Stoudamire Has the Parting Shot

A controversial call might have shaken the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this season.

Not anymore.

Damon Stoudamire made a three-point basket with two-tenths of a second left in overtime and the Trail Blazers extended their winning streak to a season-high nine games with a 104-103 victory over the Bucks on Saturday night at Milwaukee.

The Trail Blazers believed they had a 95-94 lead with 6.3 seconds left in regulation after Scottie Pippen made an apparent three-pointer.

But as Portland celebrated, replays showed Pippen’s right foot was on the three-point line. The officials changed the shot to a two-point basket, leaving the score tied, 94-94, and the Trail Blazers angry--at first.

“It was pretty upsetting,” Pippen said. “But the guys stayed poised. They knew what this game is about. Even though we were trailing most of the game, we had confidence that guys were going to step up and make big shots.”

Sam Cassell, who finished with 20 points, converted a four-point play that gave Milwaukee a 103-101 lead with 3.4 seconds to go.

Stoudamire, who had 24 points, then made the game winner.

*

Miami 109, Dallas 95--Alonzo Mourning scored 10 of his 23 points during Miami’s decisive 24-5 run to start the third quarter at Dallas.

The Heat won for the fourth time in five games and continued its climb into the Eastern Conference playoff race after a 5-23 start.

Dallas, which had won six of seven, got 25 points from Michael Finley.

Maverick Coach Don Nelson was ejected with 6:18 to play after receiving a technical foul, his second, for drop-kicking the ball into the stands during a stoppage in play.

*

Houston 104, Phoenix 97--Walt Williams, activated by Houston from the injured list hours before the game, had 13 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter at Phoenix.

*

Atlanta 84, Cleveland 81--Toni Kukoc scored 23 points and the Hawks rallied after trailing by 15 points after the first quarter at Atlanta.

Kukoc made a three-point basket with 3:22 remaining to put the Hawks ahead to stay, 79-77.

*

Minnesota 116, Utah 105--Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Minnesota’s reserves produced 56 points at Salt Lake City.

Karl Malone and Bryon Russell each scored 25 points for the Jazz.