovich said of Campbell. "We have to contain him so he won't
score those points like the other scorers they have."
It is nervous-time for coaches, but you would think Tomjanovich was
getting ready to play the legendary 1971-72 Lakers. Although he won't
admit it, he has the most respected and feared team.
Last season, Tomjanovich's team had to overcome adversity early in the
playoffs. During a first-round series against Utah, guard Vernon
Maxwell couldn't deal with being second-string behind Clyde Drexler.
The Rockets granted Maxwell a leave of absence for the rest of the
playoffs, and he now plays for Philadelphia.
Shortly after Maxwell's leave of absence was granted, forward Carl
Herrera sustained a shoulder injury to kept him out for the rest of
the postseason. As a result, Houston went on to win the championship
with only 10 players on the postseason roster.
This season, Tomjanovich's main problem has been injuries. But now
that Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Mario Elie and Sam Cassell are
healthy, Houston is lethal again.
It all starts with Olajuwon, who averaged nearly 27 points and 11
rebounds and became becoming the NBA's all-time leading shot-blocker.
He must be double-teamed, which opens the floor for everyone else.
Drexler, Elie and Robert Horry can shoot 3-pointers or dunk over
opposing centers. Cassell and Kenny Smith both can beat a defender off
the dribble or stick open jumpers. Elie and Horry both can shut down
opponents with tough defense.
For the third consecutive year, the Rockets headed to Galveston,
Texas, to get reacquainted with one another and make another run at
the title.
"Everybody's in a state of mind where we feel it's time to go to
work," Olajuwon said. "We have these two days to really maximize
condition-wise and also make up a rotation before the playoffs."
Los Angeles went 29-11 after Johnson returned in late January. Only
one team beat them twice during that stretch -- Houston.
The Rockets beat the Lakers at home and on the road. They beat them
with Johnson in the lineup and with him on the sideline. They beat
them with Drexler and Elie and without them.
And with their reign as NBA champions on the line, the Rockets will
find a way to beat the Lakers in this series, too.
nba.659vpoznanovic,
CAVS, KNICKS LOOK TO AVOID REBUILDING PROCESS
CLEVELAND -- Two teams whose shortcomings have been exposed at times
-- and disguised just well enough at others -- meet in a first-round
matchup during which a loss for either side could spark the start of a
rebuilding process.
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers finished with identical
47-35 marks, but the two squads could not have traveled more distinct
paths to arrived at this point.
GAME ONE
The series opener between the Knicks and Cavs will be Thursday at 7
p.m. ET on TBS and The Zone's Live Audio. The Cavaliers captured the
fourth seed in the conference despite starting 0-7, playing without
All-Star center Brad Daugherty for the second consecutive season, and
missing All-Star forward Tyrone Hill for the first half of 1995-96.
The Cavs also traded All-Star point guard Mark Price before the start
of the season.
All this helps establish Cleveland's Mike Fratello as a strong
candidate for Coach of the Year honors because the general consensus
is that the Cavaliers overachieved. But the NBA is a league where
talent wins, and the Cavaliers are not given enough credit for
resurrecting a lost art: choosing a style of play and sticking with
it.
"I think ever since last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been
one of the best-coached teams in the league," said Miami coach Pat
Riley, who coached the Knicks for four seasons. "He's like the coach
of the moment, and if it's not (Chicago's) Phil Jackson, then Mike
Fratello is my Coach of the Year."
For the Knicks, the first season in the post-Riley era was a turbulent
one which featured the firing of coach Don Nelson, sweeping salary
cap-induced trades, disgruntled players popping off in the press and
the failure to adopt any specific style of play.
The Knicks are considered moody, surly underachievers who are nowhere
near as good as they believe. Failing to believe that their window of
opportunity has slammed shut, beginning the transitional process has
left both fans and the media with mixed postseason expectations.
Center Patrick Ewing, the focus of the team, believes the Knicks can
win a championship as presently constituted, yet management made
changes to create room under the cap for next season. It is this aura
of uncertainty that cost Nelson his job and might prove to be the
undoing of current coach Jeff Van Gundy.
While Cleveland relies on a half-court offense that emphasizes
high-percentage sets, the Knicks look to get the ball to Ewing and
offer little else in terms of offensive diversity.
Ewing, who averages 22.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, shot just
46 percent from the field and took 500 more shots than any other
teammate. Only forward Anthony Mason, who shot 56 percent from the
floor, made more shots than he missed.
To make matters worse, the Knicks don't rebound their misses. New York
was the worst offensive-rebounding team in the league and won't catch
any breaks on the boards against the Cavs. In fact, you can expect a
series of low-scoring games as Cleveland set an NBA record by
surrendering just 88.5 points per game, the lowest since the inception
of the shot clock some 40 years ago.
Cleveland's offense is headed by guard Terrell Brandon, who enjoyed a
breakout offensive season, averaging 19.4 points and 6.5 assists per
game and making his first All-Star team. He recorded a career-high 11
assists and tied a career-high with five steals in the Cavaliers'
clutch victory over New York on April 18.
Forward Danny Ferry and guard Bobby Phills -- two of the most
improved players in the league -- each scored at an 18.3 clip against
the Knicks this season. Cleveland is 10-3 when Ferry scores 20 or more
points, as he did when he recorded a career-high 32 at New York on
April 11.
The Cavaliers committed the fewest turnovers in the league this season
and posted the second-best turnover rate in NBA history. They also
convert their free throws (76 percent) and shot better than 50 percent
from the field in 25 games. It is more style than substance that
allowed them to break 100 points just 21 times.
The Knicks limp into the best-of-five series having dropped five of
their last eight regular-season games. New York was 19-21 against
teams with winning records and posted its lowest win total in five
seasons.
Despite posting 21 road wins, the Knicks did not dominate in their
building. They went 26-15 at home, their worst mark at Madison Square
Garden since going 21-20 in 1990-91.
Cleveland enters the playoffs hot, having won 21 of their past 31
games at Gund Arena and 12 of 19 overall.
The Cavaliers earned the right to play a potential fifth game at home
by defeating the Knicks 92-77 one week ago. The win snapped a six-game
home losing streak to New York.
Should the series boil down to coaching, the advantage wouldn't
necessarily favor Fratello. The fiery coach gets the most out of his
players in the regular season by making every game count, but sports
just a 19-28 mark in the playoffs.
Van Gundy should have picked up valuable postseason experience sitting
beside Riley during the past four seasons.
The Knicks appear headed for an off-season shakeup, including the
addition of at least one high-salaried free agent. The Cavaliers are
caught in the NBA purgatory of not being good enough to contend for a
title but not bad enough to land in the lottery. Cleveland has two
first-round picks in the next draft, which could provide the influx of
talent required to take the team to the next step.
With the prospect of facing the Chicago Bulls looming in the second
round, neither team should worry about arena availability in late May.
However, the team that loses this series will have to face the
questions regarding the future, which will outweigh the answers this
season might have provided.
nba.660vpoznanovic,
UTAH, PORTLAND BOTH GET TO THE POINT
SALT LAKE CITY -- Two teams whose offenses begin with superstar point
guards meet in the first round Thursday when the Utah Jazz and
Portland Trail Blazers square off in the Western Conference playoffs.
For Utah, it is "Mr. Reliable," John Stockton. As always, he was
quietly efficient and equally deadly this season, doing anything and
everything to help the Jazz win.
GAME ONE
The series opener between the Blazers and Jazz will be Thursday at
9:30 p.m. ET on TBS and The Zone's Live Audio. Stockton led the league
in assists for an unprecedented ninth consecutive season at 11.2 per
game. He also scored 14.7 points per game and had a 3.72
assists-to-turnover ratio.
Stockton has speed, court savvy and accuracy. He shot 54 percent from
the field, 42 percent from 3-point range and 83 percent from the line.
When you averages Stockton's assists and points -- giving two points
per assist -- he averages 37.1 points per game, which is 36.2 percent
of the team's offense. He also plays tough defense, as evidenced by
his ranking as the NBA's all-time leader in steals.
While Stockton is reserved and just goes about his business, his
counterpart for this series -- Rod Strickland -- is anything but. His
disdain for coach P.J. Carlesimo is known throughout the league and it
got to the point where Strickland was suspended right around the trade
deadline.
Strickland was upset that he was not traded before the deadline, and
he walked out on the team. The Blazers suspended Strickland, who
eventually decided to make amends and just play. Portland is grateful
for the decision.
The Blazers are one of the hottest teams in the league entering the
playoffs, winning 16 of their last 20 games. The beginning of their
hot streak coincided with Strickland's return from suspension and a
groin injury, and the addition of center Arvydas Sabonis in the
starting lineup.
Strickland played just 67 games, averaging 18.8 points and 9.6
assists. Taking the aforementioned points-assists formula and applying
it to Strickland, his 37 points per game account for 37.3 percent of
Portland's 99.3 points per game.
As much as the point guards will be involved in deciding the outcome,
it is the big men who will have an equal say in dictating this series.
Utah has its other standby, All-Star forward Karl Malone. "The
Mailman" delivered steadily throughout the season, averaging 25.7
points and 9.8 rebounds. Without Stockton, Malone is not as effective,
and vice versa.
For Portland, it is Sabonis who controls the middle. The 31-year-old
"rookie" from Lithuania averaged 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds, and he
is unique in that he is a stellar passer and his range extends to the
3-point arc, where the 7-foot-3 center hit 38 percent.
The big X-factor in this series is Blazers forward Clifford Robinson,
who led the team in scoring at 21.1 points per game but seems to get
lost in the shuffle at times. As a reminder, Robinson scored 78 points
in the last three games of the season. If he gets hot, he makes
Strickland and Sabonis that much more effective.
Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is concerned about Portland's activity around
the backboard. The Blazers were third in the league in rebounding and
boast six players -- including the 6-1 Strickland -- who grabbed at
least 4.4 rebounds per game. In contrast, the Jazz have just three.
"It's their ability to grab the rebounds which is going to be a big
part of the playoffs," Sloan said.
Chris Dudley led Portland with nine rebounds per game, followed by
Sabonis (8.1), Buck Williams (5.8), Clifford Robinson (5.8), Harvey
Grant (4.8) and Strickland (4.4).
Utah figures to have the edge in any close game. The Jazz shot 77
percent from the line this season, fourth in the league. The Blazers
were last at 66 percent and poor foul shooting plagued them all
season.
Of the Portland regulars, only Sabonis (.757) and Aaron McKie (.764)
shot better than 70 percent from the foul line.
nba.661vpoznanovic,
1995-96 National Basketball Association Coaches Of The Month
April -- Phil Jackson, Chicago Bulls
March -- Bob Hill, San Antonio Spurs
February -- George Karl, Seattle SuperSonics
January -- Phil Jackson, Chicago Bulls
December -- Mike Fratello, Cleveland Cavaliers
November -- Garry St. Jean, Sacramento Kings
nba.662vpoznanovic,
1995-96 National Basketball Association Players Of The Month
April -- Juwan Howard, Washington Bullets
March -- David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs
February -- Charles Barkley, Phoenix Suns
January -- Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
December -- Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls
November -- Penny Hardaway, Orlando Magic
nba.663vpoznanovic,
1995-96 National Basketball Association Rookies Of The Month
April -- Arvydas Sabonis, Portland Trail Blazers
March -- Jerry Stackhouse, Philadelphia 76ers
February -- Joe Smith, Golden State Warriors
January -- Damon Stoudamire, Toronto Raptors
December -- Joe Smith, Golden State Warriors
November -- Damon Stoudamire, Toronto Raptors
nba.664vpoznanovic,
1995-96 NBA Players Of The Week
The following are the 1995-96 National Basketball Association Players of
the Week:
April 21st -- Dennis Scott, Orlando Magic
April 14th -- Juwan Howard, Washington Bullets
April 7th -- Kevin Johnson, Phoenix Suns
March 31st -- Arvydas Sabonis, Portland Trail Blazers
March 24th -- Chris Gatling, Miami Heat
March 17th -- Grant Hill, Detroit Pistons
March 10th -- Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
March 3rd -- Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets
Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic
February 25th -- Shawn Kemp, Seattle SuperSonics
February 18th -- Armon Gilliam, New Jersey Nets
February 11th -- All-Star break, no selection made
February 4th -- Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
January 28th -- Reggie Miller, Indiana Pacers
January 21st -- Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
January 14th -- David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs
January 7th -- Clifford Robinson, Portland Trail Blazers
December 31st -- Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
December 24th -- Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
December 17th -- Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls
December 10th -- Dikembe Mutombo, Denver Nuggets
December 3rd -- Terrell Brandon, Cleveland Cavaliers
November 26th -- Shawn Kemp, Seattle SuperSonics
November 19th -- Cedric Ceballos, Los Angeles Lakers
November 12th -- Penny Hardaway, Orlando Magic
nba.665vpoznanovic,
Atlanta (92) At Indiana (80)
Atlanta
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Augmon F 22 2-4 0-0 1 1 2 3 3 2 1 4
Long F 40 4-11 4-4 5 9 14 4 4 0 2 13
Laettner C 31 6-14 2-3 3 3 6 1 5 1 3 14
Blaylock G 45 4-11 2-4 1 1 2 9 2 3 3 12
Smith G 39 10-15 3-4 0 2 2 3 3 1 2 27
Rooks 12 1-1 0-0 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 2
Henderson 22 3-5 0-0 2 0 2 2 2 0 0 6
Ehlo 25 4-10 0-0 0 3 3 2 2 2 1 12
Jordan 4 1-2 0-0 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 2
Boyce Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Bullard Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Norman Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 35-73 11-15 13 21 34 24 24 9 14 92
(.479) (.733) Team Rebs: 8 Total To: 14(12 Pts)
Indiana
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
D Davis F 35 1-5 2-4 5 7 12 1 1 1 3 4
Mckey F 36 5-8 4-5 0 5 5 2 4 3 4 15
Smits C 31 8-14 3-4 4 5 9 4 3 1 4 19
Jackson G 42 3-10 3-4 1 3 4 2 1 0 1 11
Pierce G 33 3-10 7-8 0 0 0 5 3 2 1 13
A Davis 26 4-6 2-2 3 2 5 0 5 2 3 10
Caldwell 3 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2
Ferrell 9 1-2 0-0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 2
Best 14 2-5 0-0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 4
Workman 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0
Johnson 9 0-5 0-0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Miller Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 28-66 21-27 13 24 37 18 21 11 18 80
(.424) (.778) Team Rebs: 7 Total To: 19(26 Pts)
Atlanta 21 28 19 24 - 92
Indiana 27 13 28 12 - 80
Blocked Shots: Atlanta - Smith 2, Laettner. Indiana - D Davis 3, Pierce.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Atlanta 11-23 (.478), Long 1-2, Blaylock 2-8, Smith
4-6, Ehlo 4-7. Indiana 3-12 (.250), Mckey 1-1, Jackson 2-6, Pierce 0-1,
Best 0-2, Johnson 0-2.
Technicals: None.
Officials: Dan Crawford, Bennett Salvatore, David Jones.
A - 16,438. T - 2:13.
nba.666vpoznanovic,
HAWKS HAVE GUARDED OPTIMISM AFTER BEATING PACERS
INDIANAPOLIS -- With All-Star guard Reggie Miller in street clothes,
the rest of the Indiana Pacers' guards needed to pick up the slack on
Thursday.
Didn't happen.
Instead, Atlanta guards Steve Smith, Mookie Blaylock and Craig Ehlo
scored 51 points on 50-percent shooting as the Hawks took a 92-80
victory over Indiana in the opening game of their Eastern Conference
quarterfinal series.
Christian Laettner added 14 points and Grant Long had 13 points and 14
rebounds for the Hawks, who won a playoff game at Market Square Arena
for the first time since May 1, 1987. Indiana eliminated Atlanta from
the playoffs the previous two years.
"It's really big when you can come in here and get a win," said
Smith, who scored five of his 27 points during a fourth-quarter run.
"We put total energy out there. They are a big team -- a really big
team.
"It's good to win at the right time -- playoff time."
Rik Smits scored 19 points and Derrick McKey added 15 for Indiana,
which is expected to play without Miller the entire series as he
recovers from surgery to repaired a fractured eye socket.
"I just came to watch the game," said Miller, who covered his eyes
with purple-tinted glasses as he watched from the Pacers' bench. "It
(the injury) is coming along. But until the double-vision goes away,
I'm pretty much helpless."
Ricky Pierce, starting in place of Miller, finished with 13 points on
just three-for-10 shooting from the field. Mark Jackson also was three
for 10 and the backcourt reserves -- Travis Best, Haywoode Workman and
Eddie Johnson -- were a combined two for 10.
Smith was sensational for Atlanta, shooting 10 for 15 from the floor
and four for six from 3-point range. Blaylock scored 12 points and
handed out nine assists, and Ehlo came off the bench to drill four
3-pointers and finish with 12 points.
The Pacers closed the third quarter with an 8-0 run and tied the score
68-68 on two free throws by Dale Davis with 57 seconds left.
Atlanta started the final quarter with a 16-7 run, holding Indiana to
two baskets over a nearly nine-minute span. Laettner gave the Hawks
the lead for good with a layup 76 seconds into the period and Alan
Henderson added a layup to make it 72-68 with 9:12 to play.
Smits had a putback to make it 72-70, but Laettner hit a 19-footer and
Henderson nailed a 17-footer to push the lead to 76-70 with 7:27
remaining.
Antonio Davis hit an eight-foot baseline jumper to pull Indiana within
four, but Smith hit three free throws and a layup to give the Hawks an
81-72 bulge with 5:10 remaining.
Smits and Pierce made three free throws to make it a six-point game,
but Blaylock hit a foul shot and scored a transition layup to give
Atlanta an 84-75 advantage.
Indiana pulled within 86-80 and had a chance to draw closer, but
Jackson missed a 3-pointer from the left wing. Long sank two free
throws with 1:06 left to give the Hawks an 88-80 edge.
"They just played better than we did," Indiana coach Larry Brown said.
"The first half, we're down nine and everybody is concerned about
3-pointers.
"I thought we had control and in the fourth quarter, we
self-destructed."
Indiana jumped out to a 20-12 lead on Smits' hook shot with 4:39 left
in the first quarter. The Pacers held a 27-21 lead after 12 minutes,
making 60 percent (12 of 20) of their shots.
The Hawks regrouped in the second quarter, closing the half on a 13-4
run over the final 4:18. Craig Ehlo hit a pair of 3-pointers and Smith
added five points as Atlanta led 49-40 at intermission.
"I thought Craig Ehlo was incredible when he came in in the second
quarter," Atlanta coach Lenny Wilkens said. "The first game is always
important. We didn't lose our composure when they ran off a few
points. You don't want to let them win, because then they come back
here with the momentum."
Atlanta shot 48 percent (35 for 73) from the field and scored 26
points off 19 Atlanta turnovers.
Atlanta made 11 of 23 3-pointers. The Pacers made just three of 12
shots from beyond the arc.
Jackson had 11 points and Antonio Davis added 10 for the Pacers, who
shot 42 percent (28 for 66) from the field. Dale Davis grabbed 12
rebounds for Indiana, which held a 37-34 rebounding edge.
The Pacers outscored the Hawks from the foul line, 21-11.
nba.667vpoznanovic,
Houston (87) At LA Lakers (83)
Houston
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Horry F 37 0-8 0-0 3 5 8 1 5 4 2 0
Brown F 15 1-4 0-0 1 1 2 0 2 0 0 2
Olajuwon C 42 14-26 5-7 1 7 8 2 4 5 4 33
Drexler G 40 7-18 6-8 1 6 7 4 3 2 2 21
Smith G 27 3-6 1-1 0 1 1 4 1 1 0 7
Elie 31 3-5 0-0 0 7 7 1 2 1 0 7
Cassell 21 2-8 1-3 0 3 3 2 3 0 2 5
Bryant 19 5-7 2-2 2 3 5 0 3 1 0 12
Mack 8 0-2 0-2 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 0
Chilcutt Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Jones Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Recasner Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 35-84 15-23 8 37 45 14 23 14 10 87
(.417) (.652) Team Rebs: 6 Total To: 11(4 Pts)
LA Lakers
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Campbell F 26 3-8 1-4 0 8 8 1 3 0 4 7
Ceballos F 44 9-20 2-2 3 9 12 1 2 1 2 22
Divac C 36 3-10 0-2 5 3 8 6 4 0 3 6
Jones G 35 7-12 0-1 2 2 4 1 5 2 1 19
Van Exel G 32 1-11 3-4 1 2 3 8 4 1 3 5
Johnson 36 4-11 10-12 1 12 13 3 1 0 5 20
Lynch 10 2-3 0-0 0 2 2 0 3 0 2 4
Threatt 18 0-6 0-0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
Roberts 3 0-2 0-0 2 1 3 0 0 0 1 0
Blount Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Peeler Dnp - Strained Right Calf
Strong Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 29-83 16-25 14 40 54 20 22 4 22 83
(.349) (.640) Team Rebs: 15 Total To: 22(25 Pts)
Houston 21 19 25 22 - 87
LA Lakers 22 17 27 17 - 83
Blocked Shots: Houston - Horry 3, Olajuwon, Drexler, Bryant. LA Lakers -
Divac 2, Ceballos, Campbell.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Houston 2-11 (.182), Horry 0-2, Drexler 1-4, Smith 0-2,
Elie 1-2, Cassell 0-1. LA Lakers 9-26 (.346), Ceballos 2-4, Divac 0-2,
Jones 5-8, Van Exel 0-4, Johnson 2-4, Lynch 0-1, Threatt 0-3.
Technicals: Houston - Illegal Defense, LA Lakers - Head Coach Harris.
Officials: Ronnie Nunn, Dick Bavetta, Ken Mauer.
A - 17,505. T - 2:25.
nba.668vpoznanovic,
Houston 87, LA Lakers 83
Hakeem Olajuwon scored 33 points as the Houston Rockets opened their
quest for a third consecutive N-B-A title by holding off the Los
Angeles Lakers, 87-83, in Game One of their Western Conference
quarterfinal series.
Clyde Drexler added 21 points for Houston, which extended its road
playoff winning streak to eight games. The Rockets won at the Greater
Western Forum for the first time since May 21st, 1986, when Ralph
Sampson's miraculous throw-in at the buzzer advanced Houston to the
N-B-A Finals.
Cedric Ceballos had 22 points and 11 rebounds and Magic Johnson added
20 opints and 13 boards off the bench for Los Angeles, which went
scoreless for an eight-minute stretch in the fourth quarter.
Game Two is Saturday at Los Angeles.
After Johnson made a three-point play for the first points of the
fourth quarter to give Los Angeles a 69-65 lead, the Rockets went on a
13-0 run as Los Angeles missed its next 11 shots.
Drexler and Sam Cassell scored baskets to tie the game, but Olajuwon
made consecutive hook shots to give Houston a 73-69 lead with 7:47 to
play. Cassell added a three-point play before Olajuwon capped the run
to make it 78-69 with 4:25 to play.
Eddie Jones ended the drought with a three-pointer and Nick Van Exel
made two free throws to pull the Lakers within 78-74 at the
three-minute mark before Mario Elie answered with a three-pointer and
Drexler made a free throw and scored a layup off a turnover by Johnson
to push Houston's lead to 84-74 with 1:52 remaining.
Los Angeles made one last gasp, pulling within 86-83 as Johnson and
Jones hit three-pointers to cap a 9-2 run. But Drexler hit the second
of two free throws with 3.5 seconds to play to complete the scoring.
Houston shot only 42 percent (35-of-84) from the field and was
outrebounded, 54-45. Mark Bryant added 12 points off the bench for the
Rockets, who shot 2-of-11 from three-point range.
Jones added 19 points for the Lakers, who shot only 35 percent
(29-of-83) from the floor. Los Angeles committed 22 turnovers, leading
to 25 Houston points.
The Lakers scored only four points off 11 Houston turnovers.
Houston has never lost a playoff series in franchise history after
winning the first game of a series, winning all 14 of the previou
series.
nba.669vpoznanovic,
New York (106) At Cleveland (83)
New York
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Mason F 40 4-12 2-2 4 3 7 7 1 0 0 10
Oakley F 34 8-15 0-0 1 2 3 2 3 0 0 17
Ewing C 40 9-15 4-6 1 6 7 5 2 0 1 23
Starks G 46 7-12 1-2 0 7 7 7 3 3 2 21
Harper G 35 3-10 4-4 0 2 2 7 1 0 0 12
Davis 22 5-6 0-0 0 2 2 0 2 0 1 15
Williams 8 0-1 2-2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Ward 13 2-3 0-0 0 3 3 4 2 1 0 6
Grandison 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Anderson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Grant Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Reid Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 38-74 13-16 6 25 31 32 15 4 4 106
(.514) (.813) Team Rebs: 8 Total To: 5(8 Pts)
Cleveland
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Mills F 26 2-7 1-1 0 3 3 2 2 0 1 5
Ferry F 41 5-12 0-0 1 3 4 4 2 0 2 11
Cage C 30 4-6 1-1 2 6 8 0 1 0 0 9
Phills G 39 5-12 0-1 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 11
Brandon G 40 8-17 0-0 1 5 6 5 3 1 2 18
Hill 16 2-2 0-0 0 2 2 0 5 0 1 4
Majerle 34 8-13 3-3 2 3 5 5 1 1 0 23
Sura 7 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 0
Amaechi 2 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Crotty 2 0-0 2-2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Lang 2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Marshall 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 240 34-70 7-8 7 25 32 22 14 3 10 83
(.486) (.875) Team Rebs: 5 Total To: 14(15 Pts)
New York 22 18 29 37 - 106
Cleveland 17 23 27 16 - 83
Blocked Shots: New York - Ewing 2, Mason, Starks. Cleveland - Mills 2,
Cage 2, Ferry, Phills.
3-Pt. Field Goals: New York 17-22 (.773), Oakley 1-1, Ewing 1-1, Starks
6-9, Harper 2-3, Davis 5-6, Ward 2-2. Cleveland 8-21 (.381), Mills 0-2,
Ferry 1-5, Phills 1-4, Brandon 2-3, Majerle 4-7.
Technicals: New York - Illegal Defense.
Officials: Ed T Rush, Ron Garretson, Joe Derosa.
A - 16,419. T - 2:01.
nba.670vpoznanovic,
KNICKS DIAL 3 FOR LONG-DISTANCE VICTORY
CLEVELAND -- After losing their playoff opener, the Cleveland
Cavaliers are sure to have nightmares about a certain number.
And those bad dreams are sure to star No. 3 John Starks, No. 33
Patrick Ewing and all the 3-pointers the New York Knicks drilled
during their 106-83 victory Thursday.
"We had some amazing shooting," Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy said.
"Obviously, you're not going to shoot threes that well every night.
But that was the way we found a win tonight. We're going to have to
find a different way to win on Saturday (in Game 2)."
Starks hit six treys and Hubert Davis had five as the Knicks made 17
of 22 attempts from beyond the arc and took a 1-0 lead in the
best-of-five Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
Ewing, a 7-foot-1 All-Star center, also got in on the act, making his
only 3-point attempt while on his way to 23 points. Starks had 21
points and Charles Oakley returned from an eye injury to score 17.
New York shot 77 percent from 3-point range, 51 percent (38 for 74)
from the floor and 81 percent (13 for 16) from the foul line.
The Knicks broke open a close game with a 20-0 fourth-quarter run,
sparked by six points from Davis, five by Sparks and Anthony Mason's
four.
Dan Majerle's 3-pointer gave Cleveland its last lead at 75-74 with
9:16 remaining before the Knicks reeled off 20 consecutive points to
take a 94-75 advantage with 4:02 to play.
"We played a good team and we were able to come out with a win
tonight," Ewing said. "In my mind we are not even trying to make a
statement -- we are just trying to win.
"We were penetrating and they were doubling me, and I was trying to
get into the teeth of the defense and hit the open people."
Davis scored 15 points and Derek Harper had 12 for the Knicks, who set
a franchise playoff-record with their 17 3-pointers. The old mark of
13 was set last May 4 against the Cavs, as the Knicks went on to win
that first-round series 3-1.
The Knicks also recorded 32 assists Thursday and committed just four
turnovers.
Majerle came off the bench to score 23 points for Cleveland, and
All-Star point guard Terrell Brandon chipped in 18 points.
"The Knicks are a veteran team and have been through a lot of big
games before," Cavs coach Mike Fratello said. "We did a poor job at
times in our decision making and at other times they made shots with
hands in their faces. It was not a good second half tonight at all."
Michael Cage's three-point play gave Cleveland a 45-41 lead early in
the third quarter before New York scored the next 14 points for a
55-45 lead. Oakley netted seven during the burst, which was capped by
Harper's 3-pointer with less than seven minutes left in the period.
The Cavs rallied with a 15-5 surge that evened the score at 60-60 on
Majerle's 3-pointer with 2:50 left. The next two minutes were played
evenly before Davis' 3-pointer began an 8-0 spree that put New York
ahead 74-67 early in the fourth quarter.
But Cleveland answered with its own 8-0 run, featuring five points
from Majerle that gave the team its last lead.
"We know what time of the year it is," Mason said. "Experience and
concentration helps. We never lost confidence and it is a new season.
The Cavs played well, but the stakes are big and we have to turn it
up."
Oakley returned to the New York lineup after missing the last six
games of the regular season with an eye injury.
Danny Ferry and Bobby Phills each scored 11 points and Cage had nine
points and eight boards for the Cavs, who shot 49 percent from the
field (34 for 70) and 88 percent (seven for eight) from the foul line.
"We have no excuses," Brandon said. "The intensity level was just not
there in the second half like it should have been."
The teams finished with identical 47-35 records in the regular season,
but Cleveland received the higher seed because it won the season
series.
nba.671vpoznanovic,
Portland (102) At Utah (110)
Portland
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Grant F 37 2-5 0-4 1 3 4 1 4 0 2 4
C Robinson F 39 6-17 7-10 1 3 4 4 4 0 3 21
Sabonis C 34 5-11 16-20 2 4 6 1 3 0 2 26
Mckie G 16 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0
Strickland G 41 8-16 9-11 2 5 7 12 4 1 3 27
Williams 23 3-4 0-0 3 2 5 0 3 0 2 6
Dudley 26 2-4 0-0 4 6 10 0 4 0 0 4
J Robinson 14 1-5 0-0 0 1 1 1 4 0 1 3
R Robinson 7 3-4 0-0 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 8
Wingfield 3 1-1 0-0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 3
Spencer Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Trent Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 31-68 32-45 14 25 39 20 31 3 13 102
(.456) (.711) Team Rebs: 13 Total To: 14(22 Pts)
Utah
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Benoit F 34 3-5 2-2 1 5 6 0 2 0 1 9
Malone F 41 14-21 5-15 1 8 9 1 3 2 3 33
Spencer C 16 2-3 0-0 0 2 2 0 4 0 0 4
Hornacek G 37 10-13 6-8 0 2 2 3 2 2 2 30
Stockton G 41 2-4 7-8 0 2 2 23 2 0 1 11
Eisley 7 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0
Ostertag 17 0-2 2-6 0 3 3 0 3 0 0 2
Keefe 8 0-1 0-0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0
Morris 5 0-4 0-0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
Carr 21 3-7 3-4 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 9
Foster 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
Russell 12 4-5 4-5 0 2 2 1 1 2 0 12
Totals 240 38-66 29-48 5 24 29 31 29 6 7 110
(.576) (.604) Team Rebs: 16 Total To: 7(2 Pts)
Portland 26 30 25 21 - 102
Utah 30 14 29 37 - 110
Blocked Shots: Portland - Mckie 2, Sabonis, Williams, J Robinson. Utah -
Malone, Ostertag, Carr, Russell.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Portland 8-20 (.400), Grant 0-1, C Robinson 2-6, Mckie
0-1, Strickland 2-4, Williams 0-1, J Robinson 1-3, R Robinson 2-3,
Wingfield 1-1. Utah 5-6 (.833), Benoit 1-2, Hornacek 4-4.
Technicals: None.
Officials: Bernie Fryer, Hugh Evans, Terry Durham.
A - 19,614. T - 2:32.
nba.672vpoznanovic,
Utah 110, Portland 102
John Stockton came within one assist of matching his N-B-A playoff
record and Karl Malone scored six of his 33 points in a fourth-quarter
run as the Utah Jazz rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit to
defeat the Portland Trail Blazers, 110-102, in the opener of their
Western Conference quarterfinal series.
Stockton had 23 assists, one shy of the record he shares with Magic
Johnson. Stockton dished out 24 assists against the Los Angeles Lakers
on May 17th, 1988, and Johnson accomplished the feat May 15th, 1984,
against Phoenix.
Jeff Hornacek added 30 points for Utah, which outscored the Suns in
the fourth quarter, 37-21.
Rod Strickland scored 27 points and Arvydas Sabonis added 26 for
Portland, which has not won at Utah since January 24th, 1993, a
seven-game span with six of the losses coming during the regular
season.
Game Two is Saturday at Utah.
After the Blazers took their last lead of the game at 91-90 on a free
throw by Strickland with 5:36 to play, Malone and the Jazz went on a
9-2 run.
Malone started the run with a turnaround jumper and a 10-foot baseline
jumper to make it 94-91. Harvey Grant missed two free throws, but
Sabonis made a pair to pull Portland within 94-93 with 3:37 left.
Stockton responded with two free throws and Bryon Russell made one to
make it 97-93. Malone then scored while he was fouled, but missed the
free throw, giving the Jazz a 99-93 lead with 2:18 remaining.
Portland got as close as 101-97 with 1:32 to play on two free throws
by Sabonis, but Hornacek nailed a three-pointer with just over a
minute to play to seal the victory.
"They just made a big run, they made the run and momentum went on
their side and they just carried on," said Strickland. "I said all
along it's going to be tough to win here, but we played well until the
end so we just got to find a way to stop them and the surges they have
from time to time."
Bryon Russell scored seven of his 12 points in the first six minutes
of the fourth quarter as he replaced an ineffective David Benoit.
"I thought he came off the bench and gave us a tremendous lift," said
Utah coach Jerry Sloan. "We were really struggling, and Bryon did a
terrific job. We didn't have much energy, and he was tenacious all
over the floor."
"We won ... I don't worry about the past, what's done is done," said
Russell. "I just look forward to being ready every time coach calls on
me."
The Blazers used two second-quarter runs to take control. Rumeal
Robinson scored eight points in a 10-0 spree, giving Portland a 36-30
lead with 7:10 to play on a layup. He hit a pair of three-pointers in
front of a jumper by Clifford Robinson.
Portland closed the quarter on a 12-4 kick as Strickland scored six
points, including two free throws with three seconds left to give the
Blazers a 56-44 lead at intermission, their largest lead of the game.
Russell finished with 12 points off the bench and Stockton had 11
points and only one turnover to go with his 23 assists. Utah shot 58
percent (38-of-66) from the field, including 5-of-6 from three-point
range. The Jazz committed only seven turnovers.
Clifford Robinson had 21 points, but hit just 6-of-17 shots for
Portland, which shot 46 percent (31-of-68). Sabonis made 16-of-20 free
throws as the Blazers connected on 32-of-45 foul shots.
"We proved that we can play here and we know we can win here," said
Clifford Robinson. "We can take a lot of positives from this game. We
obviously wanted to get the game, it was a big game to start the
series."
Portland outrebounded the Jazz, 39-29, and had a 14-5 edge on the
offensive end. The Blazers committed 14 turnovers, leading to 22 Utah
points.
nba.673vpoznanovic,
CAMBY UNSURE IF HE'S READY FOR 'NBA LIFESTYLE'
BOSTON -- Despite reports to the contrary, Massachusetts center Marcus
Camby says he hasn't decided if he's ready for the NBA.
Camby, the national player of the year, said Friday night that he
might not be ready for the NBA lifestyle. Then again, Camby didn't say
he'd be returning for his senior season, either.
"Probably the most aggravating part is people asking, 'What are you
going to do?' '' Camby said in an interview with New England Cable
News. "And you don't have an answer at this point.''
ESPN sources confirmed Friday that Camby would pass up his senior
season and enter the NBA Draft. The Boston Globe and Boston Herald,
both citing sources close to the UMass program, reported that Camby
plans to announce the decision during a news conference Monday.
The Globe's source said Camby had not signed with an agent, which
would allow him to return to school if he changes his mind.
Underclassmen have until May 12 to declare their eligibility but can
change their mind before the June 26 draft.
If Camby declares for the NBA Draft, he probably will be one of the
top three picks. He also would have to play many more than the 37
games UMass played last season.
"I don't know if I'm ready to live the NBA lifestyle. I don't know if
I'm ready to compete in an 82-game schedule,'' Camby told New England
Cable News. "There's no question in my mind that I can play at the
next level. I just have to feel comfortable with it.
"It's a very hard schedule. The travel definitely takes its wear and
tear on a player.''
The 6-foot-11 senior led UMass to its first trip to the NCAA Final
Four this past season, averaging 20.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.9
blocked shots.
Two of Camby's teammates, junior guards Edgar Padilla and Carmelo
Travieso, said they think Camby will head to the NBA.
"We know he's been hounded a lot, so we don't bring it up unless he
wants to talk, and then we tell him what we think," Travieso told the
Union-News of Springfield on Friday.
"As a senior (next season), I'd love him to stay. It would be super to
play with him,'' Padilla told the Union-News. "But it's his decision.
If he wants to leave, I wish him well."
nba.674vpoznanovic,
BULLETS GET A LEGLER UP, PICK UP 3-POINT SHOOTER'S OPTION
LANDOVER, Md. -- Washington Bullets guard Tim Legler, who led the NBA
in 3-point shooting percentage this season, had the option year on his
contract picked up Friday.
The 6-foot-4 Legler shot 52 percent (128-for-245) from 3-point range
and went on to capture the Long Distance Shootout during the All-Star
weekend at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
He also averaged 9.4 points and 1.8 assists in 23 minutes per game and
ranked ninth in the league in free-throw percentage (86.3).
Legler underwent reconstructive surgery April 19 after tearing the
anterior cruciate ligament and cartilage in his right knee in an April
17 game.
The surgery is expected to cause Legler to miss the start of the
1996-97 season.
"Tim was an integral part of the success of the Bullets this past
season," Bullets vice president and general manager John Nash said. "I
have no doubt that Tim is determined to rehabilitate his knee and
return to the Bullets lineup next season."
The guard had spent the past six seasons bouncing between the NBA and
the Continental Basketball Association.
nba.675vpoznanovic,
ALEXANDER THE GREAT BECOMES ROCKETS' SOLE OWNER
HOUSTON -- Les Alexander told Houston television station KRIV on
Friday that he is now the sole owner of the two-time defending NBA
champion Houston Rockets.
The Rockets currently are in search of their third NBA title during
Alexander's brief tenure as owner.
Alexander bought the remaining 5.7 percent share of the franchise from
Austin, Texas, real estate developer Gary Bradley. Alexander did not
disclose the price.
Alexander purchased 86.3 percent of the Rockets from Charlie Thomas in
July, 1993. Alexander bought another 8 percent of the team last year
from Dallas businessman Bill Esping.
nba.676vpoznanovic,
NBA BEAT: WALKER, NBA TAKE STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION
It was good to see Darrell Walker standing side-by-side with Isiah
Thomas the other day as the Toronto Raptors' new head coach. Every
league has an old-boy network, and the NBA isn't any different.
But in case you haven't noticed, Walker isn't an old boy. Nor was he a
superstar player. He was a hard-working, defensive-minded point guard
who frequently led the Washington Bullets in rebounding, despite
standing just 6-foot-5 and having bad shins.
It's hard to recall an African-American with such a rÚsumÚ -- and a
lack of coaching experience -- getting a shot.
Scouting report
M.L. Carr's ideas in Boston continue to cause raised eyebrows around
the league. The latest came when Carr sent injured forward Dino Radja
and his wife to Paris to serve as the Celtics' scouts for the European
Championships last week -- instead of the team's personnel men.
Biting the bullet
Juwan Howard made it quite clear last week that the Bullets have to
come strong to the table if they hope to keep him. He suggested
Washington make a phone call to his agent, David Falk, at 12:01 a.m.
on July 1, the first day of free agency.
For his part, Falk is now suggesting it'll take an average of $14
million a year to sign Howard.
Don't push me
The league warned playoff teams in its annual pre-postseason memo that
any contact with officials would result in multiple-game suspensions.
That doesn't necessarily mean one longer than Nick Van Exel's
seven-game stint, but the league is keeping its options open.
Flight options
Along with finalizing the sale of the 76ers and Mavericks, the NBA's
board of governors this week reconsidered an old proposal to set up a
league-wide plane-chartering service for all teams.
The league grew concerned this year after the charter service for both
the Spurs and Hawks went bankrupt, forcing the teams to scramble for
commercial flights the last six weeks of the regular season.
Doomsday for the Dallas brain trust?
Speaking of the Mavericks' sale, the acquisition of the team by Ross
Perot Jr.'s group does not bode well for general manager Norm Sonju.
And who knows now about Dallas' long-planned transfer of head coaching
power from Dick Motta to Brad Davis? ... Now that John Gabriel has
turned down Pat Croce's offer for the 76ers' general manager job,
Croce might turn next to Houston's Bob Weinhauer, who interviewed for
the position a couple of weeks ago. ... Also, Brad Greenberg, the
former player personnel director of the Trail Blazers, was in
Philadelphia on Friday for an interview.
Georgetown's Jerome Williams and Othella Harrington helped themselves
immensely at last week's pre-draft camp in Phoenix. Williams showed an
ability to handle the all that will make the 6-foot-9 forward a hot
commodity at draft time ... Santa Clara's Steve Nash was the
consensus pick for top point guard at the camp, assuring himself of
going high in the first round.
nba.677vpoznanovic,
PIPPEN WILL GO GLASS; YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK
CHICAGO -- How did a young Scottie Pippen learn the bank shot?
"When I was small, it was the only way I could get the ball to fall in
the basket," said Pippen, now 30 years old and 6-foot-7. "I would keep
trying and I'd hit the bottom of the rim.
Scottie Pippen has averaged 17.7 points per game and shot 49 percent
from the field during his nine-year NBA career. His playoff numbers
are 18.2 points per game and 47 percent. "Finally, you learn to back
away and go for the angles at the basket."
Back then, while growing up in Arkansas, Pippen used the bank shot out
of necessity. Today it's the staple in his potent scoring game.
"I think it's always been my signature shot," said the Chicago Bulls
forward, a six-time All-Star and three-time NBA champion. "As long as
I've been able to play, I think it's one shot I've always felt very
good about taking at any time."
Pippen uses the bank shot in an era where calling glass has lost its
luster. However, there was a time when the bank shot had more respect.
A shot once in vogue
"When I first started coaching in the '40s, some coaches insisted on
the bank shot from the 45-degree angle, both off the post and
face-ups," Bulls assistant coach Tex Winter said. "Sam Jones comes to
mind. He was one of the great bank-shooters of all time. I think he
may have been one of the best."
Jones averaged 17.7 points per game and was a member of 10 NBA
championship teams during his 12-year career with the Boston Celtics
(1957-58 to 1968-69).
"It became a great emphasis in the early and middle '70s," Bulls coach
Phil Jackson said of the bank shot. "Because you had a square, it made
the shot softer, it helped your angles and you didn't have to be as
accurate with the shot."
By watching his heroes, Pippen learned their style and tried to
emulate it.
"I think that's how I got attached to it," Pippen said. "I watched
players as I grew up as a kid.
"Alex English used the bank shot a lot back in his time. He had a
really nice loft on the ball. Once it hit the glass, it had a pretty
good shot of going in."
English averaged 21.5 points per game during his 15-year NBA career.
His best years were with the Denver Nuggets, when he played in eight
consecutive All-Star Games (1982-89).
The bank shot has become somewhat of a lost art in the '90s. In fact,
Phil Jackson was hard-pressed to name modern-day replacements for
Jones, English and Bill Walton.
Pippen's name springs to mind, of course. When working out of
Chicago's famed triangle offense, Pippen uses the bank shot "in the
post at times, but I used it a lot coming off screens from the
baseline pick," he said.
More times than not, when Pippen rolls off the pick, he'll be at a
45-degree angle on the wing -- the optimum place to bang it off the
board.
"I get in situations, certain angles on the court where I'm indecisive
about whether I should shoot a bank shot or straight on at the
basket," Pippen said. "Most of the time, I try to come off the glass."
Why it works
What makes the bank shot so successful?
"You can get it over a defense better," Winter said. "The trajectory
of your shot is much higher than it would be shooting directly at the
basket because you put a tremendous arc on the ball.
"If Scottie didn't have that in his repertoire, it would cut down his
scoring potential. He'd have to develop other skills," Winter said.
If you were to take away Scottie Pippen's bank shot and what would he
be?
"Average," Pippen said.
nba.678vpoznanovic,
Detroit (92) At Orlando (112)
Detroit
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Hill F 40 10-13 1-1 2 9 11 4 3 0 2 21
Thorpe F 25 4-8 2-2 2 4 6 1 1 0 2 10
West C 23 5-9 0-0 1 3 4 0 5 0 2 10
Houston G 41 6-13 5-6 0 2 2 4 4 0 2 19
Dumars G 34 5-9 2-2 2 2 4 2 1 0 1 14
Leckner 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
Mills 22 4-11 1-2 2 1 3 4 3 0 1 10
Hunter 25 1-6 1-2 1 1 2 1 2 1 0 3
Curry 12 1-3 0-0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 2
Reid 9 1-3 1-3 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 3
Roe 6 0-1 0-0 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0
Ratliff Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 37-76 13-18 12 24 36 18 25 2 10 92
(.487) (.722) Team Rebs: 4 Total To: 12(17 Pts)
Orlando
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Scott F 35 8-14 1-1 1 1 2 2 3 0 1 23
Grant F 34 7-10 1-2 4 9 13 1 3 0 0 15
Oneal C 36 9-19 3-10 4 4 8 7 3 0 2 21
Anderson G 37 4-7 4-5 1 2 3 1 1 1 3 12
Hardaway G 35 6-12 3-4 0 6 6 9 2 2 0 18
Koncak 5 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
Shaw 24 3-5 2-2 0 1 1 11 4 0 2 9
Bowie 12 2-2 2-2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 6
Wolf 5 1-3 0-0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2
Royal 12 1-2 3-3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 5
Bonner 4 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
Thompson 1 0-0 1-2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Totals 240 41-74 20-31 11 24 35 34 19 3 8 112
(.554) (.645) Team Rebs: 13 Total To: 8(8 Pts)
Detroit 18 29 17 28 - 92
Orlando 24 23 33 32 - 112
Blocked Shots: Detroit - West, Houston. Orlando - Hardaway 2, Oneal,
Anderson, Grant, Koncak.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Detroit 5-18 (.278), Hill 0-1, Houston 2-6, Dumars 2-4,
Mills 1-5, Hunter 0-2. Orlando 10-17 (.588), Scott 6-9, Anderson 0-2,
Hardaway 3-4, Shaw 1-2.
Technicals: None.
Officials: Mike Mathis, Bill Oakes, Paul Mihalak.
A - 17,248. T - 2:11.
nba.679vpoznanovic,
ORLANDO ROUTS DETROIT; TIGHT FIRST HALF WAS AN ILLUSION
ORLANDO, Fla. -- At the end of the first half, the Orlando Magic and
Detroit Pistons were all tied up. Then the Magic pulled off a
Houdini-like escape.
Orlando closed the third quarter with a 22-10 run as the explosive
Magic took a 112-92 victory over Detroit on Friday, the opener of
their best-of-five Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
Dennis Scott led the way with 23 points and Nick Anderson scored eight
of his 12 points during the crucial third-quarter run.
"The outcome will be the same if we play this way the rest of the
series," said Orlando forward Horace Grant, who had 15 points and 13
rebounds. "I'm sure that they're going to make some changes and,
believe me, it's not going to be as easy as it was tonight.
"But we came out and played very aggressive, hit the boards hard and
Dennis hit some shots."
Scott hit six of his nine 3-point attempts, and Shaquille O'Neal and
Anfernee Hardaway weren't far away from triple-doubles. O'Neal
finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and
Hardaway had 18 points, six rebounds and nine assists.
The score was tied 47-47 at halftime, but Orlando took control and led
80-64 heading into the final period. Anderson started the 22-10 run
with a driving dunk and Brian Shaw closed it out with a 3-pointer with
22.5 seconds left.
"I was just very happy to get off to a good start tonight with this
win, especially after last night's activities in the league with the
road teams coming in and winning," Magic coach Brian Hill said in
reference to Thursday's playoff openers, when the visitors won three
of the four games.
"I thought we picked up the play much more to our potential in the
second half. We were a little less aggressive than I would have liked
in the first half."
Shaw came off the bench to contribute nine points and 11 assists for
Orlando, which shot 59 percent (10 for 17) from 3-point range and 55
percent (41 for 74) overall.
Grant Hill had 21 points and 11 rebounds and Allan Houston had 19
points for Detroit, which is making its first playoff appearance since
the 1991-92 campaign. The Pistons couldn't keep up from 3-point range,
shooting just 28 percent (five for 18).
"In the playoffs, every possession counts," Grant Hill said. "You
can't have turnovers, carelessness, mental mistakes or situations
where you don't score and execute.
"They came out in the third quarter and did all of the things they
needed to do. We didn't. They got a big lead and we played catch up
the rest of the game."
Orlando, which never trailed, scored the first seven points and built
a 20-10 lead with 5:25 left on Scott's 3-point shot. Scott scored nine
points in the first period -- all on threes -- as the team held on for
a 24-18 lead after 12 minutes.
"I just come in every day and play my game, knowing that Shaquille and
Anfernee are going to get double-teamed a lot. They do a good job of
finding me on the perimeter," Scott said. "Tonight, my shot was
falling."
The Magic gradually built the advantage to 40-27 on Anderson's
alley-oop basket with six minutes to go in the half. The margin was
still at 44-31 before Detroit closed out the half with a 16-3 burst.
Houston, who scored 11 points in the second quarter, scored the first
seven points of the run that evened the score at 47-47.
Orlando had 34 assists and committed just eight turnovers. The Magic
won three of the four meetings with Detroit during the regular season.
Orlando built its biggest lead of the game at 97-75 on Anthony Bowie's
two foul shots with 7:45 remaining, before Terry Mills netted seven
points during a 9-2 Piston surge that cut the deficit to 99-84 with
5:10 to play.
Joe Dumars, playing in his 100th career playoff game, scored 14 points
and Otis Thorpe, Mark West and Mills each had 10 for Detroit, which
shot 49 percent (37 for 76) from the floor.
Thorpe only played 25 minutes before leaving in the third quarter with
a contusion to the outside of his left leg.
"We need to concentrate for 48 minutes," Houston said. "It can't be
like the regular season, where if you lose focus for three of four
minutes, it won't hurt you. You can't make mental mistakes like you do
during the regular season. That's what hurts you."
nba.680vpoznanovic,
Miami (85) At Chicago (102)
Miami
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Thomas F 26 2-4 2-2 1 5 6 1 6 1 2 6
Williams F 34 5-11 1-2 1 7 8 1 1 1 2 12
Mourning C 21 3-8 4-6 0 2 2 0 6 0 6 10
Chapman G 34 4-9 0-0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 10
Hardaway G 44 12-19 1-2 0 3 3 7 2 3 9 30
Gatling 26 4-8 2-3 5 4 9 0 6 1 5 10
Askins 10 0-3 0-0 2 1 3 1 2 0 1 0
Schayes 10 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 2
Smith 13 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 2 4 1 1 2
Danilovic 22 1-3 0-0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 3
Corbin Dnp - Coach'S Decision
King Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 33-67 10-15 9 24 33 14 32 8 27 85
(.493) (.667) Team Rebs: 6 Total To: 28(36 Pts)
Chicago
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Pippen F 42 4-10 5-8 1 7 8 3 1 5 3 13
Kukoc F 38 9-17 2-4 1 6 7 3 1 0 3 21
Longley C 14 1-3 2-2 2 1 3 2 6 0 3 4
Harper G 26 5-8 1-2 1 0 1 2 2 4 3 11
Jordan G 38 13-22 9-12 2 2 4 2 5 1 4 35
Rodman 27 1-3 1-2 5 5 10 1 4 0 2 3
Kerr 27 1-3 5-6 0 1 1 3 1 2 0 8
Wennington 7 1-3 0-0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 2
Brown 5 1-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2
Buechler 7 1-3 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
Salley 9 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 1 4 1 1 0
Edwards Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 37-74 25-36 13 24 37 17 24 14 19 102
(.500) (.694) Team Rebs: 11 Total To: 21(12 Pts)
Miami 22 32 13 18 - 85
Chicago 29 25 25 23 - 102
Blocked Shots: Miami - Thomas, Williams. Chicago - Longley 2, Pippen,
Jordan.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Miami 9-23 (.391), Williams 1-5, Chapman 2-5, Hardaway
5-10, Askins 0-1, Danilovic 1-2. Chicago 3-17 (.176), Pippen 0-3, Kukoc
1-7, Harper 0-1, Jordan 0-1, Kerr 1-3, Buechler 1-2.
Technicals: Miami - Thomas, Assistant Coach Mcadoo, Gatling 2 (Ejected),
Illegal Defense, Mourning 2 (Ejected), Head Coach Riley 2 (Ejected),
Chicago - Rodman, Head Coach Jackson.
Officials: Luis Grillo, Steve Javie, Joe Forte.
A - 24,104. T - 2:24.
nba.681vpoznanovic,
CHICAGO'S ADOPTED HERO OUTSHINES ITS NATIVE SON
CHICAGO -- Chicago is Tim Hardaway's hometown, but it's Michael
Jordan's town.
Hardaway kept Miami in Friday's game during the first half, but Jordan
scored eight of his 35 points during a 19-4 third-quarter run that
lifted the Chicago Bulls to a 102-85 victory over the Heat in the
opener of their best-of-five Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
Toni Kukoc scored 21 points and Dennis Rodman grabbed 10 rebounds for
Chicago. Hardaway paced Miami with 30 points on 12-for-19 shooting.
Hardaway had 26 points in the first half on 10-for-12 shooting,
including a five-for-six effort for long range. He had 20 points in
the second quarter alone, as the Heat forged a 54-54 tie.
Defended aggressively by Ron Harper, however, Hardaway had only two
points in the third quarter. Harper also scored eight points during
the crucial third period.
"Harper ignited us in the second half," Jordan said. "What really
happened to Tim is that in the second half, Harper became offensively
aggressive and made Hardaway play on both ends."
Tempers flared, which they often seem to do when Chicago plays a Pat
Riley-coached team.
"We anticipated a war," Jordan said. "Pat Riley's team is always
intimidating -- or trying to be, anyway."
Miami drew nine technicals and three ejections. Riley, Alonzo Mourning
and Chris Gatling received two technicals apiece and were ejected in
the fourth quarter. Rookie Kurt Thomas got a technical at 8:53 of the
first period, assistant coach Bob McAdoo was whistled at 4:22 of the
first quarter and the team also was penalized once for illegal
defense.
Rodman was whistled for a technical with 4:22 left in the first
quarter and Chicago coach Phil Jackson was given one with 70 seconds
left in the opening half.
"Some guys lost their poise out there," Jordan said. "I think (Bulls
center) Luc Longley lost his poise a little, then he got it back. For
a minute, I thought we lost Rodman, but he also got it back.
"I was glad the Heat lost their cool before we did. Mentally, I think
Alonzo Mourning got himself out of the game."
Jackson pulled a mild surprise by starting Kukoc at forward instead of
Rodman.
"I had a feeling that they wanted to confront Dennis and it would
probably distract us early," Jackson said. "And we wanted to move Kurt
Thomas out onto the wing with Toni. We liked that matchup."
They should like that matchup: Kukoc was Chicago's second-leading
scorer Friday and Thomas was one of three Miami players to foul out,
joining Mourning and Gatling.
Longley, Mourning's counterpart at center, also fouled out.
Kukoc scored 10 points in the first quarter to stake Chicago to a
29-22 lead, but Hardaway sparked the Heat in the second quarter. Miami
outscored Chicago 32-25 and tied the score at halftime.
Miami couldn't carry the momentum into the second half, as the Heat
scored just 31 points after the intermission.
Miami held a 61-60 lead when Harper touched off the third-quarter
burst with a layup, giving Chicago the lead for good with 8:38 left in
the period.
Rodman's layup with 27.6 seconds left in the quarter completed the run
and gave Chicago a 79-65 lead.
"You have to give them credit in the second half," Mourning said.
"They came out and continued to give a strong defensive effort. They
adjusted to our game and were to shut Timmy down."
The Bulls maintained the lead thereafter, and Mourning fouled out with
Chicago holding a 92-79 advantage with 4:49 left in the game.
The frustrated Mourning was held to just 10 points, two rebounds and
21 minutes of playing time. He fouled out with 3:49 to play, and then
let Scottie Pippen get under his skin.
Pippen said something to Mourning as he left the floor, and Mourning
launched a profanity-laden tirade. The result was Mourning's second
technical and an automatic ejection. Riley was ejected soon
thereafter.
"This whole thing should be about equality, even though it's not,"
Riley said of the playoffs. "They won 72 games, we won 42. That's a
30-game difference. But it's still two teams who want it just as
badly.
"That's the absurdity of it. One team (Chicago) gets 36 free throws,
the other team gets 15. It's going to be hard to win. That's not a
complaint -- it's reality."
"It was like five guys playing against eight out there," Hardaway
said. "We played physical and they played physical, but we got the
ticky-tack fouls called on us. They got only the obvious fouls called.
"It was ridiculous that things like that happen. The guys in here are
mad and upset about what happened tonight.
"It was almost like they had a vendetta against us," Hardaway said of
the officials "I expected them to come out and take control and call
some fouls, but not like this."
Walt Williams added 12 points for the Heat, who shot 49 percent (33
for 67) from the floor.
Chicago got 13 points, eight rebounds and five steals from Pippen.
Jordan made 13 of his 22 shots and Kukoc was nine for 17 from the
floor, despite missing six of his seven 3-point attempts.
Harper had 11 points and for steals for Chicago.
Rex Chapman and Gatling added 10 points apiece and Gatling had nine
rebounds for the Heat.
Gatling fouled out with 2:40 left in the game and was also issued his
second technical and an ejection.
"For as ugly a game as that was, it was a pretty win for us. We'll
take it," Jackson said. "The game was played with some animosity and
it was physical in nature. I thought the referees did a good job of
keeping control.
"After tonight, both teams will go out and make adjustments. It think
you'll see a physical game again on Sunday, but hopefully it will be
more artistic."
nba.682vpoznanovic,
Phoenix (98) At San Antonio (120)
Phoenix
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Barkley F 38 7-17 11-12 5 7 12 3 5 0 2 26
Green F 27 2-6 4-4 1 4 5 0 0 1 0 8
Williams C 17 4-7 3-3 1 3 4 0 3 0 2 11
W Person G 43 5-14 1-2 2 3 5 1 2 0 1 13
Johnson G 36 5-8 4-4 0 2 2 11 1 1 2 14
Tisdale 19 1-9 0-0 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 2
Manning 20 5-9 1-4 0 2 2 1 6 1 0 11
Perry 20 3-6 0-0 0 1 1 2 1 2 0 6
Kleine 5 0-1 0-0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0
Carr 10 2-3 1-2 1 0 1 1 3 2 1 5
Bennett 5 1-3 0-0 2 1 3 0 0 0 2 2
Finley Dnp - Sprained Left Ankle
Totals 240 35-83 25-31 14 23 37 19 24 8 11 98
(.422) (.806) Team Rebs: 12 Total To: 11(14 Pts)
San Antonio
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Elliott F 25 7-9 1-2 0 3 3 3 4 1 1 16
Smith F 26 3-6 0-0 2 5 7 3 3 1 1 6
Robinson C 31 11-17 6-7 2 4 6 1 2 2 0 28
Del Negro G 43 13-19 1-3 0 2 2 5 1 0 0 29
Johnson G 39 6-13 0-0 1 4 5 18 1 1 3 12
C Person 27 3-6 2-4 0 4 4 5 2 0 1 11
W Perdue 24 8-9 1-2 2 7 9 0 2 0 1 17
Rivers 12 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0
Herrera 5 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0
Anderson 4 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0
Williams 2 0-1 1-2 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1
Alexander 2 0-0 0-0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 240 51-82 12-20 8 31 39 35 21 6 12 120
(.622) (.600) Team Rebs: 5 Total To: 12(8 Pts)
Phoenix 26 18 29 25 - 98
San Antonio 28 30 37 25 - 120
Blocked Shots: Phoenix - Barkley, Tisdale, Manning, Carr. San Antonio -
Robinson 3, Smith, Del Negro, Anderson.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Phoenix 3-11 (.273), Barkley 1-2, W Person 2-9. San
Antonio 6-9 (.667), Elliott 1-1, Del Negro 2-2, C Person 3-5, Rivers 0-1.
Technicals: Phoenix - Barkley.
Officials: Jess Kersey, Ed F Rush, Nolan Fine.
A - 16,545. T - 2:10.
nba.683vpoznanovic,
SPURS USE SUNS FOR TARGET PRACTICE
SAN ANTONIO -- When your opponent shoots 62 percent from the field and
67 percent from 3-point range, you can forget about winning.
"I'm glad this game is over. I wish I'd had a towel on the bench to
throw in," Phoenix forward Charles Barkley said Friday night after his
Suns lost 120-98 to the San Antonio Spurs in the opening game of their
best-of-five playoff series.
EN FUEGO
How the Spurs' top contributors fared from the field Friday (in order
of percentage):
Perdue 8-9 .889
Elliott 7-9 .778
Del Negro 13-19 .684
Robinson 11-17 .647
Smith 3-6 .500
C.Person 3-6 .500
A.Johnson 6-13 .462
Vinny Del Negro scored a playoff career-high 29 points and David
Robinson added 28 points to lead six Spurs in double figures.
Robinson said that type of team balance will be vital to San Antonio's
chances of success.
"For us to win a championship, we are going to have to play every game
like we did tonight. Everyone helped and contributed," Robinson said.
"But this was just a stepping stone. Our biggest test will be Sunday,
because Phoenix is not going to lie down."
Del Negro hit 13 of 19 field-goal attempts and Robinson was 11 for 17
for San Antonio, which shot a team playoff-record 62 percent (51 for
82) from the floor. The Spurs also were six for nine from 3-point
territory.
Del Negro and Robinson each netted 11 points in the third quarter when
the Spurs shot a franchise-record 84 percent from the floor (16 for
19) to blow the game open.
"I started the game slow. I wasn't aggressive and I wasn't into the
flow of the game," Del Negro said. "As the game went on, I began to
get into the flow, and when we started to run I got some easy looks at
the basket.
"It just shows the closeness of this team," Del Negro said. "When I
couldn't get things going, Avery Johnson and Sean Elliott told me to
just keep looking for the ball and they did a good job of getting me
in the flow."
Will Perdue added a playoff career-high 17 points and nine rebounds,
and Avery Johnson had 12 points and tied a career high with 18
assists, including a club playoff-record eight in the third quarter.
Barkley had 26 points and 12 boards and Kevin Johnson added 14 points
and 11 assists for Phoenix, which dropped three of four encounters
with the Spurs during the regular season.
The Suns played without rookie swingman Michael Finley, who is
suffering from a sprained left ankle.
"The Spurs really took us apart. They played us well," Suns coach
Cotton Fitzsimmons said. "They got a good performance out of their
players and kicked us today.
"But you still have to win three games in this series. The Suns lost
last year by 33 in the first game and came back strong. We'll come
back Sunday -- we just need to make some adjustments."
Phoenix jumped out to a 13-6 lead 4:47 into the game before Robinson
scored six points during a 14-7 Spurs run that evened the score at
20-20 with 2:57 left in the quarter. Robinson had 10 points and three
rebounds in the first 12 minutes as the Spurs held a 28-26 lead.
San Antonio extended a 38-34 second-quarter lead by reeling off eight
unanswered points to take a 46-36 advantage with four minutes left in
the half. Del Negro scored all 11 of his first-half points and the
Spurs shot 65 percent (13 for 20) in the second quarter to hold a
58-44 lead at the intermission.
San Antonio put the game away early in the third quarter when Robinson
scored six points during an 11-2 burst that pushed the margin to 73-50
with 8:27 left. Barkley's 3-pointer brought the Suns within 83-67 with
four minutes left in the period, but San Antonio countered with a 10-2
spree to make it 93-69 with 68 seconds left.
Elliott scored 16 points and Chuck Person added 11 off the bench for
the Spurs, who shot worse from the foul line -- 12 for 20 -- than from
the field. The team had 35 assists and led the Suns in fast-break
points, 23-7.
"Tonight we really moved the ball well and played very unselfish,"
Elliott said. "No one was making individual plays. If someone had a
good shot, they passed to someone who had a better shot, and that was
the key tonight."
Wesley Person scored 13 points and John "Hot Rod" Williams and Danny
Manning each added 11 for Phoenix, which shot 42 percent from the
floor.
"There were a lot of problems tonight," Kevin Johnson said. "There
were a lot of new plays and our transition defense broke down. Vinny
Del Negro hit a lot of shots and it was difficult to derail them.
"Lately for us, when it rains, it pours."
nba.684vpoznanovic,
Sacramento (85) At Seattle (97)
Sacramento
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Grant F 23 2-7 5-6 1 3 4 0 3 1 5 9
Owens F 31 4-9 1-3 1 6 7 1 2 1 2 9
Polynice C 38 7-11 0-1 4 5 9 0 4 0 2 15
Edney G 29 7-12 2-2 0 2 2 2 6 0 2 16
Richmond G 39 4-13 9-12 2 6 8 4 5 1 7 18
Simmons 22 3-6 0-0 0 4 4 2 4 1 3 7
Smith 17 2-2 0-0 1 3 4 2 3 0 0 4
Marciulionis 28 0-6 4-7 1 1 2 4 2 2 2 4
Gamble 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Causwell 12 0-1 3-4 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 3
Hurley Dnp - Coach'S Decision
C Williamson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 29-67 24-35 11 31 42 15 30 6 23 85
(.433) (.686) Team Rebs: 13 Total To: 24(24 Pts)
Seattle
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Perkins F 36 7-13 0-1 0 6 6 1 3 2 2 17
D Schrempf F 38 9-18 4-6 1 1 2 3 3 0 2 22
Johnson C 25 2-5 1-1 3 7 10 0 3 0 2 5
Hawkins G 37 1-5 7-9 0 0 0 5 3 2 0 9
Payton G 45 8-17 12-16 0 6 6 9 4 4 4 29
Askew 23 0-3 1-2 0 2 2 0 4 1 2 1
Brickowski 12 1-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 6 1 3 2
Mcmillan 23 4-6 0-0 0 1 1 5 1 0 0 12
Wingate 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
S Scheffler Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Snow Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Kemp Dnp - Suspended By League
Totals 240 32-69 25-35 4 23 27 23 27 10 15 97
(.464) (.714) Team Rebs: 14 Total To: 15(14 Pts)
Sacramento 13 25 26 21 - 85
Seattle 24 27 24 22 - 97
Blocked Shots: Sacramento - Polynice 2, Grant, Simmons. Seattle - Payton
2, Johnson, D Schrempf, Askew, Brickowski.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Sacramento 3-13 (.231), Owens 0-1, Polynice 1-1, Edney
0-2, Richmond 1-2, Simmons 1-3, Marciulionis 0-4. Seattle 8-18 (.444),
Perkins 3-6, D Schrempf 0-1, Hawkins 0-2, Payton 1-3, Brickowski 0-1,
Mcmillan 4-5.
Technicals: Sacramento - Illegal Defense 2, Owens, Seattle - Illegal
Defense 3.
Officials: Hue Hollins, Jack Nies, Tommy Nunez.
A - 17,072. T - 2:31.
nba.685vpoznanovic,
SONICS PROVE YOU CAN'T KEMP A GOOD TEAM DOWN
SEATTLE -- After winning their playoff opener on Friday, all the
Seattle SuperSonics wanted to do was talk about was Game 2.
Gary Payton scored 16 of his 29 points in the first half and Sam
Perkins added 17 in place of the suspended Shawn Kemp as Seattle held
off the Sacramento Kings 97-85 to open their best-of-five Western
Conference quarterfinal series.
Kemp, Seattle's leading scorer and rebounder, was serving a one-game
suspension for fighting during the regular-season finale. The
four-time All-Star will return to the Seattle lineup on Sunday.
"I think he's going to be pretty hungry when he gets back in there,"
Payton said. "Don't you?"
"When we get the big fella inside again, I'm going to get a chance to
hit some threes," Hersey Hawkins said. "I'm looking forward to that."
"It was really weird not having Shawn out there because everything we
do revolves around Shawn," Sonics reserve Vincent Askew said. "We play
real good defense as a team, but when you lose a guy like Shawn other
guys have to step up, and they did.
"I think Sunday is real important for us to hold on to the home-court
advantage and put all the pressure on Sacramento."
Seattle scored the game's first nine points and never trailed on
Friday.
"Sacramento proved tonight that they are a worthy playoff team and
that they are not going to go away easily," Sonics coach George Karl
said. "I thought our offense could have been a lot better because it
was our defense that got us through this game tonight."
Payton was eight for 17 from the field, and he handed out nine assists
and grabbed six rebounds. Detlef Schrempf added 22 points and Nate
McMillan scored all 12 of his points on 3-pointers for Seattle.
"They key to the game was to come out aggressive and stay aggressive
the whole game," McMillan said. "We were a small team tonight and we
knew we were going to have to work real hard on the boards. I thought
we held our own."
The Sonics won for the 39th time in 42 home games this season and
defeated the Kings for the 24th time in the past 30 meetings.
The Kings got as close as 85-78 with 4:18 remaining on a pair of free
throws by Brian Grant, but Seattle went on a 12-4 spurt for a 97-82
lead with 50 seconds left.
McMillan hit a 3-pointer to begin the surge and, after a dunk by
Grant, Payton converted two free throws and Schrempf nailed a 15-foot
jumper to make it 92-80 with 2:17 left.
A layup by Perkins and another 3-pointer by McMillan gave Seattle a
97-82 advantage.
Mitch Richmond had 18 points and eight rebounds, but hit just four of
13 shots from the floor and committed seven turnovers. Rookie Tyus
Edney contributed 16 points and Olden Polynice added 15 points and
nine rebounds for the Kings, who are making their first playoff
appearance since 1986.
"We have to look at what we did wrong, and that's handling the ball,"
Richmond said. "That's one of our big problems. We have to handle the
pressure and the ball. We beat them on the boards, but now we have to
get ready for Shawn Kemp."
Sacramento committed 12 turnovers in the first quarter, helping the
Sonics to a 24-13 lead. Payton scored 10 points in the second quarter
as Seattle assumed a 51-38 advantage at the intermission.
The Kings shot 43 percent (29 for 67) from the floor and 23 percent
(three for 13) from 3-point range.
nba.686vpoznanovic,
DUNLEAVY OUT AS BUCKS COACH BUT KEEPS VP JOB
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Bucks relieved Mike Dunleavy of his head
coaching duties Saturday, but announced he will remain as the club's
vice president of basketball operations.
Saturday's announcement was apparently delayed pending the completion
of negotiations regarding the four years left on Dunleavy's eight-year
contract and his status as vice president of basketball operations.
Bucks owner Herb Kohl said Dunleavy's deal wouldn't be restructured in
any way, meaning he will make $6.4 million over the last four years of
his eight-year pact.
"We are determined to improve the fortunes of our team on the court,"
Kohl said at a news conference. "We feel Mike has the talent and
ability to make a significant contribution to our front office and we
welcome his full-time attention to those duties."
Milwaukee finished with a disappointing 25-57 record this season, a
nine-game slide from 1994-95 when the Bucks were 34-48. Dunleavy has a
107-221 record in four years as Bucks' coach.
"Needless to say, I'm disappointed about not being back as coach next
year," Dunleavy said. "It's certainly a situation where I understand
the move and I am going to go forward with this job like I do anything
else, in a professional way, to do the best that I can to help this
organization attain the goals that I had four years ago -- and that's
to be a championship contending team."
Kohl said Dunleavy will have a role in the search for a new coach but
the owner will have the final decision. Kohl hasn't set a deadline.
Kohl ruled out the University of Utah's Rick Majerus, a former Bucks
assistant and Marquette coach who had been rumored as a strong
candidate.
Dunleavy resigned as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in May of
1992 to accept an eight-year, $8 million contract as coach and vice
president of operations with the Bucks.
Dunleavy succeeded Pat Riley as coach of the Lakers in June of 1990.
He led the Lakers to the NBA Finals in his first year as head coach in
1991 and compiled a 101-63 record in two years with the Lakers.
Dunleavy spent 11 seasons in the NBA as a player after being selected
by the Philadelphia 76ers in the sixth round of the 1976 draft. He
also played with Houston, San Antonio and Milwaukee and helped the
1980-81 Rockets to the NBA Finals.
Dunleavy retired after the 1985-86 season and became an assistant
coach for the Bucks, where he suited up for seven games during the
1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons.
nba.687vpoznanovic,
TIMBERWOLVES GUARD AGREES TO SETTLEMENT IN KICKING LAWSUIT
MINNEAPOLIS (Apr 27, 1996 - 16:05 EST) -- Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Isaiah Rider Jr. has settled a lawsuit filed by a woman he is
convicted of assaulting at a sports bar in the Mall of America in
March 1994.
The settlement is "well into the six figures," the Star Tribune of
Minneapolis reported Saturday, quoting unidentified sources.
The confidential settlement that ended the suit was submitted Friday
to Hennepin County District Judge Thomas Carey after a series of
mediation sessions ended the day before, said mediator F. Clayton
Tyler.
Tyler said the judge is expected to approve the settlement.
Kimberly Rakos, 36, suffered lower back injuries after Rider kicked
her during a promotional event at America Live Sports Bar, the
newspaper said.
Rider was scheduled to sign autographs at the bar but did not show up,
telling a promoter at the bar that it was his birthday.
He later showed up and Rakos, the bar's general manager, told him that
children had been waiting to get his autograph. He then swore at her,
according to court records.
After more conversation in the bar's office, Rakos placed her hand on
Rider's elbow and said, "I want you to go. We're not getting anywhere
with this," court papers said. Rider then kicked her, witnesses told
police.
Pat Daly, operations manager at a mall restaurant, said he saw Rakos
"flying across the hallway into the wall."
Rakos had just returned from maternity leave after giving birth, her
boyfriend, David Valentini, said.
Rider, 25, said that Rakos grabbed him and threatened to call
security. He said he pushed her with his foot to release himself from
her grip, court records said.
He was convicted in September 1994 of fifth-degree assault and
sentenced to two years probation, 35 hours of community service and
ordered to complete an anger-violence counseling program. He was fined
$850 and received a 30-day stayed jail sentence.
Rakos filed the suit in January 1995, saying she faced disabling
injuries, limited future earnings and humiliation. Her attorney, Keith
Johnson, said she was "very happy" with the settlement.
Rider would not comment on the case.
"It's settled and he's pleased to move on with his life," said Rider's
attorney, Chris Madel. "He's a gentleman. I never found J.R. Rider to
be anything but a total gentleman."
nba.688vpoznanovic,
Atlanta (94) At Indiana (102) - Final In Ot
Atlanta
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Augmon F 29 3-5 4-5 0 3 3 0 2 1 0 10
Long F 36 4-11 3-3 2 3 5 3 6 2 3 11
Laettner C 44 5-10 4-6 4 5 9 1 4 0 5 14
Smith G 45 9-21 4-4 3 5 8 1 4 1 3 25
Blaylock G 44 4-11 2-2 1 5 6 7 3 2 4 12
Rooks 9 1-1 1-2 2 0 2 2 2 0 1 3
Ehlo 29 3-9 1-2 0 3 3 1 2 2 0 8
Henderson 20 4-5 0-0 2 0 2 0 5 1 0 8
Jordan 9 1-3 1-2 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3
Boyce Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Bullard Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Norman Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 265 34-76 20-26 14 25 39 16 28 9 16 94
(.447) (.769) Team Rebs: 7 Total To: 20(24 Pts)
Indiana
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Mckey F 38 5-11 3-4 2 6 8 0 5 4 3 14
D Davis F 38 3-10 1-3 4 8 12 1 5 0 2 7
Smits C 38 13-20 3-3 3 3 6 1 4 0 1 29
Pierce G 39 2-6 8-8 1 0 1 3 4 3 4 12
Jackson G 37 6-10 4-6 0 3 3 9 2 1 2 16
A Davis 29 3-5 3-3 2 5 7 2 1 0 0 9
Workman 14 0-6 2-2 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 2
Ferrell 15 1-5 1-2 2 1 3 1 3 1 1 3
Best 17 4-7 1-1 0 0 0 1 3 1 2 10
Caldwell Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Johnson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Miller Dnp - Eye Injury
Totals 265 37-80 26-32 14 27 41 18 28 10 17 102
(.463) (.813) Team Rebs: 10 Total To: 17(15 Pts)
Atlanta 15 27 19 26 7 - 94
Indiana 29 24 19 15 15 - 102
Blocked Shots: Atlanta - Laettner 3, Augmon 2, Smith 2, Blaylock, Rooks.
Indiana - Mckey, D Davis, Smits, A Davis.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Atlanta 6-18 (.333), Long 0-2, Smith 3-5, Blaylock 2-6,
Ehlo 1-5. Indiana 2-9 (.222), Mckey 1-3, Pierce 0-1, Jackson 0-2, Workman
0-1, Best 1-2.
Technicals: None.
Officials: Ed T Rush, Joe Derosa, Ron Garretson.
A - 16,709. T - 2:42.
nba.689vpoznanovic,
PACERS, SMITS SMITE THE HAWKS IN OT
INDIANAPOLIS -- With Reggie Miller injured, the Indiana Pacers'
inside-outside game is just an inside game.
Fortunately for the Pacers, they still have the Dutch Boy in the
paint.
Indiana squandered a five-point lead in the final 15 seconds of
regulation, but scored the first nine points of overtime and defeated
the Atlanta Hawks 102-94 on Saturday to even their best-of-five
playoff series at one game apiece.
Indiana center Rik Smits, a native of the Netherlands, hit 13 of 20
shots from the field and scored 29 points, including five in overtime.
"I got to shoot around before the game and my shot was dropping, so I
really felt good going into the game," Smits said. "I think the team
feels good. If we can get one in Atlanta, bring it back home 2-2 and
get some rest between games, we should be pretty good.
"But we're going down there to get two wins."
The Pacers, who never trailed in the game, led by as many as 13 points
in the fourth quarter and held an 87-82 advantage with 26 seconds
left.
Then Atlanta's Craig Ehlo hit a 3-pointer with 14.8 seconds remaining
and, after an errant inbounds pass by Derrick McKey, Steve Smith
scored on a baseline layup with 7.4 seconds left to tie the score at
87-87.
Indiana had a chance to win the game in regulation, but McKey missed a
driving layup with one second left.
The Pacers scored the first nine points of the overtime and the Hawks
missed their first five shots.
Miller is not expected to play in the series while he recovers from
surgery to repair a fractured right eye socket.
In Miller's absence, Indiana has struggled with the outside shot. The
Pacers shot three for 12 from 3-point range during a 92-80 loss in
Game 1, and they were two for nine Saturday.
Smits is battling injury problems of his own: sore feet that have
bothered him since college and have been particularly troublesome this
season.
"They felt great in the first quarter, but during the game they got
really sore," said Smits, who felt a little better Saturday while
wearing a different style of shoes.
"They're actually some shoes I wore about two years ago," he said.
"They've got a little more cushion in the bottom. They have real thick
padding under the feet and gave me relief."
In overtime, Mark Jackson converted a pair of free throws and Smits
converted a three-point play with 3:30 left to give Indiana a 92-87
lead. A layup by Davis and a pair of free throws by Haywoode Workman
increased the advantage to 96-87.
The Hawks pulled within five, 99-94, on a layup by Smith with 38.6
seconds remaining. But Ricky Pierce converted a pair of free throws
and Jackson added a free throw in the final 36 seconds to seal the
victory.
Smith, who scored 27 points on Thursday, led the Hawks with 25 points
Saturday.
"They came out and played well in overtime," Smith said. "Mark Jackson
came out and hit some big shots. We had a chance; that's all we can
ask for with a chance to win."
Jackson finished with 16 points and nine assists.
"I felt like at the end of the game, we made a great play to get to
the overtime," Hawks coach Lenny Wilkens said. "But we ran out of gas
in overtime. We stopped moving and that really hurt us."
Smits scored eight points as the Pacers raced to a 21-7 lead. He hit
seven of nine shots and had 14 points in the first quarter while the
Hawks converted just five of 14 shots from the field.
A tip-in by Smits gave Indiana its biggest lead at 33-17 with 10:49
left in the second quarter. The Pacers held a 53-42 halftime
advantage.
A 20-foot jumper by Jackson with 9:11 left in the third quarter
increased Indiana's lead to 61-46. But the Hawks responded with a 15-6
run to pull within 67-61. Christian Laettner had a jumper and two free
throws and Smith capped the run with a three-pointer with 3:13 left in
the quarter.
The Pacers then closed the quarter with five unanswered points on a
pair of free throws by McKey and a three-point play by Travis Best to
open the lead to 72-61.
A 3-pointer by Best gave Indiana a 79-66 lead with 9:11 remaining. But
the Hawks went on a 14-4 run to pull within 83-80 with 3:06 left.
McKey scored 14 points and Pierce had 12 for the Pacers. Laettner had
14 points and nine rebounds and Mookie Blaylock added 12 points for
the Hawks.
"We definitely had to get this one," McKey said. "After tonight, we
realize that we can go down there and win."
nba.690vpoznanovic,
Houston (94) At LA Lakers (104)
Houston
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Horry F 41 3-10 7-11 1 6 7 4 2 2 3 14
Brown F 16 2-3 4-4 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 8
Olajuwon C 32 8-11 2-4 1 6 7 2 6 1 1 18
Drexler G 37 6-16 0-0 1 5 6 4 2 4 2 13
Smith G 13 1-3 1-1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 3
Cassell 35 10-20 0-0 1 4 5 8 3 1 3 22
Elie 34 3-7 0-0 0 1 1 2 1 1 1 6
Bryant 27 3-6 4-5 1 3 4 1 3 0 0 10
Mack 5 0-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
Chilcutt Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Jones Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Recasner Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 36-77 18-25 5 28 33 22 19 9 11 94
(.468) (.720) Team Rebs: 7 Total To: 11(17 Pts)
LA Lakers
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Campbell F 27 4-7 0-2 1 6 7 3 6 0 2 8
Ceballos F 25 5-12 2-2 1 2 3 1 1 0 1 13
Divac C 34 4-7 2-2 3 9 12 1 4 0 4 10
Jones G 45 9-18 1-1 5 6 11 2 3 0 1 20
Van Exel G 31 5-14 4-6 2 5 7 4 2 0 1 15
Peeler 25 3-11 4-4 2 1 3 1 0 2 2 12
Johnson 31 7-11 11-13 1 6 7 5 1 0 1 26
Threatt 17 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 0
Lynch 5 0-1 0-0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0
Blount Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Roberts Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Strong Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 37-83 24-30 15 36 51 19 19 4 13 104
(.446) (.800) Team Rebs: 9 Total To: 15(17 Pts)
Houston 11 31 27 25 - 94
LA Lakers 24 25 25 30 - 104
Blocked Shots: Houston - Horry 4, Olajuwon 4. LA Lakers - Campbell 3,
Divac.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Houston 4-20 (.200), Horry 1-4, Drexler 1-6, Smith 0-1,
Cassell 2-6, Elie 0-2, Mack 0-1. LA Lakers 6-17 (.353), Ceballos 1-3,
Jones 1-5, Van Exel 1-2, Peeler 2-5, Johnson 1-1, Threatt 0-1.
Technicals: Houston - Horry, Illegal Defense, Head Coach Tomjanovich, LA
Lakers - Illegal Defense.
Officials: Hugh Evans, Terry Durham, Bernie Fryer.
A - 17,505. T - 2:30.
nba.691vpoznanovic,
LIKE MAGIC, LAKERS EVEN SERIES WITH HOUSTON
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Game 2 of the Lakers-Rockets playoff series went
like this: Magic Johnson was in a groove and Hakeem Olajuwon was on
the bench.
Johnson scored 26 points Saturday and Los Angeles took advantage of
Olajuwon's foul trouble as the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets
104-94 to even their Western Conference first-round series at one game
apiece.
Eddie Jones had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Los Angeles and Nick Van
Exel bounced back from a terrible opening game with 15 points. Vlade
Divac had 10 points and 12 rebounds as the Lakers snapped Houston's
eight-game playoff road winning streak, which dated back to last
season.
Johnson was frustrated by Thursday's 87-83 loss, in which coach Del
Harris played Johnson on the perimeter instead of the low post and
allowed Van Exel to handle the ball.
Johnson bounced back Saturday, shooting seven for 11 from the field
and 11 for 13 from the foul line. He also had seven rebounds and five
assists.
"I tried to do what I do best," Johnson said. "I don't want any more
mental lapses like Game 1.
"Del and I are cool. We're not feuding or anything; it's a clear
understanding of what has to happen," Johnson said. "Today I just
decided I was going to go back to being me -- just give me the ball
and look out."
Sam Cassell scored 22 points for the Rockets, who played the final 10
minutes without Olajuwon. The All-Star center fouled out when he
picked up two fouls during a 19-second span early in the fourth
quarter.
"It was unfortunate losing Hakeem," Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich
said. "That has never happened to me before. The two quick fouls was a
very rare, strange situation."
Olajuwon, however, didn't take exception to the last two fouls.
"Let's not talk about the fifth and sixth fouls; I'm not questioning
those," said Olajuwon, who had 18 points, seven rebounds and four
blocks. "I'm questioning the first four. The way they called them
today, there was no way I was staying in the game.
"When Chucky Brown obviously made one foul, and I'm not even near the
play and they call it on me (Olajuwon's third), how can I not foul
out?
"All I had was two fouls."
The two-time defending champion Rockets -- who had not lost on the
road in the playoffs since Game 2 of the 1995 conference semifinals
against Phoenix -- can win the best-of-five series with home wins
Tuesday and Thursday.
"We're capable of winning two (in Houston)," Johnson said. "We played
great road basketball the last month of the season. We have to be like
they were in the first game.
"We have to play aggressively -- take the ball to the rim and not
settle for 3-point baskets."
Johnson scored eight points after Olajuwon left, including five
during a 14-4 run that gave Los Angeles a 93-82 lead with 4:30 to go.
He capped the burst with a pair of free throws and a hook shot.
"We knew Houston would make a run," Jones said. "We needed somebody to
do something more, and Magic was the man for us. We showed we didn't
lose our composure as a young team. It shows we're growing up."
A steal and dunk by Clyde Drexler cut Houston's deficit to five
points. But after the teams traded baskets, Divac made a bank shot
with the shot clock running down, giving the Lakers a 97-90 lead with
1:58 remaining.
Cedric Ceballos scored 13 points and Anthony Peeler, who sat out Game
1 with a calf injury, added 12 for the Lakers. Los Angeles shot 45
percent (37 for 83) from the field and held a huge 51-33 rebounding
edge.
"Magic kept telling me to shoot, and I listened," Peeler said. "After
a while I started to get into the flow of things."
Houston's Robert Horry, held scoreless in Game 1, scored 14 points and
blocked four shots Saturday. Drexler added 13 for Houston, which shot
47 percent (36-of-77) but four of 20 from 3-point range.
Houston trailed for much of the game until Drexler -- who went
scoreless in the first half -- scored nine points in the third quarter
and fueled a 23-9 spurt. His 3-pointer gave the Rockets a 65-58 lead
with 4:53 to go.
But Olajuwon picked up his fourth foul less than a minute later on a
three-point play by Jones. Johnson made a layup to tie the score, and
a 3-pointer by Peeler gave the Lakers the lead for good at 68-65.
Houston trailed 74-69 after three quarters, but Cassell took over
after Olajuwon fouled out. His basket capped a 10-4 burst and pulled
the Rockets within 79-78.
Houston shot just 16 percent (three for 19) and trailed 24-11 after
one quarter. Van Exel, who had just five points in Game 1, had seven
in the period.
The Rockets shot 74 percent (14 for 19) in the second quarter and
briefly gained the lead at 42-41 on Cassell's basket. Olajuwon shot
all five shots in the period before the Lakers closed the half with an
8-0 run featuring 3-pointers by Jones and Johnson.
"I thought we were in the game until the last two minutes," Cassell
said. "We fought back and played tough all the way."
nba.692vpoznanovic,
New York (84) At Cleveland (80)
New York
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Mason F 48 10-15 3-5 4 8 12 5 1 0 1 23
Oakley F 37 4-9 0-0 2 3 5 2 3 1 4 8
Ewing C 39 8-20 0-0 1 11 12 2 2 0 4 16
Starks G 44 5-11 3-4 1 3 4 7 1 1 5 16
Harper G 34 3-9 1-2 0 4 4 5 4 2 2 8
Davis 18 3-4 0-0 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 8
Williams 6 0-0 1-2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Ward 14 2-4 0-0 0 0 0 4 3 1 1 4
Anderson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Grandison Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Grant Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Reid Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 35-72 8-13 10 29 39 25 16 5 18 84
(.486) (.615) Team Rebs: 9 Total To: 18(23 Pts)
Cleveland
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Mills F 38 5-11 0-0 1 4 5 2 4 0 1 10
Ferry F 42 6-17 0-0 0 5 5 3 5 2 0 12
Cage C 34 4-7 2-4 5 3 8 1 0 2 0 10
Phills G 35 4-13 0-0 3 3 6 1 3 1 1 8
Brandon G 41 7-16 6-7 0 1 1 12 2 2 4 21
Majerle 26 4-12 0-0 0 5 5 3 5 1 1 11
Hill 14 4-5 0-1 3 3 6 0 0 0 0 8
Sura 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Crotty 7 0-0 0-0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0
Amaechi Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Lang Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Marshall Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 34-81 8-12 13 24 37 23 20 9 8 80
(.420) (.667) Team Rebs: 8 Total To: 9(9 Pts)
New York 17 27 18 22 - 84
Cleveland 21 20 18 21 - 80
Blocked Shots: New York - Ewing 5, Harper. Cleveland - Cage 2, Majerle
2, Brandon, Crotty.
3-Pt. Field Goals: New York 6-16 (.375), Oakley 0-1, Ewing 0-1, Starks
3-6, Harper 1-5, Davis 2-2, Ward 0-1. Cleveland 4-23 (.174), Mills 0-2,
Ferry 0-7, Phills 0-2, Brandon 1-2, Majerle 3-10.
Technicals: New York - Illegal Defense.
Officials: Bennett Salvatore, David Jones, Dan Crawford.
A - 17,232. T - 2:23.
nba.693vpoznanovic,
KNICKS SEND CAVS TO BRINK OF ELIMINATION
CLEVELAND -- Anthony Mason scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to
lead the New York Knicks to an 84-80 victory Saturday over the
Cleveland Cavaliers and a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five
Eastern Conference playoff series.
The series shifts to New York for Game 3 on Wednesday night as
Cleveland tries to become only the sixth team to rally from a 2-0
deficit in a five-game series.
Mason played all 48 minutes and hit 10 of 15 shots from the field.
Patrick Ewing scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half and
grabbed 12 rebounds for the Knicks, and John Starks added 16 points.
"I felt I had to be more aggressive today. I didn't think I was
aggressive enough in the first game," Mason said. "We are comfortable
going back to our homecourt, and we don't want this series to go any
longer than it has to."
"It was a tough ballgame," Ewing said. "They made us work for
everything, but the guys stepped up.
"All we feel is confidence. When the Cavs double and triple team me
like that, we've got to pass the ball and kick it out to open people.
As long as we continue to do that, we'll continue to win."
Terrell Brandon led Cleveland with 21 points and 12 assists.
"We have to execute a lot better down the stretch," Brandon said. "We
didn't allow them to hit 17 3-pointers, but the other things killed
us."
The Knicks blistered the Cavs with 17 treys on Thursday.
The Cavaliers were a horrific four for 23 from 3-point range Saturday.
Danny Ferry, who finished with 12 points, missed all seven of his
3-point attempts and was six for 17 from the field. Dan Majerle had 11
points but was three of 10 from 3-point territory.
"We executed defensively better and concentrated more, but we fell
short in a couple of areas we need to correct," Cavs coach Mike
Fratello said. "Shot selection at critical times is very important.
"We didn't get the critical stop at the time we needed it, and that's
basically the difference in the game. The Knicks got critical baskets
when they had to."
The Knicks held a 66-61 lead early in the fourth quarter, but a pair
of free throws and a layup by Brandon pulled the Cavaliers within
66-65 with nine minutes left. Mason then converted a three-point play,
and Hubert Davis hit a 3-point jumper to open a 72-65 lead for the
Knicks with 6:43 remaining.
Majerle hit a 3-pointer with 2:51 left in the fourth quarter to pull
Cleveland within 78-75. The Cavaliers had a chance to tie the game,
but Ferry missed a 3-point attempt with two minutes left.
Ewing hit a jumper with 1:41 remaining to give New York an 80-75
advantage. Michael Cage converted one of two free throws with 1:28
remaining, and Brandon hit an 18-foot jumper with 18.6 seconds left to
pull Cleveland within 80-78.
Starks converted a pair of free throws with 17.7 seconds remaining,
and after a missed shot by Ferry, Derek Harper hit one of two free
throws with 12.3 seconds remaining to increase the Knicks' lead to
83-78.
Brandon hit a layup with 1.9 seconds left, but Mason converted a free
throw with four-tenths of a second remaining to seal the win.
The Cavaliers raced to a 19-9 lead in the first nine minutes of the
game. The Knicks committed four turnovers in the game-opening run, one
less than they had in the series-opening win Thursday.
New York then responded with a 19-8 spurt to take a 28-27 lead early
in the second quarter. Starks sparked the run with a pair of
three-point plays.
The Knicks held a 44-41 halftime advantage. Starks scored 14 of his
points in the half, including three 3-pointers.
"We know we can beat this team," Starks said. "We have to jump on them
early and not let them dictate how they are going to play us. They are
a team that lulls you to sleep."
Harper sparked a 7-0 third-quarter run with a 3-pointer and a layup to
increase New York's lead to 57-48. But Majerle hit a 3-pointer in the
final minute of the quarter to pull the Cavs within 62-59.
"We can't worry about shots in the playoffs," Harper said. "You have
to play the game unconditionally and not worry about who gets the
shots. Experience separates the playoffs from the regular season, and
we feel comfortable."
Cleveland, although it's down, is not out.
"You're never dead. Stranger things have happened in playoff
situations," Majerle said. "We have been a good team on the road all
year long, so you can't count us out."
nba.694vpoznanovic,
Portland (90) At Utah (105)
Portland
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
C Robinson F 36 5-15 4-4 0 4 4 1 4 2 4 16
Williams F 22 2-3 2-3 1 1 2 0 5 0 1 7
Sabonis C 36 8-19 10-15 7 5 12 1 4 1 3 26
Grant G 32 2-8 0-0 0 1 1 2 3 0 0 5
Strickland G 38 8-17 2-8 5 3 8 7 4 1 2 20
Dudley 23 2-3 2-2 1 4 5 0 5 1 1 6
R Robinson 10 1-6 0-2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 3
Mckie 18 0-3 0-0 0 3 3 4 2 0 2 0
Wingfield 17 2-4 0-0 1 1 2 0 3 0 0 5
Trent 8 1-3 0-0 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 2
J Robinson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Spencer Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 31-81 20-34 15 23 38 16 33 7 13 90
(.383) (.588) Team Rebs: 17 Total To: 13(20 Pts)
Utah
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Benoit F 34 6-9 2-2 1 1 2 0 3 0 4 17
Malone F 38 12-23 6-11 0 14 14 3 3 1 2 30
Spencer C 17 0-0 2-2 2 3 5 0 4 1 2 2
Hornacek G 32 6-9 2-2 1 3 4 2 4 0 0 18
Stockton G 38 5-8 5-7 0 1 1 16 4 1 3 15
Eisley 11 0-0 3-4 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 3
Russell 17 0-1 0-0 0 3 3 0 1 0 2 0
Ostertag 23 6-6 0-0 1 4 5 0 1 0 1 12
Carr 17 2-6 2-4 0 1 1 0 5 0 1 6
Keefe 8 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0
Morris 5 1-2 0-0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2
Foster Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 38-64 22-32 5 32 37 23 29 3 15 105
(.594) (.688) Team Rebs: 8 Total To: 15(14 Pts)
Portland 27 23 28 12 - 90
Utah 30 20 27 28 - 105
Blocked Shots: Portland - Williams, Dudley. Utah - Stockton 3, Carr 3,
Ostertag 2, Spencer 2.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Portland 8-22 (.364), C Robinson 2-7, Williams 1-1,
Sabonis 0-1, Grant 1-4, Strickland 2-2, R Robinson 1-4, Mckie 0-1,
Wingfield 1-2. Utah 7-9 (.778), Benoit 3-3, Malone 0-2, Hornacek 4-4.
Technicals: None.
Officials: Dick Bavetta, Ronnie Nunn, Ken Mauer.
A - 19,911. T - 2:27.
nba.695vpoznanovic,
Utah 105, Portland 90
SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Jazz sputtered toward the end of the
regular season, looking like candidates for the scrap heap.
Now the Jazz looks like a finely tuned basketball machine.
Karl Malone scored eight of his 30 points during a key fourth-quarter
run as the Utah Jazz beat the Portland Trail Blazers 105-90 on
Saturday and took a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five playoff series.
During Utah's first two playoff games, the only negative has been
Malone's free-throw shooting. A career 72-percent shooter from the
line, the Mailman is delivering at meager 42-percent rate (11 for 26)
this postseason.
Of course, he's also averaging 31.5 points and 11.5 rebounds and is
shooting 59 percent from the field during the Portland series.
"They played great defense on Karl all night and he just came up with
shot after shot," Utah point guard John Stockton said Saturday.
"That's why he's the Mailman."
Stockton had 15 points and 16 assists in Game 2. Over two games he is
shooting 58 percent from the field and 80 percent from the foul line.
More important, he has 39 assists and four turnovers -- an amazing
assist-to-turnover ration of 10-1.
"This is one of those series where you get pretty pumped up, but I've
been trying to stay pretty mellow," Stockton said. "Going into this
series, I wanted to be more aggressive and less passive, and the
shot's been there."
And get this: the 6-foot-1 Stockton, who has averaged 0.2 blocks per
game during his career, rejected three Portland shots Saturday.
Jeff Hornacek scored 30 points Thursday and 18 on Saturday. He is
shooting 72 percent from the floor and hasn't missed yet on eight
attempts from 3-point range.
When David Benoit wasn't producing in Game 1, coach Jerry Sloan put
Bryon Russell into the game. Russell scored seven of his 12 points in
the first six minutes of the fourth quarter as Utah rallied.
Benoit came back strong in Game 2, scoring 17 points and hitting six
of nine from the field, including all three of his 3-pointers.
"Our younger guys came and did a great job of making some big shots,"
Stockton said. "David Benoit was tremendous handling the pressure."
Another youngster who made an impact was rookie Greg Ostertag. The
backup center hit all six of his field-goal attempts and finished with
12 points, five rebounds and two blocks in just 23 minutes.
Portland center Arvydas Sabonis had 26 points and 12 rebounds. Rod
Strickland had 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and
Clifford Robinson scored 16 points for the Blazers.
Portland scored just 12 points in the final period. Only five points
were scored by someone other than Strickland over the final 12
minutes.
"They executed well. They pick-and-rolled us to death and we just
couldn't put the ball in the hole," Strickland said. "We're going home
and we should be confident about our chances at home."
Malone's nine points led the Jazz to a 30-27 lead entering the second
quarter. The score was tied 50-50 at halftime, and the Blazers took a
78-77 advantage into the fourth.
After Robinson hit a jumper to give Portland an 80-79 lead -- its last
-- in the first minute of the fourth, the Jazz scored the next 10
points of a 21-5 run. Greg Ostertag ignited the spree with a dunk and
Stockton made consecutive layups to give the Jazz an 89-80 advantage
with 6:53 left in the game.
After Strickland hit a 3-pointer to draw Portland within 89-83, Malone
scored the next eight points for Utah with three jumpers and two free
throws. A tip-in by David Benoit and one free throw by Stockton sealed
the game for the Jazz at 100-85 with 1:42 to go.
Utah shot 59 percent (38 for 64) from the field, including seven of
nine from 3-point range.
The Jazz scored 20 points off 13 Portland turnovers.
Clifford Robinson, Rumeal Robinson and Harvey Grant were held to a
combined eight-for-29 shooting for Portland, which shot 38 percent (31
for 81) from the field.
"There is no explanation," Clifford Robinson said. "If I had the
answers, it wouldn't happen."
nba.696vpoznanovic,
NBA PLAYOFF SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
First round (best-of-five; all times Eastern)
*if necessary
Eastern Conference
Chicago leads Miami 1-0
April 26 Chicago 102, Miami 85
April 28 at Chicago 5:30 p.m. NBC
May 1 at Miami 8 p.m. TNT
May 3 *at Miami 8 p.m. TNT
May 5 *at Chicago TBA NBC
Orlando leads Detroit 1-0
April 26 Orlando 112, Detroit 92
April 28 at Orlando 12:30 p.m. NBC
April 30 at Detroit 8 p.m. TNT
May 2 *at Detroit TBA
May 5 *at Orlando TBA
Atlanta, Indiana tied 1-1
April 25 Atlanta 92, Indiana 80
April 27 Indiana 102, Atlanta 94 (OT)
April 29 at Atlanta 8 p.m. TNT
May 2 at Atlanta TBA
May 5 *at Indiana TBA
New York leads Cleveland 2-0
April 25 New York 106, Cleveland 83
April 27 New York 84, Cleveland 80
May 1 at New York 7 p.m. TBS
May 3 *at New York TBA
May 5 *at Cleveland TBA
Western Conference
Seattle leads Sacramento 1-0
April 26 Seattle 97, Sacramento 85
April 28 at Seattle 9 p.m. TNT
April 30 at Sacramento 10:30 p.m. TNT
May 2 *at Sacramento TBA
May 4 *at Seattle TBA
San Antonio leads Phoenix 1-0
April 26 San Antonio 120, Phoenix 98
April 28 at San Antonio 3 p.m. NBC
May 1 at Phoenix 10:30 p.m. TNT
May 3 *at Phoenix TBA
May 5 *at San Antonio TBA
Utah leads Portland 2-0
April 25 Utah 110, Portland 102
April 27 Utah 105, Portland 90
April 29 at Portland 10:30 p.m. TNT
May 1 *at Portland 9:30 p.m. TBS
May 5 *at Utah TBA
Houston, L.A. Lakers tied 1-1
April 25 Houston 87, L.A. Lakers 83
April 27 L.A Lakers 104, Houston 94
April 30 at Houston 9 p.m. TBS
May 2 at Houston TBA
May 4 *at L.A Lakers TBA
nba.697vpoznanovic,
Detroit (77) At Orlando (92)
Detroit
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Hill F 42 8-18 2-2 2 3 5 2 5 1 3 19
Thorpe F 41 4-7 2-4 6 10 16 3 3 0 3 10
West C 30 3-8 5-10 4 2 6 1 4 1 0 11
Houston G 47 8-20 4-4 1 4 5 1 2 0 4 23
Dumars G 42 5-12 1-1 1 3 4 2 2 0 3 12
Reid 11 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
Curry 19 1-2 0-0 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 2
Mills 7 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roe 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hunter Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Leckner Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Ratliff Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 29-69 14-21 14 24 38 9 19 3 13 77
(.420) (.667) Team Rebs: 8 Total To: 14(17 Pts)
Orlando
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Scott F 40 6-10 0-2 1 3 4 2 3 2 2 14
Grant F 42 7-15 0-0 4 6 10 1 3 1 1 14
Oneal C 36 13-19 3-6 3 4 7 6 5 0 5 29
Anderson G 38 5-10 1-2 2 4 6 4 0 1 1 15
Hardaway G 39 5-14 4-5 0 4 4 8 1 2 0 15
Koncak 16 1-1 1-3 0 4 4 0 6 1 0 3
Shaw 18 0-2 0-0 0 1 1 4 1 1 1 0
Bowie 10 1-2 0-0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2
Wolf 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Bonner Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Royal Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Thompson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 38-73 9-18 10 27 37 26 19 8 11 92
(.521) (.500) Team Rebs: 8 Total To: 11(8 Pts)
Detroit 19 19 19 20 - 77
Orlando 25 16 24 27 - 92
Blocked Shots: Detroit - Curry. Orlando - Grant 2, Oneal, Anderson,
Koncak.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Detroit 5-12 (.417), Hill 1-1, Houston 3-7, Dumars 1-3,
Mills 0-1. Orlando 7-18 (.389), Scott 2-4, Anderson 4-8, Hardaway 1-4,
Shaw 0-2.
Technicals: None.
Officials: Steve Javie, Joe Forte, Ron Olesiak.
A - 17,248. T - 2:12.
nba.698vpoznanovic,
ORLANDO HOPES TO RIDE MAGIC BROOM TO DETROIT
ORLANDO, Fla. -- After being swept twice in recent years, the Orlando
Magic finally gets a chance to do some sweeping.
Shaquille O'Neal scored 29 points on Sunday, including a pair of hook
shots during a decisive third-quarter run as Orlando took a 92-77
playoff victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Orlando can sweep the best-of-five series with a victory Tuesday on
the Pistons' home court.
"We're going back to their place and we don't want them to have a lot
of confidence," Orlando point guard Anfernee Hardaway said. "Nobody
wants to get swept. We know how that feels, so I'm sure they're going
to be ready to play."
Indiana swept Orlando in the first round of the 1994 playoffs, the
Magic's first-ever postseason appearance. Orlando advanced to the 1995
NBA Finals, where Houston won with a four-game sweep.
O'Neal hit 13 of 19 shots from the field on Sunday, most of them
coming on power moves inside against Detroit centers Mark West and Don
Reid. O'Neal is 7-foot-1, 300 pounds; West is 6-10 and Reid, a
rookie, stands 6-8. West and Reid each weigh 250 pounds.
O'Neal also had seven rebounds and six assists, despite having to
spend time on the bench because of foul trouble.
The Pistons held a 48-47 lead after a basket by Otis Thorpe with 7:47
left in the third quarter. But Orlando went on a 14-2 run over the
next 3:10 to open a 61-50 advantage.
O'Neal sparked the spurt with a pair of hook shots. Dennis Scott hit a
3-pointer and a jumper, Nick Anderson converted a 3-pointer and Horace
Grant scored on a dunk during the run.
The Pistons pulled within 69-61 early in the fourth quarter, but Jon
Koncak converted a three-point play to open an 11-point lead for
Orlando with 9:51 left.
After a jumper by Detroit's Allan Houston, Hardaway hit a 3-pointer
and Grant scored on a layup to increase Orlando's lead to 77-63 with
7:45 left.
"We just tried to force the tempo," Hardaway said. "It was a
low-scoring game until the fourth quarter, but we just tried to force
the tempo, play hard defense, get out and run and make them miss."
The Magic led by as many as 16 points, 88-72, after a 3-pointer by
Anderson with 1:28 remaining.
Anderson finished with 15 points, including four 3-pointers, and
Hardaway had 15 points and eight assists. Grant scored 14 points and
grabbed 10 rebounds and Scott also had 14 points for the Magic.
Houston led Detroit with 23 points. Grant Hill added 19 points and
Thorpe had 16 rebounds for the Pistons.
O'Neal scored 11 points in the first 9Ż minutes as Orlando raced to a
25-15 lead. The Pistons pulled within 41-38 at halftime. Joe Dumars
scored 10 of his 12 points in the first half for Detroit.
nba.699vpoznanovic,
Miami (75) At Chicago (106)
Miami
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Thomas F 17 0-1 0-0 0 2 2 0 2 1 2 0
Williams F 17 0-4 0-0 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0
Mourning C 30 3-8 8-14 1 7 8 2 4 1 7 14
Chapman G 24 5-10 0-0 0 1 1 2 4 2 0 11
Hardaway G 28 2-9 4-5 0 0 0 4 5 0 2 9
Corbin 26 1-3 3-4 1 2 3 0 2 1 1 5
Gatling 22 1-6 3-6 3 8 11 0 1 0 2 5
Smith 26 4-8 0-0 1 1 2 3 3 1 1 10
Danilovic 23 5-9 3-3 1 0 1 1 4 0 3 15
Askins 8 0-1 0-0 0 2 2 0 2 0 0 0
King 12 0-3 1-2 0 3 3 1 1 0 0 1
Schayes 7 2-3 1-2 2 1 3 0 0 0 1 5
Totals 240 23-65 23-36 10 27 37 15 29 6 20 75
(.354) (.639) Team Rebs: 9 Total To: 21(24 Pts)
Chicago
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Pippen F 35 10-14 1-4 2 6 8 8 1 3 2 24
Kukoc F 37 4-12 0-0 2 5 7 4 3 0 2 8
Longley C 15 3-6 1-2 2 3 5 1 5 0 2 7
Harper G 29 3-5 0-4 3 3 6 6 3 3 2 6
Jordan G 32 9-17 9-12 0 4 4 4 0 1 0 29
Rodman 14 0-1 2-4 0 5 5 2 4 0 2 2
Wennington 8 0-0 0-0 2 1 3 1 3 1 0 0
Buechler 13 1-2 0-0 0 2 2 1 2 1 0 3
Kerr 22 3-7 6-6 0 2 2 4 3 0 1 13
Brown 10 3-4 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6
Salley 17 1-2 1-3 0 1 1 0 3 0 2 3
Edwards 8 2-3 1-2 0 2 2 0 2 0 1 5
Totals 240 39-73 21-37 11 34 45 31 29 9 14 106
(.534) (.568) Team Rebs: 14 Total To: 15(18 Pts)
Miami 19 19 19 18 - 75
Chicago 28 35 24 19 - 106
Blocked Shots: Miami - Mourning. Chicago - Pippen, Kukoc, Salley.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Miami 6-20 (.300), Williams 0-2, Chapman 1-5, Hardaway
1-4, Smith 2-4, Danilovic 2-4, Askins 0-1. Chicago 7-21 (.333), Pippen
3-6, Kukoc 0-6, Harper 0-1, Jordan 2-3, Buechler 1-1, Kerr 1-4.
Technicals: Miami - Hardaway, Chicago - Rodman 2 (Ejected).
Officials: Mike Mathis, Bill Oakes, Paul Mihalak.
A - 24,202. T - 2:33.
nba.700vpoznanovic,
BULLS DON'T GET RILED BY IRRITATING HEAT RASH
CHICAGO -- If you can't beat 'em, beat on 'em.
That has been Pat Riley's strategy when playing against the Chicago
Bulls. Once again, it didn't work.
Michael Jordan scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half when the
Chicago Bulls built a 25-point lead en route to a 106-75 rout over the
Riley-coached Miami Heat on Sunday.
Chicago can sweep the best-of-five playoff series with a victory
Wednesday at Miami.
"I think we showed that we're smarter than them," said Jordan, who
faced the same tactics when Riley coached the New York Knicks. "They
physically try to take us out of what we're trying to do. But we just
ignore that and play our game."
Riley said his team took the figurative beating.
"That was as complete and thorough a beating as one could take," Heat
coach Pat Riley said. "The Bulls came out and did everything right.
They played tough defensively and hit their shots; we were just the
opposite.
"We're not throwing in the towel. We're going to, Miami where the
people are behind us."
Jordan was injured during the game -- strangely enough on a play with
relatively little contact.
He injured his lower back while attempting a reverse layup with 2:39
left in the quarter. He was fouled on the play and converted both free
throws before leaving the game.
"I wrenched my back on that layup," Jordan said. "I had this injury
before. It's not that big of a deal."
Jordan returned at the start of the second half and played the entire
third quarter, but was on the court stretching his back in the fourth
quarter before heading into the locker room for treatment.
"Michael pulled a muscle in his lower back, but he's quite a bit
better," said Dr. John Hefferon, the Bulls' team physician. "We got
him out at the end of the third quarter so he could get treatment.
He'll be just fine by Wednesday."
Miami center Alonzo Mourning had a miserable game, finishing with 14
points and seven turnovers. His biggest accomplishment was being
involved in a play that led to the ejection of Chicago's Dennis
Rodman.
"That's a great game. He might get that $20 million he wants," quipped
Chicago's Scottie Pippen, who has traded verbal barbs with Mourning
all week, both through the media and during the games. "He's playing
with a lot of frustration right now."
Mourning seemed to be involved in most of the noteworthy
confrontations Sunday afternoon.
After Chicago's Ron Harper collided with a Miami assistant the two
exchanged words, Mourning shoved Harper in the face. Harper was
restrained by teammate Jud Buechler, and the teams went to their
respective locker rooms.
Later, Mourning tried to engage in a staredown with Luc Longley after
a foul was whistled on the Chicago center.
Then, with three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Rodman was
called for a foul against Mourning. The two players exchanged words,
but only Rodman received a technical. It was his second, warranting an
automatic ejection.
As he left the court, Rodman made an obscene gesture at referee Bill
Oakes.
Jordan had 16 points in the second quarter when the Bulls outscored
the Heat 35-19.
The Bulls led by as many as 34 points in the second half. Pippen had
24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for Chicago.
"This is as good a game as we played so far. This is the type of
effort we need every night if we're going to go deep in the playoffs,"
Jordan said. "Scottie got his game going, which was a big boost for
our team."
Sasha Danilovic led Miami with 15 points in 23 minutes off the bench.
Mourning was held to four points in the first half.
"They made the plays -- we didn't," Mourning said. "We just didn't put
the ball in the basket tonight. We had way too many lapses defensively
and they took advantage of it. Give them credit. They are very good."
Jordan scored eight points as the Bulls raced to an 18-6 lead in the
first 7Ż minutes. The Heat pulled within nine, 28-19, at the end of
the quarter.
But the Bulls started the second quarter with a 13-3 run to open a
41-22 advantage. Jordan hit a 17-foot jumper, a layup and three free
throws during the spurt.
The Bulls closed the half with a 15-5 run for a 63-38 halftime bulge.
Jordan converted a 3-pointer and three free throws in the spurt.
Buechler hit a 3-pointer with four seconds left in the half.
Chicago started the third quarter with a 13-4 run to open its biggest
lead at 76-42. A layup by Longley capped the run with 8:16 left in the
quarter.
The Bulls matched their biggest lead at 93-59 after a 12-foot jumper
by Steve Kerr with 9:57 left in the fourth quarter.
"They're an aggressive team and they play very hard," said Miami point
guard Tim Hardaway, who was held to nine points after scoring 30 in
Game 1. "Everyone in this room is mad. I know we'll come out to play
our best on Wednesday. We need to play harder and more aggressive."
nba.701vpoznanovic,
Phoenix (105) At San Antonio (110)
Phoenix
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Green F 22 3-5 1-2 2 3 5 1 3 0 1 7
Barkley F 45 12-26 6-9 8 12 20 4 3 1 2 30
Williams C 26 2-3 2-4 1 5 6 1 6 0 0 6
W Person G 47 5-13 1-1 0 4 4 1 4 1 1 14
Johnson G 48 7-17 6-8 0 7 7 16 2 0 5 21
Manning 31 6-16 4-4 3 0 3 1 4 0 3 16
Tisdale 20 5-9 1-2 0 1 1 0 5 0 1 11
Perry 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bennett Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Carr Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Finley Dnp - Sprained Left Ankle
Kleine Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 40-89 21-30 14 32 46 24 27 2 13 105
(.449) (.700) Team Rebs: 10 Total To: 13(14 Pts)
San Antonio
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Elliott F 46 5-14 9-10 1 2 3 1 1 0 4 19
Smith F 15 1-4 0-0 1 3 4 1 4 1 0 2
Robinson C 42 14-25 12-16 4 17 21 1 4 2 1 40
Johnson G 47 5-12 2-4 0 5 5 15 3 3 1 12
Del Negro G 25 2-7 4-4 1 0 1 2 3 2 0 8
C Person 31 5-10 3-3 0 3 3 2 4 1 1 16
Rivers 8 1-1 0-0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 3
W Perdue 25 3-5 4-4 3 5 8 0 4 0 2 10
Herrera 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Alexander Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Anderson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Williams Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 36-78 34-41 10 36 46 22 24 9 9 110
(.462) (.829) Team Rebs: 5 Total To: 10(8 Pts)
Phoenix 25 34 25 21 - 105
San Antonio 23 36 26 25 - 110
Blocked Shots: Phoenix - Williams 2, Johnson 2, Barkley. San Antonio -
Robinson 3, Smith 2, Elliott, C Person.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Phoenix 4-17 (.235), Green 0-1, Barkley 0-4, W Person
3-8, Johnson 1-3, Manning 0-1. San Antonio 4-9 (.444), Elliott 0-3, C
Person 3-5, Rivers 1-1.
Technicals: Phoenix - Tisdale, Illegal Defense, San Antonio - W Perdue,
Illegal Defense, Johnson.
Officials: Don Vaden, Ed Middleton, Hue Hollins.
A - 19,507. T - 2:44.
nba.702vpoznanovic,
ROBINSON BURIES SUNS WITH SOFT 40 POINTS
SAN ANTONIO -- In the past week, the media has dredged up some old
questions: Is David Robinson too nice to win a championship? Does he
lack the toughness or nastiness he might need to take the San Antonio
Spurs to the next level?
Foolish reporters.
Robinson set career playoff-highs with 40 points and 21 rebounds
Sunday as the Spurs defeated the Phoenix Suns 110-105. San Antonio can
sweep the best-of-five Western Conference playoff series with a
victory in Phoenix on Wednesday.
"David's a great player," Suns coach Cotton Fitzsimmons said. "All
that media stuff is a joke. Guys don't have to win a title to be an
all-time great. Even if he never won a title, David will make it to
the Hall of Fame."
Robinson scored 13 of his points in the fourth quarter, including a
tip-in, a baseline fadeaway jumper and a driving layup in the final 3
minutes, 15 seconds.
Overall, he hit 14 of 25 shots from the field and was 12 for 16 from
the foul line.
"Really soft, isn't he? It's incredible how soft he is!" Spurs coach
Bob Hill said sarcastically at the postgame news conference.
Robinson's performance indicated he indeed is tough enough, and that
nasty isn't necessary. He declined to acknowledge the issue, however.
"I'm not out to prove anything to anyone; the only thing on my mind
is winning games," he said. "I'm still growing and learning, so if
people want to criticize me, then let them."
As good as Robinson and Spurs were on Saturday, it paled by comparison
to Game 1 of the series when San Antonio shot 62 percent from the
field and won 120-98.
"I felt that I had to score more today because we didn't shoot the
ball like we shot Friday night," Robinson said.
Charles Barkley led Phoenix with 30 points and 20 rebounds. Kevin
Johnson had 21 points and 16 assists for the Suns.
"It was a very tough game to lose, but it was a great game to be a
part of," Barkley said. "We played hard and didn't get any breaks.
David played terrific -- you've got to give them credit."
"This was a tough game for us. We knew that they would come after us
today after being embarrassed Friday," San Antonio forward Chuck
Person said. "Barkley and K.J. came to play. They played hard and with
a lot of intensity."
A 3-pointer by Phoenix guard Wesley Person -- Chuck's younger brother
-- with 11:40 remaining gave the Suns a 87-85 lead. The Spurs then
went on a 12-1 run, capped by a Robinson layup with 8:39 left, to take
a 97-88 advantage.
The Suns scored the next seven points as Barkley converted a
three-point play, Johnson hit a jumper and Danny Manning added a pair
of free throws to pull the Suns within 97-95 with 6:03 left.
Robinson hit one of two free throws and Sean Elliott converted two
free throws with 4:04 remaining to increase San Antonio's advantage to
100-95. After Barkley scored on a corner jumper, Robinson tipped in a
missed shot with 3:15 left.
Barkley and John "Hot Rod" Williams hit two free throws apiece to pull
the Suns within 102-101 with 1:52 left.
Robinson then scored on a fadeway jumper from the baseline to give San
Antonio a 104-101 advantage with 1:30 remaining.
Kevin Johnson hit a foul-line jumper with 48 seconds left to pull the
Suns within one at 104-103. Robinson scored on a driving layup with 31
seconds remaining, but Johnson converted a pair of free throws with
17.3 seconds left to pull the Suns within one again at 106-105.
Elliott, who finished with 19 points, hit a pair of free throws with
12 seconds remaining to increase the lead to 108-105. Phoenix had a
chance to tie the score, but A.C. Green shot an airball on a 3-point
attempt with six seconds left and Chuck Person converted two free
throws with 4.6 seconds remaining to seal the win.
Chuck Person scored 16 points and Avery Johnson had 12 points and 15
assists for the Spurs. Manning had 16 points and Wesley Person added
14 for the Suns.
The score was tied 59-59 at halftime. Robinson had 20 points and 14
rebounds at the half.
The Suns again played without rookie swingman Michael Finley, who is
suffering from a sprained left ankle.
Spurs reserve point guard Doc Rivers left the game in the first half
with spasms in his lower back and did not return.
nba.703vpoznanovic,
Sacramento (90) At Seattle (81)
Sacramento
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Grant F 39 4-10 1-2 2 5 7 2 3 0 2 9
Owens F 39 6-9 0-1 2 4 6 5 4 2 5 12
Polynice C 26 6-11 0-2 6 10 16 1 3 1 0 12
Edney G 20 0-7 1-2 1 0 1 2 4 3 1 1
Richmond G 48 13-22 8-9 1 3 4 4 3 2 7 37
Smith 30 2-3 1-3 3 5 8 3 5 0 1 5
Marciulionis 28 4-11 1-2 1 0 1 5 0 2 4 12
Simmons 10 1-3 0-0 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2
Causwell Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Gamble Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Hurley Dnp - Coach'S Decision
C Williamson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 36-76 12-21 17 28 45 24 24 11 21 90
(.474) (.571) Team Rebs: 10 Total To: 25(21 Pts)
Seattle
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Kemp F 38 6-13 9-11 4 4 8 1 3 0 9 21
D Schrempf F 40 3-10 4-6 0 2 2 2 4 2 5 10
Johnson C 15 0-3 0-0 1 3 4 0 2 1 2 0
Hawkins G 39 6-9 4-5 1 1 2 0 2 0 0 18
Payton G 35 4-12 1-2 1 0 1 7 5 2 2 10
Perkins 26 4-10 0-0 0 2 2 3 1 1 0 8
Mcmillan 22 1-3 0-0 1 5 6 5 2 1 2 3
Askew 17 4-5 0-1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 8
Brickowski 8 0-0 3-4 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 3
S Scheffler Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Snow Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Wingate Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 28-65 21-29 8 20 28 20 21 8 21 81
(.431) (.724) Team Rebs: 11 Total To: 21(15 Pts)
Sacramento 22 21 22 25 - 90
Seattle 23 26 18 14 - 81
Blocked Shots: Sacramento - Grant 3. Seattle - Kemp 5, Johnson 3,
Mcmillan.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Sacramento 6-20 (.300), Owens 0-1, Edney 0-1, Richmond
3-10, Marciulionis 3-7, Simmons 0-1. Seattle 4-15 (.267), D Schrempf 0-2,
Hawkins 2-4, Payton 1-4, Perkins 0-4, Mcmillan 1-1.
Technicals: Sacramento - Illegal Defense, Seattle - Illegal Defense 2.
Officials: Jess Kersey, Bob Delaney, Derrick Stafford.
A - 17,072. T - 2:22.
nba.704vpoznanovic,
KINGS UPSET SNAKE-BITTEN BLOOPERSONICS
SEATTLE -- To the casual observer, it was just one loss in a
best-of-five playoff series.
To a Seattle SuperSonics fan, it was a sign of Armageddon. The end
might be near ... again.
The Sonics lost 90-81 to Sacramento on Sunday as Mitch Richmond
unloaded 37 points and the Kings evened the series at 1-1.
"It was no offense, no rebounding and a lot of turnovers that lost it
for us tonight," Sonics forward Detlef Schrempf said. "And when a guy
like Mitch Richmond starts feeling good and gets into a groove like he
did tonight, there's no telling what kind of numbers he'll put up."
This is much more than a first-round series for the Sonics. It's a
shot at redemption for a team that was the top seed in the Western
Conference in 1994, and then lost right away to eighth-seeded Denver.
Seattle followed that with a 1995 first-round loss to the Los Angeles
Lakers, again despite being the higher-seeded team.
The Sonics won 64 games this season, the 11th most in NBA history. Yet
here they are, the conference's top seed, and they're tied with the
No. 8 team.
Sonics coach George Karl, who is in the final year of his contract,
put on a brave face Sunday.
"In the second half, we were outhustled, outrebounded," Karl said. "I
don't think this is the time to get all shook up and worried about
this one game. We need to stay together as a unit and share the ball a
little better."
Richmond scored eight points in the final six minutes as the Kings
franchise took its first postseason win in 15 years. The Kings earned
their last playoff victory April 22, 1981, in the Western Conference
finals against Houston. That was five years before the franchise moved
from Kansas City to Sacramento.
Former Sonic Olden Polynice grabbed 16 rebounds and scored 12 points
in Game 2 for the Kings. Billy Owens and Sarunas Marciulionis --
another former Sonic -- had 12 points apiece for the Kings, who
snapped a string of 10 consecutive playoff losses.
"It's just terrific for our franchise and a tremendous boost for our
ball club," Kings coach Garry St. Jean said. "But I've got to tell
you, we felt good going into this game because we knew we didn't play
our best the other night."
Gary Payton scored 29 points Friday as Seattle won Game 1, 97-85.
But in Game 2, Payton went to the bench after picking up his fifth
foul with 4:37 left in the third quarter. The Sonics led 60-57 at the
time.
Payton didn't return until midway through the fourth quarter.
"Gary Payton's really the key to their team," Owens said. "Without
him, they're not nearly as aggressive."
Richmond shot 13 for 22 from the field and made eight on nine free
throws for Sacramento, which held a 45-28 rebounding edge.
"I wasn't in foul trouble and my teammates found me," Richmond said.
"I wanted to be very aggressive in the first half and try to get some
shot attempts instead of turnovers.
"I was trying to take the ball to the basket because they weren't
giving me the 3-point shot the last two games. So I wanted to be
aggressive and take the ball to the hole."
All-Star forward Shawn Kemp returned to the Seattle lineup after
serving a one-game suspension for fighting during the regular-season
finale. He had 21 points, eight rebounds and nine turnovers Sunday as
Seattle lost at home for just the fourth time this season.
Hersey Hawkins scored 18 points for Seattle, but Payton and Schrempf
were held to 10 points apiece on a combined seven-for-22 shooting. As
a team, Seattle shot 43 percent (28 for 65) from the field and
committed 21 turnovers.
After Kemp made one free throw to give the Sonics a 72-71 lead --
their last -- with 6:45 left in the fourth quarter, Richmond sank a
technical free throw to ignite a game-ending 19-9 run. Michael Smith
followed with a short hook shot to give the Kings the lead for good.
Richmond made a layup, Marciulionis made a 3-pointer, Brian Grant hit
a 14-footer and Smith made one free throw to give Sacramento an 82-74
advantage with 2:27 left.
After Hawkins drilled a 3-pointer to close Seattle within 85-79 with
1:50 left, Richmond made a layup to restore the Kings' eight-point
lead.
Kemp made two free throws for Seattle to cut the deficit to 87-81 with
one minute to go, but Kings rookie Tyus Edney sank a free throw and
Richmond hit a layup to seal the game.
nba.705vpoznanovic,
NBA SLAPS RODMAN WITH $5,000 FINE FOR OBSCENE GESTURE
NEW YORK -- Chicago Bulls forward Dennis Rodman was fined $5,000 by
the NBA on Monday for making an obscene gesture following his ejection
during Sunday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal against
the Miami Heat.
The ejection also carries an additional $1,000 fine.
Rodman was whistled for his second technical foul -- an automatic
ejection -- with 3:01 remaining in the third quarter of Chicago's
106-75 victory. As he left the court, Rodman stormed off the court,
took off his shirt to give to a fan (as is his custom) and crossed his
arms in an obscene gesture toward referee Bill Oakes.
"Dennis and I had a little talk," Bulls coach Phil Jackson said
Monday. "I'm not comfortable with Dennis' mental standpoint. He felt
like he was picked out and made an example of. It was a physical game,
but Dennis carried it too far.
"We tried to tell him that after the whistle blows, contact stops. I
think Dennis understands. How he's going to play is another
statement."
Rodman declined comment Monday. But on his television show the
previous night, the "Worm" repeated what has been his standard line of
defense all season: NBA referees are out to get him.
Playoff distractions are nothing new for Rodman. His erratic behavior,
selfishness and bickering with referees contributed to the San Antonio
Spurs' postseason failure last year.
San Antonio had the league's best record last year but lost to Houston
in the playoffs. Rodman got much of the blame, causing distractions by
missing practices, removing his shoes on the bench and refusing to
join team huddles during timeouts.
Rodman didn't get along with Spurs coach Bob Hill but has said he
respects the laid-back Jackson. Certainly, nobody has been more
supportive of Rodman than Jackson, who urged general manager Jerry
Krause to trade with San Antonio because the Bulls needed a tough
power forward.
The Bulls will try to complete a three-game sweep of their
opening-round series Wednesday at Miami.
It was just the latest in a series of incidents involving Rodman, who
tied for the NBA lead with 29 technical fouls this season and served a
six-game suspension for head-butting a referee during a March 16 game.
Rodman's book -- supposedly an outrageous, tell-all publication --
comes out this week. In addition, Rodman has started complaining that
he is underpaid.
He told ESPN on Sunday that Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf should pay him
$10 million a year. Rodman, whose salary this season is $2.5 million,
said he'd retire rather than play for "only" $4 million. The way
Rodman has acted, it's doubtful Reinsdorf would pay him even that
much.
While not condoning Rodman's behavior, Jackson agreed that Rodman gets
special attention from NBA referees.
"Basketball is a game where if you're going to isolate on one player,
you can certainly do that to anybody in the NBA," Jackson said.
"Because almost every sequence of plays ... there's something going
on. It looks like they have him in full view. But that's life. He just
has to play through it."
nba.706vpoznanovic,
BLAZERS' DUDLEY WINS NBA CITIZENSHIP AWARD
NEW YORK -- Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Dudley on Monday was
named the winner of the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for
the 1995-96 season.
The award is presented annually to the NBA player, coach or trainer in
recognition of outstanding community service and charitable work. It
was named after former NBA commissioner J. Walter Kennedy, who served
from 1963 to 1975.
Dudley, in becoming the second Portland player to win the award, was
honored for his work on behalf of children and young adults. The
6-foot-11 center donated $300,000 to the Oregon chapter of the "I Have
A Dream" Foundation to sponsor 76 fourth graders at a northeast
Portland elementary school. He also donated $100,000 for renovations
to the Gales Creek Camp in Oregon, which is one of only two summers
camps in the nation geared toward young diabetic people.
nba.707vpoznanovic,
MAGIC MOVE GABRIEL TO GM, WILLIAMS TO SENIOR EXECUTIVE VP
The Orlando Magic today announced that John Gabriel, who was
responsible for building the team's current roster, has been promoted
to general manager and Pat Williams was elevated to senior executive
vice president.
Gabriel, who recently withdrew his name from consideration for the
general manager position with the Philadelphia 76ers, will oversee all
of Orlando's basketball operations and handle all contract
negotiations, while also conducting the team's draft responsibilities.
Williams will serve in strategic planning activities relating to the
Magic's parent company, RDV Sports.
"The success of our organization is directly related to the
individuals that we have had leading this team over the past seven
years," said Magic President Bob Vander Weide. "It is important to our
continued success that both John and Pat play intergral roles in our
future growth."
Gabriel is in his 14th season in the NBA and has been with the Magic
organization since its inception. He was promoted to his current
position in January, 1994 after serving as the club's Director of
Player Personnel and Director of Scouting.
"I am extremely grateful to be afforded this opportunity to play an
intergral role in the future of our Magic family," Gabriel said. "It
is my goal to see our plan through of bringing an NBA Championship to
Orlando."
Gabriel was instrumental in the 1993 draft day deal that sent Chris
Webber to Golden State for guard Penny Hardaway and three draft
choices. He was also responsible for signing forward Horace Grant and
guard Brian Shaw the following summer.
Williams was responsible for bringing the first major professional
sports franchise to Orlando in June of 1986. He spent the previous 12
years as general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, where he built the
team that captured the NBA Championship in 1983.
"I am really pleased with this new front office alignment," Williams
said. "I'm excited about all of my new responsibilities and I am very
enthusiastic about our future."
Williams also served as general manager of the Chicago Bulls from
1969-73 and spent one season as the general manager of the Atlanta
Hawks before moving on to Philadelphia.
nba.708vpoznanovic,
Indiana (83) At Atlanta (90)
Indiana
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Mckey F 36 6-14 1-1 2 6 8 3 5 0 2 13
D Davis F 31 6-7 0-0 3 7 10 0 4 0 1 12
Smits C 35 5-14 3-4 2 3 5 1 3 1 3 13
Pierce G 28 4-14 0-0 1 1 2 5 2 1 3 10
Jackson G 32 3-10 1-1 1 3 4 6 3 1 3 7
A Davis 25 2-3 4-6 2 4 6 0 2 1 1 8
Best 18 2-4 0-0 1 1 2 1 2 1 3 4
Ferrell 18 2-5 0-1 2 1 3 0 1 2 1 4
Workman 17 5-6 0-0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 12
Caldwell Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Johnson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Miller Dnp - Eye Injury
Totals 240 35-77 9-13 15 26 41 16 22 7 17 83
(.455) (.692) Team Rebs: 9 Total To: 18(26 Pts)
Atlanta
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Augmon F 41 2-7 2-4 0 4 4 6 4 1 3 6
Long F 41 6-15 1-2 4 2 6 0 2 0 1 13
Laettner C 39 7-17 10-11 5 3 8 2 1 2 1 24
Smith G 43 10-15 1-2 1 3 4 1 3 1 0 26
Blaylock G 43 6-15 2-3 0 3 3 7 0 8 2 16
Ehlo 13 0-3 0-0 0 2 2 0 1 1 1 0
Henderson 7 2-4 0-0 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 4
Rooks 9 0-0 1-2 1 1 2 0 2 0 0 1
Jordan 4 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
Boyce Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Bullard Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Norman Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 240 33-76 17-24 13 19 32 18 15 13 10 90
(.434) (.708) Team Rebs: 14 Total To: 11(14 Pts)
Indiana 20 20 25 18 - 83
Atlanta 21 19 29 21 - 90
Blocked Shots: Indiana - A Davis 3, D Davis. Atlanta - Smith 2,
Henderson 2, Blaylock, Laettner, Rooks, Jordan.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Indiana 4-10 (.400), Pierce 2-5, Jackson 0-2, Best 0-1,
Workman 2-2. Atlanta 7-18 (.389), Long 0-2, Smith 5-8, Blaylock 2-7, Ehlo
0-1.
Technicals: Atlanta - Illegal Defense.
Officials: Jack Nies, Hugh Evans, Jim Clark.
A - 11,290. T - 2:17.
nba.709vpoznanovic,
CHRISTIAN COALITION TAKES OVER IN ATLANTA
ATLANTA -- Christian Laettner, embarrassed by his performance against
Pacers center Rik Smits, went back to school.
Laettner, playing with the emotion he showed during his college career
at Duke, dominated the taller, stronger Smits on Monday to lead the
Atlanta Hawks to a 90-83 victory and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five
playoff series.
Laettner, a natural power forward forced to play center for the Hawks,
made 10-of-11 free throws, outscoring Smits 24-13 and even
outrebounding him 8-5.
"Christian had an outstanding game," Atlanta coach Lenny Wilkens said.
"He was very aggressive getting after loose balls. We wanted to
involve him more. When I talk about Christian, I'm talking about both
ends of the court. He beat Rik to spots several times."
Laettner ended nearly a four-minute drought and gave Atlanta the lead
for good at 81-80 with a 7-foot jumper with 3:05 to play. Steve Smith,
who led Atlanta with 26 points, added a 3-pointer as the shot clock
expired with 91 seconds left as the Hawks held Indiana to one basket
over the final 5:13.
"Time was running out, Christian drew a double-team, he got it out to
me and the only thing I had left to do was really push it," Smith
said. "I had a good chance to shoot it, and lucky for us it went in."
Lucky for the Hawks they have Mookie Blaylock, who tied a playoff
record with eight steals, including two in the closing seconds.
"Mookie Blaylock is one of the most underrated point guards in the
league," Indiana coach Larry Brown said. "Laettner was great. He
fought Rik in the post. He made pressure plays. And he kept rebounds
alive."
Derrick McKey and Smits scored 13 points apiece for Indiana, which has
advanced to the Eastern Conference finals the past two seasons but is
playing without All-Star guard Reggie Miller, out with a fractured eye
socket.
Game 4 is Thursday at Atlanta. The Hawks have been eliminated by the
Pacers in each of the last two seasons. Atlanta has not led a series
2-1 since 1987-88, when the Hawks eventually defeated Milwaukee in
five games.
Antonio Davis capped a 7-0 run with a free throw at the 3:58 mark,
giving the Pacers an 80-79 lead. Haywoode Workman closed Indiana
within 84-83 on a 3-pointer with 57 seconds to play.
After a turnover by Atlanta, the Pacers had a chance to take the lead
but Mark Jackson missed a 12-footer from the right wing. Smith was
fouled during a scramble for a loose ball and made the second of two
foul shots with 11 seconds remaining to give Atlanta a two-point lead.
"It's a shame that a referee has to call a loose-ball foul with seven
seconds to go after there was a tackle play in Indiana at the end of
the game and they don't blow the whistle," Brown said.
"I don't worry about pressure and who's it on. The responsibility of
all of us is to be ready every single night. These guys grow up
wanting to be in big games and now they have their chance."
Indiana got the ball back, but Ricky Pierce's pass intended for
Jackson was stolen by Blaylock, who hit two free throws with 3.4
seconds left to seal the victory. Blaylock then stole the inbounds
pass and buried a 3-pointer as time expired.
"I was going to take it one-on-one to the middle for a shot when I
drove with the ball," Pierce said. "I saw another guy coming at me and
I tried to pass it off. And Mookie was in between Mark and Travis
(Best) and I was undecided about who to pass to. I wanted to hit
Travis because Mookie was leaning towards him, so I threw it over to
Mark and he stole the ball."
Blaylock had 16 points, eight steals and seven assists. The steals
tied an NBA record last set by Tim Hardaway with the Golden State
Warriors against Seattle on April 30, 1992.
"You have to give a lot of credit to Mookie Blaylock," Smith said. "He
had a lot of steals; he's a thief. It was a storybook for him."
Atlanta had taken a 68-55 lead with 3:27 to play in the third quarter
after a pair of free throws by Laettner ended an 18-6 burst. Smith and
Laettner combined for 12 points in the run.
"I felt like I had a bad first half and wanted to come out more
aggressive in the second," said Laettner, who made 10-of-11 from the
line. "My teammates were making great passes and I was hitting my free
throws."
The Pacers then retaliated with a 14-1 spurt, tying the game at 69-69
early in the fourth quarter on a turnaround by Dale Davis. Duane
Ferrell scored five points in the run.
Grant Long added 13 points for Atlanta, which shot 43 percent
(33-of-76) from the field and was outrebounded 41-32. The Hawks scored
26 points off 18 Indiana turnovers.
Indiana shot 46 percent (35-of-77) from the floor. Dale Davis had 12
points and 10 rebounds, and Workman finished with 12 points off the
bench after scoring just two points in the first two games combined.
nba.710vpoznanovic,
Utah (91) At Portland (94) - Final In Ot
Utah
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
Benoit F 48 4-16 0-0 3 8 11 1 3 0 1 8
Malone F 47 13-30 9-12 1 9 10 4 5 1 4 35
Spencer C 14 3-5 0-0 3 2 5 0 4 0 1 6
Hornacek G 40 4-13 1-1 1 4 5 2 6 0 0 9
Stockton G 46 2-6 8-8 1 2 3 11 5 2 5 13
Eisley 7 0-2 0-0 0 2 2 1 3 0 1 0
Russell 12 1-2 0-0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 3
Ostertag 21 3-6 1-1 7 1 8 0 4 0 0 7
Carr 23 4-8 2-2 2 5 7 0 4 0 1 10
Morris 4 0-2 0-0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
Keefe 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Foster Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 265 34-90 21-24 19 35 54 19 35 3 14 91
(.378) (.875) Team Rebs: 9 Total To: 14(15 Pts)
Portland
Rebounds
Player Pos Min Fgm-Fga Ftm-Fta Off-Def-Tot Ast Pf St To Pts
====== === === ======= ======= =========== === == == == ===
C Robinson F 44 3-12 5-7 1 3 4 1 2 2 3 11
Grant F 35 3-10 0-0 2 4 6 1 3 0 0 6
Sabonis C 38 10-22 5-11 3 9 12 2 4 2 1 27
Mckie G 40 4-10 7-9 3 7 10 1 4 0 1 16
Strickland G 45 6-19 7-11 3 5 8 8 2 0 2 19
Dudley 15 0-1 1-2 1 2 3 1 3 1 2 1
Williams 32 2-8 1-2 6 4 10 1 3 1 0 5
R Robinson 8 1-3 1-2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3
Wingfield 8 2-5 0-2 2 0 2 1 3 0 1 6
J Robinson Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Spencer Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Trent Dnp - Coach'S Decision
Totals 265 31-90 27-46 21 34 55 16 25 7 10 94
(.344) (.587) Team Rebs: 19 Total To: 10(12 Pts)
Utah 17 14 28 24 8 - 91
Portland 11 26 26 20 11 - 94
Blocked Shots: Utah - Ostertag 4, Benoit 2, Carr. Portland - C Robinson
3, Sabonis.
3-Pt. Field Goals: Utah 2-10 (.200), Benoit 0-4, Hornacek 0-3, Stockton
1-1, Russell 1-1, Morris 0-1. Portland 5-16 (.313), C Robinson 0-3,
Sabonis 2-5, Mckie 1-3, Strickland 0-2, Wingfield 2-3.
Technicals: Portland - Illegal Defense 2.
Officials: Jess Kersey, Derrick Stafford, Bob Delaney.
A - 21,401. T - 2:49.
nba.711vpoznanovic,
BRICK CITY: SABONIS PAVES WAY TO PORTLAND WIN
PORTLAND, Ore. -- In case you missed the Portland-Utah matchup Monday
night, don't feel bad. You weren't the only one that missed.
Both teams were missing. Just about every shot they took.
One-hundred-and-thirty-seven bricks, to be exact. The Blazers and Jazz
turned the Rose Garden into a masons convention.
But with so many misses, perhaps it was only fitting that the overtime
struggle be settled on a rebound.
Buck Williams' putback with 14 seconds to play in overtime snapped a
tie as the Portland Trail Blazers staved off elimination with a 94-91
victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night in Game 3 of their Western
Conference quarterfinal series.
"We put ourselves in a situation that we shouldn't have been in," said
Portland coach P.J. Carlesimo, who watched helplessly as his team blew
a 13-point second-half lead. "But we responded on the defensive end."
Williams got inside of Karl Malone, giving the Utah star a nudge in
the process, then grabbed a rebound of Arvydas Sabonis' missed hook
shot and put back a layup to give the Trail Blazers a 93-91 lead. It
was only Williams' second field goal of the game.
"This was one of the more physical games I've played in," Williams
said. "The referees let us play tonight. They didn't call a lot of
ticky-tack fouls. ... We have a defensive team. We play very
aggressively."
Following a Utah timeout, John Stockton missed a running 16-footer
from the right side that would have tied the game. Portland rebounded
and called timeout with 3.5 seconds to play, and Rod Strickland was
fouled less than a second later downcourt. Strickland, who scored 16
of his 19 points after halftime, made the second of two free throws to
make it 94-91.
"We played hard, but we certainly didn't play well," Strickland said.
"But we gutted it out and we got the victory. All that (stuff) about
us not being able to play in the fourth quarter didn't mean much
tonight.
"The homecourt means a lot. They did what they had to do at home, and
we did what we had to do at home tonight."
Utah had one last chance to tie but with sharpshooter Jeff Hornacek on
the bench after fouling out, the Jazz got the ball to Chris Morris,
whose 3-pointer from three feet beyond the top of the key was off the
mark at the buzzer.
Sabonis had a career-high 27 points and 12 rebounds, but missed two
crucial free throws late in regulation.
Malone scored 35 points and Stockton added 13 for Utah, which still
holds a two games to one lead in the best-of-five series. Game 4 is
Wednesday in Portland.
Portland led 91-87 with 1:26 to go following a driving, spinning
5-foot jumper by Clifford Robinson, but Malone hit two free throws to
cut the deficit in half. On the ensuing possession, Aaron McKie missed
a 3-pointer but Benoit, who had grabbed the rebound, stumbled to the
floor and was tied up by Strickland.
On the resulting jump ball, Utah won control but Jeff Hornacek and
Harvey Grant were called for a double foul, and Hornacek fouled out.
Utah won the jump ball, ultimately leading to Benoit's jumper.
"We feel pretty good about our situation," Hornacek said. "We feel
like we can win one of the next two games, but you have to give
Portland credit. They came out fighting hard tonight, and it's not
going to be easy trying to put this team away."
The Jazz feel pretty good because they know the Blazers have
free-throw phobia. The Blazers, the worst free-throw shooting team in
the NBA, shot only 59 percent from the line and missed four of six in
the final minute of regulation Monday. It almost was enough to cause
them to blow a fourth-quarter lead for the third game in a row.
But even Dream Teamer Malone wasn't immune to the shooting flu. He hit
just 13-of-30 shots Monday. His 15-footer with 21 seconds left in the
fourth quarter tied the game at 83 and forced the overtime. But he
also missed two free throws with 1:02 left in the fourth period and
the game tied 81-81.
"I missed two big ones at the end," Malone said, "but I'm not going to
look back and worry about it. This game's behind us."
The Blazers used a 7-2 run over the first 4:22 of the fourth quarter
to open up a 70-63 lead on a 3-pointer by rookie Dontonio Wingfield.
Utah countered with a 14-5 tear to take a 77-75 lead with 2:51 to play
after Hornacek corralled a deflected pass and knocked down an open
jumper from the left wing.
Portland missed four-of-six free throws, three by Sabonis, in the
final minute that gave the Jazz a chance to tie.
"It was do-or-die tonight," said McKie, who went scoreless in the
first two games but had 16 points and 10 rebounds Monday. "We knew
that if we lose, it's vacation. But with this win, the goal now is to
get back to Utah. ... I got a lot more physical on defense and in
turn, it gave me extra confidence on offense."
Clifford Robinson awoke from his four-year playoff nightmare to score
five of his 11 points in the overtime for Portland. He was just
2-for-11 from the field in regulation, including an ill-advised,
errant 3-pointer with five seconds to go and the game tied at 83.
"It just feel good to get the win," Robinson said. "If we hadn't
gotten the win what was going to be said: 'Cliff took the shot at the
end and he messed up the game. Why did he take that shot?' "
Portland led 37-31 at halftime. The 68 points tied the all-time NBA
playoff low for the first two quarters.
The first quarter was especially ugly.
The Blazers, who had scored a record-low 12 points in the fourth
quarter of Saturday night's loss at Utah, were even worse in the first
quarter of Game 3 with only 11 points on four-for-21 shooting.
Utah wasn't much better with 17 points. In the second quarter,
Portland warmed up a little behind the play of Sabonis, using a 15-3
run to take a 32-25 lead on Robinson's bank shot, his only field goal
of the half, with 2:56 to play.
nba.712vpoznanovic,
NBA PLAYOFF SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
First round (best-of-five; all times Eastern)
*if necessary
Eastern Conference
Chicago leads Miami 2-0
April 26 Chicago 102, Miami 85
April 28 Chicago 106, Miami 75
May 1 at Miami 8 p.m. TNT
May 3 *at Miami 8 p.m. TNT
May 5 *at Chicago TBA NBC
Orlando leads Detroit 2-0
April 26 Orlando 112, Detroit 92
April 28 Orlando 92, Detroit 77
April 30 at Detroit 8 p.m. TNT
May 2 *at Detroit TBA
May 5 *at Orlando TBA
Atlanta leads Indiana 2-1
April 25 Atlanta 92, Indiana 80
April 27 Indiana 102, Atlanta 94 (OT)
April 29 Atlanta 90, Indiana 83
May 2 at Atlanta TBA
May 5 *at Indiana TBA
New York leads Cleveland 2-0
April 25 New York 106, Cleveland 83
April 27 New York 84, Cleveland 80
May 1 at New York 7 p.m. TBS
May 3 *at New York TBA
May 5 *at Cleveland TBA
Western Conference
Seattle, Sacramento tied 1-1
April 26 Seattle 97, Sacramento 85
April 28 Sacramento 90, Seattle 81
April 30 at Sacramento 10:30 p.m. TNT
May 2 at Sacramento TBA
May 4 *at Seattle TBA
San Antonio leads Phoenix 2-0
April 26 San Antonio 120, Phoenix 98
April 28 San Antonio 110, Phoenix 105
May 1 at Phoenix 10:30 p.m. TNT
May 3 *at Phoenix TBA
May 5 *at San Antonio TBA
Utah leads Portland 2-1
April 25 Utah 110, Portland 102
April 27 Utah 105, Portland 90
April 29 Portland 94, Utah 91 (OT)
May 1 *at Portland 9:30 p.m. TBS
May 5 *at Utah TBA
Houston, L.A. Lakers tied 1-1
April 25 Houston 87, L.A. Lakers 83
April 27 L.A Lakers 104, Houston 94
April 30 at Houston 9 p.m. TBS
May 2 at Houston TBA
May 4 *at L.A Lakers TBA
nba.713koky,
-> #701, vpoznanovic> Phoenix (105) At San Antonio (110)
Na STB-u i BK su rekli da su Barkley i Robinson imali po 12 skokova.
Odakle im ta informacija, ako se ovde pojavljuju druge brojke ?
Barkley 20
Robinson 21