SEATTLE, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Kevin Durant scored 27 points Friday and Seattle fought off a late charge to defeat Toronto 123-115.
The SuperSonics had lost four of their previous six, but they rallied from a six-point halftime deficit to take a nine-point advantage into the fourth period.
Seattle built a 114-95 lead with five minutes to play only to see Toronto get within six with 30 seconds remaining. Damien Wilkins then hit two free throws with 28 seconds left and when Jose Calderon missed a layup for Toronto moments later, the Raptors comeback bid was over.
Wally Szczerbiak added 25 for Seattle and Chris Wilcox chipped in 16.
This was the third of a season-long, seven-game road trip for the Raptors, who were paced by Chris Bosh with 26.
Seattle had hoped Delonte West could return Friday from a foot injury, but he missed his ninth straight contest.
