Raptors Block Warriors’ Path

Vince Carter scored 39 points and the Toronto Raptors broke their own NBA mark with 24 blocked shots in a 109-92 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night at Toronto.

Hakeem Olajuwon led Toronto with nine blocks. The Raptors had 23 blocks against Atlanta on March 23, 2001.

“I know for sure that Hakeem didn’t have nine,” said Golden State’s Antawn Jamison, questioning the statistics. “He can’t even get up now.”

Golden State Coach Dave Cowens blamed an overgenerous stat keeper.

“Maybe some of the layups that we missed were so bad that they called them blocks,” Cowens said.

Carter had six three-point baskets, a season-high 10 rebounds, six assists and three blocks.

Boston 104, Washington 95--Michael Jordan scored a season-high 32 points but was unable to get the Wizards the victory at Boston.

Antoine Walker scored 31 points for the Celtics and Christian Laettner scored 29 for Washington.

Utah 96, Atlanta 89--Karl Malone scored 27 points and Donyell Marshall had 24 on 11-for-13 shooting for the Jazz at Salt Lake City.

Malone, who had nine rebounds, played in his 1,279th game, passing A.C. Green for eighth place in the career list.

Detroit 97, Chicago 73--Clifford Robinson scored 23 points for the Pistons and rookie Zelijko Rebraca had 15 at Chicago.

Indiana 116, Sacramento 104--Al Harrington scored 22 points and Reggie Miller had 20 for the Pacers, who had a 17-1 run in the fourth quarter at Indianapolis.

Peja Stojakovic scored 36 points for the Kings.

New York 82, Cleveland 64--Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston each scored 14 points for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Andre Miller had 15 points and Lamond Murray had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers.