The Orlando Sentinel from Orlando, Florida • Page 37

1 The Orlando Sentinel. Saturday, December 9, 1989 C-7 'General Sherman' takes charge, marches Miami past By Tim Povtak Of THE SENTINEL STAFF he looks like a rookie, but frils asn't one of them. For a rookie, ne plays a very difficult position. It's unusual, but our guys already look to him." Douglas, who has started in place of both Rory Sparrow and shooting guard Kevin Edwards this season, wanted the ball late in regulation when it seemed no one else on the Heat really wanted to take a critical shot. "Rory Sparrow is still the leader of this" team, but it's nice to have another player for the guys to look to.

And he certainly doesn't mfh(J' that role," Rothstein said. "He's going to be a really special NBA play-; er someday." i Douglas' biggest booster, though, -is center Rony Seikaly, the second- year player who was a teammate and roommate at Syracuse. It was Seikaly who urged Heat to take Douglas in the draft. is Seikaly who often benefits from-Douglas' assists. The two work well together.

Seikaly had 24 points. "He's proven all those experts wrong." Seikaly said. "They kept, saving, 'He's too this or too thaI, Well. I knew he could play and play well in this league. Tonight, he just' scratched the surface.

He's going to be a great player here." Douglas had career highs in min-'; ules played (43), points (31), field-goals (13) and steals (6). seven have had a game like this in 1989. "I just got on a roll, and when you get that feeling, everything seems to fall into place," Douglas said. "It was one of those nights when everything just goes your way. It felt good." Douglas, who was starting his fifth game of the season, taking over at point guard as veteran Rory Sparrow moved to shooting guard, often dictated the flow of the game.

He hit two free throws with 23 seconds left in regulation to tie the score, which sent the game into overtime when Orlando failed to get off a decent shot. On Orlando's previous tnp down-court, Douglas knocked the ball away from Magic guard Sam Vincent, foiling a chance for the Magic to take a four-point lead with 40 second left. Early in overtime, he grabbed a rebound and had enough sense to call timeout a split second before being whistled for a jump ball when the Magic quickly double-teamed him in the corner. His three-point play with 25 seconds left sealed the victory, then appropriately enough lie held the ball as the final seconds ticked away. "When he's good, he's really good," Miami Coach Ron Rothstein said.

"There are still nights when MIAMI They called him 'The General" when he played at Syracuse, as he left as the NCAA's all-time leader in assists and as a player who thoroughly understixxi the role of the point guard. Friday night, The General officially marched into Miami. Sherman Douglas or "General Sherman" as one hand-held sign in Miami Arena called him led the Miami Heat to the 122-114 overtime victory over the Orlando Magic, taking control in a game that was begging for someone to take charge. Douglas, who wasn't "good" enough to be a first-round draft choice, was plenty good enough to beat the Magic, getting 31 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds and 6 steals, the finest all-around performance for any Heat player this season. "Orlando was a little something special for me, for all of us," he said.

"This was one. we really wanted to win." Douglas, picked by the Heat on the first pick in the second round, was considered a little too short (6 feet at best) a half-step slow and too out of control to be a first-round pick. He was the eighth point guard taken, but none of the other ASSOCIATED PRESS Miami guard Sherman Douglas drives past Orlando's Sam Vincent for 2 of his 31 points. A rivalry? Are you kidding? I Heat fans just want a victory no matter the opponent; No Magic millionaires in survey COMPILED FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS By Tim Povtak 3 OF THE SENTINEL STAFF Game 1: Magic 104, Heat 99 (Nov. 28) Game 2: Heat 122, Magic 1 14, OT (Friday) Game 3: At Miami, March 7 Game 4: At Orlando, March 28 Rank, Player Team Salary-x 33 A C.

Green Lakers 150 1 Patrick Ewing Knicks $375 34. Sarunas Marciulionis Warnors 1.40 2 Chris Mullm Warnors 133 35. Stacey King Bulls V33 3. Magic Johnson Lakers 3i0 36. Joe Dumars Pistons 1 33 4.

Charles Barkley 76ers 300 37. Bill Cartwnght Bulls 1.32 5. Larry Bird Celtics 2 75 38. Mark Eaton Jazz 130 6. Michael Jordan Bui 250 39.

Buck Williams Blazers 1.30 7. Akeem Olajuwon Rockets 250 40. Drazen Petrovic Blazers 130 8 David Robinson Spurs Ti5 41. Jim Petersen Kings 1.30 9. Wayman Tisdale King! 250 42.

Alton Lister Warriors 1.20 10. Pervis Ellison Kings 240 43. Joe Barry Carroll Nets V20 11. Jon Koncak Hawks 220 44. Jack Sikma Bucks 1.20 12 Kevin Johnson Sure 214 45.

R. Reid Hornets 1.20 13. Terry Porter Blazers 214 46. Kevin McHale Celtics 1.20 14. Isiah Thomas Pistons 210 47.

Rolando Blackman Mavs 1.20 15. Dominique Wilkins Hawks 210 48. Sam Bowie Nets 1.20 16. Moses Malone Hawks 210 49. Benoit Benjamin Clippers 1.10 17.

Kevin Duckworth Blazers 210 50. Mark Jackson Knicks 1.10 18. Ralph Sampson Kingi 210 51. Otis Thorpe Rockets 1.10 19. Alex English Nuggets 210 52.

Brad Daugherty Cavs 1.10 20. Robert Parish Celtics 200 53. Byron Scott Lakers 1.10 21. Danny Manning Clippers 210 54 Wayne Cooper Blazers 1.10 22. Karl Malone Jazz Tlo 55.

Armon Gilliam Suns 1.10 23. Tom Chambers Suns 180 56. Clyde Drexler Blazers 1.10 24. Sean Elliot Spurs T80 57. John Stockton Jazz 105 25.

Terry Cummings Spurs Tto 58. Charles Oakley Knicks 1.00 26. Mike Gminski 76ers 170 59. Jeff Malone Bullets 1.00 27. Glen Rice Heat 160 60.

Thurl Bailey Jazz 100 28. Lafayette Lever Nuggets 170 61 Mark Price Cavs 100 29. Danny Schayes Nuggets 150 62. Larry Nance Cavs 100 30. Dale Ellis Sonics 150 63.

Roy Hinson Nets 100 31. James Worthy Lakers 150 64 KellY Tripucka Hornets 1 00 32. Bernard King Bullets 150 x4n mlllkxn SOURCE: KRTN MIAMI Orlando, New Jersey or Atlanta, it didn't really matter who Miami was playing Friday night not to the fans, anyway. The Heat fans just wanted a victory, hoping to snap a frustrating, nine-game losing streak that included games against both Orlando and Minnesota. Unlike last week, when the Heat played the Magic in Orlando, when fans worked themselves into a frenzy for the intrastate rival, the Heat's fans generally seemed disinterested in Friday's opponent.

They roared at times during the game, but it seemed to be because the game was close, not because it was against the Magic. Unlike last week, pregame introductions for the visiting team did not generate any sign of disfavor. There was silence instead of boos. "We just want a victory," said Julio Vasquez, who was wearing a Heat T-shirt. "The fact that it's Orlando doesn't really matter.

Orlando could be anywhere, for all I care." Heat fans, who seem more laid-back and not as starved for big-time sports as the Orlando crowd, arrived late, as usual. Although the announced crowd was 15,008, the ninth sellout in as many home games this season, there were an estimated 4,000 empty seats when the game began. By the end of the first quarter, the arena was full except for a few no-shows. Once the game heated up, though, a few fans got into the act. "Theus, I hope you break your leg," one fans' yelled shortly after Orlando's Reggie Theus and Mi-'" ami's Pat Cummings had a few heated words.

"Green, you're a bum," another fan yelled at Pn lando's Sidney Green after a technical was called'' against Green after he jostled with Miami's Rony''' Seikaly. A group of 50 Magic fans, called the Silver Circle because they had purchased 10 or more season ets, flew down to cheer the Magic. They dressed in white Magic T-shirts, sat together-, in the top few rows and repeatedly stood arid" cheered. Heat fans occasionally jeered them with chant isf home, Orlando." Another group of Magic fans, five season ticket-' holders, drove to Miami Friday afternoon to see -the game. There are six Portland Trail Blazers but no Orlando Magic among the NBA's 64 players who earn at least $1 million a year.

Rookie Glen Rice at $1.6 million is the lone member of the Miami Heat on the list. Patrick Ewing of the New York Knicks is the top grosser, according to a survey conducted by Timothy Renn, the marketing director for Philadelphia sports attorney Steve Kauffman. Ewing earns $3.75 million. Perhaps the most controversial name on the list is Jon Koncak of the Atlanta Hawks. Koncak, scoring fewer than six points per game, earns $2.2 million.

Koncak is one of 21 players eight rookies earning more than $1 million for the first time, reflecting the salary explosion in professional basketball. Only 11 players on the List have made an all-NBA team. The Minnesota Timberwolves, who along with the Magic began play this year, also are without a millionaire. "I'm a Redskins fans, and Redskin fans willi anywhere to see a game if they can get tickets," sak: Jack Tavenner or Orlando, who wore his sweatshirt. "Of course, I wanted to see this game This is a rivalry, isn't it?" 1 MAGIC BUS MAGIC FORWARD Sidney Green mistakenly caught the wrong bus from the team hotel to the arena.

While his teammates gathered on one bus, Green accidentally boarded a bus that had been reserved to take members of the Magic fan club to the game. Green, concerned that Guokas might have been upset, had the bus driver explain to Guokas what happened. BARRY COOPER seats, which were located at the top of the arena. CHEERLEADING MAGIC COACH Matt Guokas was emotionally charged from the start. He got off the bench early to yell encouragement to his players and to lobby for calls against the Heat.

Among his comments to the officials: "That's an illegal defense against Sherman Douglas. I saw it! I saw it1" The game -mazz Iii I' A. lt'' at i mill Heat 122, Magic 114 ORLANDO 0-4 Record in December Most points allowed 148 at Atlanta, Nov. 1 1 Mi-. reb player mln fg-a ft-tta 0-t a tp Calledge 44 12-19 9-14 7-11 1 4 33 Reynolds 42 8-19 3-5 2-4 2 5 19 Acres 22 1-2 1-2 2-4 3 3 3 Theus 37 4 20 8-9 0-4 5 1 16 Vincent 42 5-10 6-6 3-8 6 3 16 Smith 11 0-1 0-0 0-0 110 Green 29 2-8 3-5 5-13 0 4 7 Anderson 19 4-6 4-6 0-1 2 1 12 Turner 9 1-1 0-0 1-2 0 1 2 Skiles 10 2-3 0-0 0-2 2 2 6 Totals 265 39-89 3447 20-49 22 25 114 Longest winning streak 3 Longest losing streak 5 Largest home crowd 1 5,077 Average home attendance 15,000 Average road attendance 14,741 Number of home sellouts of 9 Average points scored 110.2 Average points allowed 116.3 Most points, player Theus, Catledge 33 Most rebounds, player Catledge, 16 Most assists, player Vincent, 16 Double-doubles Catledge, 9 Triple-doubles None Percentaaes FG 438.

FT .723. 3-Point Goals: 2-5. ,400 (Skiles 2-2, Reynolds 0-1, Theus 0-2) Team Rebounds. 16 Blocked shots: 5 (Reynolds 2. Vincent 2, Turner), Turnovers: 22 (Vincent 6.

Theus 4, Reynolds 4. Anderson 2, Skiles 2. Catledge. Acres. Green, Turner).

Sisals 7 (Reynolds 2, Green 2. Theus. Vincent. Smith), Technical fcul Green, 7 15 second Illegal defense Most points scored 121 vs. Detroit, Nov.

10 1 r9 MIAMI 'i'iFMTO reb MAGIC From C-1 game as a must-win contest, and the Heat triumphed after Orlando missed a chance to win on the final shot in regulation. Catledge's jumper from the corner at the buzzer barely missed. It circled the rim and spun out. The Heat, behind second-year forward Grant Long (22 points and six rebounds, eight points in overtime) controlled the extra period from start to finish. "It's nice to stop the bleeding, to end the losing streak," Miami Coach Ron Rothstein said.

"I told our guys at halftime, 'We have to play them four times this year, and every game is going to be a I think it was a great game, a really great effort on our part." Orlando Coach Matt Guokas was on his feet from the start, coaching hard from the sideline. It was a grand performance by both teams worthy of being remembered for seasons to come, what with the intensity of the players at a level usually seen only during the playoffs. The game was so fiercely fought that on a few occasions the players seemed on the verge of engaging in fist fights. There weren't any fights, but there was blood. Just 32 seconds into the overtime.

Green and Theus collided head-to-head when they dived hard for a loose ball. While play continued and Miami ran off on a five-against-three fast break, Green and Theus collapsed and rolled over onto their backs, writhing in apparent pain, with each man clutching his head with both hands. Green emerged woozy but uninjured. Theus wasn't as lucky. He was cut over the right eye and blood streamed down both of his arms.

As two attendants guided player min fg-a ft-fla o-t a tp Long 42 9-15 4-5 3-6 0 5 22 Thompson 37 4-13 1-2 2-5 5 4 9 Seikaly 42 11-17 2-2 3-12 1 6 24 Douglas 43 13-23 5-5 3-7 9 4 31 Sparrow 41 4-9 2-3 1-7 4 5 10 Frank 7 0-1 00 2-2 0 1 0 Edwards 24 5-9 6-8 0-1 2 1 16 Rice 15 0-7 2-2 1-2 1 1 2 Cummings 14 4-7 0-1 1-3 0 6 8 Total! 265 50-101 22-28 16-45 22 33 122 Percentages FG 495. FT 786 3-Point Goals 0-3, 000 (Seikaly 0-1. Spanow 0-2). Team Rebounds: 10. Blocked shots 10 (Thompson 3, Seikaly 3, Long, Douglas, Cummings, Sparrow).

Turnovers: 14 (Seikaly 3, Thompson 2, Sparrow 2, Edwards 2, Cummings 2. Long. Douglas Rice) Steals: 16 (Douglas 6, Long 3, Seikaly 3, Edwards 2, Sparrow, Cummings) Technical touls: None Illegal defense None ASSOCIATED PHtjiS Otis Smith guards Kevin Edwards, who looks for Rony Seikaly (4). THROUGH FRIDAY'S GAME 3-fX player min ty-toa pet tg-tga ft-ta pet a at) to reb ppg 33Catleage 15 366 123-247 498 00 77-122 631 12 Ti 44 146 222 24 Theus ii 335 121-293 413 902 103-117 880 94 13 60 59 35 Reynolds ii 333 KB-257 420 (W 83-107 776 50 32 39 96 167 11 Vincent IB 296 198 449 05 7060 875 108 23 43 65 137 25 Anderson ll 20 3 TX 487 00 SiT 7V7 24 13 28 69 102 2t Green ii 23 7 71-160 444 00 3754 685 11! ii 38 ii iol 40Corzine 01 210 i735 423 00 000 2 2 7 T7 73 32 Smith ii 143 3M3 47(5 ii vTTi 611 ii io ill 39 55 4 Skiles ii 139 ZMS6 446 61F 28-33 848 59 9 22 23 5 2 20 Wiley 4 155 ili 381 14 34 750 i) 4 12 2 50 45Ansley 13 Tm 4M CW il26 500 ii 3 9 47 4 8 42 Acres ii 201 27lfJ 540 Ti ii3o 662 7 16 93 Ji 31 Turner 17 fil ii57 368 (M ToOO 5 7 14 57 2 9 Team ii 242J 71642 448 1M6 49444 767 4Vf 147 J50 871 il61 Opp" ii 242i 836-1737 27-104 394437 7M 487 295 802 VUV3 1 mmm i 20 33 27 27 7 114 26 26 28 27 15 122 Orlando Miami A 15,008 T-235 him by the hand into the Magic's locker room, Theus muttered, "I'm all right. I'm all right." After the game he received 10 stitches, but temporarily he made do with a bandage.

Theus missed about one minute of play and then rushed out of the locker room, ran straight for Guokas and said, "I'm ready to go, Matty." Guokas appeared startled but took one look at Theus, who still had blood all over him, and without speaking motioned for Theus to get back into the game. That scene, Theus rushing out of the locker room, still suffering from his cut and still bleeding, exemplified how hard the playrJrs competed. i After the collision between Green and Theus, Orlando's pfiy never was in sync again. Catledce was the only Magic player to score in the extra period. He had eiit in the overtime all on foul shots.

After the game the Magic payors grieved over their inability 'to win in regulation. Orlando's biggest lead was six points, 58-52, with 1 1:05 left in the third quarter. FASHIONABLY LATE AS USUAL, it was a late-arriving crowd at Miami Arena. At 7 p.m., a halt-hour before tipotf, there appeared to be only 1,000 fans in the building The building was about three-quarters filled when the game started. There were scattered boos when the Magic players were introduced.

FROM THE RAFTERS ABOUT 50 members of the Magic's Sliver Circle Club attended. The fans flew down for the game but had poor SUN. I MON. tues. wed.

thurs. fri. I sat. os Orlando Orlando Orlando geles at at at at San Drlando, Milwaukee, Chicago, Antonio, 7:30 p.m. 8 30 p.m.

8 30 pm. 8 30pm i -1 i.