Hornets Are Stung by the Knicks

Anthony Mason received a mixed greeting in his first game since being arrested for statutory rape as his Charlotte Hornets lost 99-91 to the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.

Boos and cheers rang from the crowd as Mason, a popular ex-Knick who grew up in New York, was introduced before the game. He--along with several teammates--went on to have a mediocre night in losing to New York for the third time this season.

John Starks scored 26 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and Allan Houston added 21 for the Knicks. Charles Oakley had 12 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, just missing his first triple-double since 1987.

Vernon Maxwell, playing on a 10-day contract, led Charlotte with 22 points and David Wesley added 13. Glen Rice had 12 points--more than 10 below his average--and shot three-for-13 against the Knicks for the third time this season.

Mason, who had 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists, had two of his shots blocked by 39-year-old Knicks center Herb Williams, who was pressed into service because of injuries to Larry Johnson (sore ankle) and Buck Williams (sore knee).

The reaction Mason drew from the crowd and his ex-teammates wasn’t as bad as it could have been amid accusations he had sex with 14- and 15-year-old sisters.

Charlie Ward of the Knicks whispered something in Mason’s ear before tipoff, and Oakley slapped fists with his former frontcourt mate.

Mason then had a steal and an assist in the game’s first 30 seconds and made his first two shots.

The Hornets kept pace early even though New York made 14 of its first 21 shots, but the Knicks went ahead for good late in the third quarter when Williams was twice rejected by Mason.