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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 10, 2002
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Rookie Gordon Giricek scored 19 Wednesday to lead the Grizzlies to an 83-71 preseason victory over the Heat.
Giricek, who played professionally in Russia last year, is being counted on by the Grizzlies to add some scoring spark. He also had seven rebounds and five assists.
Miami led 37-34 at halftime behind 12 points from Malik Allen, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Giricek had eight points as the Grizzlies outscored the Heat 26-18 in the third quarter to take a 60-55 lead into the fourth.
Drew Gooden, the Grizzlies' first-round draft pick, had 13 points and 16 rebounds.
Stromile Swift and Wesley Person, a newcomer from Cleveland, each had 13 points for Memphis.
NETS 93, CAVALIERS 85: Rodney Rogers had a better debut than Dikembe Mutombo for their new team, scoring 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter to lead New Jersey in Albany, N.Y. Rogers, signed as a free agent over the summer, made two big plays late in the game. First, he drew an offensive foul on Darius Miles to keep the Nets ahead by five, then grabbed an offensive rebound and hit two free throws for a 91-84 lead.
Mutombo did little offensively in 23 minutes, missing all three of his shots and grabbing four rebounds with three assists.
Miles had 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Cleveland.
PACERS 95, HORNETS 74: Because the road uniforms weren't ready, the Hornets wore their home whites with the words "New Orleans" on the front as they played in their first preseason game since moving from Charlotte after 14 seasons. Brad Miller had 22 points and 10 rebounds for host Indiana. Miller made 5 of 11 field goals and 12 of 13 free throws.
MAGIC: Tracy McGrady sent a video message and autographed jersey to the 13-year-old boy who was wounded by a sniper Monday in the Washington area. McGrady learned Tuesday morning that the boy had said he was a fan.
ROCKETS: Chinese center Yao Ming, the No. 1 draft pick, agreed to a three-year contract. Terms were not disclosed.
SUPERSONICS: Rashard Lewis won't need surgery on his sore left shoulder and won't practice again until Friday. He could play in Monday's preseason game against Memphis.
TIMBERWOLVES: Guard Wally Szczerbiak is expected to miss up to two weeks with a dislocated little left toe.
TRAIL BLAZERS: Billy Owens, the overall No. 3 pick in the 1991 draft, was released.