Loss Ends 76ers In Search Of Exorcist

THE SUNDAY AGE

Sunday January 29, 1995

Philadelphia, Saturday.

THE 76ers were crying for an exorcist after their latest heartbreaker on Friday.

Danny Ainge made a steal and a free throw with less than two seconds left to give the Phoenix Suns a 108-107 win over Philadelphia, their seventh straight victory.

Dan Majerle, who scored 25 points, hit a three-pointer with 10.9 seconds left, to lift the Suns into a 107-107 tie. Then Ainge stole the ball from Willie Burton with 1.9 seconds to go and was fouled by Burton. With 1.7 seconds to go, Ainge missed the first free throw before hitting the game-winner.

Philadelphia blew a 21-point second-quarter lead and has lost three straight and 13 of its last 15.

``This was the first time since high school that I actually cried after a basketball game," Sixers coach John Lucas said. ``Somebody is punishing us."

Dana Barros, who set a team record with nine three-pointers, felt the same. ``I don't know what's going on," said Barros. ``We need an exorcism in here. Maybe we ain't living right or something."

Charles Barkley had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns (33-8), who have won 22 of their last 25 and are within a half-game of Orlando for the NBA's best record.

In Boston, the Celtics enjoyed a 117-91 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

In Denver, Dale Ellis scored 17 points and Dikembe Mutumbo added 14 as the Nuggets ended a five-game losing streak with a 96-90 triumph over the New Jersey Nets.