Kemp, Sonics Pelt Wolves Karl Ejected In Fourth After Confrontation With Official

Shawn Kemp scored 21 points and had 15 rebounds Thursday night as the Seattle SuperSonics beat the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 23rd straight time, 117-86.

Seattle’s George Karl became the 27th coach to reach 400 wins but was ejected with 5 minutes left for arguing a call with official Bennett Salvatore.

Larry Stewart scored a season-high 19 points for the SuperSonics, and Gary Payton added 18 points as Seattle won its 12th straight home game.

Seattle led by as many as 25 points in the first half and increased the margin to 88-54 after three quarters.

Tom Gugliotta led the Wolves with 27 points and 10 rebounds.

With Seattle ahead 106-66 and 5:00 left, the Sonics’ Antonio Harvey was called for a flagrant foul on Stojko Frankovic. Karl got upset with Salvatore, charged the official and was restrained by assistant coach Terry Stotts and Kemp.

Kemp also was ejected, though he was clearly a peacemaker.

Minnesota outscored the Sonics 20-11 the rest of the way.

Detlef Schrempf scored seven points, including consecutive 3-pointers, as the Sonics used a 13-4 run to open a 71-40 lead early in the third period.

Minnesota rookie Stephon Marbury scored seven points in 38 minutes on 3-for-18 shooting.

Notes

Gugliotta was responsible for all seven of the Wolves first-quarter baskets. He was 5 for 5 from the field and assisted on the other two. … Minnesota will be without Kevin Garnett during this three-game road trip, which continues at the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers. Garnett sprained a foot against Sacramento on Tuesday.

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