Payton Does the Right Things in Return

Gary Payton returned from a suspension on his best behavior and at the top of his game.

Payton, suspended for one game for yelling at Coach Nate McMillan after a loss Wednesday night, scored 30 points as the Seattle SuperSonics defeated the Sacramento Kings, 109-107, Sunday night.

“When we’re all on the same page and we’re clicking, we can beat anybody,” said Payton, who was held out of a loss against Minnesota at home Friday night.

Ruben Patterson added 21 points for Seattle, which received double-figure scoring from five players and ended the Kings’ four-game winning streak.

“It was positive and that’s the way you have to be as a team, especially in battles like this,” McMillan said.

Payton’s biggest basket of the night was a three-pointer from the corner with 2:47 left that put Seattle ahead, 104-96. He also made two free throws with 43.4 seconds left as the SuperSonics went ahead, 108-104.

Payton scored Seattle’s final point on a free throw with 3.4 seconds left that gave the SuperSonics a 109-106 advantage.

“The biggest thing is, he’s got the bark of a pit bull, but he’s got the bite of a Chihuahua,” teammate Vin Baker said. “I don’t think a lot of people know that.”

After the game, Payton and Patterson embraced. They had an angry confrontation during Wednesday night’s game, a loss to Phoenix.

“Me and Ruben don’t even have a problem,” Payton said. “Y’all see us out there hugging and all. It’s just competitiveness. It’s like the playground. You go at it and then you go out and have a brew.”

Patterson passed a group of reporters talking to Payton at Payton’s locker.

“Are y’all asking him about that stuff? We love,” Patterson said.

Predrag Stojakovic led the Kings with 30 points, including a three-pointer with 58.7 seconds left that cut Seattle’s lead to 106-104.