NBA Roundup : Jordan Scores 41 Points to Save Bulls Once Again

The Chicago Bulls have devised a simple formula for victory. They stay close to the other team until the closing minutes, then turn the ball over to Michael Jordan and get out of the way.

The plan worked to perfection for the second time in a row Sunday night at Richfield, Ohio.

Jordan scored the last eight points of the game in the final two minutes to bring the Bulls from behind to a 94-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers built a 17-point lead in the second quarter before Jordan led the Bulls back into contention. With two minutes remaining, baskets by Keith Lee and Brad Daugherty gave Cleveland an 89-86 lead.

But Jordan, who finished with 41 points, sank a long jumper and followed with a driving layup to put Chicago ahead. A steal by Dave Corzine was quickly turned into a baseline jumper by Jordan for two more points. He finished the scoring by sinking two free throws with 17 seconds remaining.

Saturday night at New York, Jordan scored 15 points in the last five minutes to bring the Bulls from behind to a 108-103 victory. He had 50 points in the game, 21 in the fourth quarter.

Jordan blocked four shots and had eight rebounds against the Cavaliers.

“We’re not a one-dimensional team,” Jordan said. “We’re loose because we were picked to finish last in the division and last in the conference.”

Atlanta 122, Philadelphia 113--Dominique Wilkins scored 36 points and the Hawks held the 76ers scoreless for more than five minutes in the second half at Philadelphia.

At one point in the second quarter the Hawks trailed by 13 points, but they rallied and caught up at halftime. When the 76ers went 5:45, beginning near the end of the third period, without scoring, the Hawks broke it open.

Charles Barkley led the 76ers with 26 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists.