The Miami Heat has supplanted the New York Knicks on the Bulls’ short list of most-despised rivals.
“Miami beat the Knicks last year in the playoffs, so that gave them a lot of legitimacy,” Michael Jordan said after the Bulls’ 90-80 Christmas Day triumph at the United Center. “With the Knicks going through their adjustments without Patrick (Ewing), this (Miami) team is certainly one to be reckoned with.”
Last year the Heat had moderate success against the Bulls, winning three games (one in the playoffs). Alonzo Mourning, who fouled out in the fourth quarter Thursday after scoring 16 points, allowed Dennis Rodman (13 rebounds, eight points) to get inside his head.
Miami was coming off a five-day rest and one of its biggest wins of the year, a 99-92 victory over Atlanta.
Where there’s smoke: Scottie Pippen strolled through the Bulls’ locker room smoking a big cigar after Thursday’s game. His teammates will rest easier when Pippen suits up.
“I think we can be a lot better with Scottie back. That could be scary,” said Jordan.
Holiday special: Jordan and the Bulls are 7-0 at home in the 1990s playing on Christmas Day. The victory added to a perfect day for Jordan.
“I got a chance to see my kids smile and enjoy the day, and my wife as well,” he said. “That’s all I can ever ask for.”
Me, me, me! The 10 most selfish NBA players on the court, according to Sportsfan AOL: 10. Rony Seikaly, Orlando; 9. Dikembe Mutombo, Atlanta; 8. Ewing; 7. Glen Rice, Charlotte; 6. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Sacramento; 5. Kevin Willis, Houston; 4. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia; 3. Mourning; 2. Antoine Walker, Boston and 1. Glenn Robinson, Milwaukee.
Playoff nuggets: The New York Giants, who are home to the Minnesota Vikings in an opening-round NFC playoff game, became the first team to go through the NFC East undefeated (7-0-1), but they were 3-5 against all other teams. The Giants closed out the regular season with three straight wins by a combined score of 81-38. They are 6-2 at home. . . . The Miami Dolphins, who travel to New England, have scored a total of 12 points in their last two games after averaging 29 points in the previous five games. . . . Miami is second in the NFL in passing offense and the Patriots are tied for 21st in passing defense.
No sweat: David Patt, Chicago Area Runners Association executive director, says: “Don’t wear sweatshirts or sweatpants when you run in the winter. You’ll overheat and could suffer from hypothermia.”
Patt advises wearing thin layers of clothing that wipe away perspiration. “The air between the layers is what keeps you warm, not the thickness of the layers,” he says.
Charity stripe: Photographer John Huet profiles legendary street basketball players in a collection of 130 photographs that make up a “Soul of the Game” exhibit that runs Jan. 9 through March 15 at the Field Museum. Images of eight Chicago street ball legends, including Paul McPherson, Lamar Mondane and Arthur Sivils are featured. . . . The Chicago Bears Fan Club is sponsoring a “Vacation in Bear-A-Dise” Feb. 4-8 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Dozens of current and former Bears are scheduled to attend. Call 847-918-8863 for information. . . . The Chicago Golden Gloves boxing tournament will return for its 71st year with preliminary competition Feb. 16-18. Registration is Jan. 11 and 12 at Clarendon Park, 4501 N. Clarendon.
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Send e-mail to Fred Mitchell at Kick3485@aol.com
