Spurs Clinch by Beating SuperSonics

David Robinson scored 24 points and the San Antonio Spurs clinched the Midwest Division championship Saturday, beating the Seattle SuperSonics, 84-81, in a game between the Western Conference’s two top teams at the Alamodome.

“Granted, this was only a step to where we want to go, but we’ve got to feel great about what we’ve accomplished,” Robinson said. “It’s a strong statement. We’re not backing into the Midwest Division championship.”

The SuperSonics shot only 22% in the final period. They tried to rally as they scored seven consecutive points, closing to 81-79 on Hersey Hawkins’ only basket of the game, but Shawn Kemp missed two three-point attempts in the final seconds.

Miami 103, New York 95--Alonzo Mourning had 25 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Heat past Pat Riley’s former team and a step closer to the playoffs at Miami.

The Heat moved half a game ahead of idle Charlotte in the race for the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

Houston 112, Dallas 111--Hakeem Olajuwon capped his 13th career triple-double with a flying five-foot jumper at the buzzer that gave the full-strength Rockets a victory at Houston.

The Rockets seemed headed for a loss when referee Jack Nies ejected starters Mario Elie with 3:39 to play and Clyde Drexler with 3:28 to go and the Mavericks leading, 110-104.

But Olajuwon (31 points, 13 rebounds and 10 blocked shots) carried them down the stretch.

Indiana 91, Detroit 86--Eddie Johnson made two consecutive jumpers and Mark Jackson’s driving layup sparked a Pacer comeback in the fourth period at Indianapolis.

The Pacers, who lost leading scorer Reggie Miller because of a concussion in the first quarter, charged back from a 77-67 deficit for their fifth consecutive win.

NBA Notes

The Star-Ledger of Newark reported that rock promoter Don Kirshner has joined New Jersey Devil owner John McMullen and financier and casino executive Arthur Goldberg as confirmed interested parties in buying the New Jersey Nets.