Kings Prove They Can Win With Defense Too

The Sacramento Kings are complementing their powerful offense with solid defense.

Peja Stojakovic scored 28 points and Chris Webber added 23 points and 13 rebounds Sunday night as the Kings defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 109-84.

The Kings defeated Dallas for the seventh consecutive game at Arco Arena. Sacramento has only allowed two teams to score more than 100 points, both in overtime games.

That’s a reversal from last season when the Kings gave up an average of 102 points.

“I think teams still look at us and think they are going to score a lot of points,” said King forward Lawrence Funderburke, who scored 14 points.

“Teams think we’re still an inferior defensive team. But we’re playing hard on defense and they still have to guard us at the other end.”

It was a long night for the Mavericks, who struggled offensively for the third consecutive game. Dallas shot 40% overall and missed nine of 10 three-point attempts.

“We had a poor performance, and when that happens against a good team we’re going to get blown out,” Dallas Coach Don Nelson said. “I think the Kings have improved defensively. . . . They are a better team than a year ago.”

Detroit 101, Seattle 92--The Pistons did not learn their lesson.

Less than 24 hours after blowing a fourth-quarter lead and losing to Indiana, they squandered another lead, but hung on to beat the SuperSonics at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Jerry Stackhouse led Detroit with 38 points, but scored only five in the fourth. Michael Curry and Chucky Atkins had 14 points each for the Pistons.

Orlando 105, Golden State 99--Tracy McGrady scored 17 of his game-high 24 points in the second half at Oakland as the Magic ended a two-game losing streak with the overtime win.

Antawn Jamison scored 23 points and Danny Fortson had 21 points and 21 rebounds for the Warriors (1-5), who haven’t won since beating Phoenix at home to start the season.

The Magic played without Grant Hill, who missed his third consecutive game because of a left ankle injury.