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Maggette, Clippers overwhelm inexperienced Sonics

Nov 5, 2007 - 1:26 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Kevin Durant continues to show his offensive prowess. But it has not translated to wins for the young Seattle SuperSonics.

Corey Maggette scored 27 points and Tim Thomas added 20 as the Los Angeles Clippers used a balanced attack en route to a 115-101 victory over the SuperSonics at Staples Center on Sunday.

Chris Kaman collected 10 points and 15 rebounds for Los Angeles, which has opened the season with two straight wins despite the absence of Elton Brand. The All-Star forward likely will miss the season with a ruptured left Achilles tendon.

"At the end of the day, we really don't pay attention to what media says," Maggette said. "We just go out there and play as hard as we can. We know where we have a downside with (Brand) out but guys just need to step up and the guys have all been doing that."

The Clippers, who had six players score in double figures, outscored the SuperSonics, 37-25, in the final period to secure the victory.

"It is very intense down the stretch," Durant said. "That's when teams crack. For three of four minutes, we let loose a little bit and give up a little bit."

The second overall pick in June's draft, the 6-9 Durant has shown an impressive offensive game - averaging 23.0 points in his first three NBA contests. He scored 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting Sunday.

"I feel more comfortable every day," Durant said. "My teammates have been helping me with the little things to do to become a better player."

Despite Durant's skill, the Sonics' campaign has started in turmoil thanks to owner Clayton Bennett, who notified commissioner David Stern on Friday that he intends to move the team to Oklahoma City.

Bennett did not say when the team would relocate. It could be next season if he wins the ongoing court battle to get out of the KeyArena lease, or it could be at the end of the lease in 2010.

Seattle features first-year coach P.J. Carlesimo, new general manager Sam Presti and a revamped roster. As a result, the club has dropped its first three contests of the young season.

Carlesimo wasn't happy with his team's play in the final quarter on Sunday.

"I thought today in the fourth quarter we need to be more aggressive," the coach said. "We must have been stripped (of the ball) about 10 times."

The Clippers, on the other hand, have won their first two games. Maggette shot 7-of-13 from the field and 13-of-14 from the free-throw line, and Thomas was 8-of-15 from the floor, including 4-of-7 from the arc for Los Angeles.

"Tim Thomas has been doing a terrific job stepping up," Maggette said. "He is a lethal four spot, so he can either shoot the three and that helps out. We get two points with (Brand) out, and we get three points for Tim. They were leaving Tim alone and he hit four 3-pointers and that kind of busted the game open."