Jazz hand Sonics first preseason loss, 90-89

  • Saturday, October 11, 2003 9:00pm
  • Sports

SALT LAKE CITY – Rookie Mo Williams hit a clutch jumper and Raja Bell followed with the game-winning shot at the buzzer as the Utah Jazz remained unbeaten in the preseason by beating the Seattle SuperSonics 90-89 Saturday night.

Bell, a free agent who signed with the Jazz just last month, had been 0-for-4 from the floor before hitting a short jumper from the left side of the lane as time expired. The officials reviewed the play and the basket stood as Utah won its first Salt Lake City appearance in the post-John Stockton and Karl Malone era.

The Jazz are trying to put together a new lineup without Stockton, who retired, and Malone, who left as a free agent. Andrei Kirilenko played the most of the returning starters and led the Jazz with 14 points and seven rebounds.

Sasha Pavlovic, Utah’s first-round draft pick, scored nine points in 19 minutes and Demetrius Alexander added nine points for the Jazz.

Carlos Arroyo, one of several players trying to take over the point guard spot Stockton held since 1987, scored 11 points after replacing Raul Lopez when Lopez drew his second foul early in the first quarter.

Neither Arroyo nor Lopez played in the second half, giving Williams, Utah’s second-round draft pick, and former Weber State player Jermaine Boyette a look. Williams hit a jumper that got the Jazz to 89-88 with less than a minute left and finished with eight points.

Williams also missed a late layup attempt that could have put the Jazz ahead, but Seattle’s Reggie Evans missed both free throw attempts and Utah had a final chance to win it on Bell’s shot.

Brent Barry scored 19 points to lead the Sonics, who lost for the first time in the preseason. Richie Frahm, a free agent trying to make the team after playing in Turkey last season, scored 15 for Seattle. Frahm had 13 Saturday in the Sonics’ 96-86 win over Houston on Friday.

Copyright ©2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Shorewood senior Bridget Cox (11) elevates to get a shot over Everett senior Aimelie Hovde-Girard (21) in Shorewood's 41-30 win in the opening round of the District 1 3A Girls Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorewood girls basketball avoids Everett upset bid in 41-30 win

Glasser’s ‘dagger’ 3 caps second-half run, pushes No. 5 Stormrays to 3A District 1 Quarterfinals

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Terrace, Monroe girls advance in district hoops tournament.

Kimberly Beard, a Mukilteo resident who attends King's High School, prepares to release a throw during the 20-pound weight competition at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Donna Beard)
Mukilteo’s Kimberly Beard wins throwing event

The King’s High School junior won the 20-pound weight throw at a George Fox indoor meet.

Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), who will be coached by his third offensive line coach in three seasons in 2025, lines up in Seattle's 20-17 win over San Francisco at Levi's Stadium on Nov. 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire shows they’re serious about offensive line

New offensive coordinator bringing in veterans with hopes of improving front.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Stanwood High School football coach Jeff Scoma talks with the referees during the 3A quarterfinal game against Odea on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former Stanwood football coach lands new Gig

Jeff Scoma, who resigned midseason in 2024, will coach Gig Harbor H.S. next season.

Mariners among biggest offseason losers

Juan Soto, LA Dodgers are among winners as baseball begins.

Prep basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 11

Tulalip Heritage finishes second in district tournament.

Vancouver Giants goalie Burke Hood makes a play for the puck against the Everett Silvertips, who lost 6-2 to the Giants at Langley Events Centre on Saturday, one day after clinching a WHL playoff spot. (Rob Wilton, Giants/Special to Black Press Media).
Tips Week in Review: Everett first in WHL to clinch playoff berth

The Silvertips defeated Kamloops on Friday to secure spot, but lost to Vancouver on Saturday

Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak (left) and head coach Mike Macdonald (right) spoke to the media at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
New Seahawks OC excited to coach Geno Smith

Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has “a lot of respect” for Seahawks QB.

Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett (16) runs with after a catch against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Tyler Lockett’s future with Seahawks remains unclear

Seattle coach Mike Macdonald noncommittal 1 month before a possible decision point.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
O’Neil: The Seahawks will keep Geno Smith

The reasons for the Seahawks quarterback sticking around are simple and obvious.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.