News from December 31. Chi 86, NJ 77 - at Chi Elton Brand (Chi) had 31 points on 9-16 FG and 13-17 FT and 16 rebounds. Ron Mercer (Chi) had 18 points and 5 rebounds. Ron Artest (Chi) had 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Fred Hoiberg (Chi) had 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Aaron Williams (NJ) had 16 points and 14 rebounds. Stephon Marbury (NJ) had 18 points including 5-19 FG and 0-7 3-pointers and 7 assists. Was 110, Det 96 - at Was Juwan Howard (Was) had 35 points on 10-16 FG and 15-17 FT and 7 rebounds. Richard Hamilton (Was) had 21 points including 7-11 FG and 5 rebounds. Obinna Ekezie (Was) had 13 points and 8 rebounds. Jerry Stackhouse (Det) had 25 points and 3 steals. John Wallace (Det) had 21 points including 9-13 FG and 5 rebounds. Rod Strickland (Was, sore hamstrings) and Jahidi White (Was, left knee sprain) did not play.