With Scottie Pippen recovering from foot surgery and Dennis Rodman still getting into shape after missing the exhibition season, Michael Jordan is shouldering an even bigger load than usual for the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan had 29 points and 17 rebounds, one shy of his career high, as the Bulls beat the Orlando Magic 94-81 Wednesday night."That's just part of my leadership role, part of my responsibility," Jordan said. "I play like I know how, and help out in a lot of areas."
Jordan's rebounding helped the Bulls dominate the boards 45-38.
"Dennis is not starting, so I make a concentrated effort to go to the boards," he said. "We as a team have to take that same approach and not rely on him to do all the rebounding. You can't score without the ball, so rebounding is still important."
Jordan, who played 48 minutes in a double-overtime victory over San Antonio two nights earlier, was on the court for all but seven minutes as the Bulls beat the Magic for the 11th straight time.
"It's a method of getting me into game shape, playing these minutes," Jordan said. "I feel really good. I'm not worried about getting tired. When Scottie comes back, that'll relieve my duties and I'll get some rest."
The two-time defending champion Bulls have won three straight since their opening night loss to Boston.
Rony Seikaly scored 34 points for the Magic, whose 1-3 start is their worst since 1992.
Heat 90, Celtics 74
Jamal Mashburn scored 32 points, including 10 straight in the fourth quarter, as Miami won at Boston. Antoine Walker had 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Celtics, who have lost three in a row since upsetting Chicago.
Hawks 93, 76ers 88
Dikembe Mutombo had 20 points, 16 rebounds and eight blocks as visiting Atlanta improved to 4-0, its best start since 1986. Allen Iverson had 21 points and 11 assists for Philadelphia, which dropped to 0-3. Dee Kantner became the second female to referee a regular-season NBA game.
Hornets 110, Mavericks 103
Glen Rice scored 28 points and Dell Curry added 23 as Charlotte handed Dallas its first loss of the season. Khalid Reeves scored 24 and Michael Finley had 20 for the visiting Mavericks, who won their first three games.
Pacers 99, Pistons 87
Rik Smits scored 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter to lead Indiana at Detroit. Grant Hill had 29 points, eight assists and eight rebounds for the Pistons.
Nets 112, Warriors 96
New Jersey improved to 3-0 for the first time in franchise history and Golden State fell to 0-4, matching the team's worst start ever. Chris Gatling had 21 points and Sam Cassell 19 for the Nets, who won only 26 games last season. Donyell Marshall led the visiting Warriors with 21 points.
Spurs 87, Grizzlies 79
David Robinson had 22 points and 17 rebounds as San Antonio downed visiting Vancouver. The Grizzlies, who won three of four against the Spurs last season, were led by Anthony Peeler's 19 points.
Rockets 124, Clippers 110
Clyde Drexler scored 19 of his 43 points in the first quarter as Houston took control early and cruised at Los Angeles. Charles Barkley grabbed 21 rebounds and Mario Elie scored 20 points for the Rockets. Brent Barry scored 24 points for the Clippers, who dropped to 0-3.