NBA ROUNDUP : Hamblen’s Debut Gets Stuck in the Nets

Normally, when a coach comes in during the season, the team is playing below normal. Such was not the case for Milwaukee’s Frank Hamblen. The Bucks had come off their most impressive victory, 32 points over the Lakers, and had won two in a row when Del Harris stepped aside.

Hamblen, the top assistant, seemed in a great spot to take over. The Bucks were playing well and were at home Thursday night against New Jersey, with a 4-12 record.

But Drazen Petrovic scored 23 points and the Nets spoiled Hamblen’s debut with a 109-101 victory.

Mookie Blaylock, who had 19 points, and Petrovic scored the key points as the Nets, leading by four after three quarters, maintained the lead most of the rest of the way.

The Nets have won three of their 10 road games. They won only six on the road last season.

Atlanta 109, Houston 97--The Rockets, playing once again without center Hakeem Olajuwon, fell about four minutes short at Houston.

After a six-point Houston burst tied the score, 97-97, with four minutes left, the Rockets never scored again.

Dominique Wilkins, who finished with 39 points, had six of the last 12 points.

“We just ran out of people and they have their star,” said Otis Thorpe, who had 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Kevin Willis, who had 31 rebounds in his previous game, had 13 to go with 16 points.

Cleveland 110, Detroit 101--When the Pistons started slipping last season after winning two championships, they were still difficult to beat at Auburn Hills, Mich., compiling a 32-9 record.

Brad Daugherty scored 25 points and the Cavaliers built a 61-47 halftime lead and handed the Pistons their sixth loss in 11 home games. The Pistons have lost 10 of their last 14 and trail the Chicago Bulls by 7 1/2 games.

Dennis Rodman had 21 rebounds for Detroit (8-11), which is off to its worst start in 11 years.

Coach Chuck Daly was wondering if his players cared. “There wasn’t much emotion,” he said. “This team doesn’t have enough emotion. Until they get some and play harder, this will happen.”

Golden State 117, Dallas 107--Chris Mullin and Tim Hardaway each scored 27 points at Oakland and the Warriors (11-5) moved back into first place in the Pacific Division.