Sonics’ losing streak ties record
SEATTLE – Marvin Williams scored a career-high 33 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 99-90 victory that extended the Seattle SuperSonics’ losing streak to a franchise record-tying 13 games.
Williams, who grew up in Bremerton, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, had 16 points in the first half as the Hawks blew away the Sonics early to end a four-game losing streak. He also scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to hold off a late rally by the Sonics.
Chris Wilcox scored 18 points and had seven rebounds to lead the Sonics. Kevin Durant added 17 points and Damien Wilkins had 14 points.
Seattle tied the team record of 13 consecutive losses set over the final five games of last season and the first eight this season.
Williams shot 12 for 20 from the field and 9 for 12 on free throws. He also had seven rebounds.
Al Horford had 10 points and 16 rebounds for the Hawks. Josh Smith added 14 points and Joe Johnson had 13 points and seven assists.
Atlanta led by as many as 24 points in the second half. The Sonics made a late run in the fourth quarter to get within nine points with 1:21 remaining.
But Williams stole the ball and drove the length of the court for a dunk with 58 seconds remaining.
Williams had a team-high 16 points in the first half to give the Hawks a 52-31 lead. They led by as many as 23 late in the second quarter.
The Sonics shot 30 percent (14 for 46) from the field in the first half. Durant was 4 for 14 in the half and finished 7 for 21.
The Sonics failed to make any kind of dent in the large deficit until a run in the fourth quarter cut the lead to nine points. Wilkins scored nine in the final quarter to lead the rally.
Williams scored on a variety of shots in the fourth quarter to hold off the Sonics. He scored on an inside move midway through the final quarter to break his career high of 26 points set against Miami in 2005-2006, the first-round picks’ rookie season.
Durant hit a 3-pointer just before the buzzer as the Sonics beat Atlanta 126-123 in two overtimes Nov. 16. Damien Wilkins had 41 points in the win.