Live From The Press Box - Sonics vs. Indiana
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.
It’s All Over
Posted at 8:31 p.m.
Sonics 103, Indiana 95. 13-2! Be sure to tune in to the Sonics Postgame Show on KJR 950 AM and the rest of the Sonics Radio Network stations featuring David Locke and Elise Woodward.
Utah Wednesday
Posted at 8:30 p.m.
With tonight’s game looking to be in need of a miracle for the Pacers, it’s safe to look ahead to the Sonics upcoming schedule. Tuesday, they’ll be in Portland (7:00 p.m., FSN), and Wednesday they’ll return home to take on their new Northwest Division rivals, the Utah Jazz, at 7:00. Don’t miss a minute of the action in the battle for Northwest supremacy.
Get your tickets now!
James Jones?
Posted at 8:27 p.m.
Okay, we knew this guy could play, but six three-pointers? Are you kidding me? Sonics still in control as long as they hit their free-throws, and it’s Ray Allen going to the line.
LUUUUUUUUUKE!
Posted at 8:24 p.m.
Luke Ridnour hits what might be the biggest shot of his career thus far, a shot-clock beating three to push the lead to nine. He can’t answer on the next possession, but Rashard Lewis gets a breakaway layup that probably ends the game. Sonics lead 100-89 with 1:12 to play and the Pacers have just a 20-second timeout left.
Stoppage
Posted at 8:23 p.m.
Before coming down with the last rebound, Ray Allen was raked across the face by Austin Croshere, causing a bloody nose that has briefly stopped play. An Antonio Daniels jumper gave the Sonics a six-point lead. They have the ball with 2:30 to play.
Three-Point Barrage
Posted at 8:18 p.m.
Unable to connect from downtown the first three quarters, the Pacers suddenly can’t miss. A Jamaal Tinsley three makes it 93-89.
Don’t Look Now
Posted at 8:15 p.m.
A James Jones three makes it 91-86 with four and a half minutes to play. But Vladimir Radmanovic answers with a crucial jumper.
Timeout Again
Posted at 8:10 p.m.
Antonio Daniels finds Vladimir Radmanovic for the jam. Sonics lead 91-80 with 5:56 to play. Rick Carlisle again signals TO.
Big Dudes Part Deux
Posted at 8:07 p.m.
Wisely, Carlisle got David Harrison back in at his timeout. What’s the point of saving a player with five fouls if the game is going to be over by the time you’re going to put him back in?
Big Dudes
Posted at 8:03 p.m.
The matchup between Danny Fortson and Pacers center David Harrison has been an entertaining one. Those are two big guys who aren’t afraid to use their size. However, it’s over for the moment, as Harrison checks out of the game with five fouls. He’s replaced by Britton Johnsen, who I hope - for his sake - isn’t going to have to defend Fortson. But I know that’s what’s going to happen. Fortson follows two free throws with a tip-in; the Sonics lead 87-75 with 8:24 to play and Rick Carlisle is making the T signal again.
Allen The Passer
Posted at 7:59 p.m.
It hasn’t been a great shooting night for Ray Allen, who is 4-for-10 from the field and has scored 13 points in the first three quarters. But Allen has contributed as a passer, handing out nine assists, already a season high (his career high is 13). Allen set up Rashard Lewis on a great look from three late in the third, and the Sonics are 10-for-17 from downtown as a team. Indiana is just 4-for-15.
The Fortson Card
Posted at 7:54 p.m.
If you pay attention, you’ll notice that Sonics Coach Nate McMillan has been slow to bring Danny Fortson into the game during the second half of close games this season. McMillan seems to be waiting as long as possible to maximize Fortson’s minutes against the opposing bench and, hopefully, his impact in the game. With just under a minute left in the third, McMillan has played the Fortson card. A Nick Collison offensive board leads to a Vladimir Radmanovic three instantaneously. Through three, the Sonics lead 77-68. They’ve yet to lose a lead entering the fourth quarter this season. Can they maintain the streak? Stay tuned.
Ichiro Coutside
Posted at 7:45 p.m.
After some football record-holders were courtside Friday, it’s a baseball record-holder tonight. Seattle Mariners star Ichiro, who set the MBL single-season record for hits this year, has joined Sonics Chairman Howard Schultz courtside. That’s got be a fascinating conversation to listen in to.
Lewis Heating Up
Posted at 7:37 p.m.
After a bit of a slow start and an off night Friday, Rashard Lewis seems to be finding his groove during the third quarter. Lewis has scored seven of the Sonics nine points, doubling his first-half output. He’s now the team’s leading scorer. Rick Carlisle takes a timeout to talk it over, his team trailing 64-56. The Pacers need to keep it close for when the benches get in the game, because the Sonics have a dramatic advantage in that matchup, getting 27 first-half bench points.
Tinsley Taking Over
Posted at 7:30 p.m.
Ron Hoskins/NBAE/Getty
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A big part of the Indiana Pacers recent success has been the play of point guard Jamaal Tinsley. Regarded as one of the league’s better passers, Tinsley averaged nearly six assists a game last season despite not starting all year. But he’s averaging better than 20 points in his last three games, leading the Pacers to three wins.
Is there anyone in this locker room that’s surprised you’ve won three straight games?
Tinsley: I don’t think there’s surprise. We compete against each other in practice, and this is a deep team. We understand that guys are out of the lineup, and other people think we’re behind the 8-ball. We’re behind the 8 -ball, but we go out there and compete hard every day in practice, so if you get in the situation, it carries over.
How important has it been to work hard and together as a team?
Tinsley: That’s the main thing. Most of the guys in the NBA, they don’t go out there for 48 minutes and give it their all. We’ve got guys competing and playing hard for 48 minutes, and playing hard and competing, the sky’s the limit when you’re on the same page.
Do you think guys like you and the Joneses are getting a chance to show things you couldn’t when this team was at fast strength?
Tinsley: It isn’t just us because we’re making shots, it’s a group thing. Everybody’s getting involved. They’re doing the little things to make us better, if it’s number 31 (Reggie Miller) on the bench clapping, making sure that we’re of a level head, just having guys pull for us when they’re out of the lineup, we go out there and play hard.
Are you looking for your own shot more right now?
Tinsley: It seems like that, because the situation is what it is. By me getting in more pick-and-rolls, I’m able to get to the basket more easily and the shot’s there, so I’ve got to take it. Other than that, I’m looking pass first.
Halftime Clinic
Posted at 7:20 p.m.
Tonight’s halftime entertainment features KeyArena fan favorite Steve Scheffler leading kids in defensive drills for Sonics Basketball 101. Scheffler started out the clinic by introducing his old coach, long-time Sonics assistant Bob Kloppenburg, who literally
wrote the book on pressure defense. It’s good to see Kloppy in the house. He’s doing some scouting for the Charlotte Bobcats, who employ his son Gary (a former Storm assistant) as an assistant coach.
Nick Hustle
Posted at 7:10 p.m.
Another great hustle play by Nick Collison, who’s played extended minutes in the first half. He gave two or three efforts to get a layup, then followed it with a block on the other end. He earlier had an even nicer block that was negated by a questionable foul call (Antonio Daniels, protesting the call, drew a technical). Collison has four points and six rebounds and the Sonics take a 55-46 lead to halftime after Austin Croshere’s dunk effort was turned aside by Rashard Lewis just before the buzzer.
Bad Timing
Posted at 7:01 p.m.
Literally at the same time I posted that blurb about John Edwards (below), he was replaced by Eddie Gill as the Pacers went small. Nate McMillan counters with Luke Ridnour replacing Vladimir Radmanovic for a Ridnour/Daniels/Allen/Lewis/Collison lineup. Sonics lead by seven, 46-41, but they’re dominating bench scoring, 22-2. Indiana may not be shooting them well, but the Pacers have gotten to the free-throw line 12 times this quarter to stay in the game.
Veep
Posted at 6:56 p.m.
In addition to being the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee this November - or was that a different guy? - John Edwards is on the court as Indiana’s center right now. With Scot Pollard and Jeff Foster injured and David Harrison with three fouls, the Pacers are down to Edwards in the middle. Originally a walk-on at Kent State, Edwards averaged 13.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks as a senior, but he had to make the Pacers in training camp as an undrafted rookie free agent.
Anything But Free
Posted at 6:52 p.m.
Don’t ask me why, but the Pacers are a dismal 3-for-8 from the free-throw line thus far. Maybe fouling isn’t such a bad idea?
We’re Just Saying is All
Posted at
6:45 p.m.
Poker star Howard Lederer
Austin Croshere (right)
Late Call
Posted at 6:41 p.m.
Over the quarter break, it was determined that the Vladimir Radmanovic jumper I said tied the game was actually a three to give the Sonics the lead. That’s what I thought, looking at the play, but it went on the scoreboard as a two. Your revised first-quarter score is Sonics 24, Indiana 21.
One Quarter Complete
Posted at 6:35 p.m.
Nick Collison’s hustle pays off. With seconds left in the quarter, he strips Pacers forward Britton Johnsen of the ball and gets it to Danny Fortson, who’s fouled with 0.5 seconds left and hits both free throws. Sonics lead 23-21 after one quarter. They’re 9-0 this season when they lead after 12 minutes.
All Square
Posted at 6:33 p.m.
With 1:28 left in the first quarter, Vladimir Radmanovic’s jumper ties the game at 21-all. It’s a 17-4 Sonics run.
Retro Night?
Posted at 6:27 p.m.
Apparently, no one thought to tell the Sonics Dance Team there are no Throwback Tuesdays this year, as they performed during the last timeout in 70s attire.
Sir, May I See Your Tickets?
Posted at 6:25 p.m.
The Sonics bench is full, so rookie swingman Damien Wilkins is sitting with the paying customers tonight in the corner seat on the baseline.
Threes by Luke Ridnour and Ray Allen have sparked an 8-2 Sonics run to get within four, prompting a Rick Carlisle timeout.
Super Fan
Posted at 6:20 p.m.
9-year-old Max Hanson, who accompanied the Sonics on their road trip to Denver earlier this season through the Make-a-Wish Foundation, was just honored at the timeout as the Sonics SuperFan of the game. It’s well-deserved.
Jamaal Tinsley
Posted at 6:19 p.m.
The Pacers point guard told me before the game he isn’t looking for his shot more following the Pacers suspensions, making him a liar. I’m kidding, of course, but Tinsley scored seven points in the first four minutes to spark Indiana. More on Tinsley later. The Sonics have come out flat, prompting a Nate McMillan timeout.
New-Look Pacers
Posted at 6:10 p.m.
The Indiana Pacers 2004-05 media guide is decorated by cover photos of All-Stars Ron Artest and Jermaine O’Neal. But neither Artest nor O’Neal will be playing tonight, and Artest won’t be seen again this season because of suspensions stemming from the incident the Friday before last in Detroit. Still, playing with between six and 10 players active the last four games, the Pacers have gone 3-1 to stay atop the Eastern Conference.
With Sonics Coach Nate McMillan’s pregame media session also once again covering the Memphis Grizzlies and Hubie Brown, it begs the question - can teamwork and hard work trump the star system in the NBA?
“You do need stars,” said McMillan.
“You can win some games without them, not that you don’t need them. You do. Eventually talent is going to outweigh hard work. You need talent in this league. What they’ve done is, they’re playing hard and they’re playing together.
“I’m sure he (Rick) will say, ‘Give me O’Neal, give me Artest’.”
From a coaching standpoint, McMillan feels the Pacers are a different team.
“What is kind of difficult is, ‘Where do they go?’ You can kind of get a feel for what they’ll do - Tinsley and Croshere will have the majority of the touches, and then Jones, and they’re going to scrap and hustle and try to be solid.”
Pollard Out
Posted at 6:00 p.m.
Indiana center Scot Pollard is officially a scratch from tonight’s game because of a sore lower back. Rookie David Harrison starts in his place.
Lewis in the Lineup
Posted at 5:40 p.m.
Good news from Nate McMillan’s pre-game media session: Despite suffering a strained left shoulder in Friday’s win over New Jersey, forward Rashard Lewis will get the start tonight.
“There’s soreness, but he’s going to play, he’s going to start and he should be okay,” said McMillan.
Signing On
Posted at 5:35 p.m.
It’s the best in the West versus the top team from the East tonight as the Seattle SuperSonics square off with the Indiana Pacers tonight at KeyArena, and I’ll be watching and posting from my usual spot in Section 214. A few tickets are still left to see the first-place Sonics and enjoy Sonics Kids at the Key, so come on down if you’re in the house, 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.
