| OCR Text |
Show The Salt Lake Tribune SPORTS Sunday, May28, 2000 Lakers Will Be Without Shaw in Game4 BY BOB BAUM Siusie we can keepit close, wefeel like those are the games we should pull out, but we were knuckleheads last night, and we made knucklehead mistakes.” THE ASSOCIATEDPRESS PORTLAND, Ore. — After what might have been their biggest victory so far in the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers can putthe PortlandTrail Blazers on the brink of elimination in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals today. Theywill have to do it without one of their role players, though. Reserve guard Brian Shawwas sus- Scottie Pippen pended for the gamefor leaving the bench during a brief shoving match between Portland’s Scottie Pip- Portland Trail Blazer = “It's abig lossfor us,” Coach Phil Jacksonsaid. “He cameoff the bench, took a couple of steps toward the foot would haveto be hanging off before he can't play.” The Lakers have ridden the talents of Shaquille pen andRick Foxin Fridaynight’s 93-91 Los Angeles victory. fracas between Fox and Pippen. Theleagueis very O'Neal and Kobe Bryantto the best regular-season protective of this sort of thing, even though it was during a timeout and a player has every right to come offthe benchduring a timeout.” Shaw played onlythree minutes in Game3,but his record in the NBA,and both were the leaders in Friday night's victory, scoring 25 pointsapiece. After just eight points in the first half, O'Neal scored 18 in the second, 13 in the third quarter when Los Angeles caughtthe Blazers with a 20-6 run. absencefurther depletes a bench already withoutinjuredrookie guard Davean George. O'Neal's status as the game’s MVPandhis7-foot-1, Los Angelesleads the best-of-seven series2-1. If the Lakerswintoday, they can advancetothe finals with a victoryin Los Angeles Tuesdaynight. OnthePortlandside, the concern is Rasheed Wal- 315-pound stature (he probably weighs more than that), didn’t stop someofhis teammatesfrom getting on him athalftime. “I told him ‘Shoot more, score more. You've got to lace’s soreleft ankle. Wallace injured the ankle in the be selfish,” Robert Horry said. third quarterof Fridaynight's 93-91 loss. After the in- TheBlazers’ double- andtriple-team of O'Neal, so jury, he seemed less effective and was limping and quickandeffectivein thefirst half, slowedjust enough grimacing during stopsin play. 5 vasall Wallace would say aboutthe in- to allow thebig guy to get goingin the third quarter. ‘They were coming hard, especially in the first half,” O'Neal said.“I was giving it up, and my teamPortland coat © Mike Dunleavysaid there was no mates were hitting the shots, and thatkindofopened it up for me.” Bryant kept the Lakersclose with an 18-point first doubt Wallacewill playafterscoring 29 and19 points in thelast two games. still sore and there's some swelling there,” half, and his defense held Pippen to just four points Dunleavysaid. “I see himplaying. He's a gamer. His until the Blazers’ floor leader broke loose with eight points in thefinal four minutes. Bryanthad three big plays in thefinal half-minute. Ona driveto the basket with the score tied at 91-91, Bryant drew a double-team, then found Ron Harper alone on the baseline for what proved to be the winning 18-footer with 29.9 seconds to go. When theBlazers wentfor the tying basket, Bryant knocked the ball away from Wallace, Portland’s 15th turnover. Wallace stole Glen Rice’s pass at the other endto give the Blazers last shot. But Arvydas Sabonis passed on an outside jumper and droveto the hoopinstead. Bryant soared for the block andthe Lakers had thevictory. “To beable to win the gameatboth ends ofthe floor is something I takepridein,” Bryantsaid. “I think my teammates trust me. Whenit comes totightsituations, they know I’m goingto be there for them.” The Blazers said they haven't lost any confidence. Theyjustfeel they let a big game they should have won slip away. “Wefelt like we had them right where we wanted them,” Pippen said. “If we can keepit close, wefeel like those are the games we should pull out, but we were knuckleheadslast night, and we made knucklehead mistakes.” The Lakers have eased up bit in similar situationsin the playoffs, mostnoticeably in Game4 ofthe Western Conference semifinals in Phoenix. Los Angeles could have completed a sweep with roadvictory, but the Suns won, with ease,forcing the Lakers to haveto return homefortheclinching win. “You're obviously concerned that you want a team to ease up,” Jackson said, “but these guys know what it takes. We had a Phoenix experience a week and a half agoin the same Friday-Sunday scenario. There's a lessonthat’s been in the making,so if they haven’t learned thatlesson now,they haven’t learned much as ateam.” NBA Playoffs Knicks 98, Pacers 95 Fo FT Min AA MA OT A PF PIS 56 00 216 1 3 10 41 616 911 01 6 3 2 1220 11 19 2 2% 16 00 016 13 762 4 011199 «13: M100 02-0 4 3 19 97 22:19:139 1% 01 00 04 210 10:01:00 02:01 0 24096701618 433 19. 19 95 Knicks INDIANA Davis ose Sms dackson ier Crier Best McKoy Pees Tools Beat Pacers fH HA lii Saturday New York 98, Indiana 95, Indiana leads series 24 Today LA. Lakers atPortland, 1:30 p.m. Despite Injuries > wasclearly looking to get his offense going as two of the team’s scoring threatswere sidelined. Houston was almost as assertive, using an array of spin movesto free himself of Miller's defense and create enoughroomto shoot. Miller, meanwhile, did so little in the fourth quarter that Coach Larry Bird sat him for the last 1:49 — even whenthe Pacers pulled within six with 40secondsleft. Jalen Rose nearly came up with a steal with 30 seconds left, but the Knicks kept control as Chris Childs made two foul shots with 23.8 seconds left for a 96-88 lead. Austin Crosherehit a three-pointer with 4.6 secondsleft to makeit a three-point game, but New Yorkwasable to inbound and run out the clock. After scoring only two fast-break pointsin thefirst half, the Knicks took the lead for good in the third quarter as they started pushing the ball upcourt Indiana forward Jalen Rose,top, tumbles over New York forward Latrell Sorewell. Sprewell had 32 points in the Knicks’ 98-95 win. period, a jumper that snapped his 0for-11 streak over the fourth quartersof thelast three games. “T’ve beenstruggling. I wanted to be aggressive today,” Sprewell said. “I wason. I felt really good onthefloor.I felt loose. “Wefelt we were going to stay together no matter what the circumstances were, and we did,” Sprewell said.” Sprewell hit his next shot, a 3-footer for a seven-point lead, andhis next, too, a jumperover Rose that madeit 77-68 with 8:35 left. Houston pushed the lead to 11 on a and drivingto the basket. Sprewell had driving layup through traffic, and nine points in the quarter and New Sprewell fed Thomasfor a layup that Yorkscored eighton thefast break. madeit 81-68 with 6:31 left. Sprewell hit his first shotof the final Fromthere,it was only a question of whetherthe Knicks could hang on. “We're at our best when we're at- tacking,” Houston said. “In the past two games, andeven in the Miamiseries, welet their defense dictate what type ofshots we weretakin; Roseled Indiana with 26, including 22 in the fourth quarter. Rik Smits added 25, scoring only four points and takingjustfive shots in the secondhalf after dominatingthefirst 18 minutes. “We kept talking about gettingit backinto him,butinstead wetooka lot of jumpers and bad shots from outside,”Bird said. Camby went down with 8:49left in the second quarter when he drove to the basket, lost his footing and slid several inchesas his weightshifted to his right leg. He was carried off the FT Reb NEWYORK Min MHA MA OT A PF Pts ohnson 4 G11 2203-1 «1:14 Spovel 451923 59 18 2 3-2 Dudley 00 22 1405 2 Hoson 451121 57 00 1 2:8 Ward ME 22 4 9 2% Toms 2725 1403 4 Canby 500 O11 000 Chis, ® 13 22 04 23 4 Tolls 240 3974 1824 528 15 19 98 Percentages: FG 527, FT 750. 3Point Goals: 28, 20 (Houston 1-1, Sprewel 1-4, Chids 01 Ward 0.2). Team Rebounds: 7. Blocked Shots: 2 (Thoms, Ward, Tumovers: 7 (Sprewel 3, Johnsen, Camby, Thomas, Ward), Steals: 7 (Ward 3, Johnson 2, Sprewel, Houston). Technical Fouls: None. ie ‘glDefense: None. indiana 19.23 231-25 WowYork 4707-8 ‘A- 19763(18763) T-228. Oficial:Dan Crawfor, Jack Nis, Bob Delaney, Eric Lindros’star-crossed career could be over. The PhiladelphiaFlyers star sus- tained his fourth concussionin five monthsandhis sixth in two years duringthe first period of a 2-1 loss to New Jersey in Friday night’s Game7 of the Eastern Conference finals. his South Jersey home Saturday. Neither Lindrosnorhis father and agent, Carl Lindros, could be reached for comment. Lindros wasplaying his second gameafter a 10-week absence because of postconcussion syndrome.It was widely speculated upon his return that NHL NOTEBOOK Lindros’ next concussion could end hiscareer. “Weare concerned abouthis career,” Flyers for- ward MarkRecchi said. Should he decideto continueplay- ‘The Avsonlygot three more shotsat Belfour before pulling goalie Patrick Royfor a sixth attacker with 1:20 left. ‘Theyfailed to punch it in on a good flurry in front of the net with 21.2 seconds to go, then Bourquefired a shot that hit Belfour and clanged off the right post witheight secondsleft. “I tried to get my body overthere,” Belfour said. “It hit meon thehipandit waslikeslow motionas it went toward the pa Said Bourque: “I didn't see it, but I heard it hit the post.” The Stars knocked thepuck to the otherendofthe ice, triggering a post gamecelebration that was filled with as much relief as joy $90 million to cover the purchase price ing losses over the next two seasons at America West Arena, a downtown ing on himto break outofhis funk and atleast provide some rebounding. Cambysprained a medial collateral capsule, but there was no ligament damage, a team spokesman said. Cam- by’sstatus was listed as day-to-day. “They've been in this position before, being shorthanded, and guys have stepped up. They did it again today,” Miller said. “There's so much pressureto per Phoenix facility built for basketball. wouldlose the $10 million deposit, Most observers believe Burke would then sell the team to Microsoft founder Paul Allen, who wants to move the form,” Modano said, “As yougetolder, youturn that into a positive andtry to havefun with it.” Sather Deal on Hold Hescored the team’sonly goal in the 2-1 Joss, had anothergoal nullified be- cause it was a half-secondtoo late and was the main offensivethreat. But Lindros’ comeback ended 7:50 into the first period ofGame 7 when Devils captain Scott Stevens leveled him with a hit across the middle. Lindros appeared to banghis head ontheice, and lay crumpled on theice This was the second straight year the Stars and Avs have fought to a This was the third straight year Colorado waseliminatedin a seventh gave them a rallying point in the aa Donna MeWiiliam/The Associated Press TheDallas Stars’ Darryl Sydor, left, celebrates a goal by teammate Sergei Zubov in the first period against Colorado. playoffs, backed it up in this series. beat,” said Bourque, who had a goal and an assist in the Game victory. “Wehad a good run, but anything short of the finals was not going to be good enough.” Inthe end,the storyline that played out best was the challenge between Belfour and Roy. Belfour never allowed more than two goals in a game and was a steadying influence for his team. Fans cast their ballot by chanting “Ed-die's bet-ter!”in “T'd doit all over again in a heart- Belfour said late in the season that he was.as good as Roy or better, then Although Roy had two shutouts, thefinal period. “T'm not a cocky guy, I never have been,” said Belfour, who improved to 40 in Game 7s and has won his last eight games following a loss. “But I am confident in myability.” challenged his players to do what they do best — play rightto play in the Stanley Cup final. Just the fact it was in Devil’ offices at all says a lot ~-ao wee the Devils were being written offaftor to the Philadelphia Flyers -of- seven series. The Devils Robinson wentinto a garbage can-kicking tirade and smart, defensive hockey. ‘The Devils answered that challenge aver the last three games of the series. They held the Flyers to one goal in each game, winning Game 7 by a 21 score Friday night on a late goal by Patrik Elias, “It'sSe A haat toeren players and coaches and ail the adversity that they had to overcome, especially with the external pressure that was put on this team,” General Manager Lou Lamoriello sald Saturday, “Everyone pointed to the past, but this was a different team with different players.” Combined News Services failure after a long battle with abdominal cancer. ‘The hockey great was hospitalized with a recurrence of the cancer that was first diagnosed more than two years ago. He also had Parkinson's disease, and doctors suspected the onset of Alzheimer's. Richard, No. 62 on The Associated Press list of the top 100 athletes of the 20th century,helped the Canadiens win eight Stanley Cups during his 18-year caree! r. “What truly set him apart —- what made him a special hero to the fans — y intensity,” was his extraordinar Prime Minister Jean Chretien said in a statement. aspares with great emotion and an unmatched will to cee His dazzling combination of skill and drive not only made him one of the greatest hockey players ever, it also made him a symbol toall of what it playoff history. Since winning their only Stanley Cup “Nothing beats going tothe finals,” Devils center Bobby Holik said. “Nothing! Butwe're not satisfied. Tes eae ren oar inning for them is playing thelr game, the one Pree in the final three games Philadelphia. It will be up to Dallas to beat it. The Stars beat the AY » in Game 7 of the Western Conference ‘The best-of-seven final opens at i THE ASSOCIATED PRESS the Eastern Conference champion after they earn the done Tuesday or Wednesday. ‘The-past that Lamoriello alluded to was the Devils’ af played s0 poorly in that fourth game that Coach Larry aa BY TOM CANAVAN possible not to notice the Prince of Wales Trophy sit: ting on a receptionist’s desk in the New Jersey Devils’ offices Saturday. Tris about 3feet high and 2 feet wide, It is given to million overfive years while the Rang- stone of the Montreal Canadiens’ dynasty that won five straight Stanley Devils Head to Stanley CupFinals for First Time Since 1995 It was almost im: GMof the EdmontonOilers, wants $15 ers have countered with $11 million overfive. The Journal said the deal could be scoring heroics made him the corner- ries to win,” forward Dave Andreychuk said. “Wedidn't get the bounces, espe- make a run at the Cup. His arrival sparked the Avs downthestretch and The Edmonton JournalsaysSather, whoquit last Friday after 21 years as THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Richard, who slipped into a deep coma overnight, died of respiratory get Bourquethefirst championshipof his 20-year career, He agreed to a trade from. Boston in hopes of helping a team port. MONTREAL — Maurice “Rocket” Richard, whose explosive speed and “We played good enough in this se- winner-plays-for-the-Cup finale. Dallas wonlast year’s duel 4-1, Moneyisholding upa deal that would see Glen Satherjoin the New York Rangers as their new general manager, accordingto a published re- Hockey Great Richard Dies at 78 inthose games. ending their near-storybook quest to “It’s kind of Never Never Land un- til this gets done,” Burkesaid. Cups,died Saturdayat the age of 78. ontheirfirst two powerplay chances. Colorado's never overcame that, Coyotes to Portland, Ore. sweaterin an action photo on the coverof the team’s postseason media guide. has lost a Game7. He's allowed 16 goals series in Game6, although they knew the 2-1 loss wasoneof their best perfor- the deal collapse, the buyers and the “C”was airbrushed from his game,andthe fourth straight time Roy to pick up where they left off by scoring andan estimated $20 million in operat- the team’s medical staff for failing to diagnose the severity of the injury and was stripped of his captaincy. He subsequently was ostracized from the team. His photo was removed from promotional advertisements. He wasn’t included in highlight videos played like he hadn't missed anytime. PerrFont png3: Mo. Op 1707 ote?any FcS280 Caparace egal 5 (Bouque, Hey 28 Penaity—Bourque. Col (hating) 4 Don«on goa—Colomdo 6161123 Oates 1602-29 Power 001 Daas 2 of 4. Goat Colorado, Roy 1146 (29 shote-26 saves), Datias, oo 125 (33-51) Aet7001 (17008) McCreary, Tory Groen UnearenPay mances of the postseason. They seemed until the transaction is completed. Thatis scheduled to take place June concussionofthe season.Hecriticized for Game6 against the Devils, and , oone Firat Period, Dulas, Zubov 2 (Morano, Sor, 626 (gp). 2 ‘The Stars blew a chance to end the andbuild a new arena in Scottsdale. The buyers transferred the down paymentFridaynight. Their agreementkeeps the team in Arizona and delights Scottsdaleofficials, but now questionsneed to be answered regarding plans for construction andoperationof the proposed areagents and whowill run the 30. Ellman still needs to raise another Stars 3, Avalanche 2 cially in this game.It's hard to explain the way the bounces go.” bea long chain of changes for the NHL. team. Ellman,with retired great Wayne Gretzkyas a partner,is preparing to buy the team from Richard Burke The controversial star played four games after a check by Boston’s Hal Gill on March4 gavehim his second Belfour, reviving the tension that had been missingsincethefirst period. “We madea gameofit,” Colorado's Adam Deadmarsh said. otes, he forged thefirst link what could management. Dallas at New Jersey, 6 p.m. But Peter Forsberg scored a short- Many ChangesIn Store WhendeveloperSteve Eliman put $10 million down onthe Phoenix Coy- two games,but the Knicks were count- shot 31percentfrom thefieldin the first Tuesday, handed goal 5:25 into the final period. Lindros becomes a restricted free phia because ofthe hard feelings between the Lindros family and team ‘STANLEYCUP FINALS (Best-ot-7) Three minutes later, Milan Hejduk redirected a shot by Ray Bourque past Center greweerily silent. agent July 1 if the Flyers make him a qualifyingoffer. If they don’t, he will bean unrestricted free agent. court, then wheeled outof the building. Cambyaveraged just5.0 points and Saturday Dallas 3, Colorado 2, Dallas wins series 4-3 @ Continued from C-1 asthesellout crowdatthe First Union frontoffice. Burkewill continueto run the team ing, it’s likely Lindros — in thefinal tract — would notreturn to Philadel- But Lindros returned to the team Beat Colorado, Back in Finals ‘ The Endof Lindros’ Career seasonofa one-year,$8.5 million con- NHL Playoffs Stars et a third straight leahind $1 in the Concussion Could Signal Lindros, 27, spent the night ina Philadelphia hospital and returned to @ Continued from C-1 EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J ‘The Associated Press. TheLakers’ Shaquille O'Neal, left, and Kobe Bryant,right, and Portland Trail Blazer Scottie Pippen chaseaftera loose ball in Game3. Rocket possessed a accurate and he was one of hockey’s most dangerous scorers, |
