Slam Dunk Central

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The Seattle SuperSonics, in what is probably their last season in Seattle, didn’t exactly make their home opener a memorable one.? Phoenix Suns center Amare Stoudemire, playing just his third game since knee surgery was performed a month ago, scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Suns rallied late to slip past the SuperSonics 106-99.

The game’s beginning was interesting, to say the least.? Fireworks, as are usually customary at most home openers were there, but fans in the arena also flashed signs saying “This City Needs?The Sonics”.? And throughout the game, there were chants of “Save Our Sonics”.? One constant throughout the game was that the Sonics ran inbound plays for guard-forward Kevin Durant.

Seattle had the lead at 82-73 at the 1-minute mark of the third quarter, but three consecutive three-pointers by Suns guard Marcus Banks tied the game at 82 20 seconds into the 4th quarter.? Durant made a jumper with 4:15 left in the game to reduce Phoenix’s lead to 93-90.? After Suns G Raja Bell made a 3-pointer, Durant answered with a 3-pointer of his own to bring Seattle to within 3, 96-93.? With Phoenix ahead 98-93, Durant had the ball stolen by?Suns F Shawn Marion and then subsequently charged into Bell with 2:11 left.?

Suns PG Steve Nash made a three-pointer, his third of the game, and the SuperSonics never could recover.? Stoudemire, as previously mentioned, led the Suns with 23 points and 11 rebounds, with Nash adding 18 points and 12 assists; F Grant Hill, formerly of the Orlando Magic, chipped in 13.? The Sonics were led by Durant with 27 points on 11-of-23 shooting, with F/C Chris Wilcox adding 23 points and 11 rebounds.? The Suns (1-0) return home for their home opener on Friday to welcome the Los Angeles Lakers while the SuperSonics (0-2) don’t play again until Sunday, November 4, when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers.