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Bustin' out Lewis' career night leads Sonics past Magic
Updated: Tuesday November 06, 2001 8:52 AM
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Vin Baker says it's time to start counting Rashard Lewis among the NBA's rising stars. Lewis had career highs of 36 points and 19 rebounds Monday night to lead the Seattle SuperSonics past the Orlando Magic 123-119 in double overtime. It was a clear indication that Lewis -- just three years out of high school -- is ready to take his game to another level. "He is a remarkable young player," Baker said. "To go against one of the better young players in Tracy [McGrady], I think he showed tonight you are going to have to start mentioning his name with the other young stars in this league." Like Lewis, McGrady made the jump from high school to the NBA. But Lewis had a greater impact on his team Monday, hitting 15 of 28 shots, including 5-of-8 on 3-pointers. McGrady struggled by hitting five of his first 17 shots. He found his touch late, making five of his final nine for 27 points -- not enough to stop Lewis and the Sonics. Lewis says McGrady's stellar season last season serves as an inspiration. McGrady was chosen as the NBA's most improved player. "I've been working hard the whole summer and I'm playing hard now, so I hope this can be a breakout season for me," said Lewis, who played 54 minutes. "I am just trying to pick my scoring and rebounding up a little bit." Lewis got plenty of help from Gary Payton, who had 32 points and 11 assists. Baker scored 22 points, and Desmond Mason added 16. Payton hit a 3-pointer that gave Seattle a 120-117 lead with 1:16 left in the second overtime. Orlando's Grant Hill answered with a layup, and Payton was called for traveling on Seattle's next possession, giving Orlando the ball with 40.4 seconds to go. But McGrady threw the ball out of bounds and then fouled Payton coming up court. Payton then went 1-of-2 on free throws, and Orlando called a timeout to set up its final play, trailing 121-119. McGrady missed a driving layup, and Mason dunked at the other end for the game's final points. "I thought we hung in there, blow for blow," Seattle head coach Nate McMillan said. "We had the last blow to come out with the win. It was an unbelievable effort from Rashard, both offensively and rebounding; also Gary, whose touch hasn't been with him the last couple of games. "Tonight, he came back and didn't give up on his shot." Hill led Orlando with 28 points, and Darrell Armstrong finished with 17 points after scoring 14 in the first half. "I really thought the first half we came out and were pretty passive and they took it to us," Magic head coach Doc Rivers said. "They were more aggressive and that dug a hole for us. "But Rashard Lewis was awesome tonight, and I thought he was the difference in the game."
Notes: Orlando's Patrick Ewing moved into a tie with Hal Greer for
28th on the NBA's career list for games played (1,122). ...
Seattle's Brent Barry tied a career-high with 11 assists. ... The
game had 13 lead changes and 16 ties.
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