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Show D3 The Salt Lake Tribune SPORTS Friday, May 26, 1995 San Antonio’s Hill Under NBA’s Looking-Glass By David DuPree HOUSTON — The manonthespot for the San Antonio Spurs is not David Robinson.It isn’t even Dennis Rodman. It’s coach Bob Hill. With his team down 2-0 to the Houston Rackets in their NBA Western Conferencefinal playoff series, having lost the first two gamesat home, Hill’s handling of Rodman and the Summit tonight and Sunday. “Everybody is struggling and I don’t know why, ” says Spurs captain and NBA MVPDavid Robinson. “Everybody's upset. We're just not playing basketball, and if that doesn’t change, we won't be playing much longer.” The Rockets, meanwhile, are cruising along, seemingly capable of doing no wrong. They his coaching have come underclose scrutiny. have forced the Spurs to match up with them, USA TODAY He’s got to come up with some answers very quickly because the team that went into the playoffs with the best record in the NBAis on the verge of getting swept. Hill admits he’s perplexed. “ Tf I had an answer,I'd tell you.”” The Spurs look lifeless, overmatched and confused as they face the next two gamesat and San Antonio hashaddifficulty doing that. The Rockets start Pete Chileutt at power forward and Robert Horry at small forward. But Chileutt has been ineffective and has played a total of 18 minutes in the first two games. Tomjanovichbringsin 6-5 Mario Elie to play small forward and the 6-10 Horry moves to power forward. Horry is such a three-point threat that he pulls San Anto: nio’s Dennis Rodman away from the basket, where heis ineffective and not in rebounding position. Horry made the game-winning shot in Monday’s game and had 21 points and made 5-of-9 threes Wednesday In an attempt to match up better with the Rockets, Hill benched Rodmanfor mostof the second half Wednesday and tried Willie An- derson and J.R. Reid, throwing the normal rotation out of whack. “Thad to roll the dice, play chess,” Hill says. “T had to change things. I had to go small. I don’t like to match down, but I had to find someoffense.” “We'reoutof synch and have no rhythm to our game.It’s frustrating,” says guard Vinny Del Negro. Rodman’s Puzzled, But Ready to Play Basketball: Ruland Loses Suit Against Celts, Ballboy Former NBA player Jeff Ruland lost his lawsuit Thursday in which he contended his career was shortened because a Boston Celtics ballboy accidentally pusheda ball cart into his leg. The federal jury deliberated about six hoursbefore finding for the club in the suit filed by Ruland, a center for the Philadelphia 76ers at the time of the mishap Jan. 17, 1992. Ruland, who spent most of his career with the Washington Bullets, claimed helost $3.8 million in potential wages because of the incident in which the cart was pushedinto the back of his right leg. ‘THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SAN ANTONIO — Dennis Rodman described himself Thursday as hurt over playing solittle in the Spurs’ Game 2 loss to Houston and as someone who has troubletrusting others, including Spurs coach Bob Hill. After an emotional two-hour team meeting Thursday, Rodmanatfirst sounded as though he wasn’t bothered by San Antonio’s 106-96 loss Wednesday night in the Western Conferencefinals. “Life is not all about basketball,” he said. “If you lose, you lose. You can’t hold your head down. You The jury began hearing the case ary 1992 would have paid him $10,000 a game An attorneyfor the Celtics’ insurance companytold jurorsa degenerated Achilles tendon ended Ruland’s career. Ruland, nowanassistant coach at Iona, retired from basketball in 1987 because of knee problems but came back after surgery in 1991. He had played a few games under his newcontract when the incident occurred after a game at Boston Garden. BRIEFLY Another attempt at a women’s professional basketball league was launched with the first full season targeted for 1996. compensation for missed games, mental anguish and attorney’s fees. A four-year contract he signed with Philadelphia in Janu- The league plans to play exhibition gamesstartingin the fall. stages of the league’s formation. Et Cetera: Tuckett Joins Hall of Fame Former BYU athletic director Glen Tuckett joined 15 other campus sports administrators as new membersof the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. Theywill be honored June 19 at the association’s Las Vegas convention The other current or former sports administrators named to the Hall of Fame are Bob DeVaney, Nebraska; Bruce Allison Colorado School of Mines; Hank Anderson, Gonzaga; Charles Burri, Missouri Western State; Colin Cameron, FairmontState; Della Durant, Penn State; Jim Jones, Ohio State; J.D. Marshall, Fayetteville State; Bill Miller, St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley; Fred Miller, San Diego State; Gil Peterson, WesternIllinois; The Associated Press Orlando’s Shaquille O'Neal, left, wins this battle for the ball against Reggie Miller, who lost his balance onthe play and landed on a photographer. Magic Show Poise, Trip Pacers sive inside play, no shot was bigger for the Magic than a three-pointer by Anderson GAME SUMMARY GFT Reb ™. APF Pts 53 16 03 2 65 19 23°38 240397 11805 4 20135 5 1 00 0001 2 BSott 16 16 99 12 30 Toials 240 38-78 29-9413-962129 114 @ Continued From D-1 ORLANDO Min WA MA OT APF Ps Grant #4 11 61213 9 Dseott 38 O1 0045 25 ONell 55-15-21 945 41025 39 Hardaway 41 7-10 25 34 151 19 Anderson 37 G11 34 1643 17 Rollins 8 0) 00 0002 0 Sw 18.«14 44 0242 6 Bowie 4 00 0011 0 Tumr 4 12 110000 3 Boyl 7 00 12 0101 1 Avent 400 00 00 02 0 Totals 240. 45-75 21-33143535125 119 Percentages: PG573, FT 63 5Flat Gen: nian 9.2,450 "0(ae 8 MeKey 2-4, Jackson 2-4, Workman 1-3, B. Mir Orisade 1220; 418(Dscalt Hardaway 3-5, Anderson 2-6, Turner0-1, § 02 ‘Team Rebounds: Iniiana 8:0 Blocked Shots: Indiana 3 (D Davis 2, Smits) Orlando 3 (Hardaway, Anderson, Rollins), ‘Turnovers: Indiana 9 (Smits $, Jackson 2 Miller 2, A Davis, B Scott; Orlando 14 (0’Neal Grant, Shaw, Turner, team 21 Steals:Indiana § (Miller2, MeKey, Workman, B Scott): Orlando 6 (Hardaway 3, 0'Neal 2, Roy al) Indiana Orlando ‘A— 16010, Officials —Pa Mahalik, Jess Kersey, Ben nett Salvator Yet whenit came to dominance, not even foul trouble could keep O'Nealfrom moving the playoffs one step closer to an intriguing O’NealHakeem Olajuwon NBA Finals pitting the Rockets against the Magic. Stopping Indiana rallies with dunks and free throws, O'Nealclosed with 39 points and 10 rebounds, two nights after scoring 32 points in the Magie’s 105-101 victory in Game1. Healso finished 9 of 15 from thefoulline. “If he plays like this and makes free throws, everybody is in trouble,” Pacers coach Larry Brownsaid. “We haven't figured out a way to stop him yet.” Even with O'Neal's impres- with 13.9 secondsto play that put Orlando up 116-111. Anderson nailed the shot only secondsafter committing a 5second inbounding violation. “Nick's shot was the one that put the dagger in,” Miller said. “He misses that, we makethe three and take our chancesin overtime.” Anderson's shot wasa fitting back-breaker. The Magic closed 12 of 29 on threepointers and built an early 12-point lead. While Andersonhit the decisive three-pointer, it was forward Dennis Scott who delivered them early and often, closing 7 of 15 on threepointers for 25 points. “I thought we could stop them little bit,” a forlorn Brownsaid ThePacersled only twice: at 2-0 and at 109-108. Otherwise, the Magic consistently came up with answers to the Pacers’ challenges. “I don’t knowif it's poise,” Brown said. “They're just a heck ofa lot better this year.” O foul. Dan Quilty, New York University; Mary Roby, Arizona; Stan Sheriff, Mawaii, and Bud Yoest, Otterbein. o ADMINISTRATION Mike Parent, Utah State’s faculty athletic representative, was named Big West Conferencepresident for 1995-96. ... Michigan State dipped into the business worldto getits new athletic director, hiring former Wisconsin football player Merritt Norvell for the job. a GOLF Caddieswill be available at Salt Lake County's four golf courses, starting Saturday. As of next week, they will work Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. ao TRACK Nine Utah State athletes were named Academic All-Big West: Tamara McLean, Brent Smith, J'Dee Wilson, Jennifer Davidson. Alisa Nathan, Stephanie Reading, Shawn Satterthwaite, Andrew Smith and Trevor Willey. BASEBALL Cincinnati Reds catcher Benito Santiago underwent surgery to remove loose fragments and debris from his right elbow andwill be sdelined three-to-four weeks. Outfielder Derek Bell and the Houston Astros avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $1.45 million, one-year contract, more than triple his 1994 salary of $385,000. AUTO RACING The crew of Villeneuve won Miller Pit Stop beating Michael in a run-off. driver Jacques the Indy 500 Championship, Andretti’s crew Oo TENNIS Top-seeded Gilbert Schaller beat Mats Wilander to earn a quarterfinal berth in the Bologna ATP tournament. Qo SOCCER In Glasgow, Svotland, Duncan Ferguson didn’t just get ejected for a headbutting an opponent. He got three months in jail. In what is believed to be the first judgment of its kind in British soccer, Ferguson was sentenced by Sheriff Alexander Eccles in GlasgowSheriff Court. Ferguson remains free on bail pending appeal. Ferguson, 23, was found guilty after a two-daytrial earlier this month of headbutting Raith Rovers defender John McStay during a Scottish Premier Division game on April 16, 1994 Oo BOXING Mike Tysonis such a sure bet to win his comebackfight that British bookies are refusing to take money. Bookmakers Ladbrokes have made Peter McNeeley a 10-1 shot to upset the former champion on Aug.19, but are offering no odds on a Tyson victory. a HOCKEY Peter Mahovlich, who was on four Stanley Cup champions with the Montreal Canadiens, was fired after one year as coach of the American Hockey League's Cape Breton Oilers. Mahovlich is not out of work, though. The Oilers’ parent club, the Edmonton Oilers, hired him as a scout Steve Kasper was introduced as coach the Boston Bruins. confirming reports he would get the job even though his head coaching experience was limited to just one season in minor league hockey oO SWIMMING Janet Evansreaffirmedherstatus as the world’s fastest 800-meter freestyle swimmer in the Alamo Challenge in San Antonio, Texas, winning in 8:31.90 No down payment. NISSAN’ 4x2 XE KING CABS: $0 DOWN, $199 A MONTH 36 MONTHLEASE: NISSAN’ XE 4x4 TRUCKS. UP TO $3,100 LESS THAN TOYOTA: If you're shootin for a real deal on a Nissan truck, visit your nearest Salt Lake City area Nissan dealer during the playoffs and find out more about our lease options. Smart read the fine It’s time to expect more froma truck.” wear their The Women’s Major Basketball League will be based in Nashville, and TheInstitute of Professional Athletics wi’ handle the initial May16. Ruland sued the Celtics for have to go on withit.” But the tattooed man with pierced nose and ear rings and dyedhair ciearly was upset abouthis lack of playing time and the Rockets taking a 2-0 lead in their best-of-7 series. Rodman, the league’s leading rebounder, played only 17 minutes — just three in the second half — in Wednesday’s game. “Everybody's wondering what happened,” he said. “It just puzzled me. Rodman said he hasn’t been told whether he’ll play much in Game3 in Houstontonight. “I’m not mad at anybody,” hesaid.‘I’m going to go out there andplaylike I alwaysplay.” Hill initially said Wednesday night he was forced to go with a smallerlineup mostof the secondhalf to match up with the Rockets and to generate offense forthe struggling Spurs. On Thursday,he said the players heusually relies on-weren’t showing enthusiasm. “The guys whosereputationson this team are that they are warriors, there were no warriors out there last night,” Hill said. “The warriors were the group that I had on the floorthat got us back in the game.” After trailing most of the game, the Spurs pushed ahead midway through the fourth quarter. But Houstonbattled back and won. Rodmansaid he didn’t like watching from thesidelines. «It hurts me because I know whatit takes to win a basketball game,especially in this [playoff] atmosphere because I love to be in this atmosphere,” he said. Rodmansaid he truly cares about his teammates, but he often is misunderstood. , ‘A lot of peoplecall me. .. this and that, but they don’t understand that deep down inside — I might show thatI don’t give a damn,onthe outside — but on the inside I do care. I do care,” he said. ‘But the dealis, 1 want these guys to prove themselves, to their families and to the people that they deserve to be here.” Rodman said even though Hill is receptive to meeting with him, he hasn’t wantedto sit down for an intense talk with his coach because heisn’t sure his views would be accepted. “It comesto that trust. The last four orfive years of.my career and mylife, it’s been very difficult for me to accept a lot of things because I’ve been screwed around because of what I believe in and someofthe things that I do. People are not going to accept Dennis Rodmanfor who heis. It's hard for me to trust anybody,” he said. “If I do sit down andtalk to him,I'd like everybody to respect whatI believe in becauseI've been there and I know whatit takes.”” Rodman, who was on two NBA championship teamsin Detroit, said this should be the fun time of the season. He said the Spurs needto stop thinking so much abouthow to beat Houston andstart playing like they wantto beat Houston. “It's the team that wants it the most, not who has the mosttalent,” he said. “Houston doesn't haveall the talentin the world, but they wantto play. They're having fun doing it. We're not.” MORNING BRIEFING “Limited time rate of a $199.00 for a 36 month closed-end eave of 1995 XE ayate truck with VIP tacedima 883 al malathoParticipating Nissan Dealers to qualified lessees through GE-CAL Rates Jess $0.00 consumer downyen ankos ged a due 8.10989 $15,918.00 ini MSRP ofcost based ‘Actualon capitalized of $13,079.15 in Heatioeret aan Be 195.00. Taxes, tithe, Uicense, insurano TTIAL PAYMENT OF S108) tpaae consummation, irra locally required equipment are not inchided in lease rate and may be DUE i. CONSUMMATION INCLUDES $0.00 CONSUMER DOWNPAYMENT, $199.00 FIRST MONTH'S PAYMENT), Total payrents il $7,164 00. Puctse seeen may be available at ‘of the lease for a purchase price of $9,232.44. plus applicable sales tax, Lesseepays Tor maintenance, ie over 1880 fe et DEALER SETS he Mileage charge of $0 {5m nt. cessive wear and toar as cliscls PRICES, SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS, “Comparison based on saving up to $3,100 on a 1995 MSRP of XE regular ¢ - i and comparably equipped Toyota Tacoma (excluding driver's side airbag, tilt steering wheel, cruise control and allay whe cn‘not available on Nsw A @ 1 ' |
