BASKETBALL MOURNING SEES FIRST ACTION SINCE TRANSPLANT

Alonzo Mourning had 12 points and five rebounds in his first game since undergoing a kidney transplant in December to lead the Nets to a 96-94 preseason win over Philadelphia last night.

The remarkable 34-year-old center went 3-of-5 from the field and 6-of-10 from the foul line in a 19-minute performance that was almost twice as long as coach Lawrence Frank wanted. Mourning, who received a kidney from a cousin on December 19, ran the court well and seemed to enjoy just playing again.

The few fans cheered when he first walked on the court with 6:15 left in the first quarter and they stood up again when he fouled out with 7:50 to play.

Richard Jefferson gave the Nets the victory with a driving baseline dunk with less than a second to play to cap a 21-point, 12-rebound effort.

KNICKS DOWN JAZZ IN FINAL PRESEASON GAME

Tim Thomas scored 19 of his 23 points in the third quarter, leading the Knicks past the Utah Jazz 89-83 last night in the final preseason game for both clubs.

Thomas started the second half with a 3-pointer and made two more before coming out just before the fourth quarter. Trevor Ariza added 12 points and nine rebounds, and Stephon Marbury had eight points and seven rebounds for the Knicks, who won their last three preseason games.

Allan Houston didn’t play because of left knee pain. The Knicks guard missed the entire preseason schedule and might start the regular season on the injured list.

JOHNSON RETIRES, BECOMES COACH WITH MAVS

Avery Johnson announced his retirement yesterday, officially ending his 16-year playing career and becoming a full-time assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks.

The 39-year-old Johnson played for Dallas in 2002-03, then re-signed with the Mavericks last month as a player-coach with no expectation of playing significant minutes. Johnson will be the top assistant to 64-year-old Don Nelson, who has tapped Johnson to take over when the head coach retires.

BASEBALL

BACKMAN DOESN’T WANT METS JOB

Wally Backman pulled out of the Mets’ managerial hunt to focus on his bid to get a job with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Backman, a former Mets second baseman who is a minor league manager in Arizona’s system, had a second interview with the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. He is one of three finalists to become their manager, along with Bob Melvin and Manny Acta. Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said yesterday that the Mets hope to hire a manager within the next week.

BELTRAN FILES FOR FREE AGENCY

After hitting eight homers for Houston to tie the postseason record, Carlos Beltran was among 65 players who filed for free agency yesterday. Acquired during the season from Kansas City, Beltran has said he would consider re-signing with the Astros if they keep the core of the team together. But rumors have been swirling about a possible multi-year deal with the Yankees.

Also filing yesterday were Toronto first baseman Carlos Delgado, White Sox outfielder Magglio Ordonez, Minnesota right-hander Brad Radke,and Philadelphia starter Kevin Millwood.

CUBS DECLINE OPTION ON ALOU

The Chicago Cubs declined an $11.5 million mutual option on outfielder Moises Alou yesterday and will pay him a a $2.5 million buyout. Alou led the team with a career-high 39 homers and 106 RBI and said he wanted to come back to Chicago next year. But the Cubs are looking for a younger and cheaper option than the 38-year-old as they remake their roster.

ASTROS PICK UP OPTION ON BIGGIO, NOT ON KENT

Craig Biggio will be back with the Houston Astros next season. If Jeff Kent returns, it will be at a reduced rate.

Biggio’s $3 million option was exercised yesterday by the Astros, who declined Kent’s $9 million option and will pay the second baseman a $700,000 buyout.

However, general manager Gerry Hunsicker said the team “made it clear to him that we had interest in sitting down with him and bringing him back under another contract scenario.”

PLANS FOR EXPOS DEBATED IN WASHINGTON

Residents packed the District of Columbia Council chambers yesterday to debate the mayor’s $440 million proposal to refurbish RFK Stadium and build a new ballpark for the Montreal Expos.

The public comment period began after presentations from city officials, and more than 230 individuals were scheduled to testify. Baseball supporters wore red ball caps with a “W” for Washington, and opponents wore navy blue caps that read “Neighborhoods First.”

Councilman David Catania called it “the worst deal in America” and railed against the arguments of City Administrator Robert Bobb and other mayoral appointees. Eric Price, deputy mayor for planning and economic development, argued that the plan is an investment. “It will have a tremendous impact on the city over the long term” by expanding the city’s tax base and jobs. Baseball’s agreement to move the Expos to Washington next season is contingent on the proposal becoming law.

BELTRE BECOMES FREE AGENT, HAS SURGERY

Dodgers slugger Adrian Beltre filed for free agency yesterday – the same day he underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove two large bone spurs from his left ankle.

Beltre, 25, hit .334 with a major league-leading 48 homers and 121 RBI this year. He earned $5 million this year and figures to be one of the most attractive free agents on the market. The Dodgers said Beltre is expected to complete his recovery from ankle surgery before spring training. He will be in a brace for 10 days and then wear a walking boot. He is expected to be able to resume jogging and running in eight weeks.

FOOTBALL

OGDEN SIGNS 7-YEAR DEAL WITH RAVENS

All-Pro left tackle Jonathan Ogden signed a new seven-year contract yesterday with the Baltimore Ravens.

The deal should allow the seven-time Pro Bowler to finish his career with the Ravens. Ogden is the second Ravens stalwart to sign a long-term deal this season. Cornerback Chris McAlister signed a seven-year contract earlier this month, and the team now has all eight of its 2003 Pro Bowlers signed through 2005.

REDSKINS’ TAYLOR DOUBTFUL FOR GAME AFTER ARREST

Washington Redskins rookie Sean Taylor was arrested early yesterday on charges of driving under the influence and refusing a breathalyzer test, the latest setback in a tumultuous year for the no. 5 overall draft pick.

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said it is “very unlikely” Taylor will play in Sunday’s game against Green Bay.

– Associated Press