Webber Lets His Play Do All the Talking

Chris Webber’s plan worked out perfectly.

Before the game, Webber didn’t want to talk about allegations that he received a lot of money from a booster before turning pro--and he didn’t. He wanted to dominate during it--and he did.

Webber had 28 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two blocks, and the Sacramento Kings defeated the Detroit Pistons, 107-86, Wednesday night at Auburn Hills, Mich.

“I didn’t play with anger,” Webber said. “I played with focus.”

Webber has been the focus of questions and commentary since a federal indictment was released two weeks ago that alleged he received $280,000 from ex-Michigan booster Ed Martin while he was at Detroit Country Day High and Michigan. Fallasha Erwin, Webber’s agent, said Wednesday that Webber took small gifts and spending money from Martin but nothing close to the thousands of dollars alleged by prosecutors.

Most fans booed and berated Webber--in part because he didn’t sign with Detroit as a free agent last summer--and that only seemed to motivate him even more.

“Jon Barry told me, ‘I wish they hadn’t gotten you upset,’ because he was with me for three years,” Webber said. “I had some extra incentive to play for. The worst thing you can do is wake a sleeping giant. Not that I’m all that great, but when my back is to the wall, I do come out fighting.”

The Kings maintained the best record in the league by winning their sixth in a row and ninth of 10. They set a franchise record with their sixth consecutive road victory and matched franchise marks for victories (55) and road victories (22).

The Central Division-leading Pistons had won nine of 11. Corliss Williamson scored 13, Jerry Stackhouse had 12 and Ben Wallace had 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.

Charlotte 97, Miami 90--Baron Davis and Jamal Mashburn each scored 22 points for the Hornets at Charlotte, N.C.

Miami has lost seven of eight. The Heat fell to 32-42, guaranteeing Pat Riley his first losing season in 20 seasons as a coach.

Toronto 117, Chicago 104--Morris Peterson scored 26 points and Antonio Davis had 25 at Toronto, and the Raptors won their sixth in a row without Vince Carter.

The Raptors moved within a half-game of Indiana for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Two of Toronto’s final eight games are against the Pacers.

Philadelphia 89, Phoenix 83--Aaron McKie tied the score at the end of regulation, then scored eight of his 22 points in overtime to lead the 76ers at Philadelphia.

Stephon Marbury scored 27 points for the Suns, who were eliminated from playoff contention by Utah’s victory.

San Antonio 90, Seattle 88--Tony Parker made a 16-foot jump shot with 7.1 seconds to play to lift the Spurs at San Antonio.

Tim Duncan had 30 points and 18 rebounds for the Spurs.

Seattle tied the score, 88-88, on a jump shot by Jerome James with 1:52 to play.

Minnesota 92, Memphis 81--Chauncey Billups had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists at Minneapolis, and Minnesota secured a playoff spot.

Milwaukee 105, Washington 90--Glenn Robinson tied his season high with 38 points for the Bucks at Milwaukee.