News from December 28.

The NBA reinstated Minnesota's 2005 1st round draft pick.  Minnesota had
lost the pick as part of the punishment for their illegal deal with Joe
Smith, but the NBA gave that pick back citing Minnesota's good behavior.
Minnesota still lost 3 draft picks (2001, 2002, 2004) for the violation in
addition to other fines and suspensions.

Dallas released Omar Cook.

Chicago named Bill Cartwright as head coach.  Pete Myers was named as an
assistant coach.

Houston activated Steve Francis and placed Dan Langhi on IR with left
ankle tendinitis.

Philadelphia activated Speedy Claxton and released Michael Ruffin.

Toronto activated Michael Stewart and placed Hakeem Olajuwon on IR with an
infected toe.


Tor 89, LAL 86 - at LAL
Antonio Davis (Tor) had 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Keon Clark (Tor) had 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Alvin Williams (Tor) had 17 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals.
Kobe Bryant (LAL) had 26 points including 9-24 FG, 8 rebounds, 6 assists,
and 5 turnovers.
Devean George (LAL) had 17 points including 7-8 FG and 5 turnovers.

Sac 125, Min 111 - at Sac
Predrag Stojakovic (Sac) had 27 points on 12-21 FG and 7 rebounds.
Chris Webber (Sac) had 22 points and 8 rebounds.
Vlade Divac (Sac) had 17 points including 7-11 FG, 8 rebounds, and 5
assists.
Mike Bibby (Sac) had 21 points including 10-10 FT and 7 assists.
Kevin Garnett (Min) had 19 points including 8-22 FG and 8 rebounds.
Radoslav Nesterovic (Min) had 20 points on 10-15 FG, 10 rebounds, and 3
blocks.
Wally Szczerbiak (Min) had 31 points including 13-18 FG.

Mem 91, Mia 86 - at Mia
Grant Long (Mem) had 16 points including 7-11 FG and 6 rebounds.
Pau Gasol (Mem) had 11 points including 5-14 FG and 10 rebounds.
Jason Williams (Mem) had 19 points, 9 rebounds, 12 assists, and 6
turnovers.
Jim Jackson (Mia) had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Alonzo Mourning (Mia) had 20 points, 12 rebounds including 7 offensive, 4
blocks, and 6 turnovers.
Mem shot 22-31 FT and Mia shot 6-15 FT.

Den 93, Phi 90 - at Den
Scott Williams (Den) had 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
Nick Van Exel (Den) had 33 points and 11 assists.
Ryan Bowen (Den) had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Dikembe Mutombo (Phi) had 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
Allen Iverson (Phi) had 38 points including 9-11 FT, 5 rebounds, and 8
assists.
Den shot 9-11 FT and Phi shot 17-22 FT.

Cle 98, NY 88 - at Cle
Jumaine Jones (Cle) had 28 points including 12-19 FG and 8 rebounds.
Andre Miller (Cle) had 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Wesley Person (Cle) had 20 points including 3-4 3-pointers, 6 rebounds,
and 4 steals.
Latrell Sprewell (NY) had 17 points including 7-22 FG and 5 rebounds.
Allan Houston (NY) had 28 points including 4-4 3-pointers and 9 rebounds.
Lamond Murray (Cle, lower back strain) did not play.

Orl 87, Det 78 - at Orl
Tracy McGrady (Orl) had 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assist, and 5 turnovers.
Darrell Armstrong (Orl) had 21 points including 4-6 3-pointers, 6 
rebounds, and 6 assists.
Patrick Ewing (Orl) had 11 points and 9 rebounds.
Ben Wallace (Det) had 16 points including 7-11 FG, 13 rebounds, and 4
blocks.
Chucky Atkins (Det) had 13 points and 5 rebounds.

Mil 105, Cha 89 - at Cha
Glenn Robinson (Mil) had 21 points and 6 rebounds.
Sam Cassell (Mil) had 29 points including 12-20 FG and 6 assists.
Tim Thomas (Mil) had 18 points and 5 rebounds.
Lee Nailon (Cha) had 24 points and 9 rebounds.
David Wesley (Cha) had 21 points and 6 assists.
Ray Allen (Mil, right knee strain) did not play.

Hou 100, GS 93 - at GS
Kenny Thomas (Hou) had 20 points and 13 rebounds.
Cuttino Mobley (Hou) had 31 points including 7-10 FT.
Moochie Norris (Hou) had 19 points and 8 assists.
Antawn Jamison (GS) had 18 points including 8-22 FG and 10 rebounds.
Larry Hughes (GS) had 17 points on 8-23 FG and 1-4 FT, 5 rebounds - all
offensive, and 6 assists.
Erick Dampier (GS, hyperextended left knee) did not play.