Raptors Stop Rockets’ Win Streak

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Obviously, Houston is a far different team without Hakeem Olajuwon. That didn’t stop the Toronto Raptors from enjoying their win over the Rockets, however.

Damon Stoudamire had 27 points and 11 assists as Toronto stopped Houston’s nine-game winning streak Monday night in Toronto with a 100-89 victory over the Rockets, who played without Olajuwon.

Earlier in the day, Olajuwon left a Houston hospital after being treated for the second time in less than two weeks for an irregular heartbeat. The problem is not considered career-threatening, but his return to the Rockets has not been set.

“This is probably the second best team in the NBA right now, and even though they were without their big man, we didn’t let up,” Stoudamire said.

Toronto’s win also ended Houston’s eight-game road winning string.

Charles Barkley had 30 points, 12 rebounds and four assists for the Rockets, who lost for just the second time this season. He also failed to use Olajuwon’s absence as an excuse.

“We still should have won the game,” Barkley said. “We won a big game the other night without Hakeem. But it’s tough to get motivated when you’re playing a bad team.”

Stoudamire wasn’t surprised by Barkley’s comment and admitted to making a small wager with the Houston power forward.

“I got a chance to get to know him quite a bit over the summer and that’s Charles,” said Stoudamire. “But I don’t pay too much attention. I won the bet and we won the game.”

John Stockton had 22 points and 16 assists as Utah won its 11th straight game, 107-97 over Charlotte in Salt Lake City. Karl Malone added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Jazz, who held the Hornets to one basket the final 6:35 of the game.

The Dallas Mavericks rallied from a nine-point deficit in the last 2:23 of regulation, then got seven points in overtime from Oliver Miller to beat the host Orlando Magic 108-102.

Welcome home, traitor

Pat Riley has the New York Knicks exactly where he wants them - trailing his Miami Heat in the standing. And when Riley returns to Madison Square Garden tonight, it will be another reminder that he is still someone whom the Knicks have to deal with.

It has been 19 months since Riley left the Knicks, but he has hardly faded into oblivion. Riley and the Heat (12-4) are riding a seven-game winning streak and leading the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, the Knicks (9-5) have been inconsistent - a talented team struggling to find chemistry and cohesiveness.

Whenever Riley comes to New York, it is more than just another game. Many people will never forgive Riley for his abrupt and controversial resignation as the Knicks’ coach in 1995, and fans who are still angry will get another chance to boo.

Riley is looking forward to a less awkward, less hostile return than his first visit last season, when the Garden turned on him with passion. And with the Heat now a serious challenger in the division, the life of Riley is still good.

“I’ll always miss the fans and the excitement of New York, but I’ve moved on,” Riley said. “It got downright ugly when I left, but it’s old news. Nothing can take away the four years of thrills and memories I had in New York. I don’t think (tonight) will be anything like the atmosphere when I first came back. I wish all of that could have been avoided, but I’ve put it behind me.”

Blazers look to regroup

The Portland Trail Blazers, reeling from an embarrassing 28-point loss at Golden State, try to regroup tonight against the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers, without injured center Rik Smits, are off to a sputtering 5-8 start but have won their last two.

After the 98-70 loss to Golden State, Portland is 10-7, 1 games behind the second-place Los Angeles Lakers in the Pacific Division. The Blazers play seven of their next nine at home.

The Blazers are faced with a personnel decision as rookie Jermaine O’Neal prepares to come off the injured list. Among the candidates to go is second-year point guard Randolph Childress, who has not been part of the regular rotation.

Childress is one of three point guards on the active roster. The others are starter Kenny Anderson and recently activated Aleksandar Djordjevic. In addition, Aaron McKie, normally the shooting guard, has been used as Anderson’s backup.