Live From The Press Box - Sonics vs. New York
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.
Knicks Hold On
Final: New York 104, Sonics 101
Vladimir Radmanovic made things very interesting for the Sonics. His 25-foot 3-pointer with 15.5 seconds left pulled the Sonics within one and gave the Sonics a chance to tie despite the fact that Jamal Crawford was perfect at the free-throw line. There's few players in the world you'd rather have shooting if you need a 3 than Ray Allen, but Allen's try was off and Luke Ridnour batted the ball out to be recovered by Stephon Marbury, who dribbled out the clock. Jamal Crawford was simply marvelous in his return to his hometown, scoring 31 points - all of them in the second half - on 8-for-13 shooting. Wow. The Sonics got a season-high 23 from Radmanovic, who clicked better than he has all year. They'll practice tomorrow and Thursday, then head to Utah to take on the Jazz Friday night. We'll be back here Saturday to take on Sacramento. See you then.
Need Some Help
Fourth Quarter: New York 100, Sonics 96
The Sonics have been living on the edge for a while now, and Stephon Marbury might have pushed them off with a 20-footer off the dribble at the top of the key. They trail by four with 26.1 seconds left, which is not impossible but is tough.
Wild Sequence
Fourth Quarter: New York 98, Sonics 96
Great play drawn up by Bob Weiss out of the timeout to free Rashard Lewis going to the hole after a pick-and-role, but a play is usually only as good as the execution. Allen's pass is deflected and stolen by Antonio Davis. The Sonics nearly force a turnover with Jamal Crawford on the sideline, but he gets a 20-second timeout. The Sonics need a stop.
Chance to Tie
Fourth Quarter: New York 98, Sonics 96
Jamal Crawford with another brilliant drive, but the Sonics answer with a Vladimir Radmanovic 3. For some reason, Stephon Marbury, not Crawford, has the ball on the next possession. He misses a jumper, and the Sonics take possession with 53.1 seconds left after a 20-second TO.
Still Breathing
Fourth Quarter: New York 96, Sonics 93
Ray Allen has willed the Sonics back into this game. Allen has a 3-pointer, a free throw (off a Channing Frye technical) and a three-point play to bring the Sonics back to within three with plenty of time - 1:22, to be exact - to play. But the Sonics will need more stops. The Knicks have taken timeout with nine on the shot clock, and we'll see what Xs and Os genius Larry Brown comes up with.
Crawford's Shots Lethal
Fourth Quarter: New York 94, Sonics 86
Wow, has Jamal Crawford ever been huge tonight. After the Sonics got back within one, Crawford hit a runner over good defense by Ray Allen. After two Stephon Marbury free throws, Crawford hit a dagger 3 from the right win to give New York an eight-point lead with 2:35 left to play. That's going to be tough to overcome. The Sonics have scored just 25 points in nearly 17 minutes.
Searching for Offense
Fourth Quarter: New York 87, Sonics 86
A Vladimir Radmanovic 3-pointer and a Ray Allen floater after the last timeout, the Sonics tied the game. Since then, Stephon Marbury has hit two free throws to Reggie Evans' one, giving New York an 87-86 lead. (The Knicks also will have the ball after this timeout they've called.) Where are the Sonics going to get offense down the stretch? Allen and Rashard Lewis have both been ice cold in this fourth quarter. Vladimir Radmanovic, who's tied his season high with 17 points, has been the key. But I'd like to see the Sonics take more advantage of being in the bonus than they have and get the ball into the lane.
Different Seattle Guy
Fourth Quarter: New York 85, Sonics 80
Maybe all the attention on a Seattle native returning home was focused in the wrong place. While Nate Robinson sits on the bench, Jamal Crawford has scored 20 points in the second half to ignite the New York offense. His 3-pointer a moment ago gave the Knicks their largest lead of the night, five points, with 5:29 to go. The Sonics need a spark, and they need it quickly.
Off Night For Bench
Fourth Quarter: New York 76, Sonics 74
The reserves have been a huge part of the Sonics three-game winning streak over the last week. Tonight, however, they haven't had quite their same vigor. Danny Fortson (11 points, 7-for-7 from the free-throw line) has played well, but he's sidelined with five personal fouls. Vladimir Radmanovic also has 10 points, but Damien Wilkins and Flip Murray have combined for just five points and have not provided as much energy this evening. Meanwhile, New York has gotten 14 points from Channing Frye and 15 - all in the second half - from Jamal Crawford. The Sonics bench is getting to the free-throw line early in this quarter, and remarkably New York is already in the penalty at the 8:52 mark.
Sonics Have Lead, But Knicks Have Momentum
End Third Quarter: Sonics 72, New York 71
As we got to the final 12 minutes of play, the Knicks have cut the Sonics lead to just one point on a Nate Robinson layup (giving him 10 points). Robinson is wreaking havoc with his defense and his energy has carried over to the Knicks as a team. It doesn't hurt that Larry Brown has Channing Frye and Jackie Butler - probably his best combination of big men - in the game right now. New York put up 23 points after they took timeout with about seven minutes left in the quarter, to the Sonics 11 points. The Sonics have the KeyArena crowd, which was fired up by another thrilling performance of the Sonics Boom Squad.
Rainier Beach Reunion
Third Quarter: Sonics 63, New York 57
For the first time tonight, Seattle natives Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson are in the game together. Before the game, Crawford remarked on the improbability of the two players ending up in the same backcourt. "This is too ironic to play with a guy in high school and then in the NBA and have it be in the same colors," said Crawford (Beach also wears blue and orange). Malik Rose overheard Crawford talking about that with the media, and was amazed himself. Crawford was back at his alma mater today, dedicating the refurbished "Crawford Court" and watching the current Vikings squad break it in.
The Sonics offense has gone slow as New York has gotten back in the game late in this third quarter. Rashard Lewis hasn't been a major factor since the first quarter, and it would be great to see him get going against the Knicks smaller defenders.
Knicks Stay Close
Third Quarter: Sonics 61, New York 48
Fun Sonics Dance Team performance to a medley of 60s and 70s songs during the last timeout. Jamal Crawford has scored all six of his points in this quarter on a 3 and three free throws (when fouled shooting a 3) to give the Knicks some offense and pull them back within 10. Larry Brown has already used all 12 of his players and while there's a really, really high number of possible five-man combinations out of those 12, it seems like Brown has already used all of them.
Swifty Starts
Third Quarter: Sonics 61, New York 48
With the Sonics in need of some more size up front, Bob Weiss has started the second half with Robert Swift at center in place of Reggie Evans, with Nick Collison moving to power forward. Swift held his own with both Jerome James and Eddy Curry before Larry Brown found those options lacking and went with Jackie Butler in the middle. Ray Allen has heated up to score seven of the Sonics 11 points since halftime as they've extended the lead to 13 points.
Inside the Box Score
Halftime: Sonics 50, New York 41
The Knicks posted an Offensive Rating of 85.4 points per 100 possessions in the first half, which is ... um ... not good. (The Sonics were at 104.2, which ain't stellar itself.) New York actually shot a decent percentage (45.5%). The Knicks also shot 19 free throws. And thus end the positives of their offense. The negatives? One 3-pointer (and only one attempt, indicating poor spacing.) 52.6% free-throw shooting. And 11 turnovers. If Ray Allen improves on his 3-for-11 first-half shooting, the Sonics are in great shape.
Sonics Lead at the Half
Halftime: Sonics 50, New York 41
Kind of a mundane first half, despite all the storyline, as the Sonics led by between six and 12 points most of the half. It's nine as they go to the locker room. No individual performances have really stood out. Rashard Lewis leads the way with 11 points, but scored just one in the second quarter. Ray Allen has nine and Luke Ridnour eight for the Sonics. Stephon Marbury leads the Knicks with eight points and, lo and behold, Jerome James has added seven points in a surprisingly solid effort.
Nate Plays His Game
Second Quarter: Sonics 47, New York 36
After a quiet first quarter, Nate Robinson has made some noise in this second period of play.
In one stretch, Robinson had a 3-pointer, a steal, a mid-range jumper and a rebound in about five possessions. Then, alas, he traveled, illustrating that he is still a rookie.
Larry Brown, asked before the game whether he worried about Robinson getting crazy in front of the home fans, said, "I'm concerned about him being nutty in practice."
After Nick Collison draws his third foul of the game, we'll get our first look of the season at second-year center Robert Swift, who draws a loud ovation from the crowd.
Comic Relief
Second Quarter: Sonics 40, New York 29
I know it didn't end up the right way for the Sonics, but Nate Robinson taking a charge from Danny Fortson has to be hands-down the funniest play of the year.
Random Thoughts
Second Quarter: Sonics 35, New York 25
Alas, Nate Robinson did not actually speak to the media before the game, so you won't find any quotes from him in tonight's Live From The Press Box ... How could Channing Frye have been so passive at Arizona and yet so aggressive in the NBA? ... Eddy Curry continues to be a conundrum; his size and touch means you have to foul him when he gets position - how many guys other than him and Shaq can you say that about? - but he's 2-for-6 from the line ... Somehow, Robinson seems to have gotten a bigger ovation checking back into the game ... The Larry Brown-Mr. Roper from "Happy Days" Lookalikes is simply a classic ... What are the odds there would be two people in the building - Bob Weiss and Lenny Wilkens - who wore the jerseys the Sonics are throwing back to?
Throwing Back
Second Quarter: Sonics 29, New York 20
Before the game, Bob Weiss was asked if having his players wear the same jerseys he wore as a member of the 1967-68 Sonics would bring back any memories.
"If they wore the old shorts, it would," quipped the Sonics quotable coach.
Weiss was also asked about some issues the team had with players being too concerned with styling when the Sonics wore throwback gold jerseys during the 2003-04 season. He said he's not worried, because those issues were addressed at the time. You'll note no Sonics have added any headbands to the look. Danny Fortson might have his socks pulled up a little higher than usual, but that's the only change other than the uniforms themselves.
The Sonics Dance Team is throwing back tonight as well, donning a variety of retro 70s-style outfits fro their performance at the last timeout.
Strong Quarter
End First Quarter: Sonics 27, New York 17
Nice effort by the Sonics to overcome a somewhat sluggish start and take a 10-point lead after one quarter. Keying the charge were Rashard Lewis, who finished with 10 points, and Danny Fortson, who had seven points off the bench. Fortson really played great off the bench and provided a lift after Nick collison picked up two early fouls.
UW students (and fans) are out in full force tonight, many of them taking advantage of the XBox Live Student Rush offer to get the best tickets in the house for $15 an hour before game time. Our next Student Rush game is a week from tonight, when the Golden State Warriors roll into KeyArena. Don't miss the best Warriors squad in more than a decade (no, that isn't saying much, but they *are* good).
Free Points
First Quarter: Sonics 20, New York 12
Nate Robinson's first point in Seattle as an NBA player came on a free throw a little bit ago. That's nothing new for the Knicks the last couple of minutes; they've gone to the line six times, with Stephon Marbury about to shoot two more. This is especially tough for the Sonics because the Knicks are not shooting the ball well (5-for-14, 35.7%, at last check). I'm sure Bob Weiss had some words of wisdom for his team about not fouling during the last timeout.
Jamal Crawford got a nice hand when he checked into the game to replace (who else?) Robinson.
Out and Running
First Quarter: Sonics 15, New York 8
After New York tied the game at eight on a Jerome James layup (he's got four points), the Sonics have answered with a 7-0 run to take command of this game. Luke Ridnour is running the show, with four points and three assists. One of those assists was during the run to Rashard Lewis on the wing, who spotted up for a 3-pointer that gives him eight points in six minutes.
Before the game, Larry Brown said nobody could slow Lewis down at this point (more or less), but you've got to think the Knicks could do better than power forward Malik Rose, who is not only at a quickness disadvantage on the perimeter against Lewis but is no threat whatsoever from the perimeter on offense. Lewis was playing about four feet off of Rose on one possession.
One guy in the building who has ties to both teams is FSN analyst Lenny Wilkens. A year ago, Wilkens was coaching the Knicks, and of course his jersey hangs in the KeyArena rafters with four others. Wilkens and those four others were celebrated as part of "Turn Back the Clock Night" at the last timeout, and Wilkens got a fine hand from the crowd when he was introduced sitting courtside.
Fan Favortism
First Quarter: Sonics 5, New York 2
Jerome James got a nice hand (with a few scattered boos) from the KeyArena crowd. Nate Robinson got an enormous ovation. But the favorite of this crowd remains, as it has always been, Danny Fortson. The Baddest Man in Pig Tails checked into the game less than three minutes in after Nick Collison picked up two quick fouls, and entered to loud cheering. He's already hit two free throws.
Fun pregame story. A typo by the Sonics PR department resulted in mighty mite Robinson being listed on the Knicks roster as "6-9," which is about 12 inches too many (some would say more like 14 or 15). Larry Brown spotted the error, and pointed it out to his rookie; both got a kick out of it. "We'll keep this one," said Brown.
Robinson to Start
Pregame
New York's pair of Rainier Beach guards posed one problem for Knicks Coach Larry Brown tonight. Brown likes to start players when they return to their hometowns, but starting both Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson would mean benching Stephon Marbury, who has started 260 straight games. Marbury told Brown the streak didn't matter, but both Crawford and Robinson came to their coach and told him they wanted Marbury to start. Brown chose to go with the same backcourt he used on Sunday against Boston - Marbury and Robinson. Jerome James will get something of a hometown start at center, while Malik Rose replaces Quentin Richardson (personal) at small forward. Forward Antonio Davis rounds out the starting five.
Signing On
Pregame
The anticipation is running high at KeyArena tonight as we get ready for the New York Knicks taking on the Seattle SuperSonics. But there are plenty of storylines above and beyond the matchup. The Knicks bring with them a pair of Seattle natives and Rainier Beach products, former UW star Nate Robinson and veteran Jamal Crawford. It's Robinson's first trip to Seattle as a pro, as well as former Sonics center Jerome James' first trip back since signing with the Knicks as a free agent. On top of all that, it's "Turn Back the Clock" night as the Sonics sport their 1967-68 jerseys to celebrate the inaugural Sonics, including a young guard by the name of Bob Weiss. The Knicks are also wearing throwbacks, and both teams look pretty sweet in my opinion.
