The Seattle SuperSonics are in the Western Conference playoffs again after being in the lottery for the last two seasons.

The Sonics clinched a playoff berth Tuesday night with a hard fought 102-99 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. They were led by Ray Allen and Jerome James with 22 points each, James' a career high. James picked up the scoring usually provided by Rashard Lewis who was out with a injury to his right foot.

``This is a big win to come on the road and have some guys down and find a way to win like that is pretty impressive for our team,'' said Seattle guard Luke Ridnour. ``It feels good to make sure we're in the playoffs.''

``We won a game that a lot of people didn't think we could win,'' said Seattle coach Nate McMillan.