Lead by five three-pointers by rookie forward Shane Battier, the Memphis Grizzlies won their third straight pre-season game, upending the Seattle Supersonics this evening, 103-99. The Grizzlies entered the fourth quarter down 14 after trailing by as many as 23 points in the third quarter. However, as the Sonics went to their bench and youth, the Grizzlies rallied behind the sharpshooting of Battier, the penetration and distribution of backup point guard Brevin Knight, and fine all-around play from rookie Pau Gasol.

The Grizzly lead was one, 98-97, when, after a Grizzly offensive rebound, newly acquired Jason Williams hit a long three pointer to put the team in command with less than 30 seconds left. The Sonics quickly answered with a dunk to cut the lead to two. After the Grizzlies made one of two free throws, the Sonics had a chance to tie with five seconds left, but the Grizzlies wisely fouled center Predrag Drobnjak on the inbounds. Drobnjak missed both free throws, and the Grizzlies again made one of two free throws to produce the final margin.

After shooting 29% from the field in Phoenix, the Sonic offense came back to life, scoring 99 points on 37 of 87 shooting. Three Sonics lead the way -- forward Rashard Lewis, and backcourt-mates Brent Barry and Gary Payton. A night after shooting just 2 of 10, Lewis lead the Sonics with 24 points on 10 of 16 shooting, and added 9 rebounds for good measure. Barry continued his strong pre-season and bid to start at shooting guard by adding 19 points on 6 of 9 shooting, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. Payton, the Sonics' leading scorer during pre-season, had 18 points and 7 assists.

A number of other Sonics struggled from the field, however. Starting big men Vin Baker and Calvin Booth both grabbed 6 rebounds, but were offensively impotent. Baker shot 2 of 10 and scored 6 points, while Booth was scoreless on 0 of 6 shooting. Guard Desmond Mason also had 6 rebounds, but scored just 8 points on 4 of 12 shooting.

Memphis had six players in double figures, lead by the 17 and 9 rebounds of Gasol. Battier's five triples lead him to 16 points on 5 of 7 shooting, along with 8 rebounds. Starting guards Michael Dickerson and Williams chipped in 15 points and 14, respectively. Center Lorenzen Wright added 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Knight registered a team-leading 11 assists to go along with his 12. Forward Stromile Swift struggled, shooting 0 of 9 from the field.

The Sonics continued to be beset by turnovers, as they have been all season. They had 20, including 5 by Barry and 4 from Mason. Knight harassed Sonic guards, finishing with 7 steals ... Jerome James had an interesting 9 minute run, scoring 5 points, blocking 2 shots, and picking up 3 fouls ... a full night's work ... during their fourth quarter comeback, the Grizzlies scored a remarkable 37 points.