NBA ROUNDUP : Jordan Returns, Bulls Win

Michael Jordan’s foot is better and so are the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan sprained his left foot last Saturday against the New York Knicks and missed last Wednesday’s game against the Boston Celtics. The Bulls lost both games.

On Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, Jordan took to the court tentatively, got better as the game went on and scored 38 points to lead the Bulls to a 111-99 victory at Chicago.

Jordan scored 26 of his points in the second half, made 15 of 25 shots and finished with 13 rebounds.

“As the game went on, I got more confident,” he said. “There were no problems. Naturally, I had some concern. But other people had more concerns. It was over-covered and over-publicized. I guess it’s great to be loved and liked.”

Scottie Pippen added 28 points as the Bulls won the first meeting of the teams since Chicago defeated Portland in six games for its second consecutive NBA championship.

“I play a lot better when Michael is in there,” Pippen said. “His great play frees me up.”

The Trail Blazers were missing leading scorer Clyde Drexler, sidelined because of swelling in his right knee, and Jerome Kersey, who was put on the injured list with tendinitis in his left knee.

Cliff Robinson led Portland with 27 points, Terry Porter had 17 and Kevin Duckworth 16.

New Jersey 108, San Antonio 103--Drazen Petrovic scored a season-high 34 points and Kenny Anderson had career highs with 31 points and 17 assists as the Nets won at East Rutherford, N.J.

Net forward Derrick Coleman strained ligaments in his right knee when he collided with Antoine Carr with 1:12 left in the first half and will miss today’s game against Miami.

San Antonio, which blew an 18-point third-quarter lead, took a 101-100 lead with 2:52 left in overtime on consecutive baskets by Lloyd Daniels. But the Nets, who won their fifth in a row, scored six unanswered points on two free throws by Petrovic, a jump shot by Anderson and a fast-break dunk by Chris Morris off a pass from Anderson.

Detroit 101, Philadelphia 99--Joe Dumars scored 25 points and Isiah Thomas 23 as the Pistons won at Philadelphia. Dennis Rodman had 23 rebounds for the Pistons, who handed the 76ers their sixth consecutive defeat.

A layup by Clarence Weatherspoon cut the 76ers’ deficit to 98-96 with 24 seconds to play, but a free throw by Dumars four seconds later gave the Pistons a 99-96 lead.

After Jeff Hornacek missed a three-point attempt with 14 seconds remaining, Bill Laimbeer made two foul shots, which offset Hornacek’s three-pointer with one second left.

Armon Gilliam had 19 points for Philadelphia, which has lost five consecutive home games.

Indiana 122, Atlanta 106--Reggie Miller scored 26 points and Dominique Wilkins was held to a season-low eight points at Indianapolis as the Pacers ended a two-game losing streak.

Indiana trailed, 89-87, after three quarters. But the Pacers scored the first 10 points of the fourth and the Hawks were held scoreless until the 8:06 remained in the quarter.

Stacy Augmon led Atlanta with 27 points.

Wilkins, averaging 27.5 points per game, made only one of eight shots.

Boston 114, Miami 104--Kevin Gamble’s two three-point baskets sparked a 20-6 fourth-quarter run at Boston that boosted the Celtics to their fifth victory in six games.

Gamble made all four of his three-pointers and finished with 18 points.

Kevin Edwards scored 22 points for Miami.

Denver 116, Golden State 113--Robert Pack scored a career-high 21 points and made the go-ahead basket with 35 seconds to play as the Nuggets rallied at Denver.

The Nuggets trailed, 104-92, with 7:02 left. But Dikembe Mutombo scored 12 points and Pack six during a 20-5 run that gave Denver the lead.

Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullin countered with baskets for the Warriors, giving them a 113-112 lead with 39 seconds to play. Pack made a short jumper and, after Hardaway missed, Mutombo rebounded, was fouled and made two free throws.

Mutombo was seven of 10 from the field and 12 of 13 from the foul line for 26 points. LaPhonso Ellis added 20 points and 11 rebounds for Denver.

Mullin scored 34 points and Hardaway had 22 for the Warriors, who blocked nine shots and forced 21 turnovers.

Charlotte 112, Sacramento 111--Larry Johnson made a foul shot with .08 seconds to play and the Hornets won at Sacramento.

Johnson, who finished with 27 points, was fouled by Rod Higgins in the lane before the buzzer.

Johnson made the first shot for a one-point lead. After a timeout, he deliberately missed the second free throw, and Walt Williams missed a long, desperation shot for Sacramento.

Kendall Gill had 24 points and Alonzo Mourning 22 for the Hornets. Mitch Richmond scored 27 points for the Kings.