But Rasual Butler nailed a 3-pointer and Ryan Bowen added a couple of free throws for an 18-point New Orleans lead at halftime.
“They’re a team to beat for the NBA championship,” Jordan said.
A stop-and-go match failed to get the crowd of 15,872 roaring until the fourth quarter, when things opened up after Scott brought Paul back out.
“We really have a lot of guys playing really well and it’s going to make the rotations much easier,” Scott said.
The game, played at the site of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, capped the NBA’s four-game exhibition series. The New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat were also part of the tour, with the Nets winning both games — 100-98 in overtime in Paris before a 94-92 win in London.
Spain has always held an important place in the NBA’s overseas tour plans as the league made its ninth visit and fourth to Barcelona.
Jamison said the series was just what the team needed but that he would like to also face some European opposition on the next tour.
“These games, the preseason doesn’t count, but they are important to help you see where you are. Maybe playing a European team would make you see different things,” Jamison said.
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