SEATTLE, May 2 -- Again pushed to a decisive fifth game in their first-round series, the Seattle SuperSonics overcame an early 12-point deficit Saturday and blew past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 97-84, into the NBA Western Conference semifinals. Gary Payton scored 29 points, including 11 in the third quarter, when the Sonics took the lead for good.
With his team again on the verge of early elimination, the All-Star guard showed leadership and poise that the young Timberwolves could not match. Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury scored just seven points apiece. Appearing emotionally drained, Garnett was held scoreless in the second half and committed 10 turnovers overall. Marbury again could not solve the defense of Hersey Hawkins, shooting just 2-of-10 from the field. Hawkins scored 24 points, including his own three-point barrage to open the second half and give Seattle control. He added nine points in the fourth quarter, when the Sonics made all 12 of their free throws and finally put away the pesky Timberwolves.
