Monday, January 20, 2003

McGrady gets his revenge


Raptors fans boo Magic guard, who scores 35 points

The Associated Press

TORONTO - Tracy McGrady showed Toronto Raptors fans what they're missing.

McGrady had 35 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists against his former team, leading the Orlando Magic to a 101-93 victory over the Raptors on Sunday.

McGrady, who played three seasons in Toronto before signing with Orlando as a free agent, shot 14-for-31 from the field. Raptors fans booed the NBA's leading scorer throughout the game.

"Thank you for booing me," McGrady said. "You are doing me a favor really, because when they boo me like that, it just gives me more motivation to play.

"I enjoy the challenge and I enjoy the boos. Keep booing me every time I come back. Please, please, Toronto, please keep doing it."

McGrady shot just 3-for-10 from the field in the first quarter, then found his range.

"I was a little overexcited to be back here," McGrady said. "I was listening to the boos every time I touched the ball, but once I found my rhythm, I was back to normal."

Morris Peterson scored 25 points for the injury-riddled Raptors, who have lost three straight and 15 of 17. All-Star Vince Carter missed his 21st straight game with a strained right knee.

Orlando's Darrell Armstrong said McGrady relished the booing.

"He was laughing at it. He rides that to the fullest," Armstrong said. "The boos really mean, 'We miss you, T-Mac. We wish you were still here.' He loves to come back up here and play."

Sonics 85, Mavericks 81

SEATTLE - Rashard Lewis scored 19 points, made a turnaround jumper with 43.1 seconds remaining and hit two free throws with 10.3 seconds left, lifting Seattle to a dramatic victory over Dallas.

The Sonics have slumped this month, opening the new year with six losses before an overtime victory Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies. But Seattle looked strong in handing the Mavericks their third straight loss.

Peja Drobnjak scored 19 points in a rare reserve role for the Sonics.