Willis Fuels Rockets to Seventh in a Row

Kevin Willis scored 31 points--11 in the fourth quarter--and added 15 rebounds Thursday night as the Houston Rockets won their seventh consecutive game, 94-87 over the Atlanta Hawks at Houston.

The loss for the Hawks, who have the NBA’s best record, was the third in 18 games and broke a four-game winning streak. Atlanta has not won a game in Houston in six years.

The 14-year veteran Willis, who spent his first 10 seasons in the NBA with the Hawks and still is among career leaders in several categories for the team, had Houston’s final two baskets in the game to secure the victory.

“It’s my bread and butter,” said Willis of his jump hook shot. “I know if I shoot it right, no matter who is out there, it’s going over him.”

Willis had seven points, plus a blocked shot, and Charles Barkley four during an 11-2 run midway through the final quarter when the Rockets erased a 76-70 deficit to grab an 81-78 lead with 6:04 left. Barkley’s 10-foot jumper with 7:37 remaining gave Houston the lead for good.

Steve Smith, who topped five Atlanta players in double figures with 22 points, hit a pair of three-point shots down the stretch to cut Houston’s lead to 88-86 with 1:52 left. Barkley finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds.

Dallas 105, New York 91--Don Nelson won his debut as the Mavericks’ coach when Michael Finley scored 27 points and Khalid Reeves added 24 at Dallas.

Nelson, also the Mavericks’ general manager, took over bench duties from Jim Cleamons, who was fired earlier in the day after a 28-70 record over two seasons.

“It just feels like we’ve got a monkey off our back,” said Erick Strickland, who scored seven points. “We have the freedom to play and do our thing, with some assistance and guidance. That’s what made it fun.”

Ex-Knick Hubert Davis had 20 points and made five of six shots from three-point range to help the Mavericks to their widest margin of victory this season.

A.C. Green added 14 points and 11 rebounds and Dennis Scott had 12 points for the Mavericks, who had lost 12 of their previous 13, costing Cleamons his job.

Washington 118, Sacramento 96--The Wizards are 2-0 in their new building, while the Kings can’t seem to win anywhere.

Washington shot 68% in the first half, slicing through and passing over a barely noticeable Sacramento defense, and Chris Webber had 26 points and 14 rebounds as the Wizards handed the Kings their fifth consecutive loss.

The Wizards were 0-5 in their old home at US Airways Arena before they christened the MCI Center with a victory over Seattle on Tuesday.

“I think what makes you enjoy things is winning,” Wizard Coach Bernie Bickerstaff said. “We probably could enjoy playing outside if we were winning.”

Milwaukee 102, Charlotte 92--Terrell Brandon had a season-high 24 points and 11 assists and Ray Allen added 22 points, leading the Bucks against the visiting Hornets.

All five Bucks starters scored at least 16 points. Glen Rice led the Hornets with 27 points.

Brandon had 13 points in the third quarter, including nine during a decisive 15-6 run to close the period, giving Milwaukee a 76-67 lead.