Washington drops Chicago for second straight victory

Wizards 115, Bulls 90

Washington  Reserve Courtney Alexander scored 26 points as the Washington Wizards won their second straight without Michael Jordan, beating the Chicago Bulls 115-90 Tuesday night.

Alexander was instant offense, making 9 of 11 shots in 28 minutes to lead the team in scoring for the second consecutive game. The Wizards also avenged a lackluster 90-81 loss at Chicago last week.

Jordan, recovering from knee surgery, watched the game on television from the locker room. He has missed four games since his surgery, with the Wizards going 2-2. “Michael couldn’t stand to sit out there and watch,” coach Doug Collins said.

Cavaliers 103, Hawks 96

Cleveland  Lamond Murray scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half. Wesley Person scored 19 points, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Andre Miller each scored 13, Ricky Davis had 12 and Tyrone Hill got 10 points and 12 assists for the Cavs.

Knicks 102, Bucks 89

New York  Kurt Thomas had 29 points and a career-high 20 rebounds and Allan Houston scored 27. Sam Cassell had 18 for the Bucks.

Heat 93, Pistons 91

Auburn Hills, Mich. Â Eddie Jones’ baseline jumper as time expired. Rod Strickland tied the game by hitting a wide-open 17-footer with eight seconds left. Jones led the Heat with 24 points, while Alonzo Mourning had 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Pacers 111, Magic 98

Indianapolis  Jamaal Tinsley had a career-high 30 points and added 12 assists. The rookie Tinsley, whose previous high was 29 points against Atlanta in November, had 22 points in the first half. Jermaine O’Neal and Austin Croshere added 18 points each, while Artest had 17 and Brad Miller 14. Garrity, who hit 4-of-6 3-pointers, led Orlando with 18 points.

Mavericks 81, Suns 77

Dallas  Dirk Nowitzki had 30 points and 20 rebounds. Michael Finley scored 24 points. Jake Tsakalidis led Phoenix with 15 points.

Spurs 109, Warriors 98

San Antonio  David Robinson had 13 points, passing 20,000 career points. Tim Duncan had 15 of his 23 points in the first half, along with seven rebounds.

Sonics 97, Timberwolves 83

Seattle  Vladimir Radmanovic scored a career-high 21 points and Rashard Lewis hit a pair of key 3-pointers. Gary Payton had 18 points, 12 assists and six rebounds.

Lakers 101, Nets 92

Los Angeles  Shaquille O’Neal had 40 points and 12 rebounds. Jason Kidd had 19 points and 10 assists.

 The Associated Press