Raptors Overcome Dreadful Quarter

Nine points for the Boston Celtics and nine for the Toronto Raptors added up to the lowest-scoring third quarter in NBA history.

“We didn’t know it was that bad,” said Toronto’s Antonio Davis, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds as the Raptors defeated Boston, 93-72, Friday night at Boston. “All we know is that we won and that’s really all that matters.”

The 18 third-quarter points also tied the record set by Syracuse and Fort Wayne on Nov. 29, 1956, for fewest combined points in any quarter.

The old record for the lowest-scoring third quarter was 19 by New York and Atlanta on April 28, 1999.

“I really didn’t realize it was that low-scoring,” said Raptor Coach Lenny Wilkens. “That is scary. I’m just glad we had a better fourth quarter. Both teams were trying to push the ball and sometimes when you run that much, you get careless.”

Toronto led 63-55 at the end of the third and extended the lead to 12 on Alvin Williams’ basket with 9:48 remaining in the game. Boston cut the deficit to 10 points on Antoine Walker’s layup, but Michael Stewart scored and Charles Oakley made two shots to give the Raptors their largest lead, 79-63.

Boston is 1-6 in its last seven games while Toronto climbed to .500 for the first time since Dec. 30.

Charlote 86, Chicago 85--With the memory of Bobby Phills in David Wesley’s thoughts and heart, the guard wasn’t ready to share what he was feeling on the one-year anniversary of the death of his friend and teammate.

Instead, Wesley expressed himself with his play in the fourth quarter as he made a three-point shot with 3.5 seconds left to give the Hornets the victory at Chicago.

“I don’t think anything got into me in the fourth quarter. We needed baskets,” Wesley said, refusing to discuss Phills. “I took a shot at it like I’ve done the last couple of games. Even though I haven’t shot it particularly well. I’m always thinking the next one’s going in.”

Philadelphia 86, Washington 82--Allen Iverson scored 29 points and Tyrone Hill stripped Chris Whitney of the ball in the final seconds as the 76ers extended their road winning streak to 10 games with a hard-fought decision over the Wizards at Washington.

Washington trailed by 20 late in the third quarter before rallying behind Whitney. Hill made one of two free throws to make it 85-82 with 18.6 seconds left, giving the Wizards a chance to tie.

Whitney, who made consecutive three-point shots earlier in the quarter and finished with 18 points, was dribbling down the right side when Hill stripped the ball in a double team with Iverson.

Denver 106, Sacramento 93--James Posey had 13 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, and Nick Van Exel scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter as the Nuggets defeated the Kings at Denver.

Denver forward Antonio McDyess struggled through six-for-21 shooting in his anticipated matchup against Chris Webber, but still managed 15 points and 12 rebounds for his 11th consecutive double-double. Webber had 24 points--making 10 of 23 shots--and 14 rebounds.

Seattle 115, Vancouver 102--With new owner Howard Schultz cheering from his courtside seat, the SuperSonics got a season-high 26 points from Ruben Patterson and 21 from Gary Payton to defeat the Grizzlies at Seattle.

Schultz purchased the SuperSonics for $200 million from Barry Ackerley, their owner for 17 seasons. The deal must still be approved by the NBA Board of Governors.

San Antonio 111, Detroit 90--Derek Anderson scored 25 points and Tim Duncan had 20 points and 11 rebounds as the Spurs cruised to their fifth win in a row with a victory over the slumping Pistons at Auburn Hills, Mich.

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Low Ball

Lowest number of points in one quarter (combined teams):

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18 Toronto (9) at Boston (9) Jan. 12, 2001 18 Fort Wayne (9) at Syracuse (9) Nov. 29, 1956 19 Philadelphia (8) at Charlotte (11) April 5, 1995 19 New York (8) at Atlanta (11) April 28, 1999 21 Cleveland (10) at San Antonio (11) March 25, 1997 21 New York (9) at Boston (12) Feb. 26, 1999

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Source: NBA Guide