Confident Sonics Look To Put Hurting Rockets In Hole

The Seattle SuperSonics are in a good position to make the Houston Rockets the NBA’s ex-champions.

After a 33-point victory in the opener of their Western Conference semifinal series, the Sonics will try to make it 11 consecutive wins over the Rockets tonight.

The Sonics, who were 4-0 against Houston during the regular season, haven’t lost to the Rockets since April 17, 1993.

“It gives us confidence,” Sonics coach George Karl said Sunday. “The positive about this year is we’ve won close games and that’s the big thing. If we’re going to win this series, we’re probably going to have to win two or three close games.”

In Game 1 of the best-of-seven series, the Sonics held Hakeem Olajuwon to a playoff career-low six points with double- and triple-teams that left the Rockets’ star frustrated and weary.

Seattle won 108-75 in a game in which Houston looked every bit like the West’s No. 5 seed that it was this season and not like the fifth franchise in NBA history to win back-to-back titles.

Gary Payton was the catalyst to the most lopsided Sonics’ victory ever - and the worst Houston playoff defeat in history - with a 28-point performance. He made five 3-pointers.

Meanwhile, Clyde Drexler and Olajuwon combined for 21 points. Robert Horry led the way for the Rockets with 18, but had only six after the first quarter.

Karl talked about the Sonics’ confidence, something the cocky Payton doesn’t need any more of.

Informed Sunday that Mario Elie, a key Houston reserve, had said he needed to guard Payton more Monday night, Payton stuck out his jaw and sniffed, “Let him try, that’s all I can say. If he feels that way, we’ll see tomorrow night.”

While the Sonics were winning a franchise-best 64 games this season, Houston went 48-34.

The Rockets haven’t been healthy all season. Olajuwon, 33, missed 10 games in March and April because of tendinitis in both knees. Houston’s other star, Drexler, a 13-year veteran, missed 30 games because of a balky right knee that required surgery.

Before the Rockets’ practice Sunday, the tone was somber. If Houston is convinced it can come back and beat the Sonics like it handled Orlando in last year’s title series sweep, it didn’t show.

“This is the biggest challenge we’ve ever faced,” Houston coach Rudy Tomjanovich said.

“It will be hard, but there is no doubt we can beat this team,” Olajuwon said.

If the Rockets didn’t have enough problems, Sam Cassell is playing with a sore right elbow.