Jordan Quietly Helps Bulls Beat Noisy Pacers

Unlike Reggie Miller, Michael Jordan kept his cool.

Struggling with his shooting from the field, Jordan made seven of eight free throws in the fourth quarter, and the Bulls, already assured of the home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, pulled away to an 86-80 victory Wednesday night.

Miller had only 13 points and sent Jordan to the line for four free throws during the decisive stretch in the fourth quarter. One of them came on a technical foul.

“He questioned a lot of calls and he should know better than to let the refs get under his skin,” Jordan said.

“I don’t think he’s played particularly well against me, but he hasn’t got into a rhythm, and I try not to let him get into a rhythm. I think a lot of it has to do with his eagerness to come out and play well against us.”

The loss dropped Indiana two games behind Washington and Cleveland, which are tied for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff berth.

Jordan made only eight of 19 shots and had six turnovers with his 23 points.

Miller was five for 15 and missed all six of his three-point shots.

Atlanta 116, Philadelphia 101--Dikembe Mutombo blocked three consecutive shots in a nine-second span in the first quarter for the Hawks, who also had a season-high 23 steals in a victory at Philadelphia.

Mutombo finished with six of Atlanta’s 13 blocks, and Mookie Blaylock’s 19 points led six Hawks in double figures. The victory moved the Hawks half a game ahead of Detroit for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Allen Iverson led the 76ers with 40 points, making 12 of 29 shots, and had nine assists.

Charlotte 136, Boston 111--The Hornets tied a franchise record with their 50th victory and scored more points than any team this season, beating Boston in Charlotte.

Glen Rice had 29 points for the Hornets, who made a club-record 15 of 21 three-point shots.

Boston lost its 10th consecutive game.