Orlando’s Brian Hill on Hot Seat After Loss

For the Chicago Bulls, it was another routine victory. For the Orlando Magic, it was another step in the free fall that has touched off reports that Coach Brian Hill is on his way out.

“I think we’re all disappointed with the way we’ve been playing,” Hill said Sunday night after his team lost, 110-89, to the Bulls.

It was Orlando’s fourth consecutive loss since the All-Star break.

“The energy level doesn’t seem to be there,” said Hill, whose club reached the 1995 NBA finals but--minus Shaquille O’Neal--is only 24-24 this season.

NBC’s Peter Vecsey reported that Hill would be fired after the game, but Magic General Manager John Gabriel said Hill would coach tonight’s game at Charlotte. Still, Gabriel didn’t exactly give Hill a strong vote of confidence.

“As far as Brian being fired at this moment,” Gabriel said, “it’s false.”

But he also said, “We’re going to try to make some improvements.”

New York 89, Indiana 80--John Starks scored all 11 of his points in the fourth quarter and the Knicks’ guards, held to eight points on three-for-23 shooting through the first three quarters, combined for 27 points in the fourth quarter at New York.

Detroit 92, Toronto 89--The Pistons had to come back after trailing by 17 points in the first half at Toronto. Grant Hill had 23 points and 18 rebounds.

Joe Dumars scored the final nine points for Pistons.

The Raptors had a chance to tie it at the buzzer, but Damon Stoudamire, who had 14 points and 15 assists, missed a three-point shot.

Portland 118, Boston 106--Isaiah Rider scored 14 of his season-high 40 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Trail Blazers over the Celtics at Portland.

Minnesota 107, Phoenix 96--Tom Gugliotta made nine of 14 shots and scored 23 points to lead the Timberwolves at Minneapolis.

Sacramento 105, Golden State 85--Olden Polynice scored 23 points and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf 22 for the Kings at Sacramento.

Denver 112, Philadelphia 97--LaPhonso Ellis scored a career-high 37 points as the Nuggets won at Denver to break a three-game losing streak.