SuperSonics Prevail, Keep Heat on Lakers

Sam Perkins made a three-point basket with 48 seconds left and Shawn Kemp had 27 points and 12 rebounds Thursday night as the Seattle SuperSonics completed a four-game sweep of the Denver Nuggets, 108-104.

Gary Payton added 24 as Seattle (56-25) moved within a victory of clinching at least a tie for the Pacific Division title. The Lakers, however, own the tiebreaker.

With the score tied, 103-103, Denver’s Anthony Goldwire missed two free throws with 1:12 left. Perkins then took a pass from Kemp and made a three-point basket.

Utah 106, Golden State 93--Reserve Chris Morris scored 15 points, including three three-point baskets in the final quarter, as the Jazz defeated the Warriors at Salt Lake City.

Karl Malone scored 20 points in 26 minutes, but it was the Utah reserves (51 points) who helped the Jazz pull away to its 17th victory in 18 games.

Portland 105, Vancouver 73--The Grizzlies lost their 68th game of the season as Rasheed Wallace scored 21 of his 25 points in the first half to lead the Trail Blazers at Vancouver.

The Trail Blazers improved to 48-33, guaranteeing their best finish in four seasons.