Faced with an uncertain future, Sonics beat Mavs
NBA

SEATTLE (AP) - Jason Terry never really had a choice in whether or not he would become a Seattle SuperSonics fan.

"If your third grade P.E. teacher was (former Sonics player) Slick Watts, then you already know (the answer)," the Dallas Mavericks' guard said.

Terry, a Seattle native who grew up with the Sonics, a team that may have played their final game in Seattle on a night rife with emotion and appreciation.

With the crowd roaring with playoff fervor, the Sonics rallied late for a 99-95 win over the Mavericks on Sunday night. Rookie Kevin Durant scored twice in the final 45 seconds, and the Sonics rallied from a six-point deficit in the final 3 minutes.

The Mavericks (50-31) have already clinched a playoff spot, and finish the regular season tomorrow night at home against New Orleans. Dallas will go into the playoffs as either the No. 7 or No. 8 seed in the West, and will likely face either New Orleans or the L.A. Lakers in the first round.

Monday was an impressive home finale for a Seattle team that might be playing in Oklahoma City next season (see the story, page 5) and is putting the finishing touches on the worst record in franchise history.

But the doom of what may happen with the Sonics was secondary on this night. Instead, the Sonics outhustled and outworked the Mavericks, and the crowd rewarded their effort.

"From what I heard, NBA arenas are not supposed to be as intense as college. I beg to differ," Durant said. "This was the loudest it's ever been for me here."

Earl Watson led Seattle with 21 points and 10 assists. Durant finished with 19 and Collison had 18 points and 11 rebounds.

But many fans didn't see Sunday night as an end.

"No, it doesn't feel like the end. It really doesn't," said 23- year-old Eric Evers. "It's possible - but I just don't see us losing the court case."