SuperSonics top Lakers 108-93
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-12-15 14:39

Rashard Lewis scored a season-high 37 points, and the Seattle SuperSonics improved to 18-4 with a 108-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (8) drives around Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen in the first quarter Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004 at KeyArena in Seattle. [AP]

It's Seattle best start since beginning the 1993-94 season 20-2 on the way to 63 wins. The SuperSonics have the second-best record in the NBA and will host league-leading Phoenix on Friday night.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 35 points. Ray Allen added 26 points for Seattle.

Allen and Bryant went head-to-head for the first time since the two exchanged barbs during the preseason.

On Oct. 13, the day after the Lakers and SuperSonics met to open the preseason, Allen questioned Bryant's ability to lead the Lakers, wondering if Bryant's attitude would allow him to take a backseat some nights and let his teammates develop their games.

Bryant responded, telling a reporter not to put Allen's name in the same breath with his. During a later preseason game which Allen sat out, Bryant told Allen he would see him again.

Before Tuesday's game, Bryant said he took Allen's words as an attack on his team and he hoped they would respond.

Bryant's supporting cast did little to back him up.

Caron Butler added 16 points for Los Angeles, but aside from Bryant's 12-for-23 shooting performance, the Lakers made just 20-of-58 shots.

Meanwhile, Lewis scored 17 points in the first quarter and had 22 in the first half as Seattle built a 10-point lead at the break. Center Jerome James added 12 for the SuperSonics.

Seattle took control in the second quarter as the Lakers struggled to make a shot. The SuperSonics went on a 17-5 run, highlighted by fast break dunks from Lewis and James, to take a 51-33 lead.

Los Angeles missed 13 of 14 shots during the nearly seven-minute span. The Lakers only points were a long jumper from Bryant and free throws from Bryant and Chris Mihm.

The Lakers got no closer than eight in the second half.

Los Angeles fell to 8-9 on the season when Bryant leads the Lakers in scoring. He scored 21 in the first half, but the Lakers shot only 34 percent as Seattle built a 19-point lead.

The Lakers had won two straight.

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