Horry’s Towel Toss Nets Two-Game Suspension

Phoenix Suns president Jerry Colangelo wished he could have thrown the book at forward Robert Horry for throwing a towel in coach Danny Ainge’s face.

Horry was suspended for two games without pay Monday by the Suns, who because of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement were only able to impose a two-game penalty.

In the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game in Boston, Horry screamed obscenities at Ainge and threw a towel in his coach’s face before being restrained by teammates.

The penalty is worth about $40,000 in salary and a few thousand dollars in fines. Colangelo wishes the punishment was more severe.

“I’m of the old school, so I would have taken much sterner action if we weren’t limited by the bargaining agreement,” Colangelo said, comparing Horry to an unruly child who is “a shadow of his former self” as a player.

“My belief is that it was really frustration with his own play,” Colangelo said.

Horry apologized to Ainge and the team.

Comings and goings

Orlando guard Anfernee Hardaway, sidelined for 23 of the Magic’s 28 games because of leg injuries, expects to return to the lineup tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The All-Star point guard practiced the past two days and was activated Monday. Kenny Smith, signed Dec. 18 after Hardaway went on the injured list for the second time this season, was released.

Forward-center Steve Scheffler has been activated, the Seattle SuperSonics said. Scheffler had been on the injured list since Dec. 26, suffering from inflammation of the sole of his right foot. He missed five games.

Denver Nuggets forward Antonio McDyess will be sidelined at least two weeks because of a nagging sprain to his right ankle.

On the court

Scottie Pippen scored 24 points and Michael Jordan 23 as the Chicago Bulls avenged a November loss to Utah by beating the Jazz 102-89 Monday night. Dennis Rodman added 16 rebounds for the Bulls.

Karl Malone scored 27 points and John Stockton 18 for Utah.

Kenny Anderson scored Portland’s final eight points as the Trail Blazers beat visiting Los Angeles 88-84 for their fifth win in a row.

In a battle against Arvydas Sabonis, Shaquille O’Neal had 34 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers. But he was just 4-for-14 from the free throw line. Sabonis led the Blazers with 24 points.

Glen Rice scored a season-high 39 points and Anthony Mason added 27 points and 18 rebounds as Charlotte won at Golden State, 109-101.