Seattle Puts Away Minnesota

Seattle’s George Karl became the 27th coach to reach 400 victories after the SuperSonics triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-86, on Thursday night at Seattle.

Too bad he wasn’t around to witness the ending.

Karl was ejected with five minutes to play for arguing a call with official Bennett Salvatore.

No problem.

Shawn Kemp scored 21 points and had 15 rebounds as the SuperSonics beat the Timberwolves for the 23rd consecutive time.

Larry Stewart added a season-high 19 points for the SuperSonics, and Gary Payton added 18 points as Seattle won its 12th consecutive home game.

Seattle led by as many as 25 points in the first half and increased the margin to 88-54 after three quarters.

Portland 115, Denver 104--Kenny Anderson scored 26 points, and Arvydas Sabonis added 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who were coming off consecutive losses for the first time this season.

It was their sixth victory in a row over Denver, which got 37 points from Bryant Stith but lost its fifth in a row. The Nuggets are 1-5 since Dick Motta replaced Bernie Bickerstaff as coach.

Dallas 106, Philadelphia 102--Chris Gatling scored two key baskets down to stretch and finished with 24 points in the victory at Dallas.

The Mavericks were aided by the fact that Philadelphia had four turnovers in the final 2:44 and six in the fourth quarter.

Toronto 82, Washington 80--John Long grabbed four key rebounds down the stretch and made a 20-foot shot from the corner to give the Raptors an 81-80 lead at Toronto, where they overcame a 19-point first-half deficit with the help of Walt Williams’ 29 points.