clarinews@clarinet.com (01/12/90)
MIAMI (UPI) -- Washington guard Jeff Malone gave the hapless Miami Heat a one-man shooting clinic as he passed the 10,000-point career mark and accounted for 39 of the 100 points the Bullets needed to down Miami 100-89. ``Jeff was incredible tonight,'' said Washington coach Wes Unseld. ``I've seen him have those nights before. He gets in gear and everything he puts up goes.'' Malone's magic touch helped Washington put an end Thursday night to a four-game losing streak, while Miami hasn't had a win in the last 12 games. The Heat's last victory was against Milwaukee on Dec. 16. Malone not only surpassed the 10,000-point mark in his career during the second quarter, but got a fast start towards the next 10,000 in the third quarter. Miami held a 59-56 lead in the third quarter before Malone took control of the game. He hit 9-of-12 shots in the quarter and was the leader of a 17-6 run. Malone converted on a 3-point play after being fouled and that started the streak. He hit guard Steve Colter with an assist that gave Washington a 61-59 lead. Malone then scored 15 of the next 21 points by the Bullets and gave them an 82-75 lead after three quarters. Malone's performance saved the Bullets. He hit 16-of-29 shots during the game, but Washington shot just 43.5 percent in spite of him. Forward Bernard King added 15 points. Miami was led by center Rony Seikaly's 25 points and 17 rebounds. The Heat shot only 41.1 percent from the floor. ``It's the same thing. We played well at times, but couldn't put four quarters together,'' said Miami coach Ron Rothstein. ``There's not much we can change now. We've got to just stress fundamentals and try to put two halves together.'' Miami lead through much of the first half and part of the third quarter, but could never maintain a comfortable lead. Washington used two Malone-led runs late in the first half, 8-0 and 6-1, to cut Miami's lead to 52-50 at halftime. Malone scored 13 points in the first half, including six straight in the second quarter to push himself over the 10,000-point mark.