Watch out, Pacific Division. The Sacramento Kings are off to a 2-0 start after beating the division's two strongest teams.
The Kings, who lost 111 games the last two seasons and haven't won 30 games for an NBA-record eight seasons, jumped on the Phoenix Suns in the season opener, then defeated the Seattle SuperSonics 108-100 Wednesday night.One of the league's worst defensive teams last season, the visiting Kings beat the Sonics at their own game, holding them to 45 percent shooting. Mitch Richmond scored 28 points and Walt Williams added 19 for Sacramento.
"This is a tremendous win for our franchise," Kings coach Garry St. Jean said. "I'm so happy for our guys to hold on after building the big lead."
Sacramento blew an 18-point lead in the third quarter, and Seattle led by a point with 4:45 left to play. Then the Kings went on an 11-1 run.
"That wasn't us out there," Sonics guard Nate McMillan said. "There was no energy on the floor. This is not us."
The Kings broke an eight-game losing streak to the Sonics and won for the first time on Seattle's home court since April 9, 1990.
Rockets 109, Pacers 104
Hakeem Olajuwon had 43 points, 16 rebounds and eight blocks for the Rockets in a game delayed 10 minutes when the crowd at Market Square Arena threw trash on the floor to protest a foul call.
With the Rockets leading by a point, Reggie Miller attempted a 3-point shot with nine seconds left, but was called for an offensive foul. Angry fans, who had already seen Indiana coach Larry Brown ejected in the first quarter, pelted the court with trash.
Magic 130, Hornets 128, OT
Shaquille O'Neal's 46 points and 20 rebounds helped keep Charlotte winless.
Nick Anderson's layup with one second left in overtime gave visiting Orlando the victory after the Magic rallied from an 18-point deficit.
Alonzo Mourning, who sat out the first three games of the season with a toe injury, finished with 26 points in his season debut.
Nets 110, Bulls 109
Kenny Anderson's jumper with 17 seconds remaining gave New Jersey its first victory after three losses under new coach Butch Beard.
Benoit Benjamin had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Nets, who blew a late 10-point lead but still managed to win their home opener.
76ers 98, Bullets 97
Dana Barros' stole the ball and made a layup with seven seconds left to give Philadelphia its first lead of the game and new coach John Lucas his first victory.
Jeff Malone had 22 points for the 76ers, including 13 in the fourth period when Philadelphia rallied from an 18-point deficit.
Lakers 122, Timberwolves 99
The Minnesota Timberwolves took their fourth double-digit loss in as many games this season.
Rookie Eddie Jones had 31 points and Cedric Ceballos 25 as the visiting Lakers smothered Minnesota with their pressure defense and forced 23 turnovers.
It was the 14th straight loss for the Wolves, dating back to last season.
Suns 106, Hawks 102
Kevin Johnson made four free throws in the last 11 seconds to keep Atlanta winless.
Danny Manning scored 16 of his 30 points in the third period for Phoenix.
Charles Barkley missed his third straight game, this time with the flu. Earlier, he was out with an eye injury.