SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs' season opener was delayed for 50 minutes last night when a fireworks display triggered the Alamodome sprinkler system, drenching fans, players and coaches.

A high-pressure water cannon in back of the stadium's lower grandstand poured water on the crowd shortly after the fireworks display.

The fireworks accompanied player introductions for the Spurs' game against Golden State.

Players and coaches watched the shower, then hurried back to the locker rooms upon realizing they were about to get soaked.

Some fans opened umbrellas during the three-minute shower.

Spur spokesman Tom James was not sure of the accident's cause.

"They have pyrotechnics in here all the time," he said. "We're not sure what it is."

The stream initially only hit the crowd but gradually became stronger and reached the court. The public address announcer urged fans to stay calm.

Many of the fans soaked were sitting in the season-ticket area.

"It got us real good," said a drenched Mary Brown. "At first I thought somebody had thrown some beer or something. We hid under our jackets."

Season ticket-holder Lee Smith said the water hit her straight-on.

"The water was pushing us," she said. "We were forced down the aisle. This will be the most memorable game. We were laughing all the way down."

Worthy to retire?

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Laker forward James Worthy is contemplating retiring after 12 seasons in the NBA.

"It could be any time," said Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak. "I don't think this is something that gets put on the back burner."

Worthy, a seven-time All Star and the only player on the team with a championship ring from the dynasty days, was put on the injured list Thursday and did not accompany the team for its opener at Detroit.

He could not be reached for comment and has not been with the team since his mother, Gladys, died of a heart attack Oct. 22.