Sonics’ Defense Stops Grizzlies

Pressure defense and deadly outside shooting have allowed the Seattle SuperSonics to forge the second-best record in the NBA.

The Sonics forced 17 turnovers that led to 24 points Sunday when they rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Vancouver Grizzlies 118-109.

“We did what we had to do,” said matter-off-act guard Gary Payton of the Sonics. “When you play great defense, things start to happen.

“The coach felt a small lineup would be good for us. We ran them, got a lot of steals and some easy baskets.”

The Sonics won the season series over the expansion Grizzlies 3-1 by winning for the sixth straight game.

“I’m glad we don’t have to play them anymore,” said Sonics coach George Karl. “We’ve struggled on this court and we were fortunate to win.”

Shawn Kemp scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as Seattle improved to 38-12.

“The difference in the game is shooting,” said Vancouver coach Brian Winters. “That’s why they’re one of the best teams in the NBA.”

Vancouver got 23 points from guard Blue Edwards and 20 by backcourt partner Greg Anthony, who also had 11 assists. The expansion Grizzlies dropped to 11-39.

Kemp had 12 points in the first quarter, but jammed his wrist early in the second period when blocking a shot by Anthony Avent. Kemp left the floor in pain, but returned late in the half.

SuperSonics 118, Grizzlies 109

FG FT Reb SEATTLE Min M-A M-A O-T A PF Pts Schrempf 32 5-12 7-7 1-2 6 3 17 Kemp 37 9-10 7-12 3-12 5 3 25 Johnson 14 0-1 2-2 0-1 0 2 2 Hawkins 35 5-9 2-3 0-3 2 1 14 Payton 44 8-14 2-4 0-1 7 4 19 McMillan 21 4-5 0-0 0-3 6 3 10 Perkins 21 4-7 2-4 0-2 5 3 12 Brickowski 12 3-3 0-0 0-1 0 1 7 Askew 24 4-8 2-3 1-2 0 3 12 Totals 240 42-69 24-35 5-27 31 23 118 Percentages: FG .609, FT .686.

3-Point Goals: 10-17, .588 (McMillan 2-2, Askew 2-2, Hawkins 2-3, Perkins 2-4, Brickowski 1-1, Payton 1-4, Schrempf 0-1).

Team Rebounds: 11.

Blocked shots: 4 (Kemp 3, Johnson).

Turnovers: 18 (Schrempf 5, Payton 5, Hawkins 3, Kemp 2, Johnson, Brickowski, Askew).

Steals: 12 (Payton 5, McMillan 4, Schrempf, Hawkins, Brickowski).

Technical foul: Coach Karl, 4:03 fourth.

Illegal defense: None.

FG FT Reb VANCOUVER Min M-A M-A O-T A PF Pts King 17 3-4 0-0 1-3 1 1 6 Amaya 18 2-3 3-4 1-4 2 4 7 Reeves 39 8-13 2-4 5-7 1 2 18 B.Edwards 36 7-13 6-7 0-2 4 3 23 Anthony 36 5-18 9-9 0-4 10 1 20 Avent 24 4-8 1-1 3-8 1 3 9 Scott 25 5-8 6-6 1-2 0 1 18 Manning 9 1-4 0-0 1-2 0 1 2 D.Edwards 23 1-2 0-0 2-6 1 6 2 Murdock 13 1-6 2-2 1-3 4 2 4 Totals 240 37-79 29-33 15-41 24 24 109 Percentages: FG .468, FT .879.

3-Point Goals: 6-21, .286 (B.Edwards 3-8, Scott 2-4, Anthony 1-8, Murdock 0-1).

Team Rebounds: 5.

Blocked shots: 2 (D.Edwards 2).

Turnovers: 17 (Anthony 4, Amaya 3, Scott 2, Murdock 2, B.Edwards 2, D.Edwards, Avent, Reeves, team).

Steals: 10 (B.Edwards 5, Anthony 4, King).

Technical foul: Anthony, 4:03 fourth.

Illegal defense: 1.

Seattle 23 24 35 36 - 118 Vancouver 32 20 25 32 - 109 A-19,193 (19,193). T-2:22.

Officials-Don Vaden, Joe Forte, Leroy Richardson.