Late Free Throws Lift Pistons Over Sonics

Malik Sealy hit two free throws with 6.1 seconds left to give the Detroit Pistons a 98-96 exhibition victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Tuesday night.

Aaron McKie led Detroit (2-1) with 17 points, 10 in the last 14 minutes.

Brian Williams added 16 and Lindsey Hunter had 15 for Detroit.

Sam Perkins had 18 for Seattle (1-3), and Vin Baker and Detlef Schrempf had 17 each.

Karl remains at odds over contract

His lips purse and eyes narrow when Seattle SuperSonics coach George Karl talks about his contract trouble.

“Let’s make this clear,” Karl said sourly, “I’m not unhappy with the amount of money I’m making. I’m ecstatic to be earning the kind of money that I am.”

Karl’s $3.5 million-a-year contract expires at the end of this season and the 46-year-old, whose Seattle clubs have averaged 59 wins over the past five seasons, said he doesn’t expect to be back next year.

“Team management is forcing me into becoming a businessman,” Karl said. “There’s been a lot written about how coaches are being supported by their teams. Seattle doesn’t necessarily want to do that.”

T-Wolves owner shows generosity

Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor donated $8 million to his alma mater, Mankato State University, for a building to house a 5,000-seat field house, administrative offices and classrooms.

Taylor is the 169th most wealthy person in the world with a fortune of $1 billion, according to Forbes.

Bulls arrive in Paris

The Chicago Bulls arrived in Paris on Tuesday afternoon and immediately went to practice as they prepare for the McDonald’s Championship this weekend.

The two-time defending NBA champions worked out lightly for one hour in Coubertin arena, an old facility on the west side of Paris.