Jordan Teaches Rookie Lesson He Won’t Forget

It’s a rite of passage for almost every NBA rookie--a free lesson in humility from Michael Jordan. Sacramento’s Tariq Abdul-Wahad had his turn Sunday night.

Jordan scored 33 points, including 12 during Chicago’s 23-7 run early in the second quarter, as the Bulls never trailed in a 103-88 victory over the Kings at Sacramento.

Jordan started the second-quarter run with a 15-foot jump shot on which he left Abdul-Wahad groping in the air. Abdul-Wahad, the former Olivier Saint-Jean from San Jose State, laughed in embarrassment as he came down the court.

“He’ll be nice to you, he’ll laugh a little and then he’ll drop 35 [points] on you,” Abdul-Wahad said. “But it’s nice exposure for a young player. It’s something you can share with your friends later on.”

Toni Kukoc tied his season high with 18 points and Dennis Rodman had 14 rebounds as the Bulls, who opened the season with four consecutive road losses, won their second in a row away from home.

The Bulls had a 21-point lead late in the second quarter. The Kings pulled within four in the third quarter before Chicago put the game away. It was only the third time this season the Bulls have scored 100 points.

Mitch Richmond had 23 points for Sacramento to pass the 16,000-point mark. He has 16,010.

The Bulls had 13 steals, including four by Kukoc and three by Randy Brown, who spent four seasons in Sacramento before joining the Bulls before the 1995-96 season.

Boston 90, Detroit 86--Antoine Walker scored 29 points, including a key dunk with 22 seconds left, to give the Celtics their sixth victory in seven games.

It also was their fourth consecutive win at the FleetCenter. The Celtics didn’t win their seventh game last season until Jan. 5. The Pistons have won only three of their last 12 games.

“At this point, we’re taking care of our home games,” said Dee Brown, who made two free throws with two seconds left to clinch the victory.

Grant Hill, plagued by early foul trouble, led Detroit with 21 points, including 16 in the second half, and 11 rebounds. Brian Williams added 19 points for the Pistons.

New York 104, Vancouver 84--The Knicks outscored the Grizzlies, 32-17, in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden en route to the easy victory. They have won seven games this season by at least 20 points, including the last three.

Charles Oakley scored 12 of his 19 points during the third quarter before being ejected. Patrick Ewing scored 19 points in only 28 minutes.

With 11:06 remaining and the Knicks leading, 85-65, Oakley was ejected after striking Otis Thorpe with open-handed shots to the chest and face. Oakley reacted after being elbowed by Thorpe.