Kings Tune Up for Lakers by Ending Skid

Hedo Turkoglu moved into the starting lineup and scored 22 points to help the Sacramento Kings end a losing streak at three games by defeating the SuperSonics, 95-77, Thursday night at Seattle.

Jim Jackson had 21 points for the Kings, who play host to the Lakers tonight and were playing their first game since Chris Webber was sidelined for at least three weeks because of a sprained left ankle.

Rashard Lewis led the SuperSonics with 25 points.

Dallas 112, Minnesota 109 -- Dirk Nowitzki, playing with a stiff neck after being flagrantly fouled by Kevin Garnett, led a late rally with a three-point basket, a dunk, a jumper and a steal to send the Mavericks past the Timberwolves at Dallas.

Dallas trailed, 104-99, before Nowitzki took over, ending Minnesota’s six-game winning streak. Garnett, who had 31 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists, was called for a flagrant foul in the third quarter for swinging his right arm at Nowitzki’s head after being beaten on a fastbreak.

Nowitzki finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Milwaukee 97, Washington 90 -- Sam Cassell’s 31 points helped the Bucks beat the Wizards as Michael Jordan’s appearance attracted a sellout crowd for only the second time this season at Milwaukee.

Jordan, who had 24 points, pulled Washington to 89-87, but he missed his next three shots as the Bucks iced the victory.

The Wizards also lost guard Jerry Stackhouse, who left after aggravating a strained groin midway through the third quarter.