Search

ARCHIVES
CONTACT US
WORLD NEWS

Gary Payton cruises over Kidd, Suns

Associated Press

SEATTLE - Gary Payton, out to prove he's the best point guard in the NBA, had 23 points and 13 assists to lead the Seattle SuperSonics over Jason Kidd and the Phoenix Suns 101-88 last night. Kidd, who outplayed Payton earlier this season in Phoenix, had 12 points and 15 assists.

Seattle ended a three-game home losing streak and sent the Suns to their fifth straight road loss. The Sonics had dropped six in a row to the Suns.

Payton, playing 43 minutes, sank 10-of-21 shots from the field, including 2-for-5 from 3-point range. Brent Barry added 21 points and Ruben Patterson 17 for the Sonics.

Kidd, who outscored Payton 25-11 in a 99-86 win over Seattle in Phoenix on Nov. 21, left with 4:26 to go and Seattle ahead 94-74.

Cliff Robinson led the Suns with 17 points, sinking three 3-pointers.

Vin Baker of Seattle was in foul trouble in the first half and was limited to seven points and six rebounds.

In the fourth quarter, consecutive 3-pointers by Rashard Lewis and Barry gave Seattle a 91-74 lead with 5:16 left.

Two free throws by Greg Foster, an inside basket by Lewis and a pair of free throws by Horace Grant gave Seattle a 71-58 advantage with 1:09 left in the third quarter.

The Sonics led 51-45 after Robinson made a 3-pointer as time ran out in the first half. Payton missed two free throws with seven seconds left in the second quarter.

Seattle was on top 47-38 with 2:17 to go in the first half after a pair of baskets by Payton and a three-point play by Patterson.