NBA Roundup : Nets’ Woolridge Steals a Win From Knicks, 108-107

Orlando Woolridge didn’t beat the New York Knicks by himself Thursday night, but he did a pretty good solo job of keeping them from winning.

Woolridge blocked a shot with 35 seconds remaining, sank two free throws 13 seconds later for the game-winning points and, finally, stole an inbounds pass with one second left to lead the New Jersey Nets past the Knicks, 108-107, at East Rutherford, N.J.

The Knicks were trying to get the ball to Patrick Ewing for the possible winning basket when Woolridge intercepted.

“When it comes down to the wire, all teams want to get the ball to their best player,” Woolridge said. “I saw a little eye contact between Gerald Wilkins and Patrick, so I cheated in that direction and made the interception.”

The Knicks, who blew a 28-point third-quarter lead in losing to Boston Wednesday night, saw a nine-point advantage disappear in the fourth quarter against the Nets to fall to 1-7. There was, however, a difference between the two games, at least according to Coach Rick Pitino.

Houston 105, Cleveland 97--The Rockets beat the Cavaliers for the eighth straight time as Akeem Olajuwon scored 27 points and Steve Harris added 17 at Richfield, Ohio.

Houston, which scored its final 15 points from the free-throw line, has not lost to Cleveland since Nov. 2, 1983.

Milwaukee 117, Sacramento 113--Terry Cummings scored 5 of his 34 points in overtime at Sacramento to lead the Bucks to their 10th straight win over the Kings.

Paul Pressey added 23 and Jack Sikma 20 points for Milwaukee.

Otis Thorpe scored 33 for Sacramento, while rookie Kenny Smith scored a career-high 23.

Sacramento tied the game, 100-100, with one second left in regulation when Derek Smith tipped in a rebound after Smith missed the second of two free throws. Smith hit the first free throw to pull Sacramento within 100-98 with three seconds left.