WASHINGTON - Eddie Jordan was fired as coach of the Washington Wizards on Monday after opening the season 1-10 without injured starters Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood.
"That's an unacceptable record, obviously," team president Ernie Grunfeld said at a news conference to introduce director of player development Ed Tapscott as interim coach. Tapscott ran his first practice as an NBA head coach Monday morning and vowed to place a strong emphasis on defense - something Jordan repeatedly promised, too. Washington is allowing 103.5 points per game, 27th in the 30-team league.
In Monday's games
Bulls 101, Jazz 100 at Salt Lake City: Larry Hughes hit a 22-foot jumper as time expired to lift Chicago over Utah, giving the short-handed Jazz their first home loss of the season.
Hughes got the rebound after Derrick Rose missed inside with Utah leading 100-99 and got off the winning shot in time as the Jazz stood stunned on the floor. Rose finished with 25 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and nine assists.
Rockets 107, Heat 98 at Miami: Yao Ming scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Ron Artest scored 20 and Houston Rockets finished off a perfect three-game road trip against the Eastern Conference by beating Miami.
Bobcats 93, 76ers 84 at Charlotte, N.C.: D.J. Augustin scored 25 points and added a career-high 11 assists as and Charlotte beat Philadelphia.
Magic 108, Bucks 101 at Orlando, Fla.: Dwight Howard had 24 points and 13 rebounds to help Orlando stop Milwaukee.
