Webber’s Clutch Shots Lead Kings to Victory

It has been the rap for years: Chris Webber plays like a superstar until the game is on the line, and then he disappears.

So much for reputation. Webber’s shot was erratic and his ankle was still tender Tuesday night, but when the Sacramento Kings needed a big basket, he came through three times in a row.

Webber scored 19 points and hit short hook shots on three consecutive possessions in the final 90 seconds and the Kings defeated the Detroit Pistons for the eighth consecutive time, 81-75, at Sacramento.

Webber got 13 rebounds, but went nine for 24 from the field, still adjusting in his second game back from a 10-game absence because of a sprained ankle. Webber and his teammates have always disagreed with Webber’s reputation for timid play in the clutch -- and so far this season, he has tried to back up their confidence in him.

“You’ve just got to keep shooting,” Webber said. “I just felt I need to get the ball late in the game. I’ve got to take those shots. So I missed a lot of jump hooks earlier in the game. Whatever. I’ve got to put the ball in the hole.”

Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson scored 14 points apiece for the Kings.

Detroit lost its fourth in a row after winning nine of 10, wasting a chance to take sole possession of first place in the Central Division after Indiana lost earlier.

New York 102, Houston 95 -- Latrell Sprewell and Kurt Thomas each stole the ball from Yao Ming on two late possessions, and the host Knicks ended a four-game losing streak.

Yao scored 24 points and grabbed six rebounds in his first appearance at Madison Square Garden, but his two turnovers down the stretch were costly.

The Rockets were coming off an overtime victory at Boston the previous night, and their fatigue was noticeable.

Portland 89, Atlanta 86 -- Rasheed Wallace had 24 points and the Trail Blazers, who led by as many as 12 points but had to fend off a second-half challenge at Portland, avoided their second three-game losing streak this season.

Portland center Dale Davis sat out because of an upper respiratory infection.

Orlando 98, Dallas 93 -- Tracy McGrady had 26 points and seven assists at Orlando, Fla., and the Magic won its season-high fourth in a row.

The Magic reached .500 for the first time since Jan. 31 and has a one-game lead over Washington for the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Washington 83, Indiana 78 -- Michael Jordan scored 25 points and Tyronn Lue had 18 points and 11 assists at Indianapolis, sending the Pacers to their fifth consecutive loss.

The Pacers turned a 10-point third-quarter deficit into a one-point lead with 2:51 left when Reggie Miller, who led them with 25 points, made a three-point basket.

Then the Wizards took advantage of Indiana’s offensive ineptitude.

They scored six consecutive points -- and the Pacers missed four shots in a row -- to give Washington a 79-74 lead.

San Antonio 84, Miami 69 -- Tim Duncan had 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Spurs at San Antonio.

It was the 11th victory in the last 12 games for the Spurs.

Cleveland 93, New Jersey 90 -- Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 29 points at Cleveland and the Cavaliers got their first win since the All-Star break.