clarinews@clarinet.com (01/18/90)
SALT LAKE CITY (UPI) -- Karl Malone scored 40 points and pulled down 9 rebounds as the Utah Jazz defeated the Atlanta Hawks 95-88 Wednesday night. Malone's point total was the fourth time in the past five games that he has scored 40 or more points. He scored 31 points against Denver Jan. 10 for his only sub-40 point contest in the span. During the first quarter, there were eight ties in a sea-saw period that ended with a 26-26 tie. With Utah leading 40-39 with 6:06 remaining in the half, the Jazz went on a 12-4 run to lead at the half 52-43. During the final six minutes, Atlanta did not score a field goal. They shot and connected on four free throws. Utah shot 58 percent during the first half, while Atlanta shot 36 percent. Karl Malone totalled 15 points at halftime. Atlanta opened up the third quarter by going on a 10-2 run and they closed the quarter with a 16-6 run as John Long hit a 20-footer to give Atlanta a 72-71 lead. Utah opened the final period with a 10-4 run to take an 81-76 lead on a Darryl Griffith 20-footer. Atlanta closed to within 3 points at 91-88 on a Moses Malone free throw with 1:21 remaining, but the Hawks did not score the rest of the way. John Stockton had 20 points and 13 assists for Utah. Dominique Wilkins led Atlanta with 27 points, while Moses Malone added 16. Atlanta has lost five in a row to drop its record to 18-17. Utah, winners of four straight, improved to 24-11. -- This, and all articles in this news hierarchy are Copyright 1990 by the wire service or information provider and licenced to Clarinet Communications Corp. for distribution. Except for free samples, only paid subscribers may access these articles. Any unauthorized access, reproduction or transmission is strictly prohibited. We will reward the first provider of information that helps us stop violators of this copyright. Send reports to reward@clarinet.com.