Williams’ brother said shooting was suicide

Trenton, N.J. — The brother of former NBA star Jayson Williams told a police dispatcher that a limousine driver shot himself, according to a newspaper’s account of the 911 tape released Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, a state appeals court ordered the release of the 911 tape, made after the Feb. 14, 2002 shooting at Williams’ home.

Williams, 35, is charged with first-degree manslaughter and other offenses in the death of driver Costas Christofi. Williams, who is accused of shooting Christofi and then trying to make it look like a suicide, could face nearly 55 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Attorneys for the Courier News of Bridgewater sought the tape, arguing it should be released under the state’s open-records law. But the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office said releasing the tapes would make jury selection difficult.

On the tape, Williams’ brother, Victor, implored the dispatcher to send an ambulance.

“This man has just got shot, he picked up a gun that was loaded and it shot him,” he said, according to the Courier News. Authorities have said Victor Williams was not present at the shooting.

Magic activate Oyedeji

Orlando, Fla. — Magic center Olumide Oyedeji was activated Wednesday after missing the last nine games because of a sprained left ankle. To make room, rookie center Pat Burke was placed on the injured list.

Cavs’ Davis fined for late-game stunt

Cleveland — The Cavaliers fined Ricky Davis an undisclosed sum for trying to pad his statistics by shooting at the opponent’s basket. Coach Keith Smart initially said embarrassment was punishment enough.

Davis was hoping to get one more rebound during a 122-95 victory Sunday over Utah to reach his first career triple-double in the game’s final seconds.

Mavericks’ Finley might sit out tonight

Dallas — Mavericks forward Michael Finley will be a game-time decision today when Dallas plays San Antonio.

Finley strained his left hamstring in the first half of the Mavericks’ 114-93 victory Tuesday over Cleveland.

Finley, who did not play in the second half, is listed as day-to-day, Mavericks spokesman Gregg Elkin said Wednesday.

Finley, who averages 19.7 points per game, missed 13 games last season because of a left hamstring injury.

The Mavericks hold a 31/2-game lead over the Spurs for first place in the Midwest Division.

Armstrong back for Nets

East Rutherford, N.J. — The New Jersey Nets activated guard Brandon Armstrong and placed guard Tamar Slay on the injured lost because of tendinitis Wednesday.