The Associated Press
Gary Payton put on a gritty performance against Memphis on Wednesday, scoring 32 points despite a painful back injury, to lead the SuperSonics to a 96-82 victory over Memphis, their 12th straight home win over the Grizzlies franchise.

Sonics maul Grizzlies

Payton plays through pain to carry team

LUIS CABRERA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEATTLE -- When Nate McMillan wanted to make sure Gary Payton got treatment for a severe back strain, he didn't call Seattle's trainers.

He called Payton's wife.

"I told her to make sure he goes to the doctor and gets checked out, because I don't think he would have," McMillan said. "He would have just laid in bed, told us he was sore and then showed up to the arena to play."

After spending the day Wednesday getting X-rays, treatment and medication, Payton scored 32 points to lead the SuperSonics to a 96-82 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

"He's the epitome of what every young player should aspire to be," Sonics center Jerome James said. "He could have easily taken the night off. Some guys in half the pain would have taken the night off. He's an ironman."

Rashard Lewis added 12 points and eight rebounds for the Sonics before leaving early in the third quarter with a sprained left ankle. He was being X-rayed Wednesday night and was listed as day to day.

Brent Barry added 17 points and nine assists, and Desmond Mason had 14 points for Seattle.

Jason Williams led Memphis with 26 points, but he scored just two in the second half. Lorenzen Wright had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Grizzlies, who rallied from a 25-point third-quarter deficit to beat Portland 103-100 on Monday night, trailed after one quarter but kept it close.

The Sonics used a 9-3 run to build a 79-71 lead with 5:47 left in the game. Memphis never got closer than five points again.

Payton, who aggravated a back injury after being shoved into a goal standard by Utah's Greg Ostertag in Monday's 106-92 victory over the Jazz, didn't practice or participate in the shootaround Wednesday.

X-rays on Payton's back were negative, McMillan said.

"He's been playing sore and hurt the whole season. It was just another great performance tonight," Sonics swingman Desmond Mason said.

Payton went in for treatment directly after the game and did not talk to reporters. He routinely declines to discuss injuries.

The Sonics moved within two games of the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference playoff standings with their 12th straight home victory against Memphis.

The Timberwolves have lost eight of their last 10.

Sonics 96, Grizzlies 82

- Record: 41-31.

- Friday: San Antonio at Seattle, 7 p.m (KONG).

For more local news go to the Local Sports section.

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