McGrady- Magic leave Sonics breathless By Paul Levine

Earlier in the day, Hill was placed on the injured list in an attempt to fully recover from left ankle surgery back in April. "There is no timetable," said Orlando spokesman George Galante. "It could be two weeks, it could be two months."

The Magic didn't need the five-time all-star, however, shaking off a poor start by outscoring the weary Sonics 70-55 in the second half that erased a five-point halftime deficit.

"We saw them getting a little bit tired, so we kept running and just took over the game," said McGrady, who was fined 7,500 dollars and suspended for one game for slapping Philadelphia's Eric Snow Friday night. "We were patient on offense and took what the defense gave us. That's what got us through this."

Darrell Armstrong and John Amaechi had 20 points apiece, while reserve Michael Doleac added 14 of his 17 points in the decisive fourth quarter, when the Magic made 14 of 20 shots to take control.

"We weren't running," Armstrong said. "And then all of a sudden, we just turned it up. They were gasping for air because we really started to get on our bikes and ride. It kind of wore them down at the end." Rashard Lewis scored a season-high 28 points, while Gary Payton finished with 23 points and 10 assists to pace Seattle.

Elsewhere: Dallas Mavericks 108, Denver Nuggets 96

At Denver: Michael Finley scored 11 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and Dirk Nowitzki added 18, leading the Mavericks to their third win in four games to open the season. Howard Eisley scored 10 of his 14 points in the final period for Dallas, which had an 11- point halftime lead sliced to five down the stretch. Raef LaFrentz led the Nuggets with 23 points.

Utah Jazz 98, Minnesota Timberwolves 92

At Utah: John Starks scored 14 of his 16 points, including six in a 12-0 closing run as the Jazz rallied from a 12-point fourth quarter deficit to remain perfect. Karl Malone finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds as the Jazz improved to 4-0 for the second time in team history. Terrell Brandon led Minnesota with 25 points, while Kevin Garnett finished with 22 and nine boards.

Sacramento Kings 79, Portland Trail Blazers 75

At Sacramento: Chris Webber scored 29 points and Bobby Jackson sank two free throws with 11 seconds left after a key steal as the Kings snapped an 11-game slide against the Blazers in their home- opener. Vlade Divac's (16 points and 11 rebounds) layup with 22 seconds left put the Kings ahead 77-75. Scottie Pippen looked to tie the score as he drove the lane but Jackson stole the ball. Pippen was forced to foul and Jackson made both foul shots, sealing the Kings' first win over the Blazers since December 16, 1997. Rasheed Wallace had 24 points for the Blazers, who fell after battling back from a 13-point fourth quarter deficit.

Vancouver Grizzlies 97, Atlanta Hawks 87

At Vancouver: Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Othella Harrington scored 18 points apiece, leading a balanced attack as the Grizzlies kept the Hawks one of two winless teams in the league. Michael Dickerson added 14 points and Henry Bibby finished with 13 for Vancouver, which, at 3-1, is off to its best start in its six year history. Lorenzen Wright and Alan Henderson each netted 19 points for Atlanta (0-4).

(dpa)