clarinews@clarinet.com (01/15/90)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (UPI) -- Buck Williams made his only appearance in New Jersey Sunday night and provided a typical workmanlike performance. The former Nets forward scored 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to help pace the Portland Trail Blazers to a 99-90 triumph over New Jersey in the only NBA game. Williams was traded to Portland in the offseason after spending his first eight season toiling for New Jersey. ``I almost went to the wrong dressing room at halftime,'' said Williams. ``So many memories, the fans here made me feel good. I'm happy the trade was made because I'm with a winning team and contender.'' New Jersey is 11-25 and next-to-last in the Atlantic Division, Portland is 25-11 and battling with the Los Angeles Lakers for the lead in the Pacific Division. ``The only thing that disturbed me tonight was that we had too many turnovers,'' Portland Coach Rick Adelman said. ``That means we didn't play well but still won. ``Buck Williams' arrival solidified us. You can't believe what he has done for the chemistry on this club, we don't get pushed around anymore. We didn't want Buck to lose here.'' Clyde Drexler added 36 points and grabbed 13 rebounds Sunday as the Blazers posted their seventh win in eight games. ``Portland was a very good basketball team tonight,'' New Jersey Coach Bill Fitch said. ``They played us the full length of the court. We didn't capitalize on our opportunities and self-destructed in the fourth quarter.'' Jerome Kersey had 17 for Portland while Purvis Short led the Nets with 24 points. Roy Hinson and Chris Morris had 14 apiece for New Jersey. The Trail Blazers built a 14-point lead after three quarters and held on despite scoring just 13 points in the final period. Drexler scored 16 of his points in the third quarter and the Trail Blazers led 86-72 entering the fourth quarter. Drexler converted a New Jersey turnover into a basket and Terry Porter nailed a 3-point shot at the buzzer to give Portland a 56-46 haltime lead.