Payton Is Nba Player Of The Week
Seattle’s Gary Payton, who averaged 23.3 points in leading the SuperSonics to three straight victories and was perfect on 14 shots in one game, is the NBA Player of the Week.
Payton’s performance from the floor, a franchise record, came Wednesday when Seattle broke Cleveland’s 11-game winning streak by beating the Cavaliers 116-85.
During the week, Payton also averaged 8.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals.
In other Sonics news, guard Kendall Gill has been fined for failing to show up for practice because he missed a flight from Chicago, the team announced.
In addition to the fine for missing Sunday’s practice, Gill will not start tonight against the Golden State Warriors, the Sonics said. Under team policy, anyone who misses practice is automatically barred from starting in the next game.
The amount of the fine was not disclosed.
Questions swirl about Tarpley
Roy Tarpley’s off-court behavior again has become an on-court concern for the Dallas Mavericks.
Tarpley’s actions before, during and after Friday’s game against Indiana led to a lengthy meeting Sunday between Tarpley and coach Dick Motta. Tarpley and Motta met for more than 45 minutes.
Motta said Tarpley will be fined for showing up 15 minutes late to a pregame meeting Friday, and he will be fined for not remaining after the game to work out.
Following the game, several players and team officials told The Dallas Morning News that Tarpley’s behavior was different, in the locker room and during the game.
“I heard some things, too, people trying to read into something that wasn’t there,” said Tarpley. “I get (drug) tested seven days a week, so what can I possibly do, if I was going to do something? See, that’s what the issue is. All of a sudden, I’m high on something now?”
Wilson waived
The Sacramento Kings waived third-year forward Trevor Wilson. In 15 games this season, Wilson averaged 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds and just under 10 minutes of playing time.
Threatt isn’t one
The Los Angeles Lakers placed guard Sedale Threatt on the injured list due to a stress fracture in his right foot. Threatt, 33, has played in 26 games this season, averaging 10.0 points and 4.1 assists. He hasn’t played since Dec. 30.
Rookie in lineup
The Portland Trail Blazers placed backup point guard Steve Henson on the injured list and activated rookie guard Aaron McKie. Henson has a sprained toe on his left foot. He has appeared in 20 games, averaging 3.9 points, 2.9 assists and 12.6 minutes.