Pippen Finally Trumps Jordan

In his first game against Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen won the bragging rights hands down.

Pippen had one of his best games of the season, and Jordan’s team had its worst. With a lively bounce to nearly every step, Pippen had 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists as the Portland Trail Blazers dominated the Washington Wizards, 98-79, Tuesday at Washington.

“I know Pip, and I know he wanted to come out and play well,” said Jordan, who also scored 14 points. “Believe me, I wanted to come out and play well too. His horses were ready, and my mules were sick. I have to take some razzing for the time being.”

Pippen made six of seven shots and tied Derek Anderson for the team high in scoring. Pippen’s points, rebounds and assists were just below his season highs in all three categories, and he shared the team scoring lead for only the second time this season despite playing only 27 minutes.

“I feel I was a little bit more ready for this game,” Pippen said. “I knew there was a lot of attention being brought to it, and I wanted to answer.”

The Trail Blazers outhustled and outworked the Wizards, outscoring them 50-28 in the paint and 20-8 on fastbreaks.

Memphis 107, Miami 96 -- Drew Gooden scored 25 points and Wesley Person and Pau Gasol each had 24 at Miami as the Grizzlies won their first road game of the season.

Memphis had lost all 10 of its road games, the last four by an average of 16.5 points. But the Grizzlies put together a strong night offensively, shooting 59% from the floor and getting most of their production from their big three.

New York 97, Seattle 80 -- Allan Houston scored 25 points, Kurt Thomas had 22 and the Knick point guards combined for 24 in a victory at New York. The Knicks ended a three-game losing streak against the SuperSonics, who were playing the first game of a five-game trip. Seattle was without Rashard Lewis, who served a one-game suspension for throwing a punch.

Houston 103, Sacramento 96 -- Steve Francis scored 32 points and Yao Ming had six crucial points in the closing minutes as the Rockets almost blew a 19-point lead at Houston before ending the Kings’ six-game winning streak.

Chicago 107, Orlando 87 -- Jalen Rose scored 28 and Donyell Marshall and Marcus Fizer had 15 apiece as the Bulls won at Chicago to end a six-game losing streak to the Magic.