Williams Signs With Chicago
The Chicago Bulls and free agent Brian Williams needed each other, which is why they came to terms Wednesday on a contract that will keep the center in Chicago for at least the rest of the season.
The Bulls needed a backup center after placing Bill Wennington on the disabled list. Wennington ruptured a tendon in his left foot during last Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Nets.
Williams needs to prove he still has the ability to be an NBA player who can command a big salary. The 6-foot-11 center underwent knee surgery after last season and teams backed off signing him to the big bucks he was demanding.
Malone honored
Karl Malone, who led Utah to a franchise record-tying 14 victories in March, was selected the NBA’s Player of the Month, and the Jazz’s Jerry Sloan was chosen Coach of the Month.
On the courts
At Houston, Kevin Johnson had 30 points and 11 assists as the Phoenix Suns overcame the return of Charles Barkley and beat the Houston Rockets for their seventh straight victory.
Barkley, a surprise starter and playing for the first time since suffering a hip injury March 1, grabbed 16 rebounds but missed 12 of 14 shots from the field and finished with six points in 26 minutes.
At Salt Lake City, Karl Malone scored 23 points and Bryon Russell added 19 as the Jazz opened a 39-point halftime lead and rolled past the Sacramento Kings 118-87.
At Boston, Terrell Brandon scored 19 points, including the first five of the fourth quarter, and Cleveland pulled away to beat the Boston 96-87. The Cavs (38-35) moved a half-game ahead of Washington (37-35) in the race for the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot.