NBA

Denver's new coach a winner

By wire services
Published January 1, 2005

DENVER - Michael Cooper spent most of his first game as an NBA coach sitting on the bench, hoping the nervousness he felt inside wouldn't filter onto the floor.

Apparently, Cooper learned a little about acting during all those years in Los Angeles.

Carmelo Anthony had 24 points in his first game in two weeks and the Nuggets made Cooper a winner in his debut, ending a six-game losing streak with a 97-92 victory over Philadelphia on Friday night.

Cooper became the interim coach Tuesday after the losing streak and a 13-15 start cost Jeff Bzdelik his job.

"I was excited, but I tried not to show the team that I was excited," Cooper said. "As a player, I looked to the bench and if Pat Riley was looking a little nervous it affected me on the floor. So I tried to keep my composure so the players don't see me losing my composure."

The coaching change certainly seemed to provide a spark in the early going for the Nuggets. They made nine of their first 10 shots and held the 76ers to one field goal in the first 41/2 minutes to open with a 16-2 run.

"My stomach was turning," Cooper said. "I wasn't too concerned if we had lost the game. I just wanted to play well. And if you do that, then you've got something to build on."

SONICS 103, BOBCATS 97: Visiting Seattle scored 42 in the paint, shot 50 percent from 3-point range and missed just four free throws to move to a surprising 22-6. "No one expected us to be in this position," coach Nate McMillan said. "These guys do things the right way and we're making plays." The Bobcats, who dropped their fourth straight, were certainly impressed. "They kept on putting them up and they kept on dropping," rookie Emeka Okafor said. "I'd say they are the best team we've played." Rashard Lewis scored 27 for the Sonics, who made 11 3-pointers.

CELTICS 108, WIZARDS 103: Paul Pierce scored seven of his 26 in the final six minutes and the host Celtics used a 21-11 fourth-quarter rally to end a three-game losing streak. The teams traded the lead eight times in the final quarter. Gary Payton added 18, including four during the pivotal spurt in the fourth. The Celtics snapped a 103-all tie when Pierce made one of his two free throws with 34 seconds remaining. "Doc (Rivers) and I have talked about getting me more involved in the offense in the fourth quarter," Pierce said. Washington's Antawn Jamison had a chance to tie with 6.7 seconds remaining, but his 3-point shot from the right corner hit the rim. "I didn't think I'd be as wide open as I was," Jamison said. "I rushed my shot a little bit, but it's a shot I have to make."

KINGS 109, JAZZ 102: Chris Webber and the Kings made themselves right at home in the Delta Center. Webber led Sacramento to its ninth straight victory in Utah, scoring 14 of his 25 in the third quarter. "I think our style is just beating their style for whatever reason," Webber said. "Maybe because the first taste of the playoffs we had was here and they sent us away. We'll always remember that." Peja Stojakovic led the Kings with 26, and Mike Bibby and Brad Miller each added 17. Carlos Boozer led the Jazz with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Webber keyed a 9-0 run early in the third quarter that gave Sacramento a 66-58 lead. After going 2-of-9 from the field the first half, Webber was 7-of-8 in the third quarter, including three dunks. Webber's jumper gave Sacramento a 76-68 lead with 2:05 left in the quarter, and Bibby closed out the scoring in the quarter by converting a three-point play with 47 seconds left to make it 81-70. Stojakovic scored 13 in the final six minutes, including a 3-pointer that banked in with 2:46 left that gave the Kings a 106-94 lead.

SPURS 98, CLIPPERS 79: Tim Duncan scored 23 and Tony Parker added 21 points and 11 assists to help San Antonio to its fifth consecutive victory. Corey Maggette and Rick Brunson each had 17 points for the host Clippers, who have won just three of their last 27 games against San Antonio. They have dropped nine of 11 and finished the month 4-9 after going 9-6 during November. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich didn't make it to the end of the first quarter. He was tossed by referee Eddie F. Rush for arguing about a possession ruling after a rebound. Assistant coach P.J. Carlisimo guided the Spurs in Popovich's absence, and moments later they went on a 12-4 run.

ROCKETS 105, BUCKS 90: Tracy McGrady had 42 points and Maurice Taylor added 16 to help host Houston reach .500 for the first time since it was 6-6 on Nov. 21. Houston has won nine of its last 13. Rockets center Yao Ming missed a game for the first time in his NBA career, sitting out because of the flu.

[Last modified January 1, 2005, 00:58:04]