Sonics hang tough in Hill’s debut

CHICAGO – Their star player was in the locker room having his eye examined, and the opponent was rallying.

Just when it seemed things were coming apart, the Seattle SuperSonics hung on for a 101-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls to make Bob Hill’s debut as head coach a success.

Rashard Lewis scored 21 points, Luke Ridnour hit two free throws with 3 seconds left and a Seattle team that has struggled through a disappointing season had reason to smile after nearly blowing a 14-point lead.

That included Ray Allen, who left early in the fourth quarter after taking an elbow to the eye.

“I think we established a great rhythm offensively in the first two quarters of the game, so it gave everybody the opportunity to have some comfort,” said Allen.

Ben Gordon hit a 3-pointer with 33.4 seconds left to pull the Bulls to within 99-97. After a missed jumper by Ridnour, Rashard Lewis and Othella Harrington got tied up underneath, resulting in a jump ball with 12.9 seconds left.

Gordon was unable to control the ball as it landed out of bounds, giving Seattle possession. Ridnour then hit the free throws, sending the Bulls to their eighth straight loss. Lewis hit 6 of 14 field goals and 8 of 11 free throws as the Sonics won for the third time in eight games.

“I was excited,” said Hill, an NBA head coach for the fourth time. “I felt fine. I was excited.”

Allen scored 20 points, 17 in the first half, but left the game after being elbowed by Chicago’s Kirk Hinrich. He is to be examined today.

Before the game, the Sonics waived guard Mateen Cleaves. The sixth-year veteran averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 assists this season.