NBA: Sonics handle Timberwolves

Nearing the end of a five-game road trip, the Seattle SuperSonics feel as if they are becoming one on the court.

Chris Wilcox had 19 points and 11 rebounds to help the Sonics overcome a sluggish start and beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 Friday night in Minnesota.

Kurt Thomas added 18 for Seattle, which won its second straight on the road, and fourth game in six starts overall. Kevin Durant, Luke Ridnour and Damien Wilkins also scored in double figures for the Sonics.

“We’re starting to play together as a team,” Wilcox said. “Guys are starting to look for other guys that are open and we are starting to move the ball more.”

Al Jefferson had 22 points and 16 rebounds for Minnesota. Rashad McCants had 17 points off the bench.

The Timberwolves (3-18) have lost eight of nine, and tied the 1991-92 team for the worst 21-game start in franchise history.

Seattle guard Delonte West missed his sixth straight game with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Coach P.J. Carlesimo said he hopes West can return “in the near future.”

Celtics 104, Bucks 82: At Boston, Paul Pierce scored a season-high 32 points and Kevin Garnett had an easy 15 with seven rebounds as the Celtics overcame Ray Allen’s absence to beat Milwaukee and match the franchise record with a 12-0 start at home.

Allen sat out to rest a sore ankle.

Blazers 99, Jazz 91: At Portland, Brandon Roy scored 29 points, Travis Outlaw had 21 and the Trail Blazers won their sixth straight game with a victory over Utah.

Carlos Boozer had 22 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for the Jazz, who lost their sixth straight and second to Portland in a week.

Raptors 104, Pacers 93: At Indianapolis, Jason Kapono scored 17 of his career-high 29 points in the fourth quarter to help Toronto beat the Pacers.

Chris Bosh added 22 points and 16 rebounds for the Raptors.

Kings 109, 76ers 99: At Philadelphia, Brad Miller had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Mikki Moore tied his career high with 24 points and Sacramento became the final NBA team to win a road game with a victory over the 76ers.

Clippers 98, Grizzlies 91: At Memphis, Tenn., Chris Kaman and Corey Maggette both scored 23 points and Kaman grabbed 16 rebounds as Los Angeles used a 10-2 fourth-quarter run to beat the Grizzlies.

Warriors 108, Lakers 106: At Oakland, Calif., Baron Davis put his usual game-breaking flair on the decisive 3-pointer with 16.8 seconds to play and Golden State roared from behind in the final minutes to snap a nine-game losing streak to Los Angeles.

Bulls 101, Knicks 96: At Chicago, Luol Deng scored 29 points, Kirk Hinrich delivered the second triple-double of his career, and the Bulls hung on to beat New York, handing the Knicks their fifth straight loss.

Nets 105, Cavaliers 97: At East Rutherford, N.J., Vince Carter matched a season high with 32 points, Richard Jefferson had 24, and the Nets snapped a four-game losing streak with a victory over Cleveland.

Pistons 91, Hawks 81: At Auburn Hills, Mich., Chauncey Billups scored 23 points and Tayshaun Prince added 17 points and 10 rebounds, helping Detroit beat Atlanta.

Detroit has won eight of its last 10 games, while the Hawks lost their second straight after a three-game winning streak.

Mavericks 89, Hornets 80: At Dallas, Jason Terry scored 25 points and reserve Jerry Stackhouse added 16 to lead the Mavericks past New Orleans.

Josh Howard added 15 points for Dallas, but reigning league MVP Dirk Nowitzki continued to struggle. He had only seven points on 2-of-8 shooting, and is 8 of 23 from the floor over the last two games.

Magic 103, Bobcats 87: At Charlotte, N.C., Dwight Howard had 33 points and 18 rebounds and Orlando wore down undermanned Charlotte to snap a three-game losing streak.

“The Bobcats acquired center Nazr Mohammed from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for center Primoz Brezec and forward Walter Herrmann.

Two disciplined for fight

Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas was suspended for one game and Indiana Pacers forward Troy Murphy was fined $10,000 for fighting.

Thomas was suspended for striking Murphy in the face during a game in Indianapolis, and Murphy was fined for shoving Thomas, the league said.