Nuggets’ Williams Is Out

Already off to an 0-4 start, things grew worse for the Denver Nuggets when they learned that leading scorer Eric Williams probably will be sidelined the rest of the season because of a torn knee ligament.

Williams, who signed a $26-million contract after being acquired in an off-season trade with Boston, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Denver’s 91-89 loss to Utah on Friday.

Williams, averaging 19.8 points and 5.3 rebounds, left the game after bumping his knee with a Utah player in the third quarter, but returned to play 13 more minutes. Tests later revealed the tear.

The Nuggets hope to get more inside help from LaPhonso Ellis, who will come off the injured list for Denver’s game at Boston on Wednesday. Ellis has been recuperating from a torn right Achilles’ tendon.

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The Houston Rockets’ feuding star trio of Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and Clyde Drexler put their personal feelings on display after Friday night’s 86-85 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

But after a mid-court airing of differences at Sunday’s practice, the first team gathering since Friday, everyone was smiling again and vowing to keep private disputes private.

“I think this could bring the team closer,” said Olajuwon, who started the quarrel by complaining that he wasn’t part of the game plan in the closing minutes. “Once in a while these things happen and then you can communicate better. This was nothing personal.”

Olajuwon had only one shot in the closing minutes and Barkley got the call on the final shot, which he missed. Olajuwon complained that he should have gotten the ball, and Clyde Drexler agreed. Barkley called Olajuwon selfish.

“Dream apologized for going public and that started the meeting the way it should have went,” Barkley said. “We all have the right to our opinions, but I think any time anything happens on a team you keep it in the locker room.”