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Boxscore Recap Live From The Press Box

TONIGHT'S NOTES

The Sonics earned their first victory of the 2005 preseason (1-3), while the Clippers dropped to 3-2. Seattle will visit L.A. for another exhibition matchup on Oct. 27 and the Clippers will return to KeyArena to kick off the regular season on Nov. 2 Los Angeles opened the game with first-quarter runs of 10-1 and 9-1 to take a 28-20 lead at the first break. The Clippers were 4-for-5 from behind the arc in the first quarter, but shot just 2-for-10 the rest of the game (6-15 overall). Seattle heated up in the second period, shooting 12-17 (70.6%) from the field to narrow the deficit to four points (53-49) at the half. Rashard Lewis paced the Sonics in the first half, scoring 14 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting. A Lewis trey with 40 seconds remaining in the third quarter pulled the Sonics even with the Clippers (70-70) for the first time since the opening tip. Seattle claimed its first lead on a Lewis jumper with 10:36 remaining in the game, and pulled ahead for good on a Ray Allen three with 3:50 left on the clock. The Clippers twice closed within two in the final three minutes, but a Luke Ridnour 3 followed by a Lewis dunk in the final 40 seconds pushed the game out of reach. Los Angeles shot 44.9% from the field and 40.0% from 3, but was just 25-for-36 (69.4%) from the free-throw line. Lewis led all scorers with 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting. He also grabbed six rebounds. Chris Wilcox paced the Clippers with 15 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting. Luke Ridnour added 14 points for the Sonics and narrowly missed a double-double by dishing out a game-high nine assists. Danny Fortson and Nick Collison both made their first starts for the Sonics this preseason. Fortson was held scoreless in 10 minutes, while Collison pitched in eight points and six boards. Both Corey Maggette and Sam Cassell did not play for the Clippers by coach's decision.

October 19, 2005

SONICS COACH BOB WEISS:

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On the game:
When we came out, it felt like we were running them but we just couldn’t get it going our way. The first half, they shot 50 percent, but the second half was a completely different ballgame. They ended up at 44.9%, so we must have held them close to 40% in the second half. We created 19 turnovers, which was good, and I liked our energy off the bench. Mateen (Cleaves) came in and gave us a big energy lift. I was really happy with Johan (Petro). He did a good job. His numbers weren’t terrific, but he had two blocks, he changed some shots. He didn’t hurt us at all. I’ve said this before, but he thinks he belongs out there. He’s not out there wide-eyed, he’s out there playing.

On getting their first win of the preseason:
It’s better than losing, especially when I wanted to play the starters. I would have been disappointed if we hadn’t pulled this one out. Mateen was playing great basketball, but I wanted to give Luke (Ridnour) the feel of finishing the game. I went back with him coming down the stretch. He hit a big 3 for us from the corner which I knew was in. Whenever the clock is running out and he knows he’s the only guy to shoot it and doesn’t have to think about 'Should I be passing it to somebody?' he nails it at a great pace. I’m happy with the way he’s looking at the rim a little more this year. Fourteen points, nine assists - that’s good numbers for him. I want him looking at the rim. That’s going to open up his drives.

GUARD MATEEN CLEAVES:

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On his performance:
Coach has been telling me since day one of training camp to bring energy. That’s all I try to do. First I wanted to bring energy on the defensive end, but I saw some opportunities to get to the basket. I just took them. I went out and played hard and good things happen when you play hard. It’s always good to get a win. No one wants to lose. I just go out and play hard every day in practice. I’m glad coach gave me the opportunity and has the confidence in me to put me in. Whenever he puts me in I want to just get in there and play hard. It’s been a long time since I’ve got the opportunity.