Wizards beat SuperSonics, 107-96
The Washington Wizards made the most of their first national TV appearance in 20 months, building a quick lead with balanced scoring Thursday night in a 107-96 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics at Washington.
Gilbert Arenas scored 27 points and Larry Hughes had 21 to lead six players in double figures as the Wizards improved to .500 (5-5) against teams from the Western Conference, the latest notable milestone in what has so far been Washington’s most promising season in nearly two decades.
After a recent schedule change, TNT televised the game to reflect the Wizards’ winning start. It was Washington’s first national TV appearance since April 16, 2003.
The Wizards, winning their third straight to start a five-game homestand, took advantage of a tired Seattle team that often appeared to have its mind on the trip home after a nine-day, five-game East Coast road trip. The Sonics lost by 18 at Orlando on Wednesday and finished the trip 3-2.
Rashard Lewis had the only solid game among the Sonics’ starters. His 35 points and 11 rebounds were enough to keep his team within striking distance in the fourth quarter. Seattle cut a 19-point deficit to six early in the fourth, but a three-point play by Arenas and a 3-pointer by Antawn Jamison restored a double-digit lead. Hughes’ flying one-handed dunk with 1:40 to play was the exclamation point.
Ray Allen, unable to find open looks against Hughes’ defense, missed his first four shots and didn’t score until early in the second quarter. He finished 6 for 20 from the field for 17 points.
Grizzlies 101, Pistons 79: At Auburn Hills, Mich., Bonzi Wells scored 23 points to help Memphis beat Detroit, extending its season-high winning streak to five games. Detroit swingman Richard Hamilton became the first player in league history to lead his team in scoring without making a field goal, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Hamilton, who had 14 points, missed all 10 of his shots from the floor and made all 14 free throws.
Spurs 111, Pacers 98: At San Antonio, Tim Duncan scored 27 points and Tony Parker had 26, leading San Antonio to a victory over Indiana. Manu Ginobili added 18 points and Duncan grabbed 12 rebounds for San Antonio, which improved to 8-0 at home against Eastern Conference teams and 16-1 overall at the SBC Center. The Spurs earned their seventh double-digit victory in eight games.
Divac has back surgery
Los Angeles Lakers center Vlade Divac underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc and is expected to miss about three months.
Divac originally hurt his back during a workout before training camp and was on the injured list from Nov. 2-23. He reinjured his back three weeks ago.
Around the NBA
The Charlotte Bobcats activated forward/center Jamal Sampson and placed guard Steve Smith on the injured list… . The Atlanta Hawks placed reserve guard Tony Delk, the team’s third-leading scorer, on the injured list with a sprained left hand. Rookie guard Donta Smith was activated to fill Delk’s roster spot.