Seattle’s Baker Pulls Inside Job

With each performance like the one he had Thursday night, Vin Baker is helping make Shawn Kemp a distant memory in Seattle.

Baker made 14 of 20 shots, mostly on layups and dunks, and scored 35 points as the Seattle SuperSonics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 109-92, in front of 15,459.

“I just went to the middle and my teammates found me the ball,” Baker said. “I really feel that if my teammates can get me the ball under the basket, there isn’t much the opposition can do to stop me.”

Baker proved that point with authority in the first half by scoring 24 points, making 10 of 11 shots.

Gary Payton, who used his speed to avoid Toronto’s constant double-teaming, had 19 points and 13 assists.

Damon Stoudamire led the Raptors with 22 points.

New York 105, Phoenix 75--The Knicks won for the first time in Phoenix in eight games as Patrick Ewing had 19 points and 12 rebounds in less than three quarters.

The Knicks had not won in Phoenix since Dec. 2, 1989.

“This was the team that we’re supposed to have match-up problems with,” Allan Houston said. “We’re on the road, this is supposed to be a tough crowd, but I think our mental focus tonight was contagious.”

Antonio McDyess had 19 points for the Suns.

Milwaukee 100, Philadelphia 93--Terrell Brandon scored 22 points and Glenn Robinson had 21 for the Bucks at Milwaukee. It was their second victory over the 76ers in six days, dropping Philadelphia to 0-4.

Allen Iverson scored 33 points for the 76ers. His layup with 6:22 to play gave the 76ers a 85-76 lead, but they couldn’t hold on.

NBA Notes

New Jersey guard Lucious Harris had finger surgery and will be out six to eight weeks. He broke his right ring finger Sunday against the Bucks. . . . Chicago Bull radio announcer Derrek Dickey was in critical but stable condition Thursday night after having a stroke Wednesday.