NBA ROUNDUP : Knicks Finally Stopped at Garden

Larry Johnson, perhaps the only person in the NBA who did not know the New York Knicks were unbeaten at home, scored 22 second-half points Thursday in leading the Charlotte Hornets to a 110-103 overtime victory at Madison Square Garden.

After ending the Knicks’ nine-game home streak--they are the last NBA team to lose at home--Johnson said: “Honestly, I didn’t know they were 9-0 at home. When I’m not playing, I’m usually sleeping, so I don’t follow the other teams.”

Johnson’s 28 points, including two baskets to start an 11-0 overtime run, overshadowed the first meeting between former Georgetown centers Patrick Ewing of the Knicks and Alonzo Mourning of the Hornets.

The big men battled to a standoff. Ewing had 28 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots; Mourning had 22 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks.

The two All-American centers from Georgetown had never met in competition, although they worked out together for five summers before Mourning’s freshman year started in 1988.

“Alonzo played tremendous, especially blocking shots and rebounding,” Ewing said. “He also mixed it up offensively.”

Charlotte’s six victories in 11 road games is three short of the team record for road victories in a season.

San Antonio 101, Miami 91--David Robinson scored 26 points and Lloyd Daniels added 17 as the Spurs won their fifth consecutive game at home. Miami, winless in seven games in San Antonio, was led by Rony Seikaly, who scored 16 points.

San Antonio led, 79-75, after three quarters, then scored 15 of the first 18 fourth-quarter points. Robinson scored five points during the surge.

Minnesota 111, Dallas 88--The Timberwolves broke to a 33-17 first-quarter lead in Dallas and handed the Mavericks their 11th consecutive loss. Dallas’ 1-14 start is the worst in team history.

Chuck Person scored eight of his 26 points during Minnesota’s fast start as the Timberwolves ended a four-game losing streak. Dallas was paced by Terry Davis, who had 21 points and 12 rebounds.

“We were ice cold to start the game,” said Richie Adubato, Dallas coach. “We had a lot of shots in the paint and a lot of open shots. We just didn’t make any and they’re a very good shooting team. Person was on fire tonight.”

Two of Minnesota’s five victories are against the Mavericks.

“I think maybe we’re pressing a little too much,” said Derek Harper, Dallas guard. “We’ve got to do something to get off this skid.”

Utah 112, Washington 96--Karl Malone scored 33 points and John Stockton added 17 points and 19 assists at Salt Lake City. Malone scored 11 of his 12 third-quarter points in an 18-8 run that gave the Jazz an 83-63 lead. Washington closed the gap to 86-74 with 57 seconds left in the third quarter but could get no closer.

Utah hit 50 percent of its shots for the game, while holding the Bullets to 44 percent. Reserve Larry Krystowiak hit eight of his 10 field goals for 16 points. Washington’s Tom Gugliotta and Pervis Ellison were a combined 6 for 24.

“Stockton got it all started for us tonight with some key three-pointers,” said David Benoit, whose field-goal percentage had dropped to 39.9 before making seven of nine with 18 points.

Rex Chapman led Washington with 32 points and Harvey Grant added 17.

Golden State 114, Milwaukee 102--Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullin combined for 57 points to lead the Warriors over the Bucks in Oakland. Golden State climbed out of last place in the Pacific Division, ahead of the Sacramento Kings, by using a 26-13 fourth-quarter surge to overcome an 89-88 deficit after three quarters.

The Bucks, who have lost five consecutive games after a brief stay at the top of the Central Division, were led by Blue Edwards with 28 points.

Indiana 106, Sacramento 99--The Pacers used a strong third quarter at Sacramento to turn a 53-52 halftime lead into their fourth consecutive victory. Led by Detlef Schrempf, who scored 25, the Pacers outscored the Kings in the third quarter, 25-18. The Kings, who have lost three consecutive games, were led by Wayman Tisdale with 25 points.