Win for Nate

SEATTLE – Zach Randolph scored 32 points, and Nate McMillan was a winner in his return to Seattle as the Portland Trail Blazers beat the SuperSonics 116-111 on Monday night.

Returning to where he played and coached for 19 seasons, McMillan was greeted by a standing ovation before the game, then watched his team snap a four-game road losing streak. Portland had not won on the road since Dec. 26 at Sacramento.

At one time considered “Mr. Sonic,” McMillan said he was eager to get through Monday’s game.

While most fans applauded McMillan’s return, there were a few boos and one fan behind the Blazers’ bench displayed a cardboard sign with “Mr. Sonic” crossed out and “TRAITOR” written below in black marker.

McMillan’s contract expired with Seattle on July 1, 2005, and he agreed to a reported six-year, $30-million contract with the Blazers on July 6.

Randolph capped his outstanding performance by tipping in Jarrett Jack’s miss with 54.8 seconds left to give Portland a 106-99 lead.

Luke Ridnour then scored for Seattle. Jack was fouled and missed both free throws, but Theo Ratliff corralled the offensive rebound. Juan Dixon was then fouled and made both foul shots, putting Portland up eight with 40 seconds left.

Randolph added nine rebounds as Portland outrebounded Seattle 47-33, including 20 offensive rebounds. Portland had 29 second-chance points.

Randolph and Ruben Patterson hugged McMillan as the final seconds ticked away. Patterson chipped in 14 points off the bench, and the Blazers’ reserves outscored Seattle’s reserves 41-30.

Dixon scored 15 and Joel Przybilla added 13.

The Blazers had lost three of their last four.

Rashard Lewis led Seattle with 27, but took just one shot in the fourth quarter. Ray Allen scored 26 points, 22 in the second half, and Ridnour added 14 points and 10 assists.