Otis Thorpe Scores 32 to Lead Sacramento Over Clippers, 125-120

Forward Otis Thorpe scored 32 points as the Sacramento Kings beat the Clippers, 125-120, Thursday night in a National Basketball Assn. exhibition game before 2,159 fans at the Bakersfield Civic Arena.

Thorpe has played well in the Kings’ three exhibition games. He had 24 points Sunday in a 122-105 victory over the Clippers at Yuba College, then scored 27 Monday night in a 135-117 win over Golden State.

Rookie forward Norris Coleman led the Clippers with 28 points, including 16 in the first half.

The Clippers (2-3), who trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half, rallied to take a 118-117 lead late in the fourth quarter, however Sacramento guard Reggie Theus scored five straight points on two baskets and a free throw to seal the game for Sacrmento. Theus finished with 19 points and 12 assists. Center LaSalle Thompson had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Kenny Smith had 15 points for the Kings.

Clipper General Manager Elgin Baylor criticized the officials for calling a one-sided game in Sacramento’s favor, saying: “That little guy (referee Jess Thompson) didn’t send us to the line once in the fourth quarter.”

Reggie Williams, the Clippers’ No. 1 draft choice who signed Thursday morning, watched the game from the bench in street clothes. Williams will practice with the team for the first time today.

Center Benoit Benjamin sat out the game with a strained muscle in his back. He is expected to practice today. Guard Quintin Daily was also sidelined with a sprained ankle.