ESPN Network: ESPN.com | RPM |  NFL.com | NBA.com | NHL.com | WNBA.com | ABCSports | EXPN | FANTASY | INSIDER

  Scores
  Schedule
  Standings
  Statistics
  Transactions
  Injuries
  Players
  Message Board
  Power Rankings
  NBA en espaņol
Clubhouses




  MLB
    Scores
  NBA | Playoffs
    Scores
  NHL | Playoffs
    Scores
  Golf
    Scores
  Soccer
    Scores
  NFL | Draft
  RPM.ESPN.com
  WNBA
  College Football
  M Col. BB | Recruit
  W Col. BB
  College Sports
  Tennis
  Boxing
  Horse Racing
  Action Sports
  Soccernet.com
  ESPNdeportes


Thursday, April 19, 2001
Jones returns after missing 15 games



MIAMI – The Miami Heat activated guard Eddie Jones before Tuesday's game against Philadelphia, giving coach Pat Riley a chance to put his best lineup on the court for the first time all season.

Jones
Jones

Jones missed 15 games with a dislocated left shoulder. While he was sidelined, center Alonzo Mourning returned after missing the first 69 games because of a kidney ailment.

With the playoffs 10 days away, the Heat are the healthiest they've been all season.

"To have this team together – we could make a run," Jones said. "If we're right, we're right there with anybody."

Last fall, before Mourning became ill, the Heat were widely touted as the Eastern Conference favorites. They'll likely go into the postseason with the No. 3 or 4 seed.

"Let's just try to make it work like we all planned from day one," Mourning said.

Mourning has been coming off the bench since being activated, and Riley said Jones will do the same – at least for now.

"That's a pretty good bench if you can get them in sync," Riley said with a smile.

Regardless of whether they start, Riley will finally have the option of going with the lineup he envisioned when he acquired Jones, Brian Grant and Anthony Mason in trades last offseason.

"I'm glad I'm getting everybody back," Riley said. "I'm just going to throw them out there and play them, and let's go after it."

Riley said Jones likely won't be 100 percent the rest of the season. But Jones said his play won't be hampered.

"I'm going to be sore, but you can deal with that," he said. "Ice can cure a lot of things."

To make room for Jones on the roster, Todd Fuller was placed on the injured list.

Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories



ESPN.com:  HELP |  ADVERTISER INFO |  CONTACT US |  TOOLS |  SITE MAP
Copyright ©2001 ESPN Internet Group. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information are applicable to this site. Employment opportunities at ESPN.com.