Wright, Quinn fill needs

PHOENIX — If things work the way coach Pat Riley would like, Dorell Wright and Chris Quinn would fill huge gaps at small forward and point guard for the Heat, positions that have dogged the team since training camp.

On short notice both youngsters have come through with solid performances that have temporarily solved the two biggest lineup issues on the team.

No one knows how long Wright and Quinn will continue to start at their respective positions, but it's working for now.

"He and Dorell have played well," Riley said.

Wright starts the game at small forward, and Ricky Davis starts the second half at small forward. Both Wright and Davis said their roles would take some adjustment.

"It's good," Davis said. "When I'm there at the end of the battle and the game's on the line is when I want to be in the game."

Quinn, who entered Monday's game at Phoenix with a 2-1 record as a starter, got his starting job against the Clippers and Suns because Jason Williams sustained a sprained right ankle and didn't play the second half of Friday's game at Golden State.

Williams could be back for Thursday's home game against Washington, but Quinn could solidify his spot as backup point guard, ahead of Smush Parker, who didn't make the trip because of an incident last month with a parking valet in Miami.

Wade's loss, Zo's gain: Center Alonzo Mourning was credited with two more points and guard Dwyane Wade had two taken away from Sunday's 100-94 victory over the Clippers because the official scorer gave Wade two free throws that Mourning made.

That means Wade tied his season best with 33 points instead of establishing a season best with 35.

Mourning ends up with eight.

Roster issues: When Miami returns home it will have two personnel matters to handle regarding Parker and forward Luke Jackson, who is coming in for a workout.

Riley said last week the team would decide what to do about Parker when it gets back home although he didn't set a timetable for dealing with the matter.

Jackson, Cleveland's first-round pick in the 2004 draft, could be signed. If so, Miami would be required to make a roster move to clear a spot.

Forward Penny Hardaway knows he could be a candidate to be released.

"I've given it my all," said Hardaway, who missed the past two seasons with knee problems. "I went to training camp and I haven't missed a regular-season game. I haven't had any ailments or anything, just minor stuff so I'm definitely thankful and I hope if this situation doesn't work out I'll go somewhere else."

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

kaynak : NBA