Nelson Reaches Milestone As Mavericks Beat Knicks

The Dallas Mavericks won one for Nellie.

Ailing Coach Don Nelson got his 938th victory to tie Red Auerbach for fourth on the NBA’s all-time list a day after Nelson learned that he has prostate cancer as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks, 94-85, on Wednesday night at Dallas.

“It was nice to dedicate the game to Coach Nelson,” Maverick guard Hubert Davis said. “His illness puts things into perspective. Our prayers are with him, and him getting well is more important than wins.”

Nelson will continue to run the team, despite the cancer diagnosis. Nelson said before the game that he will explore his options for treatment as soon as possible and then will determine how much time he will miss.

During his playing career with the Boston Celtics, Nelson was coached by Auerbach. Nelson received an ovation from the crowd when a graphic of his record was shown on the Reunion Arena replay board.

“This is a very special win for me personally because I had two mentors [as a player],” Nelson said. “One was Jack McMahon, my first coach in the NBA with the Chicago Zephyrs, and the other was Red Auerbach, who I played for and was my general manager at Boston for so long. To tie him is indeed a special evening for me and I would hope that Red would sign [the game ball].”

Michael Finley scored 21 points, Howard Eisley added 17 and Steve Nash 14 as all five of Dallas’ starters scored in double figures.

Portland 95, Toronto 88--Rasheed Wallace had 20 points and a season-high 13 rebounds at Portland, Ore., as the Trail Blazers extended the Raptors’ struggles without Vince Carter.

The Raptors have lost four of five games without Carter, who has been sidelined because of a strained left quadriceps but could make his return Friday night against the Golden State Warriors at Oakland.

Milwaukee 109, New Jersey 87--Ray Allen scored 30 points for the Bucks at East Rutherford, N.J.

Cleveland 92, Chicago 88--Andre Miller led the Cavaliers with 20 points, 14 assists and seven rebounds at Chicago.

Miami 95, Denver 78--A.C. Green had 16 points and 11 rebounds at Miami to help the Heat end a four-game home losing streak.

Charlotte 91, Indiana 88--David Wesley scored 32 points, including nine in a row in a fourth-quarter run, to lead the Hornets at Charlotte, N.C.

Hornet Coach Paul Silas was ejected in the second quarter and flipped his middle finger at a referee as he left the court.

Detroit 112, Seattle 99--Jerry Stackhouse scored 41 points for the Pistons at Seattle.

Around the League

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