Heat Mashes Up 76ers in a Hurry

It didn’t take long for Jamal Mashburn to start sticking out his tongue.

Mashburn, the latest disgruntled NBA star who is happy to escape Dallas, scored 14 points in his Miami debut and the Heat matched a franchise record with its ninth consecutive victory, a 125-99 decision over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

Mashburn, acquired Friday in a trade with the Mavericks, made his first appearance with 6:54 to play in the first quarter. His first basket gave Miami a 24-14 lead. He added three assists and three rebounds in 32 minutes.

The Heat were desperate for a high-scoring small forward. Mashburn was the Mavericks’ leading scorer until he sat out the final 64 games of the 1995-96 season because of a knee injury.

“He’s just more firepower in our arsenal,” said Miami center Alonzo Mourning, who had 24 points. “He can help us in all facets of the game.”

Voshon Lenard also scored 24 points, all on three-point shots, making eight of 11. Miami, which won nine consecutive games earlier this season, set franchise records with 17 three-pointers and 39 assists.

Jerry Stackhouse scored 26 points and Don MacLean had 20 for the 76ers.

Utah 99, Dallas 84--What did the Mavericks get for trading Jamal Mashburn?

Two points, so far.

Of the three players the Mavericks received, only Martin Muursepp played and scored two points.

The Mavericks also played without all-star forward Chris Gatling, who sat out because of a bruised right shoulder.

They were no match for the Jazz, which received 18 points from Jeff Hornacek and 17 points and eight assists from John Stockton.

New Jersey 107, Washington 86--Despite suffering from flu, Net guard Khalid Reeves made an impression with a team-high 23 points at East Rutherford, N.J.

But Reeves received the most notice when he wasn’t in the game.

The Nets dressed only four guards and were down to three when Kevin Edwards suffered a cut on his chin. New Jersey tried to replace Edwards, but Reeves was in the locker room trying to overcome his upset stomach. The Nets called time and Reeves returned. When play resumed, Reeves failed to check into the game because he thought Edwards was shooting free throws. The Nets then received a rare technical foul for playing with four men.

Bullet three-point shooting specialist Tim Legler strained his right knee and sat out the second half.

Portland 109, Houston 105--Kenny Anderson scored 16 of his season-high 35 points in the third quarter and the Trail Blazers rallied from a 26-point deficit to win at Portland.

Anderson made a 15-foot shot with 3:12 left and the Trail Blazers led, 103-95. But two free throws by Hakeem Olajuwon with 53.8 seconds to play brought the Rockets within 105-103.

Isaiah Rider then sealed Portland’s victory by making four free throws in the final 9.8 seconds.

Atlanta 109, San Antonio 89--Steve Smith scored 25 points, Mookie Blaylock had 21 and the Hawks won at San Antonio.

Coming off a one-point loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday, the Hawks have won 17 of their last 22.

Atlanta dominated inside, outrebounding the the Spurs, 45-32.

Vernon Maxwell scored 24 points, including six three-point shots, and Vinny Del Negro had 18 for the Spurs.

Milwaukee 92, Denver 87--Vin Baker scored 21 points and Ray Allen 15, including two key baskets in the final two minutes, and the host Bucks won their third in a row.

The Bucks, who are trying to get into the playoffs for the first time since 1991, are 1 1/2 games behind Orlando for the eighth Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Denver forward LaPhonso Ellis scored 22 points and guard Mark Jackson had 14 assists.

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Trey Chic

The Miami Heat tied the mark for third most three-point baskets by a team in one game. The best:

* 19--Atlanta at Dallas, Dec. 17, 1996

* 18--Dallas vs. N.J., March 5, 1996

* 18--Dallas at Denver, Feb. 29, 1996

* 17--MIAMI vs. Phila., Feb. 15, 1997

* 17--Golden St. at Minn., April 12, 1995