|
|
 |
 |
|
| |
Saturday, Dec. 18 10:00pm ET
New coach, same results for Grizz | |||||
|
| ||||||
RECAP
|
BOX SCORE
|
 GAME FLOW
SEATTLE (AP) -- Vancouver has a new head coach, but the Grizzlies' luck has not changed. Gary Payton scored 26 points, and six Sonics scored in double figures as Seattle ruined the debut of Lionel Hollins with a 112-89 romp over the Grizzlies. The Sonics outscored the Grizzlies 66-43 in the second half and beat the Grizzlies for the eighth straight time on their homecourt as Vancouver lost for the 16th time in its last 17 games. "It was hard to see much difference in them with a new head coach," Vin Baker said of the Grizzlies. "They play hard but they seem to be victims of bad breaks this season." He was referring to the Grizzlies two-point loss to the Sonics on Nov. 18 when the Sonics overcame a 16-point fourth quarter deficit. The Sonics rebounded after being routed by the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. They have not lost two straight games this season. "We bounced back from the Portland loss and that's what good teams do, and we are a good team," said Brent Barry, who had 12 points and eight assists. Ruben Patterson had 14 points and 11 rebounds and helped ignite the Sonics during the third quarter when they outscored the Grizzlies 28-17. Baker added 15 points for Seattle. Patterson was on the receiving end of a lob pass from Barry for a 52-48 lead that awoke the crowd of 14,094 and also seemed to get the lethargic Sonics started on their game-turning run in the third period. "I try and get my team and the crowd excited," Patterson said. "Hustle can really make a difference sometimes." Shareef Abdur-Rahim led the Grizzlies with 25 points and Michael Dickerson added 14 points. "It's not the start we would have wanted," Abdur-Rahim said. "I'm not discouraged at all. I'm excited to be playing for him (Hollins)." Grizzlies point guard Mike Bibby said Hollins presence as head coach will be a plus. "We felt more relaxed out there. We'll be alright." Seattle opened up an 18-point lead in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter on Vernon Maxwell's 3-pointer. The Sonics biggest lead was 110-82 with two minutes left. Hollins credited Seattle's defense with breaking the game open. Seattle led 68-63. Dickerson missed a free throw after a technical foul on Sonics Paul Westphal with 1:04 left in the third quarter. Seattle pulled away after that. "After we missed that free throw, we couldn't buy a basket," Hollins said. "Seattle trapped at us at halfcourt and that kept us from getting the ball into the post." Frustration boiled over midway through the fourth period for the Grizzlies. They were whistled for three technical fouls - one on Hollins, one on their bench and another on Othella Harrington over a three minute span. The Sonics used a 16-2 run in the first seven minutes of the third quarter to take command. After Vancouver scored the first basket of the third quarter for a 48-46 lead, the Sonics went on an 8-0 run with Brent Barry setting up two Patterson baskets with passes for a 54-48 lead with 8:55 left in the third period. Patterson also had an assist and a steal during the Sonics spurt.
Game notes | ALSO SEE NBA Scoreboard Vancouver Clubhouse Seattle Clubhouse RECAPS Washington 95 New York 83
Seattle 112
  | |||||