European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 12, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Page 22 b the stars and stripes tuesday november 12,1991around the Aba Threatt leads lakers past Timber wolves lakers James worthy reads magic Johnson a letter to the fans before Start of game against the Timber wolves. Inglewood Calif. A the los Angeles lakers followed magic a message and won for the first time since their superstars emotional retirement beat ing the Minnesota Timber wolves 96-86 sunday night. Sedale Threatt who took the Point guard Job left vacant by Johnson scored 27 Points and had 14 assists both highs since joining the lakers this season As los Angeles won for Only the second time in five games. Before the game James worthy told the crowd of 16,833 How difficult a time the lakers have had coping with Johnson a announcement that he has the virus that causes aids. A a there a one thing we be decided As a team that a to do what magic would want us to do a he said. A a he a Given us so much Over the last 12 years. Its very important to us that we continue to play continue to have the same attitude and continue to win. A a it a Only fair that we give him in return the same courageous Faith and courageous Confidence and courageous support he a Given  worthy also read a letter from Johnson who was vacationing in an undisclosed location in which he thanked lakers fans and told them a we the lakers need your support More than Ever before. I say this to All of my teammates because starting now its winning  the crowd Many of them holding signs wishing Johnson Well responded with a thundering ovation. The lakers seemed to respond to worthy swords As Well showing a marked improvement Over Friday nights 113-85 drubbing at Phoenix. Leading 51-41 at halftime they broke the game open in the third period with a 13-6 run that gave them a 6447 Lead with 6 20 remaining in the third Quarter. The lakers were sluggish in the fourth Quarter and the Timber wolves Cut the Lead to 91-82 with 3 20 to go on a jumper from the top of the key by Pooh Richardson. But Sam Perkins hit three free throws and a Basket Down the stretch to preserve the win. Minnesota was led by Tony Campbell with 14 Points. Tyrone Corbin and Doug West each added 13. Threatt and Byron Scott combined for 19 of the lakers 29 Points in the third Quarter. Threatt started the period with a pair of steals that each led to a Dunk by Scott. Scott put the lakers ahead 68-51 on a 3-Pointer with 5 18 left m the Quarter. Threatts free throw with 2 45 left gave the lakers their biggest Lead of the game 78-60. The wolves came Back to close it to 80-66 at the end of the third Quarter on a Hook shot and two free throws by Randy Breuer. The lakers ended the first half with a 15-6 run that gave them a 51-41 halftime Lead. After Tony Campbells 15-foot jumper pulled the Timi be wolves to 36-35 with 5 27 left in the half Scott started the run with an 18-foot jump shot from the Baseline and added two More baskets before time expired. Threatt finished the half with 14 Points and eight assists. In the first half he brought the lakers Back from a 19-16 deficit hitting a 20-foot jumper and resulting free throw a 17-foot jumper and a 3-Pointer that gave los Angeles a 24-21 Lead at the end of the first Quarter. Scott finished with 21  will Start his medication soon Inglewood Calif. Up the agent for magic Johnson said sunday night the retired los Angeles lakers Star will begin taking medication to combat the his virus upon his return from vacation in about a week. Johnson who announced his retirement from the Aba thursday while revealing he has tested positive for the virus that causes aids left saturday reportedly for Hawaii on a private plane for a trip with his wife cookie. Lon Rosen said the three time most valuable player was in a secluded place on a a vacation of undetermined length and hoped to keep it private. A the will begin treatment when he re turns a Rosen said at the forum before sunday nights game against the Minnesota Timber wolves. A a it a not critical or else he  be on vacation but he wants to Start it. The reason he a not starting it now is because he needs to be monitored while he a taking  Rosen said Johnson would probably combat the virus with at a life prolonging drug used to bolster a persons immune system. Rosen indicated Johnson was informed he had tested positive on oct. 25, a week before the Start of the regular season. Johnson flew with the team for an exhibition in Salt Lake City that night but returned Home immediately. The lakers said he was suffering from a flu and  Rosen said Johnson 32, had More blood taken oct. 27, and was told wednesday night he definitely had the disease. His or the human immunodeficiency virus affects the body a ability to fight infection. Or. Michael Mellman the lakers physician said Friday that Johnson contracted the virus through heterosexual activity. At acts to slow the effects of the virus and delay the appearance of full blown aids which is fatal. Although it is effective in easing the Early symptoms of aids at does have serious Side effects. Bone marrow destruction liver damage anaemia and problems within the nervous system Are known to be associated with the drug. David to director of new York University a Aaron Diamond aids research Center told the los Angeles times sunday that Johnson a wife has tested negative for the his antibodies and infection. Rosen said Johnson has told the lakers he wants to sit next to coach Mike Dunleavy during some games and attend practices. A i Hope he can sit at games next to me a Dunleavy said. A the can come by and watch films at my House. I want to keep him  Drexler Trail blazers Wallop celtics 116-90 by the associated press Portland Ore. A the Early season troubles appear to be Over for the Portland Trail blazers. For the Boston celtics they May have just begun. Clyde Drexler scored 26 Points including Portland a first 10 in the decisive third Quarter As the Trail blazers rolled Over Boston 116-90 sunday night their most one sided Victory Over the celtics in 14 years. Portland Hadnot beaten Boston this convincingly since a 31-Point win in december 1977. A your team has not been playing As Well As we had hoped to a Drexler said a but tonight a game was very Good. The defense is what did it for us. Hopefully Well play this kind of defense the rest of the  Drexler a offence Wasny to bad either. He had a 3-Point Field goal 3-Point play layups and 14-foot jumper As Portland outscored the cold shooting celtics 16-6 to Start the Sec Oil half and take a 17-Point Lead. The blazers who won consecutive s Ames for the first time this season led y As Many As 22 in the third Quarter and the celtics losers of three in a Row never came closer than 16 in the final period. Larry Bird missed 12 of his first 15 shots and wound up 5 for 18. Kevin Mchale was 5 for 15 from the Field. Cliff Robinson came off the Bench to score 14 Points and grab a career High 11 rebounds for the blazers. Terry Porter scored 16 for the winners. Reggie Lewis topped the celtics with 18 Points. Pistons 85, bullets 79 Auburn Hills Mich. Joe do Mars scored 12 of his 24 Points in the fourth Quarter including the go ahead jumper with 2 45 left As Detroit beat Washington. Detroit trailed by nine Points going into the final period but allowed the bullets Only 13 Points in the Quarter and just one in the last 3 43. Isiah Thomas added 21 Points for the pistons who won their fourth straight game after a season opening loss. Washington lost its fourth straight despite 23 Points from Michael Adams. Lany Bird goes to the hoop for one of us few baskets against the Trail blazers