Sonics Get Past Denver Key Baskets Down Stretch Stop Home-Haunted Nuggets

Thu., Jan. 9, 1997

Associated Press

Three key baskets by the Seattle SuperSonics and three consecutive turnovers by the Denver Nuggets at the other end added up to a predictable result: another home loss for the Nuggets.

Shawn Kemp had 26 points and 11 rebounds and Detlef Schrempf added 24 points, leading the SuperSonics past the Nuggets 109-99 Wednesday night.

The Sonics won for the ninth time in 11 games, while the Nuggets lost their fourth straight at home. Denver hasn’t defeated a winning team at home this season and is 4-12 at McNichols Arena - the worst home record in the NBA. It also is Denver’s worst start at home in franchise history.

Gary Payton, Schrempf and Sam Perkins hit baskets in the final 2:39 after Denver pulled within 98-96.

A layup by Ricky Pierce, a hook shot by Denver’s LaPhonso Ellis and two free throws by Ellis reduced Seattle’s lead to 98-96 with 3:26 left. Payton made it 100-96 with 2:39 to go, sinking a 16-foot jumper.

Hersey Hawkins’ 3-pointer gave Seattle a 107-98 lead with 1:04 left.

“I actually thought both teams ran out of gas in the fourth quarter,” Seattle coach George Karl said. “Our execution down the stretch helped us. Detlef made a big hoop. Gary made a big hoop. Hawk made a big hoop.”

Kemp scored 11 points in the first quarter, helping the Sonics take a 27-22 lead at the end of the period.

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Sonics Get Past Denver Key Baskets Down Stretch Stop Home-Haunted Nuggets

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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