The fans who make Arco Arena perhaps the most hostile place in the NBA stood up in the waning moments of last night's game. But instead of cheering another home victory, the sellout crowd of 17,371 said goodbye to the Kings' home-court winning streak.

They applauded politely as the final seconds ticked away in the Sonics' stunning 126-116 win, ending the Kings' run of 20 consecutive victories at home.

Of all the teams with a shot at ending the streak, the Sonics were among the most improbable. Seattle had folded like a deck of cards in losing five of its past seven home games. And the Sonics were playing the second of a back-to-back set and were without Vin Baker, one of their most effective inside players against Sacramento.

"I am very proud of them," Coach Nate McMillan said of his Sonics (27-25). "Sacramento is the best team in the league. This is one of the teams that I picked to win the championship ? them or the Lakers."

Seattle has shown the mental toughness necessary to win road games against the Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers. But the Kings had defeated teams by an average of 15 points at Arco Arena.

"It's the atmosphere," Sonics guard Desmond Mason said. "I remember the first time I came in here last year, it just felt like a college atmosphere. People were constantly on their feet screaming, regardless of the situation."

Before the game, McMillan spoke to his players about how they were looked upon as nothing but foils against the Kings. The younger players walked out with scowls and exhorted each other even before the tipoff.

"It made guys want to go out and work out and play tough hard-nosed defense," said Mason, who had 15 points.

When the players were being introduced, Gary Payton was asked if the Sonics had a chance of ending Sacramento's streak.

"Of course," Payton responded tersely. "Why the hell would I waste my time coming down here if we didn't have a chance? Once you step on the floor you have a chance against anyone."

Seattle's chances increased because Payton (31 points, 13 assists) made the game close at the end. The Kings had whittled Seattle's lead to 120-116, when Payton made a layin high off the glass over Chris Webber with about a minute left.

After a Kings miss, Payton was isolated outside against Peja Stojakovic. The 33-year-old Sonic sliced to the lane, contorting his body just enough to find room for a layin. The basket gave Seattle a 124-116 lead with 33 seconds left.

When the Kings called timeout, Brent Barry hugged Payton and teammates mobbed him.

Barry fouled out with 4:51 left, leaving Payton with several first- and second-year players instead of his trusty sidekick.

"When Brent went out," Payton said, "I had to do a little bit extra."

The Sonics had extra room against the Kings because of a high-powered second quarter that produced 47 points. It was the most points by Seattle in a quarter and just four from its franchise record.

The offensive outburst gave the Sonics a 73-50 lead at the half, the most Seattle has scored in a half this season, and the most Sacramento has allowed.

Seattle used the same style it had during Saturday's 99-79 victory against Boston at KeyArena.

Without Baker, the Sonics were forced to move the ball until it found the open player. The Sonics showed more fluidity and quickness than usual, pushing the ball at every opportunity for layins and dunks.

"I did not imagine we scored 47 points in the quarter," McMillan said. "We were just playing in the flow."

With three seconds left in the second quarter, the Sonics inbounded the ball under Sacramento's basket. Payton received the pass and found Barry outside the three-point line. The shooting guard swished it just before the buzzer sounded to give Seattle a 23-point lead.

And even though the fans still had hope, it was a sign that these stirred-up Sonics came with an upset on their minds.