Jordan Ailing
You wouldn’t notice it, but Michael Jordan’s back is hurting.
Though Jordan made a strong case for being named the NBA’s player of the week by averaging 38 points in four games, he said he has been hampered with back spasms the last two weeks.
“I’ve had some spasming ever since I was helping Santa Claus on Dec. 24,” said Jordan, who has scored more than 40 points in three of the Bulls’ last five games. “Once I get it loose, then I’m OK. If I sit down, it takes a while for me to get going again.”
Jordan said that’s one of the reasons he doesn’t mind the heavy minutes he has logged lately. In the Bulls’ victory Saturday over the Detroit Pistons, Jordan played all but one minute.
He said his back tightens when he’s on the bench, so he told Bulls coach Phil Jackson he’d rather be on the floor.
“I’ve kind of felt that over the last couple of games,” Jordan said. “When I was in rhythm, my back was loose, so I wanted to continue to play. (Jackson) allowed me to do that, and so far it’s paid off.”
Will this be a seasonlong problem?
“I hope not,” Jordan said. “I’m getting treatment on it and that usually helps it go away.”
Sixers stun Lakers
Allen Iverson scored 31 points and Philadelphia handed Los Angeles its first loss of the season with Shaquille O’Neal in the lineup as the 76ers shocked the Lakers 113-107 Sunday night in Inglewood, Calif.
xxxx Today’s games Houston at Toronto, 4 Washington at N.Y., 4:30 San Antonio at Orlando, 4:30 Milwaukee at Portland, 7 All times Pacific