Lewis, Sonics edge T-Wolves

Chris Wilcox had 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Earl Watson contributed 14 points and seven assists off the bench for the SuperSonics, who used a 16-2 fourth quarter run to win for the second time in their last three contests.

Craig Smith scored 19 points and Kevin Garnett had 10 points and 22 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who completed a five-game road trip with a 1-4 record.

Minnesota fell 3 1/2 games behind the Clippers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, while Seattle remained 5 1/2 games out of the race.

Trailing 75-66 with just over four minutes to play, Wilcox and Damien Wilkins made back-to-back baskets and Watson drained a three to bring Seattle within 75-73. Mike James’ two free throws extended Minnesota’s lead to four, but a pair of Wilcox free throws with just under two minutes to play brought the Sonics within 77-76.

Garnett then lost the ball and Lewis responded with at trey that gave Seattle the lead for good. Lewis followed with a basket and Mickael Gelabale made 1- of-2 free throws to cap the run and give the Sonics a 82-77 advantage with 56.3 seconds remaining.

Two James’ free throws ended the run and a Trenton Hassell free throw brought Minnesota within 82-80 with 14.9 ticks left on the clock. Wilcox answered with two from the line and Smith’s layup made it 84-82 with 2.4 seconds left.

Lewis then almost lost the ensuing inbounds pass, but he collected the ball and was fouled with .4 seconds remaining. After making his first attempt, Lewis missed his second from the line, but Minnesota was unable to get off a last second heave.

Minnesota led 19-12 after the opening 12 minutes and carried a 39-32 lead into the locker room and a 61-54 advantage into the final quarter.

Game Notes

Wilkins finished with 12 points for Seattle...James and Ricky Davis each scored 13 points for Minnesota, while Mark Blount had 12 points and nine rebounds.