Originally published November 30, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified December 1, 2007 at 2:32 AM

Durant scores career-high 35 to lead Sonics over Pacers, 95-93

Kevin Durant scored 22 of his career-high 35 points in the second half, and the Sonics beat the Indiana Pacers 95-93 on Friday night to become the final NBA team to win a home game this season.

The Associated Press

Kevin Durant scored 22 of his career-high 35 points in the second half, and the Seattle SuperSonics beat the Indiana Pacers 95-93 on Friday night to become the final NBA team to win a home game this season.

Seattle was 0-7 at home and had lost 11 straight home games dating to last season. But Durant showed off the skills that made him the No. 2 overall pick in the closing minutes to help Seattle (3-14) snap a six-game skid and avoid the worst 17-game start in franchise history.

The 1967-68 Sonics started 2-14 as well, before winning their 17th game.

Durant made 12 of 20 shots and added five rebounds and three blocks. Fellow rookie Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox each added 12 points. Kurt Thomas grabbed a season-high 18 rebounds.

Durant's only blemish was going eight of 12 at the free throw line. He made both attempts with 20.6 seconds left, though, to give Seattle a 92-88 lead.

Jamaal Tinsley scored on a baseline runner at the other end and Durant split his next two attempts to give Seattle a 93-90 lead with 12.6 seconds left.

Tinsley had a good look at a tying 3-pointer with 5 seconds left but it hit the rim and Durant grabbed the rebound. He then hit both free throw attempts to clinch the victory.

Danny Granger led Indiana with 21 points, but made just four of 18 shots, including a meaningless 3-pointer at the buzzer. Mike Dunleavy added 14 and Shawne Williams scored 13. Indiana lost for just the second time in its last six games.

Jermaine O'Neal returned to the Pacers' lineup after missing the previous five games with soreness in his left knee. He struggled early, missing his first three shots, before connecting on three of his next four attempts. He finished with 14 points and made six of 15 shots.

But O'Neal sat for the final 2:19 of the game, having his right arm examined by trainers as the final minutes played out.

More NBA headlines...

Print Share: Digg Newsvine

More NBA

UPDATE - 9:40 PM
Portland stops Orlando, which plays without suspended Dwight Howard

Chicago Bulls hand Miami Heat fourth straight loss | NBA

Local NBA connections: Catching up with Martell Webster

New Jersey earns 137-136 victory over Toronto in 3 OT in London

Ex-Washington Husky Nate Robinson has knee surgery | NBA

Advertising

Video

13 for '13: Megan Jasper, gardener
When vice president of Sub Pop Records Megan Jasper isn't running things at the office, she's working in her garden at her West Seattle home where she and her husband Brian spend time relaxing.

13 for '13: Megan Jasper, VP of Sub Pop Records

Megan Jasper: Kurt Cobain's address

How the Skagit bridge collapsed

Ballard's Pasteria Lucchese: Pappardelle

Ballard's Pasteria Lucchese: Tortellone

Stocking lakes with larger trout

Video of suspects in Boston bombings

Bread Town: Columbia City Bakery

Thrift-shop Showdown winners photo shoot

Find a Home

For sale
New Homes

Search properties for sale

Rent a home or apartment

Post your property or rental

Open Houses

Find all open houses.

GM introduces free maintenance plan; Ford leads brand-loyalty rankingnew
(The Associated Press) New GM cars to get free maintenance plan General Motors, aiming to increase customer loyalty, recently announced that it will e...
Post a comment