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NBA

Mourning back in Heat of things

Associated Press
Published March 2, 2005

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MIAMI - Alonzo Mourning once was larger than life, the Heat's biggest star. Now, even he acknowledges those days are gone.

Yet Mourning also steadfastly believes he can still play at a championship-caliber level. And now, at last, he's back with Miami and ready to resume his past quest - delivering the Heat's first NBA title.

The seven-time All-Star center signed a contract Tuesday to rejoin Miami, the team with which he spent eight previous seasons - a stint twice interrupted by kidney disease. He is expected to make about $325,000 for the rest of the season, a prorated share of the $1.1-million minimum veteran contract.

"It's definitely been a long time coming," the 35-year-old Mourning said after a two-hour practice and 30 minutes of extra shooting drills. "It just feels good, feels good to be back home, having everything finalized. I've been here for the past three months training, just waiting, being patient."

Mourning should be in uniform Thursday when Miami visits New Jersey. He averaged 10.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 18 games for the Nets earlier this season.

Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal returned to practice one week after spraining his left knee against the Bulls. He said he plans to play Thursday.

CAVALIERS: Cleveland entered a new and exciting era of basketball as Dan Gilbert, chairman and founder of Quicken Loans, officially assumed control of the team that he paid $375-million for. He wants to make the city and region known for more than its nasty weather, comic Drew Carey and professional sports frustration.

HAWKS: Guard Gary Payton, who wants to finish out the season with a playoff contender, was waived. Atlanta, with the NBA's worst record (10-46), acquired Payton last week at the trade deadline in a deal that sent leading scorer and rebounder Antoine Walker to the Celtics. But Payton never reported to the Hawks and sought a buyout of his contract.

Tuesday's games

SIXERS 118, BUCKS 111: Allen Iverson scored 48 to help topple host Milwaukee, which has been burned for three straight games of at least 40 points by the 76ers All-Star. Iverson reached 40 against the Bucks for the sixth time in his career, his most against any opponent. He had 40 and 54 in his previous two games versus Milwaukee.

ROCKETS 119, BULLS 89: Tracy McGrady scored 32 with seven assists in three quarters and Mike James added 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting as visiting Houston won for the first time since the All-Star break, snapping a three-game losing streak.

BOBCATS 94, KINGS 87: Gerald Wallace showed up his former team with one of his best all-around games of the season. Wallace, who was drafted by Sacramento and spent three seasons there before the Kings left him unprotected in the expansion draft, finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and five steals for host Charlotte.

SONICS 101, PACERS 93: Rashard Lewis had 30 points on 14-of-19 shooting and visiting Seattle rallied late in the fourth quarter to hand Indiana its second straight loss after a five-game winning streak.

GRIZZLIES 99, WARRIORS 97: Mike Miller stole a pass by Jason Richardson, then hit two free throws with 10.4 seconds left as host Memphis Grizzlies held off Golden State.

NUGGETS 97, HAWKS 74: Carmelo Anthony scored 23 and triggered a big third-quarter run for host Denver, which won its fourth straight and handed Atlanta its ninth straight loss.

[Last modified March 2, 2005, 00:48:07]

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