Raptors End 17-Game Slump

The Toronto Raptors ended a franchise-worst 17-game losing streak Wednesday night as Walt Williams scored 39 points in a 104-97 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.

The Golden State Warriors were winless at home before Latrell Sprewell’s firing. Since then, they’ve won both of their games at the Oakland Arena.

Joe Smith had eight of his season-high 27 points in the fourth quarter as Golden State defeated the Lakers 93-92, breaking an eight-game losing streak against L.A.

Wiz players scrap

Washington Wizards point guard Rod Strickland and swingman Tracy Murray came to blows at the team hotel Wednesday afternoon, requiring Murray to get seven stitches below his left eye and Strickland to undergo X-rays after the Wizards’ 104-101 loss to the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday night at Charlotte Coliseum.

After the game, Murray left before the locker room was open to reporters and Strickland refused to comment, but sources said the dispute arose over a phone conversation between Murray and a woman in Los Angeles sometime in the past few days. The woman taped the conversation, which included Murray making disparaging remarks about Strickland, and then played the tape for Strickland to hear.

Hardaway out 8-10 weeks

Orlando’s Penny Hardaway underwent arthroscopic surgery Wednesday for a small cartilage tear in his left knee, and is expected to be sidelined eight to 10 weeks.

Embry pact extended

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed general manager Wayne Embry to a two-year contract extension, continuing one of the longest tenures for a pro sports executive.