Sir Charles Barkley received a royal welcome in his return to Philadelphia Sunday and showed the Spectrum crowd exactly what they've been missing.
Barkley scored 35 points in leading the Phoenix Suns to a 110-100 victory over his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers.Barkley, who spent eight years in Philadelphia before being traded to the Suns after last season, had said he was nervous about his first appearance back at the Spectrum but didn't show it, knocking in three of his five 3-point attempts.
The crowd gave Barkley a raucous standing ovation when he was introduced and displayed banners of affection for the All-Star forward that read: "We need you to come back" and "We miss you." The fans also booed the hometown 76ers - with reason.
Philadelphia, 21-46, is 3-12 in its last 15 games and 11-23 at home on the season. Barkley's Suns improved to 12-2 in their last 14 games and ran their NBA-best mark to 52-15.
"It was great to come back here for the fans," Barkley said. "I'm glad it's over and I think now that I've come back here I can officially say I'm a member of the Phoenix Suns. I can officially close the chapter of my life with the 76ers."
Cedric Ceballos added 26 points and 15 rebounds for Phoenix. Kevin Johnson, back from a two-game suspension for his part in last Tuesday's brawl with the Knicks, scored 19.
Johnny Dawkins finished with 21 points to pace the 76ers, who lost their third straight game. Clarence Weatherspoon and Jeff Hornacek added 18 apiece.
Trail Blazers 121, Hornets 114
At Charlotte, N.C., Clyde Drexler scored eight of his 27 points in the final 3:37 to lead the Trail Blazers to their fourth straight victory. Drexler, who also had nine assists in his second game back since coming off the injured list, went 13-for-13 from the free-throw line. Larry Johnson finished with 27 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, while Alonzo Mourning added 25 points for the Hornets.
Timberwolves 101, Rockets 100
At Minneapolis, Doug West's jumper from the top of the key with 4.4 seconds remaining snapped the Timberwolves' six-game losing skid. West scored 19 of his 29 points in the final period, when Minnesota rallied from 15 points down. Chuck Person led the Timberwolves with 37 points. Hakeem Olajuwon had 20 points and 13 rebounds for Houston.
Celtics 114, Bullets 113
At Hartford, Conn., Dee Brown sank a jumper with 2.1 seconds left to lift the Celtics to their seventh straight win. Reggie Lewis scored 36 points and Xavier McDaniel added 22 with a season-high 14 rebounds for the Celtics, who improved to 11-2 in their last 13 games.
Pistons 91, Cavaliers 78
At Auburn Hills, Mich., Isiah Thomas scored 31 points, including 21 in the first half, held Cleveland's Mark Price to 0-for-11 shooting and dished out 10 assists for the Pistons.
Knicks 94, Warriors 84
At Oakland, Calif., John Starks scored 27 points and Patrick Ewing added 26 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks, who moved within one-half game of idle Chicago for the Eastern Conference lead.
Spurs 114, Mavericks 107
At Dallas, David Robinson scored 31 points as the Spurs defeated their Texas rival for the 11th consecutive time. San Antonio is 5-0 against the Mavericks this season. Antoine Carr added 21 points for the Spurs, who moved within one game of front-running Houston in the Midwest Division. The Mavericks fell to 7-61.
Lakers 92, Pacers 90
At Inglewood, Calif., Sedale Threatt's 18-foot baseline jumper with three seconds left snapped the Lakers' franchise-record six-game home losing streak.