Sonics hand Lakers another defeat

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – Shaquille O’Neal set an NBA record by going 0-for-11 from the free throw line, and Gary Payton scored 25 points to top 14,000 for his career as the Seattle SuperSonics beat the Los Angeles Lakers 103-95 Friday night.

It was the Sonics’ second victory over the defending NBA champions in eight days, including a 121-88 rout at Seattle that was Los Angeles’ worst loss since 1995.

Vin Baker added 15 points and Patrick Ewing had 10 points and 16 rebounds as the Sonics handed the Lakers only their second loss in 12 home games this season.

O’Neal had 26 points and 16 rebounds. His 0-for-11 showing from the line broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most free throw attempts in a game without making one. Chamberlain went 0-for-10 for Philadelphia against Detroit on Nov. 4, 1960.

Kobe Bryant, coming off a 51-point performance in a 125-122 overtime loss at Golden State two nights earlier, was held to 19 points on 8-of-25 shooting.

The Sonics, who held a narrow lead most of the way, were up 82-76 heading into the fourth quarter. Los Angeles closed to 92-90 with 4:02 remaining, but Seattle spurted away again.

Seattle’s Emanual Davis, who sprained his left ankle in a 112-99 loss to Detroit on Wednesday, was a late scratch after he tested the ankle during warmups and decided it was too sore.

Ruben Patterson replaced him in the starting lineup and scored 11 points.

Mike Penberthy hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer ending the first half as the Lakers, who trailed 51-39 with five minutes left in the half, pulled even at 57.

But they never led in the second half.

Isaiah Rider, who showed up late and was kept on the bench by Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson in a 125-122 overtime loss at Golden State on Wednesday, sparked the Lakers’ 18-6 run to close out the first half. He finished with 16 points, eight in the second quarter.