HOUSTON, April 2 (Ticker) -- Mabye Steve Francis was inspired by his college team.

Francis scored 32 points and Kenny Thomas came up big down the stretch as the Houston Rockets rallied for a 100-98 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Rockets' best player, Francis played one season as a collegian at Maryland before declaring for the NBA draft. On Monday, Maryland won the national championship, perhaps giving Francis some motivation in this contest.

Francis, who battled Gary "the Glove" Payton all night, made 11-of-24 shots from the field while adding six rebounds and six assists.

"I play my hardest every game but going against GP (Gary Payton) is definitely a challenge," Francis said. "There are things he does that I need to take from him."

NBA TV highlights from Sonics-Rockets: 56k | 300k As Desmond Mason and Cuttino Mobley can attest, this game was not for the meek. Bill Baptist/NBAE/Getty Images

But Thomas came up the biggest for the Rockets, making five free throws while adding a key block in the final 3:24 of the contest as Houston overcame an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Payton finished with his 14th career triple-double for Seattle as he collected 25 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

Seattle led virtually the entire way and was still in front, 84-74 with 10:01 remaining in the fourth on a jumper by Vin Baker.

But reserves Moochie Norris and Terence Morris helped trigger a 17-4 run that gave the Rockets a 91-88 lead with 3:24 left on a pair of foul shots by Thomas, who had 16 points and 18 rebounds. Norris and Morris each had four points in the surge.

Already looking toward next season, the Rockets are starting to give key minutes to some of their younger players. One of those players, Dan Langhi, responded with a career-high 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting.

Payton, showing his veteran prowess, made a tough fadeaway over Vin Baker with 2:31 to play, pulling the Sonics within 91-90.

The Sonics were still within two at 94-92 with 1:13 left when Payton drew a technical foul for kicking the ball into the stands.

Cuttino Mobley made the free throw and, after Desmond Mason and Brent Barry missed shots on Seattle's ensuing possession, Norris made two foul shot to give Houston a 97-92 lead with 24 seconds left.

Houston went 31-of-37 at the line, compared to just 6-of-11 for Seattle.

Sonics coach Nate McMillan was disgusted with his team's play.

"Bad play, bad execution, to allow guys to get rebounds, continue to foul guys, take shots," McMillan said. "We know these guys want to put their head down and got to the basket. You give up 37 free throws, you're not playing basketball."

Payton was huge in the first half, scoring 19 points, including a 3-pointer as time expired to help Seattle to a 56-48 lead. The Sonics also led by eight after three quarters.

"We didn't play well in the fourth quarter. We gave away a game," Payton said.