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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
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 GAME FLOW
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Say Michael, you sure you can't play for these
guys? They really could use you.
|  | | The president (of basketball operations), Wizards owner Abe Pollin and the President watched the Wizards lose. |
On the day Michael Jordan became part owner of the Washington
Wizards, his new team put on one of its worst performances before a
less than half-full arena. An announced crowd of 11,358 -- third-lowest of the season -- watched the Wizards lose 104-86 to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.
With Jordan and President Clinton watching from the owners box
and security keeping fans at bay, Washington -- without starting
shooting guard Mitch Richmond or his backup Richard Hamilton -- fell
behind 17-5 and lost for the eighth time in nine games. Fans held
up "Welcome Michael" signs, but booed the Wizards throughout the
game.
"After tonight's performance, I'd say our guys have no place to
go but up," said Ted Leonsis, the Wizards minority owner who
initiated the negotiations with Jordan.
Michael Finley had 23 points to lead the Mavericks, while Dirk
Nowitzki tied a career-high with five 3-point baskets and had 22
points. Shawn Bradley added a season-high 20 points. Tracy Murray
scored 17 points to lead Washington.
"It's quite a step up for this organization (to bring Jordan
in)," said Mavericks coach Don Nelson. "I think he's going to
have a huge impact, not right away of course."
Wizards center Jahidi White scored eight consecutive points at the end of the first half to narrow the Mavericks' lead to 48-47.
Washington took its first lead of the game when Murray opened
the second half with a 3-pointer.
After White's layin tied the score at 54, Dallas used a 16-4 run
to go ahead 70-58. The Mavericks built their lead to 85-65 with a
15-2 run. The Wizards never threatened the rest of the game.
"Maybe some of us need to be motivated," Wizards center Ike
Austin said. "I think (Jordan) is going to bring that, and he's
going to demand a lot."
Richmond, the team's leading scorer, went on the injured list
Monday with a broken rib. Hamilton, his backup, was not at the game
because he was in Coatesville, Pa., attending his grandmother's
funeral. Rookie Laron Profit made his first start of the season in Hamilton's place.
Wizards starting point guard Rod Strickland, who earlier in the
season indicated he wanted out of Washington, said before the game
that Jordan's presence has changed his mind. However, Strickland
did little to impress his new boss, missing 10 of 12 shots and
committing five turnovers.
Before the game, Jordan was introduced as the president of
basketball operations and part-owner of the Wizards. Under NBA
rules, the five-time NBA MVP will not be allowed to play for his
new team.
The Wizards handed out T-shirts to the fans in the second half
with the message: "New Year. New Day. We've got M.J."
Unfortunately, the only Jordan on the court for Washington was
Reggie Jordan, who played 10 minutes and scored three points.
That didn't stop the fans from holding up signs that read "Suit
Up Mike!" Other fans were putting in their requests for other
players. One sign spotted in the area read: "We want Duncan" in
reference to San Antonio center Tim Duncan.
Game notes
The Wizards placed forward Gerard King (tendinitis left
elbow) on the injured list and activated forward Lorenzo Williams. Williams entered the game in the second quarter to play in his
first NBA game in two seasons. Williams missed last season with
stress fractures in his feet. ... Mavericks coach Don Nelson needs one
more victory for the 900th of his career. Nelson is the
sixth-winningest coach in NBA history with a record of 899-735.
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ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard
Dallas Clubhouse
Washington Clubhouse
Users weigh in on Michael Jordan
New job could test Jordan's patience
Ratto: Don't fret about Falk
RECAPS
Boston 94
Toronto 90
Indiana 106
Milwaukee 84
Philadelphia 107
Atlanta 89
Dallas 104
Washington 86
New York 90
New Jersey 89
Charlotte 96
Chicago 86
Portland 105
San Antonio 95
Minnesota 91
Utah 88
LA Lakers 95
Cleveland 86
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