NBA

Phoenix expects big boost

By wire services
Published May 27, 2005

PHOENIX - Wearing a mask to protect his broken left eye socket, Suns guard Joe Johnson went through a full practice Thursday and said he expects to play in Saturday's Game 3 of the Western final.

"As of right now, I don't think there's anything that could keep me off the court," Johnson said. "But I don't want to speak too soon because anything could happen."

The workout, which included a scrimmage, was his first complete practice since he was injured in a face-first crash to the floor during Game 2 of the West semifinal against Dallas on May11. Johnson did some two-on-two drills Wednesday to help him get used to the mask.

Johnson's return would be a welcome lift for a Suns team that goes to San Antonio down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Phoenix would be able to send Jim Jackson to the bench, giving the depth-shy squad a scorer off the bench.

The 6-foot-7 Johnson is the Suns' best perimeter defender and most accurate 3-point shooter. He had surgery the day after he was injured, with three metal plates to hold the broken bone in place.

The left side of Johnson's left eye is still blood red, but he said his vision is fine. He also is getting comfortable wearing the mask.

To test the mask's strength, trainer Aaron Nelson slapped Johnson in the head a few times.

"I didn't really appreciate that either," Johnson said in a deadpan. "Don't bring that up because it kind of gets to me."

LABOR: Talks will resume today, the league said. The session in New York will be the first face-to-face negotiation since May18, when the league said it was breaking off talks because the union reversed its position on previously agreed-upon issues, including an age limit and contract length.

The collective bargaining agreement expires July1, and commissioner David Stern has said a lockout would be imposed without a new deal.

CHICAGO - Dave Cowens was hired as coach and general manager of Chicago's expansion WNBA team. Cowens, 57, a Hall of Famer and seven-time NBA All-Star, said the challenge of launching the team in May 2006 spurred him.

"This seemed like an adventure," said Cowens, who coached the NBA's Hornets (1996-99) and Warriors (2000-02).

L.A. 84, WASHINGTON 75: Chamique Holdsclaw had 27 points and 10 rebounds for the visiting Sparks, who overcame a league-record 15 3-pointers by the Mystics. Charlotte Smith-Taylor made consecutive 3-pointers to pull Washington to 72-71 with 3:03 left. But Holdsclaw, playing against her former team, made six free throws as Los Angeles sealed it with a 12-4 run.

INDIANA 67, NEW YORK 59: Kelly Miller scored 19 for the visiting Fever, which is 3-0 for the first time. Down 52-43, the Liberty's 8-2 run cut it to three with 4:12 left. But Miller made one of her three 3-pointers, and Indiana led by at least five from there.

PHOENIX 68, CHARLOTTE 58: Anna DeForge scored 20 and Diana Taurasi 19 for the visiting Mercury, which avoided its first 0-3 start. Phoenix made six of its first nine 3-pointers to take a 38-27 halftime lead then opened the second half with a 13-4 run.

[Last modified May 27, 2005, 00:41:05]