"You would think that things would be different after what happened on the road and coming back home and all," Celtics coach Chris Ford said after Wednesday's game. "We'll keep looking down the road to see who can help us in the future."
The Cavs were led by point guard Mark Price, who had 32 points and 10 assists. Despite missing two starters (Brad Daugherty and Larry Nance) because of injuries, Cleveland has won eight in a row -- including a franchise-record five consecutive road games.
Sherman Douglas (25 points, seven assists) led the Celtics, who are heading in a different direction. Things have gotten so bad that the chief of basketball operations has been pushed to pursue damage control. Tuesday night, Dave Gavitt called a news conference to respond to allegations, leveled in a local newspaper, that he has been less than diligent in his duties in these difficult times.
By organizational mandate, Ford has begun to season his younger players rather than pursue the best chance to win. This is not a shocking development. With the franchise at a crossroads, it's probably prudent.
Seasoning young talent, however, can be bitter to the palate.
For instance, Ford, without doubt, realizes his team has experienced its only successes when center Robert Parish, 40, has performed at his peak. But Ford has cut Parish's minutes drastically in the past month. Why? Rookie Acie Earl, 23, needs the time to develop. He must learn not to trip over his feet.
So, too, must guard Jimmy Oliver, 24, learn to defend. And forward Alaa Abdelnaby, 25, must learn to bring his heart every night.
Trail Blazers 131, Pistons 107. At Auburn Hills, Michigan, Clyde Drexler scored 20 of his 28 points in the second half when visiting Portland outscored Detroit 73-43.
Jazz 106, Spurs 96. In San Antonio, Karl Malone scored 24 points and Jeff Hornacek 23 against San Antonio as Utah continued its recent success against top teams and won its seventh straight game.
Lakers 97, Bulls 89. In Chicago, Los Angeles, behind 27 points from Vlade Divac and 22 from Nick Van Exel, continued Chicago's home woes. The loss was the third straight and fifth in seven games at Chicago Stadium for the Bulls following their 17-game home winning streak.
Heat 108, Timberwolves 100. In Minneapolis, Steve Smith scored eight of Miami's 11 points in overtime as the Heat recovered from blowing a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter to beat Minnesota.
Clippers 118, Hornets 109. In Los Angeles, Dominique Wilkins scored 33 points, including four consecutive baskets during a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter, powering Los Angeles over Charlotte.
(Hartford Courant, AP)
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