MINNEAPOLIS — Darko Milicic has started what might be his last chance in the NBA.
Milicic, traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves last week by the New York Knicks, scored eight points in 19 minutes Sunday night in a 109-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 24-year-old hadn’t played since Nov. 13 and saw time in only eight games this season for the Knicks. While Milicic wanted to be released so he could return to his native Serbia, he said he will try to make the most of the final 26 games on the Timberwolves’ schedule.
The former No. 2 overall pick was selected ahead of Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh in the 2003 NBA draft. Milicic has averaged 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in his seven seasons in the league.
Parker out of Spurs’ lineup •
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Spurs guard Tony Parker missed Sunday’s game against the Pistons because of a strained left hip flexor.
Parker, second on the team in scoring and first in assists, missed his ninth game of the season.
Miami’s Wade improving •
MIAMI — All-Star Game MVP Wade of the Heat is no longer in a walking boot and remains listed as day-to-day with a strained left calf.
The star guard underwent tests confirming that the injury — suffered last week in a game against New Jersey — is not more severe than first thought. The Heat said Wade will continue to undergo treatment.
Two Warriors sidelined •
OAKLAND, Calif. — Warriors forwards Corey Maggette and Ronny Turiaf were inactive scratched for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Maggette traveled to Los Angeles to have his strained left hamstring examined.
Turiaf missed the game with an illness.
