Nelson Becomes Third Coach on 1,000 Island

Don Nelson became the third coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games, getting a season-high 35 points from Dirk Nowitzki in the Dallas Mavericks’ 113-97 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night at Dallas.

Nelson’s record improved to 1,000-790 as he joined Lenny Wilkens (1,242) and Pat Riley (1,054) as the only coaches to reach 1,000 victories.

“Any time you go through these numbers things, it makes a lot of news, but I don’t think numbers are what we’re after in this business,” Nelson said. “The best thing about it is that it happened very quickly [in the season] and we can get on with our lives.”

Players and coaches from both teams lined up to congratulate Nelson with hugs and handshakes after the game. Afterward, the team presented Nelson with a signed game ball and commemorative banner.

Nelson is popular with his players, who were anxious to get Nelson the milestone victory as soon as possible.

“It was special to get it for him tonight,” Nowitzki said. “He’s a really special coach. He’s a great game coach and that’s why he’s one of the best.”

Steve Nash added 29 points and 10 assists as Dallas won its ninth consecutive game--its longest winning streak since an 11-gamer during the 1987-88 season.

Maverick guard Michael Finley’s streak of 490 consecutive games, the longest among active NBA players, came to an end because he has a sore left hamstring.

Utah 89, Philadelphia 81--Karl Malone had 20 points and 17 rebounds at Salt Lake City, as the Jazz handed Coach Jerry Sloan his 800th victory.

The Jazz won its fourth in a row and, for the first time this season, climbed above the .500 mark at 16-15.

It was a wild night at the Delta Center, with Derrick Coleman ejected after punching Malone’s arm. Donyell Marshall and Corie Blount were also thrown out. Officials also called nine technical fouls.

Seattle 101, Toronto 75--Vin Baker scored 21 points and Gary Payton added 18 points and 11 assists as the SuperSonics took advantage of Vince Carter’s absence at Seattle.

Carter watched from the sideline after injuring his left shoulder Friday night in the Raptors’ 89-86 victory over the Lakers. The Toronto star is listed as day-to-day.

The SuperSonics have won six in a row and seven of their last eight. In five of the seven victories, the opposing team’s star player was out because of injury or left early through injury or ejection.

Phoenix 109, Denver 92--John Wallace scored 15 of his season-high 23 points in the second quarter and Penny Hardaway finished with a triple-double to lead the Suns at Phoenix.

Wallace sparked a second-quarter burst that propelled the Suns from a 27-25 first-period deficit to a 58-51 halftime lead.

Milwaukee 102, San Antonio 99--Tim Thomas scored 24 points at Milwaukee, including two key baskets in overtime, to lead the Bucks to their sixth straight win over the Spurs.

Tim Duncan scored a game-high 38 points for San Antonio, but missed a tying three-pointer at the buzzer.

The Spurs have not beaten the Bucks since March 16, 1998. Milwaukee Coach George Karl, who played for the Spurs, has a 31-14 career record against San Antonio.

Chicago 103, Cleveland 80--Ron Mercer scored 15 points and the Bulls matched their highest scoring output of the season while ending an eight-game losing streak at Chicago.

New Jersey 98, Indiana 93--Kerry Kittles scored 22 points, including a tying three-pointer at the end of regulation and two key baskets in overtime at East Rutherford, N.J.

Todd MacCulloch had 21 points and Jason Kidd added eight points, a season-high 15 rebounds and 14 assists as New Jersey won its third consecutive game, halting the Pacers’ four-game winning streak.