It’s One for the Road for Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have one less thing to worry about: They won’t be winless on the road this season.

The Bulls finally won a game outside the United Center, ending an 0-18 skid with a 94-91 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night.

“We can’t lose every game we play on the road,” said Ron Artest, suddenly full of confidence.

Ron Mercer, who scored 19 points, made the go-ahead basket with 37.3 seconds left and two free throws for the Bulls. Chicago had been the only NBA team without a road victory. Every other team had at least two.

“It feels good, really good,” Mercer said. “I hope this will give us a lot more confidence. We’re capable of beating any team, at home or on the road.”

The Bulls won for only the second time in nine games, but the other victory came against the Lakers. Brad Miller played his first game since being suspended for an altercation with Shaquille O’Neal and had 12 points and 12 rebounds.

San Antonio 102, Utah 98--Tim Duncan scored 35 points and went 17 for 17 from the free-throw line to lead the Spurs at San Antonio.

Duncan’s offensive rebound after Antonio Daniels’ missed free throw, and his two foul shots with 15 seconds left put the Spurs ahead by four points.

Philadelphia 93, Charlotte 88--Allen Iverson, coming off a career-high 58-point performance, scored 33 and made two free throws with 11 seconds left to seal the 76er victory at Charlotte, N.C.

Lee Nailon tied his career-high with 27 points for the Hornets.

Dallas 108, Memphis 97--Dirk Nowitzki scored 32 points and Steve Nash had 20 points and 10 assists as four of Dallas’ starters finished in double figures at Memphis, Tenn.

Miami 92, Portland 90--Eddie Jones scored 25 points, including a desperation three-pointer that banked in late in the fourth quarter to force overtime, as the Heat won at Portland, Ore.