News from January 30.

Washington named Darrell Walker as head coach.  The Wizards had tagged 
Golden State assistant Rod Higgins to be their new coach, but changed 
their mind after Golden State demanded compensation for releasing Higgins
from his contract.

The coaches for the All-Star game have been determined.  With the best
record in the West, Phil Jackson (LAL) will coach the Western Conference
team.  Tied for the 2nd best record in the East, Jeff Van Gundy (NY) will
coach the Eastern Conference.  Van Gundy gets the nod over Pat Riley
(Mia), whose team has the same record as NY, due to Riley having most
recently coached an All-Star game.  Indiana has the best record in the
East, but Larry Bird coached in the last All-Star game and coaches are not
allowed to coach in consecutive All-Star games.


Hou 89, LAL 83 - at Hou
Walt Williams (Hou) had 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Steve Francis (Hou) had 17 points and 6 rebounds.
Cuttino Mobley (Hou) had 15 points and 5 rebounds.
Shaquille O'Neal (LAL) had 27 points and 19 rebounds.
Kobe Bryant (LAL) had 17 points including 6-22 FG and 5 assists.

NY 120, Sac 111 - at NY
Latrell Sprewell (NY) had 32 points on 10-17 FG and 10-10 FT, 5 rebounds,
and 5 assists.
Patrick Ewing (NY) had 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Allan Houston (NY) had 28 points including 12-19 FG, 7 rebounds, and 6
assists.
Chris Webber (Sac) had 26 points including 10-18 FG and 6 rebounds.
Vlade Divac (Sac) had 17 points including 8-11 FG and 6 rebounds.
Chris Childs (NY, strained left Achilles) and Predrag Stojakovic (Sac,
right Achilles tendinitis) did not play.