Rodman’s Return Can’t Save Mavericks

The second-biggest crowd the Dallas Mavericks have ever drawn came mostly to see Dennis Rodman’s return to the NBA, but Rashard Lewis was the show-stopper for the Seattle SuperSonics.

Lewis had career highs with 30 points and 12 rebounds, leading the SuperSonics past the Mavericks, 117-106, in front of 18,203 Wednesday night.

When it ended, Rodman--who had 13 rebounds, no points and in 32 minutes--hurled his No. 70 jersey into the stands while Lewis was at the other end of the court giving the game ball to his mother. Lewis was the SuperSonics’ second-round draft draft pick two years ago out of Alief Elsik High School in the Houston area.

The loss left Rodman in no mood to evaluate his performance. “It’s all about the team,” he said. “It’s not about Dennis Rodman.”

Charlotte 103, Cleveland 95--David Wesley scored 17 of his season-high 30 points at Charlotte, N.C., after a halftime ceremony to honor co-captain Bobby Phills, who became the first Charlotte player to have his jersey retired.

Phills was killed Jan. 12 in a car crash that police said occurred while he was racing Wesley at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

Earlier Wednesday, Wesley was charged with speed competition and reckless driving, both misdemeanors. Each of the charges is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Philadelphia 92, New Jersey 90--Larry Hughes’ tip-in at the buzzer gave the 76ers an improbable comeback victory over the Nets at Philadelphia that saw them erase a 21-point first-half deficit.

Indiana 113, Boston 104--Jalen Rose scored 15 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, making Coach Larry Bird a winner in what could be his final game at Boston. Earlier, the Celtics traded Danny Fortson to Toronto for Alvin Williams and Sean Marks.

Orlando 107, Washington 96--Reserve Corey Maggette scored 15 points and Ron Mercer and John Amaechi had 14 each at Orlando, Fla., as the Magic won for the eighth time in its last 10 games.

Miami 115, Golden State 100--P.J. Brown scored seven points and Alonzo Mourning six during a 16-5 run in the third quarter that gave the Heat a 12-point lead with 1:14 left. Miami maintained a double-digit advantage the rest of the way.

Atlanta 116, Houston 100--Jim Jackson scored 23 points at Atlanta as the Hawks matched their highest point total of the season.

Detroit 115, Toronto 108--Lindsey Hunter scored eight of his 28 points in overtime and Grant Hill had 30 points and 13 rebounds in 52 minutes as the Pistons defeated the Raptors at Auburn Hills, Mich.

New York 109, Milwaukee 103--Latrell Sprewell scored 23 of his 27 points in the second half as short-handed Knicks rallied from a 59-40 deficit at Milwaukee.

San Antonio 106, Denver 97--David Robinson scored 30 points, Tim Duncan added 24 and Avery Johnson had 19 as the Spurs withstood a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Nuggets at Denver.

Utah 113, Chicago 86--Karl Malone scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds despite numerous nagging injuries as the Jazz defeated the Bulls at Salt Lake City. Although his agent, Dwight Manley, said he will play in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Malone did not clarify the situation afterward.