Sonics Update / 3OT loss to Blazers
John Gossman
Saturday night the Sonics and Blazers played in Seattle one of
the most exciting, wildest basketball games I have ever seen. In the
end Portland won 130-124 to go 13-1, while the Sonics fell to a heart
breaking 4-8 as they start out on a five game eastern road trip. They'll
be tired when they show up in the Garden Monday night.
Sonics led almost the entire game, usually by more than 6 but less
than 12 points. Xavier McDaniel was the main man on offense: he eventually
finished with 41 points, 6 assists, and a handfull of rebounds and steals.
Defense was the key though. The normally hot shooting Blazers were held to
42% for the game, even though they shot well in the 4th period and parts of
the overtimes. Going into the final quarter the Sonics were leading by
14 and seemed in good position.
In the fourth quarter the Sonics had one of their common offensive
breakdowns, characterized by poor shooting, turnovers, and an inability to
run a half-court offense. Portland charged back to lead by 2, then the teams
traded the lead until the final seconds. The Sonics led 96-95 when Kersey
drove to the basket, several players went to the floor (including McKey
but not Kersey) and Kersey put up a layin but missed and time ran out.
However, McKey was called for his 6th foul and Kersey went to the line
to hit one and miss one and tie the game. The replay showed that McKey
was nowhere near Kersey, and the only possible call was against Michael
Cage (who had 2 fouls) and that was questionable. Anyway, considering
the comeback, Portland deserved another shot.
To my surprise the Sonics came out in the OT and led from buzzer to
buzzer, by as much as six at one point. Portland came back again. Porter
and McDaniel did most of the scoring again, and with 12 seconds left
trailed by 2. There followed a wild sequence that started with Porter
driving inside, two blocked shots and a missed put back then a tip
to the corner where it was saved by Sedale Threatt, back to Cage and
Williams in the middle, tipped to courtside where it was saved by Kemp,
to Kersey and McDaniel who fought over it and stopped the clock with
a foul on X. Kersey then shoved X (the refs missed X's little bump on
Jerome) and was called for a T, which Sedale sunk on the other end.
Portland trailed by 3 with 2 seconds left.
The inbounds went to Porter, who was clearly fouled by Gary
Payton. The two scrambled for the ball just outside the 3 point line,
and Porter got off a miracle shot, lifting the ball from the floor and
up into the air as the buzzer sounded. It went in. The refs counted it.
The replay however, clearly showed that the ball was still only waist
high when the clock hit 0. No matter, 2nd OT. By the way, the Sonics
top bench player, Shawn Kemp, fouled out in the OT.
In the second OT the Sonics again pulled away. Gary Payton and
Sedale Threatt provided most of the scoring, while Cage was scooping up
rebounds to the final tune of 15. Ahead by four with 8 seconds left,
Payton fouled Ainge on Portland's inbounds. Ainge hit the FTs and Gary
was gone. Then Portland stole the Sonics inbound and scored an easy
layup to tie again. Cage missed a short, off-balance jumper to win
the game with .9 secs.
Third OT. Sonics are playing three guards -- McMillan, Threatt,
and Barros, along with X and Cage and Polynice and Dailey coming in
for instant D and instant O. With the Sonics shot blockers (Kemp and
McKey) and best defender (Payton) out, Porter and Drexler took it to the
hoop, while the Sonics couldn't quite hit their shots. The Sonics were
able to eek out a four point lead, then fell apart down the stretch to
lose.
Porter had 38 for Portland. The game was so late no box scores
are out, so I don't know much more. Kersey had at least 19, Williams and
Duckworth were not factors. Robinson played well, especially defensively.
For the Sonics, Gary Payton had 8 assists and at least 12 points, including
some important drives inside at crunch time. Threatt had a least 15, and
Shawn Kemp had only 6 points, but 9 rebounds and a number of key blocks.
Biggest difference was the usual (for the Sonics). Portland was 35-40, while
the Sonics were only 19-21 from the FT line. Sonics also severely lacked
from 3-point range (last two years they led the NBA in 3 pointers. Come back
Dale all is forgiven :-)).
A very, very exciting game. The Sonics could have really used this
win to push them to 5-7 and give them some momentum going back east. Instead
they are tired and 4-8. Dale Ellis was in street clothes, but stayed on
the bench and was in the huddle supporting his team--a very important sign,
considering his fight with X last week. He should be back in a couple more
games.
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John Gossman
SoftSource (206)676-0999 Phone
WWU Math Dept.
My employer stands behind all my opinions, except in public.
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