For the record: the great giant Wilt Chamberlain STARTED his career when he was TWENTY-THREE (23). So, after giving the long-time second fiddle to Shaquille O'Neal a 5 year head started (Bryant entered the league at 18), Wilt The Stilt "lost" this race by a mere 38 days. Which in reality (actual seasons and games played) means that Mr. Chamberlain beat the accused rapist to the record by more than FOUR YEARS. Rest easily, Mr. Chamberlain, you were a joy to follow. I am Oppressed.
In the Paint
Allen Iverson
Kobe's new milestone
Kobe Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 24,000 points when he scored 41 Friday night in Los Angeles to lead the shorthanded Lakers to a 114-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.The former Lower Merion High star became the 17th NBA player to reach the milestone when he scored on a second-quarter basket.
Bryant, at 31 years, 75 days old, hit the magic number 38 days before the late Wilt Chamberlain, another Philadelphia basketball legend.
A.I. unhappy
Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley gave four-time NBA scoring leader Allen Iverson permission to skip Memphis' game last night against the Los Angeles Clippers after a 114-98 loss to the Lakers the night before.A team spokesman said Iverson hopped a flight in the afternoon after he and his personal manager, Gary Moore, met with Heisley.
Friday night, Iverson reiterated his displeasure about coming off the bench for the first time in his 14-year career.
The worst part of his situation, Iverson said, was that he and coach Lionel Hollins have not discussed the situation in private.
"If Allen wants to talk to me, my door is open," Hollins said last night.
Swine flu hits Nets
New Jersey forward Chris Douglas-Roberts has the swine flu.He had been sidelined by flu symptoms, and Nets president Rod Thorn said yesterday that Douglas-Roberts tested positive for the H1N1 virus.
- Associated Press
