Sacramento 101, Seattle 95

SACRAMENTO, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic made sure the Sacramento Kings did not miss Chris Webber -- at least for one night. Divac poured in 27 points and Stojakovic added 26 as the Kings opened the season with a 101-95 victory over the stubborn Seattle SuperSonics Tuesday night.

Webber sprained his ankle during a preseason game on Oct. 14 and is expected to miss at least four weeks. Sacramento, which posted a franchise-record 55 victories last season, is counting on increased production from the rest of its starters and got it Tuesday.

Mike Bibby also had a successful debut for Sacramento after being acquired in the offseason trade that sent flashy point guard Jason Williams to Memphis. Bibby collected 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists while efficiently involving his teammates.

The game was close throughout and a jumper by Calvin Booth gave Seattle a 70-67 lead with 2:50 to go in the third quarter. Bibby took over with seven points as the Kings closed the period with a 14-2 spurt for an 81-72 lead entering the fourth.

Seattle opened the final period with six straight points and another 6-0 run featuring a pair of baskets by Vin Baker tied it at 84-84 with 8:50 to go.

Divac responded with a basket and Stojakovic added a 3-pointer for a five-point edge with 6:34 left. Gary Payton's basket pulled the Sonics within 98-93 with 75 seconds to go, but he turned over the ball 30 seconds later and Stojakovic sealed the win with three free throws.

Payton collected 18 points and 13 assists but made just 5-of-18 shots. Baker contributed 20 points before fouling out with 2 1/2 minutes left and Brent Barry chipped in 16.