NBA ROUNDUP : Unlikely Hero Fuels Mavericks’ Victory

Because of starter Rolando Blackman’s sprained ankle, the Dallas Mavericks had to rely on reserve Brad Davis against the New York Knicks Friday night at Dallas.

Davis was equal to the task. He was 11 for 14 from the field for 25 points and had seven assists to lead the Mavericks to a 117-103 victory.

It was the first time Davis, 34, in his 10th season with the Mavericks, has led the club in scoring since 1985.

“If they have to count on me leading them in scoring,” Davis said, “they are really in trouble. We really passed the ball well tonight. I wound up with a lot of open jumpers.

“It was a great win for us over such a good team without Rolando. I think he just has a minor sprain and will be back soon.”

The Mavericks, who have been without another standout, Roy Tarpley, most of the season because of an alcohol problem, had to overcome 38 points and 15 rebounds by Patrick Ewing.

Davis’ backcourt mate, Derek Harper, made five of seven three-point shots and matched Davis’ 25 points.

The Knicks are only a half-game ahead of the Detroit Pistons in the battle for the best overall record in the East.

“I don’t think we took them for granted,” Ewing said. “I just think they played an outstanding game. Both Davis and Harper hurt us with the three-point shot, but it was a combined effort by their inside and outside people.”

Chicago 92, Atlanta 84--Michael Jordan made only one of 10 shots in the first half at Atlanta and the Hawks built a 40-32 lead.

But Jordan scored as many points in the second half as the entire Chicago team did in the first half. He made 11 of 14 shots in the second half and the Bulls sent Atlanta to its sixth consecutive defeat.

“I was very tentative in the first half,” Jordan said. “We were down by eight and should have been down by 18. They gave us a chance to get back in the game. Once I got going, everybody joined in.”

San Antonio 104, Cleveland 101--David Robinson had 32 points and Terry Cummings 29 to lift the Spurs to their 16th victory in 17 home games.

The Cavaliers had a four-point lead with 3:30 left, but the Spurs scored seven consecutive points.

Despite the cold spell, the Cavaliers almost tied the score, but Larry Nance’s three-point try at the buzzer was off line.

“I wasn’t really pleased by my play,” said Robinson, who also had 12 rebounds. “I don’t think I played a very smart game.”

Utah 116, Charlotte 93--Karl Malone failed to score 40 points for only the second time in the last six games, but it was mainly because he wasn’t needed in this game at Salt Lake City.

Malone had 13 points in the first quarter and 32 before he went to the bench with Utah’s fifth consecutive victory ensured.

Detroit 125, Golden State 118--The Pistons overcame a 37-point performance by Chris Mullin to win their eighth consecutive home game.

The Warriors lost their seventh consecutive road game and their fourth on this trip.

Boston 109, Indiana 104--Larry Bird is still having a problem with his shooting touch, but otherwise he seems to be as good as ever.

Bird had 29 points, nine assists and 12 rebounds at Boston to hand the Pacers their seventh consecutive road loss.

Reggie Miller had 34 points and 10 assists for the Pacers.

Philadelphia 102, Miami 95--Charles Barkley had 32 points and 12 rebounds at Miami to lead the 76ers to their eighth victory in 21 road games.

The Heat, seeking their third consecutive victory, trailed, 71-70, in the third quarter, then missed 18 of their next 24 shots.

Orlando 120, New Jersey 105--Otis Smith scored 29 points at Orlando, Fla., to help the Magic end a four-game losing streak.

The Magic took the lead seven minutes into the game and never relinquished it, winning its 11th game.