Friday, March 22, 2002
Mohammed, Hawks rout Knicks
The Associated Press
ATLANTA — Nazr Mohammed scored 24 points, and Shareef Abdur-Rahim added 20 as the Atlanta Hawks routed the New York Knicks 118-89.
Jason Terry matched his season high with 11 assists for the Hawks, who have won six of seven at home and five of six overall.
New York, which had won three of four, dropped to 8-24 on the road. Kurt Thomas led the Knicks with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
After Latrell Sprewell hit an 8-foot jumper to cut Atlanta's lead to 62-52 early in the third quarter, the Hawks went on a 29-10 run that ended with Mohammed's reverse layup.
Spurs 105, Mavericks 102
DALLAS — Tony Parker hit a long jumper with 25.4 seconds left, then it took five free throws in the final 14.5 seconds for San Antonioto hold off Dallas.
It was the Spurs' 11th straight victory, allowing them to tie the Mavericks for the Midwest Division lead.
Tim Duncan scored the final two of his 32 points from the foul line with 1.3 seconds left. On Dallas' last-gasp effort, Steve Nash caught a pass beyond midcourt but was able only to hurl the ball into the lane.
Timberwolves 95, Grizzlies 93 MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Kevin Garnett scored four of his 25 points in the final 1:15 as Minnesota held off Memphis.
Garnett's final points came on a layup and two free throws.
Shane Battier, who was 12-of-15 from the field, led the Grizzlies with 28 points.
The Timberwolves were led by Garnett who also had 14 rebounds, got 19 points from Chauncey Billups and 12 each from Joe Smith and Rasho Nesterovic.
Pau Gasol had 21 points and eight rebounds, and Jason Williams had 16 points and 10 assists for the Grizzlies.
Pistons 95, Suns 82
PHOENIX — Clifford Robinson scored 28 points in his return to Phoenix, leading the Pistons to their fourth straight victory.
Jerry Stackhouse added 23 points and seven assists for the Pistons, who moved 2 1/2 games ahead of Milwaukee for the Central Division lead. Detroit also moved within 2 1/2 games of New Jersey for the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Jazz 94, Wizards 79
SALT LAKE CITY — Karl Malone scored 23 points, and John Stockton had 19 as Utah beat the Washington Wizards 94-79 Thursday night in Jordan's first game at the Delta Center since his winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals.
Bryon Russell scored 11 for the Jazz, who had lost five of seven but beat the Wizards for the seventh straight time.
STERN REBUTTAL:
NBA commissioner David Stern defended the league's record on hiring black coaches Thursday and lightheartedly questioned what Milwaukee coach George Karl was thinking when he made comments about Orlando's Doc Rivers.
In a magazine article, Karl complained that one of his assistants was being passed over for head coaching jobs while Rivers had been “anointed” a good coach. Karl later apologized to Rivers and called his comments “stupid.”
The commissioner agreed.
“I don't know what was in George's drink that day,” said Stern, on hand for Utah's game against the Washington Wizards. “I don't know what was in the water. George is a pretty bright guy.”
Rivers and Karl shook hands before the teams played this week in Orlando.
Stern said NBA teams have a proven record of hiring black coaches, but said race isn't a factor for league owners when they fill an opening. He said they're simply looking for the best candidate.
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Mohammed, Hawks rout Knicks
