The Rockets vs.the Hawk By Mike Gathman The Houston Rockets defeated being d o w n by 16 points, the Hawks Rockets. H e also grabbed eigl the Atlanta Hawks 120-107 in the fought back to tie the game but never bounds in the game first National Basketball Associa- took the lead. Wilkins led the home team Hawks ton played in the game and a I tion game held at the Liberty Uniwith 20 points. W h e n asked what he scored. Three starters scored 14 t versity Vines Convocation Center in Lynchburg, Va., on October looked to gain from a preseason game, more points, playing in less than Wilkins said, "It's early, and I a m just minutes at the most. Forward Ot 19,1991. A n enthusiastic crowd of 8,475 working on the little things in the Thorpe scored 19 points and guai Eric "Sleepy" Floyd scored 14 poin cheered as N B A superstars Do- game." along with Maxwell's 23 points. The Houston team, w h o led for minique Wilkins and H a k e e m Atlanta guard Rumeal Robinsi most of the game, was led by guard Olajuwon, both six-time All-Stars, was the second leading scorer wil Vernon Maxwell, w h o scored 23 tuned up their games during the 16 points in the game. Backup guai preseason game. The crowd ex- points. None of the Hawks seemed ploded several times when Wilkins surprised to see Maxwell score big. slammed the ball h o m e on Wilkins said, "If you watch him a lot, for the losing Hawks. Houston's backup forward, La he will do that many times." breakaways. Smith, led the Rockets with 13 Rookie guard from the University Houston defeated Atlanta fairly bounds in only 22 minutes. Atla of Nevada-Las Vegas, Stacey A u g m o n easily, winning by 13 points. After forward, Kevin Willis, led the Hav started the game and scored seven 8:05 in the first quarter, the Rockets never relinquished the lead. The points in 28 minutes for the Hawks. Houston turned the ball over Neither team worked any players was in the third quarter when, after for more than 25 minutes because it times compared to 14 turnovers I was still early in the Atlanta. However, it was the Rock preseason. Olajuwon scored only s/turno nine points in 20 min- points. utes of action for the
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