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Daly Returns To Win Column

Associated Press

Anfernee Hardaway scored 32 points, including six 3-pointers, and the Orlando Magic gave Chuck Daly his first win after a three-year break from coaching by beating the host Boston Celtics 107-96 Sunday night.

The Magic scored the first seven points and led by at least five the rest of the way as Rick Pitino suffered his first loss as Boston’s coach following Friday night’s stunning 92-85 win over the Chicago Bulls in his debut.

Daly, who won two NBA titles with Detroit, left pro coaching after 12 seasons, the last two with New Jersey. In his season opener Friday, the Magic lost to Atlanta 105-99 despite Hardaway’s 31 points.

Other games

Grant Hill was a one-man show in the fourth quarter until Lindsey Hunter took over in the final two minutes as the visiting Detroit Pistons spoiled New York’s home opener by beating the Knicks 94-86.

Hill scored 15 of his 34 points in the final period and Hunter had 23, including nine in the final 2 minutes as the Pistons ended a 10-game losing streak at Madison Square Garden. Hill also had nine rebounds, five assists and three steals and Hunter had five steals and six rebounds as the Pistons stayed undefeated after two games.

Hakeem Olajuwon scored 18 points and helped Houston limit the host Sacramento Kings to seven fourth-quarter points en route to the Rockets’ 93-77 victory.

Trailing 74-71 early in the fourth quarter, the Rockets used 3-pointers by Eddie Johnson and Brent Price to take the lead for good with an 8-0 run. Price’s 3-pointer put Houston ahead 79-74 with 6:55 left in the game.

Lakers-Kings trade imminent

The Lakers are on the verge of trading guard Eddie Jones and reserve center Sean Rooks to Sacramento for five-time All-Star guard Mitch Richmond.

Richmond, 32, a 1996 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, boasts a career scoring average of 23.1 points, including a 25.9 average on 45.4 percent shooting last season. Since last summer when contract extension talks broke down with the Kings, he has desired a trade and the opportunity to play for a contending team.