NBA -- Nuggets Rocked By Bad News: Eric Williams Out For Season

DENVER - Off to an 0-4 start, things got worse for Denver's Nuggets when they learned top scorer Eric Williams probably will miss the rest of the season with a torn knee ligament.

Williams, who signed a $26 million contract after being acquired in an offseason trade with Boston, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Denver's 91-89 loss to Utah on Friday.

Williams left after bumping knees with a Utah player in the third quarter, but returned to play 13 more minutes. A magnetic resonance imaging test Saturday revealed the tear.

"I just feel terrible for Eric," Nugget Coach Bill Hanzlik said. "He was having a great year and the system really fit him."

Williams, a 6-foot-8 forward, averaged 19.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in Denver's up-tempo offense. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by Johnny Newman.

The Nuggets hope to get more inside help from LaPhonso Ellis, who will come off the injured list for Denver's game at Boston on Wednesday. Ellis has been recuperating from a torn right Achilles tendon.

SURVEY SAYS . . .

HOUSTON - The Rockets' family feud - at least the public portion - is over.

The trio of Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and Clyde Drexler put their personal feelings on display after Friday's 86-85 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

But after a midcourt airing of differences at yesterday's practice, the first team gathering since Friday, everyone was smiling again and vowing to keep disputes private.

"I think this could bring the team closer," said Olajuwon, who started the quarrel by complaining he wasn't part of the game plan in the closing minutes.

Olajuwon took one shot in the closing minutes and Barkley took the final shot, which he missed. Olajuwon complained that he should have gotten the ball, and Clyde Drexler agreed. Barkley called Olajuwon selfish.

NOTE

-- Detroit guard Joe Dumars suffered an injured left shoulder last night against Vancouver.