NUMBERS GAME

21 losses, before beating the Lakers, for the Nuggets in games they had failed to score 100 points. The most recent team to go a season without winning such a game was Atlanta, which was 0-22 in 1992-93. "It doesn't bother me a lick," coach George Karl said of his team's stat.

JORDAN OPENS MOUTH

Garbo, er, Jordan, finally talked. For only the third time since joining the Charlotte Bobcats in June, executive Michael Jordan, right, made himself available to local media.

After announcing coach Bernie Bickerstaff won't return, Jordan, criticized for his work ethic while a Wizards executive, showed that, between rounds of golf, he has had a chance to observe Texas star Kevin Durant.

"Obviously, you don't want to keep going into the lottery and (put) hope in a pick," Jordan told The Charlotte Observer. "(But) the kid who may present that is the kid in Texas. (He) may have that because he has all the right signs."

HE SAID IT

"If you're into double overtime, thrilling, best players on the planet, it was a pretty good game."

Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix coach, on the Suns' 129-127 win Wednesday in Dallas.

ROCKY POLL

• Last week's question

Who should be named NBA Coach of the Year?

49.3% Avery Johnson, Dallas

32.3% Jerry Sloan, Utah

8.8% Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix

5.8% Sam Mitchell, Toronto

3.8% Jeff Van Gundy, Houston

• This week's question

Who would be the toughest first-round playoff matchup for the Nuggets?

To vote, go to RockyMountain News.com/sports.