Strickland Returns After Going AWOL

Rod Strickland returned to the Washington Wizards, but it was reserve guard Chris Whitney who overcame a sprained ankle and led a 12-0 third-quarter run as the Wizards beat the Detroit Pistons, 110-96, Sunday night at Washington.

Strickland, who missed two practices and was suspended for a game last week, ended a four-day disappearing act when he showed up before the game.

The veteran point guard said his decision to leave the team for a few days was “just frustration” over his lack of playing time Wednesday against New York, the day after he missed his first practice.

“It was a little frustration, man, that’s all,” Strickland said. “I ain’t trying to battle anybody. Just frustration.”

On Thursday, Strickland missed practice, a doctor’s appointment and the team’s flight to Miami without contacting anyone in the organization. He was fined and suspended for Friday’s game against the Heat by Michael Jordan, president of basketball operations.

Strickland, who did not suit up, met briefly with Wizard Coach Leonard Hamilton before the game. Hamilton then said he planned to have Strickland play. Instead, Strickland sat one row behind the bench, next to injured center Jahidi White.

The team announced that Strickland did not dress because of sore hamstrings.

Chicago 86, New Jersey 77--Elton Brand scored 31 points and had a season-high 16 rebounds at Chicago as the Bulls handed the Nets their seventh consecutive loss.

Around the League

Houston center Hakeem Olajuwon will sit out the next two games because of a cyst on his right knee. Olajuwon has had swelling in the knee since falling hard in a game against the Lakers on Dec. 21. The Rockets have games tonight at Minnesota and Tuesday at Cleveland.