The Seattle Supersonics crushed Utah Jazz 104-93 tying the series 2-2 in Salt Lake City, Wednesday and are now headed for a deciding Game 5 in their first round playoff series.
Byron Russell led the Jazz with 26 points, while Karl Malone had 23 points and 14 rebounds.
After the Jazz drew within two, 82-80, almost four minutes into the fourth quarter, Payton sparked a 15-3 run to secure the Sonics' win. Payton started the run with two free throws with 6:50 left and nailed a three-pointer with 3:06 on the clock, giving the Sonics a 97-83 advantage.
Supersonics' Gary Payton had his first career playoff triple-double with 35 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and 6 steals, while Rashard Lewis had 20 points and Vin Baker added 18 as the Sonics made it two straight wins.
The Associated Press quoted Payton who praised his team's performance, saying, "If we play like this again Friday night, we'll be okay."
Game five is scheduled to take place Friday night, and the winner moves on to face the Portland Trail Blazers, who wrapped up their first playoff series against the Minnesota TimberWolves, in a best-of-seven second-round series commencing Sunday in Portland - (Agencies)
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