Grizzlies Should Have a Buyer Beware Sign

Michael Heisley, a Chicago billionaire who made his fortune buying and rebuilding companies, may have his biggest rebuilding assignment yet--the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Heisley stepped into the void left by Bill Laurie’s recent exit, purchasing the Grizzlies on Monday. BCTV, citing an unidentified source, said the sale was for $160 million.

The deal still needs NBA approval, although Heisley has two things in his favor.

He wants to keep the franchise in Vancouver, something Laurie wasn’t prepared to do. And Heisley has already held discussions with NBA Commissioner David Stern, who suggested the Grizzlies would be a good fit for him.

“I intend to do everything in my power to make this franchise a success in Vancouver. Having an owner that is committed to this market is an important part,” Heisley said.

To become a success, though, his team will need to avoid nights like Monday. Ron Mercer scored 24 points at Denver, all in the second half, as the Nuggets ended a six-game losing streak at the expense of the Grizzlies, 110-98.

In a duel of teams with losing streaks, the Grizzlies dropped their sixth consecutive game.

Mercer also had six assists, four rebounds, a career-high three blocked shots and one steal.

Chicago 83, Indiana 82--The Bulls smothered old nemesis Reggie Miller, holding him to six points, as they defeated the Pacers at Indiana.

Rookie Elton Brand scored 28 points and Toni Kukoc made a go-ahead free throw with less than two minutes left as the Bulls picked up their eighth victory. The Pacers have lost four of their last five.

Indiana, which has also lost its last four road games, got a final shot to win. But Rik Smits missed badly on a short jumperbefore the buzzer.

Miller, who has burned the Bulls repeatedly during his career with last-second shots and big games, matched his season low, making only three of 14 shots--mostly against the defense of Randy Brown.

New York 112, Seattle 106--One night after criticizing his teammates for their lack of hustle and toughness, Gary Payton got himself ejected late in the first quarter at New York as the SuperSonics lost their third consecutive game.

Payton had to be restrained by his teammates as he stormed after referee Ted Bernhardt, who whistled him for two technical fouls. The SuperSonics, playing with the passion that Payton had complained was missing, kept the game close the rest of the way but still suffered their third straight defeat.

Payton drew a technical foul for arguing after he was called for a personal foul while defending Sprewell with 1:28 left in the first quarter. After the technical foul shot, Payton continued to talk to Bernhardt near center court, with both men smiling at one point in their conversation.

But seconds after Payton turned and walked away, Bernhardt called another technical and tossed Payton out.

Payton took off after Bernhardt and had to be held back.

Portland 101, New Jersey 87--Arvydas Sabonis had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Greg Anthony made three fourth-quarter three-point baskets to help the Trail Blazers hold off the Nets at Portland, Ore.

Rasheed Wallace had 17 points for the Blazers, who won their seventh consecutive home game and pulled within 1 1/2 games of the Lakers in the Pacific Division.

Around the League

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