Heat Wins Its Final Game at Miami Arena

Alonzo Mourning had 30 points and 13 rebounds as the Heat closed out its stay at Miami Arena with an 89-78 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night.

The Heat had played all of its home games at Miami Arena beginning with its expansion season in 1988-89. Miami moves into the $212-million American Airlines Arena on Sunday against Orlando.

“I’ve had 4 1/2 good years here,” Coach Pat Riley said. “It’s just like when you move into a new house: You’re excited. We won’t forget all the memories here, but we’re looking forward to the new arena, and it couldn’t come as a better time.”

Portland 94, Seattle 89--Rasheed Wallace scored 24 points and made two timely jump shots in the final minutes to help the Trail Blazers beat the SuperSonics at Portland.

Scottie Pippen had 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Trail Blazers, who won their third in a row. Steve Smith scored 17 and Bonzi Wells, playing his third game after missing a month because of a sprained knee, scored a career-high 14.

Gary Payton had 24 points and 13 assists for the SuperSonics, who have lost four in a row.

Toronto 100, Houston 99--Vince Carter showed why he’s the leading All-Star vote-getter, making two late free-throws and finishing with 35 points to lead the Raptors at Houston.

Carter thrilled the Houston crowd with a half-dozen highlight-film baskets.

Sacramento 114, Boston 101--Chris Webber had 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists at Sacramento as the Kings presented win No. 400 to Coach Rick Adelman.

It was the 11th consecutive road loss for the Celtics, who have dropped eight of nine. They are 1-11 on the road.

New Jersey 89, New York 83--The Nets made it eight victories in a row at home as Kendall Gill scored 23 points and Kerry Kittles 21. Stephon Marbury added 16 points and 13 assists and Jamie Feick grabbed 17 rebounds.

The Nets have won nine of 12 and haven’t lost at home since Dec. 4, when they were beaten by the Knicks to fall to 2-15.

This time, the Nets gained control in the third quarter despite playing without Keith Van Horn, who was suffering with flu.

John Wallace had 20 points and Allan Houston 19 for the Knicks, who were without three key players: Marcus Camby (sprained ankle), Kurt Thomas (NBA suspension) and Charlie Ward (flu).

Around the League

Frank Layden announced he is retiring as president of the Utah Jazz. Layden, 67, said he plans to write a book and spend more time with his family. Layden’s retirement is Utah’s third managerial loss this year. General manager Tim Howells resigned last week to run a restaurant chain. And Layden’s son, Scott Layden, left Aug. 10 after 18 years with the Jazz to become general manager of the New York Knicks. . . . Latrell Sprewell took no satisfaction in seeing the Golden State Warriors fire P.J. Carlesimo on Monday. “No one wants to see somebody fail or be put in a position where they are forced to leave their work,” Sprewell said before the Knicks’ game against New Jersey. As far as Carlesimo coaching again, Sprewell said, “The way our league is players and coaches are often given second and third opportunities to play and coach.”

Toni Kukoc, who hadn’t practiced or played since Nov. 22 because of lingering back spasms, practiced for the first time and said he’d probably be ready to play by the middle of next week. . . . All-star guard John Stockton, his broken nose back in alignment, is expected to play for the Utah Jazz tonight against Vancouver. Stockton’s nose was broken in the closing minute of Monday night’s 92-91 victory over the Phoenix Suns, when Jason Kidd struck him with an elbow. . . . Denver guard Chauncey Billups is expected to be ready for training camp next year after having surgery on his damaged left shoulder.