Kareem's Size Overwhelms Dr. J

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - When legends clash, check their measurements before picking the favorite.

In a one-on-one benefit for AIDS research dubbed "Clash of the Legends," Kareem Abdul-Jabbar used his 6-inch height advantage to outmuscle Julius Erving 41-23 Friday night.

"I'm the bigger man and I used it to my advantage. I conditioned for it and I thought I played well," said the 7-foot-1 Abdul-Jabbar, who retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1989 after setting the NBA's all-time scoring record with 38,387 points.

Erving, who retired from the Philadelphia 76ers in 1987 with 30,026 points as a pro, said he started poorly and couldn't catch up.

"I had to settle for the long-range shots and they were not falling in," he said.

The sellout crowd of 4,200 at the Trump Taj Mahal gave a standing ovation to a legend who wasn't in the game, Magic Johnson. Johnson left the Los Angeles Lakers this season after disclosing he had the virus that causes AIDS.

Johnson, observing from courtside, received hugs and handshakes as he watched Abdul-Jabbar take control of the match from the outset, shutting out the 6-7 Erving in the first five-minute quarter.

Don't look for a rematch. Both Abdul-Jabbar and Erving said they would not play a one-on-one contest again.

Johnson joked to the crowd that he wanted to play the winner. One man in the crowd shouted, "Hey Magic, we love you."

In the preliminaries, Rick Barry sank seven three-pointers to beat Connie Hawkins 29-17.

"The three-point line was college range and I really loved that rule since it was like a jump shot for me," Barry said.

In a second match, George Gervin whipped Tiny Archibald 35-14. Gervin then defeated Barry 29-26.

Promoters and cable operators agreed to donate $6 for each $19.95 pay per view order. Cable operators will donate $5 and promoters 50 cents to the American Foundation for AIDS research, plus 50 cents per hookup to the Magic Johnson Foundation.