Malone Is a Star in Jazz Victory

Karl Malone had 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists a few hours after being left off the All-Star team, and the Utah Jazz ended a seven-game losing streak to Sacramento by beating the Kings, 102-92, Tuesday night at Sacramento.

Utah Coach Jerry Sloan pushed official Courtney Kirkland in the chest and was ejected in the first quarter. But Malone helped the Jazz recover from an early deficit to end a three-game losing streak.

The Kings, who lost leading scorer Chris Webber to an ankle injury, have lost three in a row for the second time this season.

Webber missed the first 20 games last season with a high ankle sprain on the same foot.

The second-leading scorer in NBA history, Malone is not going to the All-Star game for the first time in 15 years -- and he claims it doesn’t matter.

Webber, who averages 23.5 points, went up for a hook shot over Scott Padgett and appeared to come down on Padgett’s foot in the second quarter.

He limped off the court with help and did not return.

Peja Stojakovic led the Kings with 32 points.

Detroit 86, Boston 83 -- Corliss Williamson scored 10 fourth-quarter points, including the go-ahead free throws with 33.9 seconds left, to lift the Pistons at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Paul Pierce scored 30 points for the Celtics.

It was the first game between the teams since Boston defeated Detroit in five games in the second round of last season’s playoffs.

Chauncey Billups led the Pistons with 16 points, while Richard Hamilton added 14 and Williamson 12.

Philadelphia 108, Milwaukee 81 -- Keith Van Horn scored 24 points, and Brian Skinner and Allen Iverson each scored 20 to lead a rout at Milwaukee.

The 76ers, who lost their last three games at home, won their fourth in a row on the road and handed the Bucks their second loss in 10 games.

New York 103, Atlanta 98 -- Latrell Sprewell reached 20 points for the third consecutive game and made four of the Knicks’ 10 three-point baskets at New York.

Allan Houston scored 24 points for the Knicks, who overcame 30 points by Shareef Abdur-Rahim, including 19 in the third quarter.

Abdur-Rahim finished with a season-high 17 rebounds.

Portland 98, Denver 92 -- Derek Anderson scored 24 points at Portland, Ore., and the Trail Blazers ended a three-game losing streak to the Nuggets to post their fifth consecutive victory.

Seattle 91, Golden State 88 -- Gary Payton’s three-point basket with 4.2 seconds to play at Seattle gave the SuperSonics their 14th consecutive victory over the Warriors. Payton finished with 20 points.