BASKETBALL

BASKETBALL

The Portland Trail Blazers fan who was punched by Vernon Maxwell during a game last month is suing the National Basketball Association star and the Houston Rockets for $4.5m (£2.9m). Steve George is seeking $1.4m from Maxwell for his actions, and for allegedly slanderous comments he made later. He is also seeking another $3.1m from the club for failing to control the player.

NBA: Detroit 93 San Antonio 114; Indiana 98 New Jersey 87; Denver 113 LA Clippers 104; Utah 128 Washington 102.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division

W L Pct GB

*Orlando 52 17 .754 -

*New York 44 23 .657 7

New Jersey 27 42 .391 25

Miami 27 42 .391 25

Boston 26 42 .382 25.5

Washington 18 50 .265 33.5

Philadelphia 18 50 .265 33.5

Central Division

W L Pct GB

*Indiana 44 25 .638 -

*Charlotte 42 26 .618 1.5

Cleveland 38 30 .559 5.5

Chicago 36 33 .522 8

Atlanta 33 35 .485 10.5

Milwaukee 27 42 .391 17

Detroit 25 44 .362 19

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Midwest Division

W L Pct GB

*Utah 51 19 .729 -

*San Antonio 49 18 .731 .5

Houston 41 27 .603 9

Denver 33 36 .478 17.5

Dallas 29 37 .439 20

Minnesota 19 50 .275 31.5

Pacific Division

W L Pct GB

*Phoenix 49 19 .721 -

*Seattle 48 20 .706 1

LA Lakers 42 25 .627 6.5

Portland 36 31 .537 12.5

Sacramento 33 35 .485 16

Golden State 21 47 .309 28

LA Clippers 14 57 .197 36.5

* clinched play-off berth