NBA ROUNDUP : Robinson, Strickland Arrested; Portland Wins

Cliff Robinson and Rod Strickland seemed none the worse for wear after a long night with a McDonald’s truck and the Chicago police.

Robinson scored 18 points, Strickland had 16 points and 11 assists and Clyde Drexler scored 27 points as the Portland Trail Blazers won their eighth game in their last nine, 115-96, at Chicago, where the Bulls lost their fourth in a row.

Robinson and Strickland were arrested early Friday after a pushing-and-shoving match with a truck driver in a downtown McDonald’s parking lot.

The trouble apparently began with a minor traffic accident about 4 a.m. that led to an argument, Chicago Police Lt. Patrick Logan said.

Strickland and Robinson were charged with simple battery, a misdemeanor, and released after posting $100 bond. They face an April 27 court date. The unidentified truck driver was not charged.

“This is a total misunderstanding,” Robinson said. “We were hungry. We wanted something to eat at McDonald’s. A guy backed into us, and then the whole thing got blown out of proportion.”

There was little reaction from the Trail Blazers.

“We’re disappointed they were out that late, but there is no team curfew. They’re adults,” team spokesman John Christensen said.

Phoenix 106, Minnesota 101--Cedric Ceballos scored 29 points at Phoenix and the Suns kept their mastery over Minnesota. Phoenix is 20-0 against the Timberwolves.

Indiana 126, New Jersey 110--Derrick McKey scored 24 points at Indianapolis and the Pacers won their fourth in a row.

Denver 98, Orlando 89--Reggie Williams scored all 20 of his points in the second half at Denver to lead the surging Nuggets, who won for the sixth time in their last eight games. Anfernee Hardaway had 23 points to pace the Magic.