Korean Scores In NBA Game

Korean NBA player Ha Seung-jin (20) of the Portland Trailblazers scored points and grabbed rebounds in his first game of the season.

During his four minutes of playing time as a replacement in an away game against Washington Wizards, Ha shot a two-pointer and made two rebounds.

Ha’s name was on the roster on November 26, making the day’s game his first in 14 games this season. Counting last season, it has been seven months since his last game against the Los Angeles Lakers (April 21).

Ha stepped out onto the court near the end of the first quarter, replacing the center Joel Przybilla. Right away, he got a rebound. With 1 minute and 38 seconds left in the quarter, he took another rebound and calmly scored a shot. In the remaining time after that, Ha got 3 fouls and no additional points. Ha was not able to make more contributions in the second quarter and got called back to bench.

Portland was gaining on Wizards, 87-91 score. Przybilla scored a dunk 58 seconds before the end, but that amounted to nothing as they immediately allowed a three-pointer and a swift turnover by their opponents. The final score was 89-96, with the Wizards defeating the Trailblazers. Portland’s current record is 5 wins and 9 losses.

The Miami Heat defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 96-74. Shaquille O’Neal did not play due to injury, but backup center Alonzo Mourning (14 points, 12 rebounds) and point guard Jason Williams (21 points, 9 assists) led the team to its first away victory this season.

The Philadelphia 76ers lost to the Boston Celtics 103-110, despite the hustle of Allen Iverson who scored 40 points. Iverson failed to turn the tide in the final quarter because of tight defense.

Sung-Kyu Kim kimsk@donga.com