Lewis guides first Sonics victory

Rashard Lewis scored 28 points and the Seattle SuperSonics beat the Los Angeles Clippers 99-93 on Wednesday night for their first win of the preseason.

Luke Ridnour added 14 points, including a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired that put Seattle ahead 95-90 with 38 seconds left.

Lewis played 35 minutes and was 10 of 16 from the field. Ray Allen scored 20 points and Damien Wilkins 10 for Seattle (1-3).

Chris Wilcox had 15 points, while rookie Daniel Ewing added 14 for the Clippers, who were trying to improve to 4-1 in the preseason for the first time since 1993.

Jordan explains gambling itch

Michael Jordan admits being “stupid” in his gambling but never jeopardized his livelihood or his family, he told CBS’ “60 Minutes” in an interview to be broadcast Sunday.

Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles in the 1990s, said his gambling is related to his fierce competitiveness. But he realized when he stepped over the line.

“Yeah, I’ve gotten myself into (gambling) situations where I would not walk away and I’ve pushed the envelope.” Jordan said in the interview.”… It’s very embarrassing … one of the things you totally regret. So you look at yourself in the mirror and say, ‘I was stupid.’ “

Jordan also discusses his father’s murder and his pursuit of privacy.

Charlotte arena set for debut

After more than five years of political angst, Charlotte is ready to take the wrapper off a $265 million downtown arena that will be home to the Charlotte Bobcats.

Mayor Pat McCrory and Bobcats owner Bob Johnson are to officially open Charlotte Bobcats Arena at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today.

Hawks attend Collier’s service

Jason Collier’s family asked that his funeral service be a celebration of his life, but grieving Atlanta Hawks teammates, as well as former high school and college teammates and coaches, were still struggling with the death of the 28-year-old center.

Collier, who began his college career at Indiana before transferring to Georgia Tech, played with Houston and Atlanta in a five-year NBA career that ended when he died early Saturday after he had trouble breathing at his home.

The Hawks arrived as a team and sat together during the service at All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, a north Atlanta suburb.

James returns in big way

LeBron James scored 26 points in his first game back from a short hospital stay, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to an 88-84 exhibition win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Cleveland.

James, who missed Cleveland’s previous three games with a virus, added five rebounds in 33 minutes.