Wizards Lose Game, Might Lose Jordan

Michael Jordan’s comeback may be in jeopardy.

The Washington Wizards announced after Saturday’s 96-87 loss to the Orlando Magic at Washington that Jordan will go to Chicago today to have his aching knees examined by the former team physician of the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan scored 15 points on six-for-19 shooting in against Orlando. He missed nine of his last 10 shots and sat out the final 3:50 with the game still in the balance.

The Wizards said Jordan, 38, is bothered by tendinitis in both knees, especially the right.

Jordan was averaging 25.5 points, sixth-best in the league, and 38 minutes, far more than he or Coach Doug Collins anticipated.

Tracy McGrady scored 26 points for Orlando and Richard Hamilton had 21 points for the Wizards.

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Boston 105, New Jersey 98--Paul Pierce scored a career-high 48 points despite one-for-16 shooting in the first half and the Celtics pulled out the victory in overtime at East Rutherford, N.J.

Pierce made 12 of 18 shots, including five three-point baskets, in the second half and overtime. He made 17 of 18 free throws to rally Boston from a 17-point deficit.

Jason Kidd had 20 points, a season-high 19 assists and nine rebounds for the Nets.

Phoenix 97, Portland 83--Penny Hardaway scored 23 points at Portland as the Suns won their fourth in a row.

Stephon Marbury scored 21 points and Tom Gugliotta had 18 for Phoenix. Hardaway had nine assists and four steals.

Reserve Steve Kerr led Portland with 16 points.

Dallas 111, Golden State 82--Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points for the Mavericks, who defeated the Warriors for the 11th consecutive time, including the last five at Oakland.

Danny Fortson had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors.

Philadelphia 93, Chicago 76--Dikembe Mutombo had the 10th triple-double of his career and tied an NBA record with eight blocked shots in the third quarter at Chicago.

Mutombo finished with 16 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocked shots. Allen Iverson had 30 points and eight assists for the 76ers.

Detroit 100, New York 97--Chucky Atkins made five three-pointers, including one with 15.6 seconds to play, giving the Pistons the lead for good at New York.

Latrell Sprewell scored 26 points for the Knicks and Jerry Stackhouse led Detroit with 25.

Toronto 104, Atlanta 103--Hakeem Olajuwon’s baseline jumper with 1.8 seconds left at Atlanta extended the Raptors’ winning streak to four.

Vince Carter scored 19 points for Toronto. Dion Glover had a season-high 25 points for the Hawks.

San Antonio 85, Houston 75--Tim Duncan had 25 points and 12 rebounds at Houston as the Spurs dealt the Rockets their fifth consecutive loss.

Oscar Torres and Kenny Thomas scored 21 points for Houston.

Indiana 100, Utah 97--Jalen Rose scored eight of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and the Pacers rallied in the final two minutes at Salt Lake City.

Reggie Miller scored 18 for Indiana and Karl Malone had 18 for the Jazz.

Cleveland 93, Charlotte 81--Andre Miller and Wesley Person each scored 19 points for the Cavaliers at Cleveland.

Lee Nailon had a career-high 20 points for Charlotte.