Thursday, April 19, 2001
ORLANDO, Fla. >> As the injuries ravaging the Miami Heat's backcourt create many questions entering the playoffs, coach Pat Riley may have found an answer on his bench. Carter hurt as Heat
close with a winAssociated Press
Eddie House scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter in leading Miami to a 103-91 regular season-ending victory over the Orlando Magic last night.
The Heat, who open the postseason Saturday night against Charlotte, may have to do without guards Tim Hardaway and University of Hawaii alumnus Anthony Carter. Hardaway is ailing from a bruised left foot and Carter sprained his ankle early against Orlando.
"If both of them can't play Saturday night, then I think it's safe to say that a star is born in Eddie House," Riley said. "We'll have to do some shifting, no doubt. I don't even want to think about it, though."
A.C. Green also showed that he's ready to help in the playoffs. Against Orlando, the 37-year-old forward had 19 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in 38 minutes -- all season-highs.
"A.C. can be a huge factor," said Heat center Alonzo Mourning, who had 17 points and nine rebounds in three quarters. "Everybody needs to contribute and have one idea, and that is to improve the level of play for the team."
"I'm really looking forward to the playoffs," Orlando coach Doc Rivers said. "This is my first time (as a coach) and this is most of the players' first time. Let's hope that we will all learn together. I do favor learning in a winning way."
