Originally published February 26, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified February 27, 2008 at 2:02 AM

Warriors use third-quarter burst to bust Sonics, 105-99

Monta Ellis scored 30 points, Austin Croshere added 14 in the decisive third quarter without missing a shot, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Sonics 105-99 Tuesday night.

By GREG BEACHAM

The Associated Press

Game stats

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Monta Ellis scored 30 points, Austin Croshere added 14 in the decisive third quarter without missing a shot, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Seattle SuperSonics 105-99 Tuesday night for their fifth win in seven games.

Baron Davis added 20 points and 10 assists for the Warriors, who stumbled to another poor start against a bottom-dwelling opponent before Ellis and Croshere took charge. Croshere, the veteran forward who has barely played in his first year with Golden State, went 6-for-6 to establish his season high for points in just 91/2 minutes as the Warriors ran away.

Stephen Jackson returned from a two-game absence with a sprained ankle to score 17 points for the Warriors, who got back in form after an embarrassing home loss to Atlanta last Friday. Golden State never trailed in the fourth quarter, rare for a club that usually struggles to put away its foes.

Kevin Durant scored 21 points and fellow rookie Jeff Green had a career high 21 for the Sonics, who have lost four of six. Luke Ridnour matched his career high with 15 assists, including 12 in the first half, but injury-depleted Seattle couldn't stay with the Warriors' uptempo offense in the second half.

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