Rockets’ Streak Ends Without Olajuwon

Obviously, the Houston Rockets are a far different team without Hakeem Olajuwon. But that didn’t stop the Toronto Raptors from enjoying their victory over the Rockets.

Damon Stoudamire had 27 points and 11 assists at Toronto as the Raptors stopped Houston’s nine-game winning streak Monday with a 100-89 victory over the Rockets, who played without Olajuwon.

Earlier Monday, Olajuwon left a Houston hospital after being treated for the second time in less than two weeks for an irregular heartbeat.

Charles Barkley had 30 points, 12 rebounds and four assists for the Rockets, who lost for only the second time this season. He didn’t use Olajuwon’s absence as an excuse.

“We still should have won the game,” Barkley said. “We won a big game the other night without Hakeem. But it’s tough to get motivated when you’re playing a a bad team.”

Utah 107, Charlotte 97--John Stockton had 22 points and 16 assists at Salt Lake City as the Jazz defeated the Hornets and won their 11th consecutive game.

Karl Malone added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Jazz, which held the Hornets to one basket over the final 6:35.

Utah’s Bryon Russell made two three-point baskets down the stretch.

“They need me to step up and I’m stepping up,” Russell said. “I’m not hesitating anymore. If I hesitate and think about it, I might miss.”

Dallas 108, Orlando 102--The Mavericks rallied from a nine-point deficit in the last 2:23 of regulation, then got seven points in overtime from Oliver Miller to beat the Magic at Orlando.

Miller’s dunk at the buzzer capped an 11-2 run that forced overtime. Miller, who spurned an offer from the Magic during the preseason, made all three of his shots in overtime and was six for six with 13 points.

Chris Gatling led Dallas with 25 points and 14 rebounds.

Rony Seikaly had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Magic, which lost starter Nick Anderson when he sprained his right wrist in the first quarter.