Live From The Press Box - Sonics vs. Toronto
Want to enjoy the electricity of being Live at the Hardwood even if you're thousands of miles away? SUPERSONICS.COM's Live From the Press Box in-game blog is your best bet. All night and all season long, Kevin Pelton will be bringing you pregame Q&As and observations from the game. Make sure to keep coming back or refreshing so you get the latest content.
Some Closing Notes
Posted at 9:56 p.m.
Crazy as it might sound, this might be the Sonics best win of the year. To play the final five minutes without Ray Allen against a very good team and still come out on top is incredible. Major, major credit to Antonio Daniels for his outstanding performance down the stretch. The Toronto Raptors played a great game and showed no quit after going down early … they’re going to be a very good team, and I stand by picking them to win the Atlantic Division. The Sonics really enjoyed this win, huddling near the top of the three-point line after the game. Howard Schultz was leaping up and down like a kid, hugging Rashard Lewis. Great win all around. Well, that’s all from here, but look for Postgame Quotes and Notes on the site later tonight.
Sonics Close Homestand Sunday
Posted at 9:54 p.m.
The Sonics try to extend their winning streak to six games Sunday, when the Memphis Grizzlies will bring their act westward for a 5:00 start time. After winning a franchise-record 50 games a year ago, the Grizzlies are off to a slow start this year. Still boasting one of the NBA's deepest rosters and Coach of the Year Hubie Brown, Memphis should get it rolling soon - though hopefully not until after Sunday.
Get your tickets now!
Sonics Win! Sonics Win! Sonics Win!
Posted at 9:53 p.m.
Inbounds to Vince Carter. He drives the top of the key to his left, getting picked up by Reggie Evans. Evans forces him baseline to the help, which collapses on Carter. His reverse layup attempt is up … and off! Sonics hold on for the 88-87 win!
Obvious Statement
Posted at 9:51 p.m.
This is far and away the most exciting Live From The Press Box yet.
Sonics On Top
Posted at 9:50 p.m.
Antonio Daniels pulls up in the lane, leaning back from eight feet, and it’s good! Sonics up one with 7.2 seconds left. 16 points for Daniels.
Lew for Three
Posted at 9:45 p.m.
No explanation necessary. Sonics within one. Offensive rebound off the long Alston miss. Vince Carter for three? Um, no. I’m not sure he even got rim on that one. Just saw a good replay and no, he didn’t. Sonics ball, down 87-86, 20 seconds left. Timeout. Who gets the last shot? Lewis, ideally.
Within Two … Or Not
Posted at 9:43 p.m.
A Vince Carter foul puts Luke Ridnour on the line, where he splits em to pull the Sonics within two. I don’t think either side is satisfied with the referees right now. Matt Bonner - an incredible second-round pull by the Raptors (actually, he was taken by the Bulls and traded to Toronto) hits the 20-foot jumper to extend the lead to four with 1:16 to play.
Split Decision
Posted at 9:42 p.m.
One ref has charge on Vladimir Radmanovic, one has a block on Matt Bonner. Finding no common ground, they call a double foul … I’m not so much sure the rules allow that, but whatever. Vince Carter misses, Luke Ridnour rebound, Chris Bosh foul. Sonics ball, down 85-82 with a minutes and a half left.
Toronto Ball
Posted at 9:40 p.m.
Funny. The media was just discussing with Nate McMillan yesterday how rolling over with the ball on the floor stopped being a travel at some point. The Raptors are the beneficiaries tonight; Morris Peterson quickly calls a 20-second timeout to preserve his steal
Air Canada, Service to Seattle
Posted at 9:35 p.m.
Vince Carter’s first dunk of the year (I think) puts Toronto up four. Daniels answers with a three. Rafer Alston turns it over. 3:03 on the clock and the crowd is getting loud.
Double Uh-Oh
Posted at 9:33 p.m.
Ray Allen just fouled out of the game on a close charge call, drawing a cavalcade of boos from the KeyArena crowd. I’m not sure of the last time Allen found out (or, unfortunately, where to find it at the moment). He’s replaced by Luke Ridnour. Toronto leads 78-76 and the leading scorer on the court is Reggie Evans with 13 points. But Ridnour drains a three to give the Sonics back the lead. Under five minutes to play. Morris Peterson answers back with a three of his own. Rafer Alston + shooters = impossible to defend.
Respect From the Zebras
Posted at 9:30 p.m.
I’m not counting, but I’m pretty sure that’s Chris Bosh’s 73rd and-one of the evening.
Uh-Oh
Posted at 9:27 p.m.
The Sonics are officially in the danger zone. Morris Peterson’s threeball has given Toronto a 73-71 lead with seven and a half minutes to play, Ray Allen has five fouls and the Sonics have four team fouls to Toronto’s one.
Stern in the House
Posted at 9:25 p.m.
Stern meets the media.
Michael Martin/NBAE/Getty
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It's always a big night when KeyArena is graced by the presence of the Commish, David Stern, who is in town for tonight’s game. After attending the Sonics Tip-Off Luncheon, Stern chatted with Sonics and Storm employees, and he met with the media before the game.
Some notable Stern comments:
He’s “optimistic”, but not quite “confident”, the NBA and the Players Association will reach a deal by the Jul. 1, 2005 expiration of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. Stern said he wasn’t even entertaining thoughts about what would happen if that wasn’t the case, but also said a work stoppage is “always possible”.
Stern confidently predicted of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, “We’re going to win the Gold.”
With regards to eliminating the three-point shot in the NBDL until the final three minutes of the game, Stern pointed out that the D-League is, at its heart, a developmental league. He hopes reducing the impact of the three will encourage NBDL players to improve their midrange games.
Question Answered
Posted at 9:18 p.m.
We wondered whether the refs would crack down on Danny Fortson after the complaints from the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. The answer is yes. In barely any minutes, Fortson has picked up five fouls without much impact on the game. The good news is Reggie Evans is having the game of his life.
Celebrity Sighting of the Year
Posted at 9:15 p.m.
We’re four games in, but this one is going to be hard to top. Mario Lopez, better known as A.C. Slater on the classic television program “Saved by the Bell”, is in the house. Previously spotted at halftime, Lopez cruised down the right baseline to his seats in the fourth row. I’m going to have to talk to the folks in our ticket department … there is no way A.C. Slater should be anywhere but the front row with the beautiful people.
We Go To The Fourth
Posted at 9:12 p.m.
After their cold second quarter, the Raptors broke out after halftime with Carter back in the lineup, scoring 28 points to pull within four through three complete, 66-62. For the first time this season, the Sonics are really going to need to grit out a win in a tight game. Let’s watch and see how they respond.
Skip To My Lou
Posted at 9:03 p.m.
Back in Toronto and straight-up ballin'.
Ron Turenne/NBAE/Getty
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Known as the first streetballer to make it to the NBA, Rafer Alston has made a name for himself as an NBA player. Alston first got a real chance to show his wares with the Raptors two years ago, but it took starting 25 games last year for the playoff-bound Heat for him to establish himself as an NBA starter. This summer, Toronto signed him to make Alston their starting point guard. The decision has worked out splendidly so far; Alston is averaging 13.8 points, 5.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds (and just 0.8 turnovers) and the Raptors are 4-1. I sat down briefly with Alston before the game to talk to him about the fast start.
You’re off to a great start, the team’s 4-1 - how’s it been?
Alston: It’s fantastic, man. I think it’s been awesome to start out the way we’ve started, knowing that we can play with any team in the league - especially with the homestand we started off with, 3-0, beating all playoff-caliber teams.
This time two years ago, you were out of the league. Now you’ve got a five-year contract. How remarkable is that?
Alston: It’s good. You know you’re secure for some years now, now you go out there and concentrate on putting your best effort forth and helping a team reach the level that they’re trying to reach.
Were you surprised Toronto went so hard after you this summer after letting you walk as a free agent?
Alston: Sort of. I thought I would be back down in Florida, but when they came storming in with their offer, I couldn’t resist - knowing that it was a team where there was only way for this team to go, and that was to go up. They were already down at the bottom. I wanted to be part of that transition.
Do you think your background as a playground star hurt you establishing yourself as an NBA player?
Alston: No. Yeah, there are some people that … read into that. That’s professional sports. When one person says something negative about another person, I think every team and organization believes that person instead of going out and taking a chance and getting to know somebody first and seeing what kind of person or player a guy is. I don’t think it hurts my chances; it just showed me how some people are. A lot of people aren’t people that will go out and try to find out first-hand; they’ll listen to others in professional sports.
Do you think there are other streetballers out there who could play in the Association?
Alston: They can. I think it’s not about their ability; I think it’s all mental. Are they up for the mental challenge? Are they up for all the things that they might have to grin and bear to make it this far?
Tonight’s Answer
Posted at 9:01 p.m.
It only occurred to me recently that trivia games don’t work at all for people not reading this blog in real time. Oh well, live and learn. The answer, of course, is C. Flounder, which makes no sense to people reading this after the game. Please read on.
In other news, the Raptors are making the run and had the lead within five before Evans grabbed a rebound (his 14th) and Allen knocked down a three-pointer to give him 22 for the night. Evans would have a lot more boards if it weren’t for all the loose-ball fouls he’s drawn while rebounding.
Reggie Evans, Offensive Machine
Posted at 8:59 p.m.
First, he banks a fadeaway off glass. Then he scores and draws the foul, completing the threepoint play. This is not the Reggie Evans who averaged 2.9 ppg last year. Reggie has 13; his career high (16 at Sacramento on Jan. 4 last season) is in serious danger.
Play Along
Posted at 8:57 p.m.
Timeout game on Greek night: Finish this line from the movie Animal House, uttered by John Belushi:
Dorfman, I’ve given this a lot of thought. From now on, your [frat] name is …:
A. Salmon
B. Trout
C. Flounder
D. Shark
Answer in a minute.
Sign Spotting
Posted at 8:54 p.m.
Seen in the upper deck: “We Miss Hockey”. Vince Carter, wanting some Love From The Press Box, knocks down a jumper and a three and the Raptors pull within seven.
Apropos of Nothing
Posted at 8:52 p.m.
Vince Carter in the first half: seven minutes, three points, 1-4 field goals, two rebounds, one assist, one turnover, three fouls, zero impact.
Halftime Stats
Posted at 8:50 p.m.
The Raptors shot a frosty 21.4% (3-for-14) in the second quarter, the biggest reason the Sonics were able to open up their lead. 19 points from Ray Allen, who is a bucket away from 20+ for the sixth straight game. Vladimir Radmanovic in on the rebound parade for the Sonics with eight in the first half. He had double-digits six times last season. Just as on Wednesday, the Sonics are not shooting particularly well but are still winning, which is a fabulous sign.
Resident celebrity spotter Steve Sloboda and I traded places at halftime, as he watched my laptop (big ups) and I was hobnobbing courtside. Bird - who reports her nose is fully healed - is sitting next to former USA soccer player Michelle French, while I walked back up to the press room behind Mariners pitcher Joel Pineiro. Sloboda also notes there’s a man sitting courtside with a t-shirt that reads “local celebrity”. Jim Compton? Ken Schram? I’m dying to know. (Okay, nobody outside of Western Washington has any idea what I was just referencing. That’s okay. Second half ready to go.)
It’s Halftime
Posted at 8:32 p.m.
The Sonics lead 48-34 and it doesn’t feel that close. Sorry about the lack of analysis, but I have to go try to interview Sue Bird.
Wow
Posted at 8:30 p.m.
During the second quarter, the Sonics have outrebounded Toronto 17-5. Reggie Evans currently has 12 rebounds (his career high is 17, at Cleveland in Dec. 2002). Oh yeah, they’ve also outscored the Raptors 17-10. Toronto is finally outscored in a second quarter.
Fortson on Fortson
Posted at 8:29 p.m.
Fortson is two for the last three games in double-doubles.
Otto Greule Jr./NBAE/Getty
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Danny Fortson has been the surprise of the season so far for the Sonics, owning the paint and leading the NBA in total offensive rebounds (24) in just 70 minutes of action. Fortson spoke to reporters after yesterday's practice, and SUPERSONICS.COM was there to get Fortson's take on his hot start.
Did you notice that you've gotten a standing ovation the last two home games?
Fortson: No. I'm just playing, trying to get a W. That's all that matters. Once you start winning, you want to keep winning. We're going to do whatever it takes. I'm not worried about, on the outside, what's going on.
Are you being modest about your hot start, playing it down, or are you really such a veteran that you don't get too up or down anymore?
Fortson: I'm a veteran, I'm an eight-year veteran. It's only week one. That should be enough said. It's a long season. It's a good week, but there's also going to be some bad weeks. Good teams come back from them. Hopefully we can be one of those good teams.
What goes into you being as good of a rebounder as you are?
Fortson: 60% of it is wanting to do it, and the other 40% is probably knowing where the ball is coming off the rim.
Have you always been a player that wants to do it?
Fortson: Yeah. Definitely. Reggie and I are a lot alike in a lot of ways.
Has your knowledge of where the ball is coming off the rim improved over the course of your career?
Fortson: It's helped me throughout my whole career. That's probably why I'm still in the league. That right there.
Squatch in Drag?
Posted at 8:27 p.m.
I don’t think you want more details on this one. …
The Art of the Teardrop
Posted at 8:25 p.m.
Sonics Coach Nate McMillan has spoken this year about how he wants Luke Ridnour to pull up and use floaters when driving the lane instead of going all the way to the basket, where his size is an issue because of shot-blockers. Well, Luke seems to be getting it. The shot didn’t count, but Luke delivered a gorgeous flick shot off glass a second ago with tons of backspin. The reason it didn’t count? Ridnour was so open in part because Reggie Evans was holding the man he was screening, and he was called for the foul. Neither team shooting very well during the quarter (it’s 11-8 Sonics in the period).
Dunking 101
Posted at 8:20 p.m.
A couple of strange dunk-related happenings for the Sonics in the last couple of minutes. First, Vladimir Radmanovic hammers the ball off the front rim so hard it bounces off the backboard and back in … then Rashard Lewis misses altogether. And people complain when players practice dunks during pregame warm-ups. … Sonics lead 40-31.
De-Cleater
Posted at 8:12 p.m.
In football, an outstanding block is known as a de-cleater. Well, Danny Fortson just laid a de-cleater on Vince Carter. Ray Allen set Carter up by dribbling back and forth beyond the three-point line, then started to make his move while Fortson laid the lumber on Carter, who pulled up holding his left shoulder for a moment but has stayed in the game. Chris Bosh and Rafer Alston (combined 17 points) are keeping Toronto close.
One Quarter in the Books
Posted at 8:05 p.m.
Just looking to get up a shot and get two free throws while being fouled by Danny Fortson, Chris Bosh threw in a turnaround shot off glass while falling to the ground. Bosh has been the main offense for the Raptors with eight points. Toronto has actually scored pretty well with 24 points, but the Sonics have lit them up for 31. They’re passing the ball great and Ray Allen already has 13 points. Toronto’s bench has played great (though they’re without Donyell Marshall) and the Raptors have yet to be outscored in a seond quarter this year. Can the Sonics snap the streak? During the quarter break, two fans play two-ball against Sue Bird and Luke Ridnour … good luck with that. Bird is courtside, representing in the retro Sonics t-shirt.
Fortson the Favorite
Posted at 7:58 p.m.
The crowd just unleashed the loudest cheer of the night as Danny Fortson got off the bench and checked into the game. He’s quickly become the most popular player on the Sonics roster. Fortson bats a rebound to Ray Allen and draws another cheer. Rafer Alston is a joy to watch. He’s as fast as any player in the league with the ball and has outstanding court vision. You can’t turn the ball over against the Raptors because they will convert it on the break. And he just canned a three. On the other hand … Antonio Daniels has worked him for two straight scores on the other end.
Toronto Goes Small
Posted at 7:53 p.m.
With Loren Woods struggling, Raptors Coach Sam Mitchell put Matt Bonner into the game and moved Chris Bosh to center for smallball lineup (though similar to the one Toronto used most of last season). Bosh immediately drove on Jerome James and scored and drew the foul. James picked up a second foul on the offensive glass, and Nate McMillan responded by replacing him with Vladimir Radmanovic. Gorgeous play by Ray Allen, who got behind the defense and used his off hand to flick a pass to an open Reggie Evans for the score. Both teams looking to push it.
Subtle
Posted at 7:48 p.m.
Rashard Lewis just made a subtly great play, one of those little “difference between winning and losing” things you might not notice on TV or the radio. Spotting up in transition on the right wing, Lewis did a good job of footwork, ensuring he was behind the line so his bucket (which he made) would count for three points, not two. Incidentally, he’d hate me mentioning it, but Nate McMillan was the master of the 22-foot two. Ray Allen throws in a three and then Lewis another one and the Raptors take a timeout down 15-7 on a 9-0 Sonics run. Good energy already in the Key.
Vince Benched
Posted at 7:44 p.m.
No change in the lineup, but Air Canada picked up two early fouls, the second a frustration foul against Reggie Evans after Carter couldn’t convert in the lane. Awesome block from Rashard Lewis in transition (we’ll see a lot of that from the fast-paced Raptors - can my typing keep up?) on Loren Woods. Lewis has been very active defensively early this season.
Third Time’s the Charm
Posted at 7:40 p.m.
After two re-jumps, Jerome James wins the opening tip for the Sonics. On Toronto’s first possession, Rafer Alston just made a sick playground open-court move to get a layup. More on Alston later.
Lineups
Posted at 7:25 p.m.
Just before what will be, barring a Sonics-Raptors NBA Finals, the only rendition of the Canadian National Anthem at KeyArena this season, we were handed starting lineups. The only surprise: the Raptors are listing Vince Carter as their small forward and Jalen Rose the two guard, not the other way around. (I confess I hadn’t paid that close attention to who was starting where before tonight; it may have been that way all year.) Anyways, Ridnour/Allen/Lewis/Evans/James for the Sonics, Alston/Rose/Carter/Bosh/Woods for Toronto. We’ll be keeping an eye on Ridnour and Alston at the point.
It’s Official
Posted at 7:15 p.m.
Danny Fortson is once again the baddest man in pig tails tonight.
Signing On
Posted at 7:11 p.m.
After a whirlwind pregame featuring media availability with David Stern (more later), I'm in Section 214 and ready for tip-off. Tonight's a matchup of 4-1 teams as the Sonics look to cool off the Toronto Raptors. A few tickets are still left, so come on down if you’re in the house for Friday Night Live, or pull up a chair and get comfortable as we keep you updated all night long. Remember to hit refresh so you get the latest.
