Locked On Sports: Satisfying those basketball Joneses

Locked On Sports: Satisfying those basketball Joneses: "The Association has been desperate for someone to step onto Michael's stage since he ended his career with the Bulls. Litanies of failures have washed by our eyes. Most of them cursed with the disease of 'me.'

Now the progression to that stage is filled with successors and instead of one man like Jordan, it will be a constant battle among numerous for the title of king of the moment."

Did someone forget to tell Zach Randolph it was photo day?

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 15: The Portland Trail Blazers pose for their team pho... - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

Did someone forget to tell Zach Randolph it was photo day?

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 15: The Portland Trail Blazers pose for their team pho... - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

The Seattle Times: Sonics: Sonics' move to the 'burbs: Would it be a bust or a boon?

This is one of the best articles written about the arena situations. It talks about the possibility of a move to the burbs and the options. More importantly, it talks about what would happen to Key Arena without the Sonics.

The Seattle Times: Sonics: Sonics' move to the 'burbs: Would it be a bust or a boon?: "Eastside business leaders say a privately funded arena in Bellevue could work, at least in theory.

The facility would have to keep busy with trade shows, concerts and other sports teams besides the Sonics and the WNBA's Seattle Storm, said Kemper Freeman, the owner of Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square. And it would need to offer lots of parking and good vehicle access, both of which are hard to find at KeyArena and other local sports facilities, he said."

DRAFT MULLIGANS

1982: Picked Jeff Bryant DE Clemson 6th overall: solid player for 10 years in Seattle. Passed on: Marcus Allen (10) Raiders

1983: Picked Curt Warner (3) RB Penn State: Solid career, cut short by injuries. Passed on Dan Marino (27) Dolphins. Holds many NFL records, Hall of Famer.

1983: Picked Matt Hernandez OT Purdue in 8th round, pick 210. 13 picks later, # 223, Miami picked WR Mark Clayton WR Louisville, Marino's #1 WR in Miami. Clayton and Marino are one of the top QB-WR combos in NFL history based on yds and TD's. (I think only behind Manning-Harrison in QB-WR TD catch combos)---So in 1983, instead of Warner and Hernandez the Hawks could have had Marino to Clayton.

1990: Cortez Kennedy DT (3) Miami---Emmitt Smith RB (17) Dallas----Kennedy NFL defensive player of the year in 1992, Smith, NFL's all-time leading rusher. Seahawks got Chris Warren in the 4th round of the 1990 draft, pick 89.

1990: Hawks pick Bob Kula OT Michigan State with pick #175 in 7th round. 17 picks later in 7th rd. (# 192) Denver selects Shannon Sharpe TE Savanah State.

1991: Dan McGwire QB San Diego St. (16): Mark's brother sucked. Ted Washington (25) 49ers DT Louisville. Washington is still in the NFL today stuffing the run.

1993: Rick Mirer QB Notre Dame (2): Solid first year, bust. Although Seattle did get # 1 for Mirer when they finally traded him to Bears. Passed on: Wille Roaf OT Saints (8), Jerome Bettis Steelers (10),

1993: 2nd round almost as bad. Sea. took CB Carlton Gray from UCLA with the first pick of the 2nd round, #30 overall. Gray was a solid but inconsistent player in Seattle for a few seasons. Michael Strahan DE Texas Southern 10 picks later at # 40, still sacking QB's for Giants, is NFL single season sack record holder. Former Hawks LB Chad Brown (Colorado) went @ # 44 to Pittsburgh,

1993: 4th RD: Seattle took Terrence Warren WR Hampton w/ the 2nd pick of the 4th rd, #114 overall. UW QB Mark Brunell was taken 4 picks later by GB at #118.

1994: Seattle took C Kevin Mawae LSU (36) in 2nd round. . Mawae was a Pro Bowl center for the Jets for years and now plays in Tenn. However Larry Allen, possibly the best guard in NFL history was taken by Dallas out of Sanoma State 10 picks later at # 46.

1995: Joey Galloway, solid speedy WR who forced his way out of Seattle to Dallas (8) Ohio State. Passed on: Warren Sapp (12) (Miami-Fla) Tampa, Ty Law CB Michigan (Pursuing right now), (23) Patriots, Derrick Brooks (FSU) OLB Tampa (28).

1995: Round 6: Seattle took DT Florida Henry McMillan pick # 180. 16 picks later @ # 196 Denver took RB Georgia, Terrell Davis. If for nothing else, to keep him away from Broncos and inflicting so much pain on Hawks.

1996: Seahawks originally held 14th overall pick. Traded down and allowed Houston to select Ediie George RB Ohio State. Traded again down from 19, where Colts slected Marvin Harrison WR Syracuse. Finally selected Pete Kendall G, Boston College at #21. Kendall was solid. Ray Lewis MLB (Miami-Fla.) was taken by Ravens at #26. Recap: Hawks ended up w/ Kendall and passed on Eddie George, Marvin Harrison and Ray Lewis, trading down 2x in the round.

1996: 2nd round: Picked Fred Thomas CB Tenn-Martin w/ # 47 overall pick. Thomas was a solid player before signing w/ Saints. Passed up WR Bobby Engram Penn State WR 5 picks later at # 52. (Also former Hawks Derrick Mayes WR Notre Dame (56), and Reggie Tongue (58) S Oregon State) were passed over for Thomas.

1996: Round 3: Hawks selected Robert Barr OT Rutgers w/ pick # 77. 9 picks later at # 86 Patriots took Teddy Bruschi LB Arizona. Super bowl hero and lynchpin of Pats defenses in Super Bowl winning years.

1998: Hawks played it safe by grabbing Anthony Simmons LB Clemson @ # 15 in first round. Simmons was solid, but never made a pro bowl and fught injuries. 6 Picks later at # 21 Vikings took Randy Moss.

1998 3rd round: Hawks took Ahman Green with 76th overall pick Green was later traded to GB for CB Fred Vinson in one of Hawks worst moves ever. Vinson blew his knee after the trade and never played a down in Seattle. To compound the issue, Pittsburgh took Hines Ward, WR Georgia 16 picks after Green with pick # 92 in 3rd round. If Seattle takes Ward, the Super Bowl 40 MVP, do they the Super Bowl? (Out of 1998 draft could have had Randy Moss and Hines Ward)

1998: 6th round. Pick # 162 Hawks take Carl Hansen, DE Stanford and with pick 169 in 6th round, take Bobby Shaw WR Cal. Packers select Matt Hasselbeck, QB Boston College with pick # 187 in 6th round. Seattle passed on him twice in 6th round in 1998.

1999: Lamar King DE Saginaw Valley State. Buffalo at pick # 23 takes CB Oho State Antione Winfield, Pro Bowl CB w/ Vikings, drafted by BUffalo.

2000: 6th round. Seattle selects James Williams WR Marshall w/ pick # 175. Williams hung around for a few uneventful seasons in Seattle. 24 picks later in 6th round w/ pick # 199 New England selects some QB named Tom Brady, Michigan.

2001: Koren Robinson # 9 overall. Santana Moss # 16 to Jets, Casey Hampton DT Texas to Steelers at # 19, Reggie Wayne to Indy @ # 30, Todd Heap to Ravens at # 31.

2001: Ken Lucas 2nd round # 40. Lucas was great, but he's gone. Kris Jenkins DT Carolina #44, Chris Chambers WR Miami (Wisconsin) # 52, Shaun Rogers DT Lions (Texas) # 61. Pro Bowler Rogers is what Marcus Tubbs was supposed to be.

2002 2nd round. With the 2nd of their two #2 picks, Seattle selected DE Anton Palepoi from UNLV at pick # 60. Antwaan Randle-El was taken by Steelers 2 picks later at # 62. That makes Steelers WR's Randle-El and Ward who could have been Hawks. Randle-El thru a TD in the Super Bowl after the Hasselbeck phantom blocking call on a tackle. Palepoi was a bust. New England took WR and Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch (Hawaii) 5 picks after Palepoi at #65.

2002: Round 3: Seattle selected CB Kris Richard from USC w/ 85th pick. Philly took RB Brian Westbrook @ # 91, Steelers took S Chris Hope, who started in Super Bowl, 9 picks later at # 94. Richard is gone and never was more than a nickel back in Seattle.

2003: Seattle selected Marcus Trufant # 11. As solid as Trufant has been, Steelers selected Troy Polamalu S USC w/ 16th pick of first round. I'd take Troy.

2003: Seahawks took Ken Hamlin in the 2nd round, # 42 overall. Hamlin has been solid, but is a question mark now. Arizona slected Pro Bowl WR Anquan Boldin (FSU) 12 picks later at # 54. Polamalu and Boldin or Trufant and Hamlin???

2004: Marcus Tubbs #23. Steven Jackson #24, (Could have let Alexander go and use money elsewhere) RB , Oregon State.

NEWS, NEWS AND MORE NEWS OUT OF THE HAWKS

Tim Ruskell held his pre-draft press conference today at Seahawks head quarters. At 8:30 tonight we will bring you a copulation of his audio from the presser. In addition, we will talk with Hawks linebacker Julian Peterson.

Here are some of the newsworthy items out of the presser and on the Hawks front.

There are no positions that are off the board for the Hawks on Saturday and Sunday.

Ruskell has created a hot list and all of the players they will draft are expected to be on the hot list. The list is made based on round and has 4 to 5 players at each round that he anticipates will be available. He will trade down if none of those players are available at that point.

The Hawks will not talk to Ty Law before the draft as has been the plan since he left Seattle.

The Hawks have re-signed Seneca Wallace.

Ken Hamlin has been cleared by the Hawks doctors to participate in non contact drills.

Pass dropping tied end Jerramy Stevens will not participate in mini camps as he had knee surgery is in recovery from that injury.

More from Ruskell tonight at 8:30 on 950, KJR’s Locked on Sports.

Locked On Sports: Sonics lead NBA in offseason flexibility

Locked On Sports: Sonics lead NBA in offseason flexibility: "If the 2005-06 Sonics were a stock, we never would have owned it long enough to reach the final night of the season. We all would have dumped the stock and taken our losses when a season of high expectations spiraled into an abyss of a dysfunctional roster circus.

However, analysts today would place a 'buy' on the team despite its dismal campaign"

BOB HILL YOUR SONICS COACH FOR 2006-07

The Seattle Supersonics just announced that they will pick up the option for Bob Hill for next season. Hill has given the Sonics a personality and a style. In addition, while being a precarious situation Hill committed to developing the young talent and advancing the franchise regardless of the pain the team endured at time.

Hill brings a confidence to the Sonics that was desperately needed. He believes in his systems. He believes in his ability to convey his message and he believes that he can turn this team into a winning franchise.

What Hill was able to accomplish without a training camp and limited practice days was very impressive. The offense changed dramatically the way it approached the game and has continued to execute at an insanely high level. Defensively, the team showed noticeable improvement both in effort and approach from earlier in the season.

With a complete training camp next season and the failure of this season to use as a constant reminder Hill could really turn this franchise quickly. Most importantly, for the young players, there is no mystery in what will be expected from them in there development.

This is another good day in a season of recovery from a dreadful beginning.

Bob Hill is scheduled to join Locked on Sports tonight at 8:10 pm.

PREVIEW OF THE DB's IN THE NFL DRAFT

With the Hawks #1 focus in the upcoming draft being the defensive backfield I thought everyone should be aware of this article previewing DB's in the NFL Draft.

I will continue to post the best articles about the draft I can find at www.lockedonsports.com and the blog.

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. CLIPPERS

Sonics 67 Clippers 57 with 10:11 left in the 3rd Quarter
Clippers come out of the halftime with a 8-0 run
The Sonics are going to make it tough for the Clippers to lose if they keep playing like this.
The Sonics aren’t running the floor defensively at all
What is worth watching is who gives effort and who doesn’t. It tells you who is mentally tough .
Also, the Brand v. Wilcox match-up is worth watching.


Sonics 55 Clippers 38 with 5:12 left in the 2nd Quarter
Let’s be honest this is ridiculous.
The Clippers are playing guys that are barely NBA players.
The NBA has a problem with the way things are seeded if it benefits a team to lose and tonight we are the victum of watching this
To the Sonics credit they are playing hard enough to take advantage of this.
There is no much worth blogging or commenting on so be aware.

Sonics 38 Clippers 27 – at the end of 1 Quarter
Vin Baker yes Vin Baker is in the game
Vlady hits a three
Sonics is shooting 70%
Ray does not have a three


Sonics 31 Clippers 20 with 2:50 left in the 1st Quarter
The Clippers need to lose this game for playoff reasons. If they loss two more times they get the 6th seed and home court advantage v. Denver rather then going to Dallas.
The Sonics rested Cutino Mobley and Chris Kaman.
Luke is 5 for 5 with 11 points
There is not much intensity on the floor right now.
Wilcox is trying to make his statement
The best part of the game is that KC called the Suns v. Lakers earlier today for ESPN and you can tell he is gitty and going to be fun to listen to all night if not a bit wacky,

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. CLIPPERS

Clippers 101 Sonics 97 – FINAL SCORE
Ray Allen misses a three to win it
Rashard Lewis didn’t score in the 4th and was never able to take advantage of the mismatch. Ironically what the Sonics really missed today was a Vlady Radmanovic type player
Elton Brand has really changed his game and is much better player late in games then he ever was in the past.
Sam Cassell is a winning point guard
Tough night for Luke Ridnour and Vlady Radmanovic
Make sure you check out supersonics.com for the Ray Allen offer
The Clippers are really a terrific half court defensive team
Kaman and Brand are a dynamic tandem. Can Swift become Kaman?



Sonics 88 Clippers 88 with 5:28 left in the 4th Quarter
This game is going to come down to if Lewis can beat Mobley.
The Clippers have their small forward on Allen leaving the smaller Mobley on Lewis
Between Kaman and Brand the Clippers can really pound it inside
Livingston is playing down the stretch rather then Cassell.
Sonics aren’t getting any points out of their half court offense. They have to get out and run and again.


Sonics 85 Clippers 84 with 9:12 left in the 4th Quarter
Hill rests Allen by playing Wilkins at the 2 with Lewis
Swift turns his ankle and is out, plus no Wilcox tonight
When does it become Ray time?
Can Watson contain Cassell


Clippers 82 Sonics 81 at the end of 3 Quarter
Sonics go cold – 24% in the Quarter. --- you had to assume you couldn’t shoot 60%
A brutal start and then the Sonics never got going in rhythm
Chris Kaman is a really nice player
Ray Allen was quiet for most of the Quarter
The game slowed down considerably in the third quarter


Sonics 66 Clippers 63 with 9:37 left in the 3rd quarter
Brutal start for the Sonics
Cassell has hit a few.
Luke Ridnour tonight on the floor is -10 and Watson is +18

Sonics 66 Clippers 55 at the half
Sonics are crazy hot. Ray Allen has 5 threes. Ray has 24
Sups are shooting 60% for the half.
The only concern is you really can’t stay this hot.


Sonics 58 Clippers 48 with 2:38 left in the 2nd Quarter
Sonics run was 48-24.
Earl Watson was +18 on the floor tonight
Swift and Petro are playing together


Sonics 54 Clippers 36 with 6:43 left in the 2nd Quarter
17-0 run
Oh my goodness !!!! Ray is on fire. A different planet
He hit a three had a smirk on his face and turned and said something to the people behind hill, but the look was dam am i good.
He has 4 threes in the last 3 minutes
It is an awesome display.


Sonics 46 Clippers 36 with 8:52 left in the 2nd Quarter
Wow !! What a barrage. Allen hits back to back threes and then feeds to a wide open Watson for the next one. Five trips up and down the floor, 3 for Seattle and 2 for LA and the Sonics go on a 9-0 run. That is hard to make up .
The Sonics are pushing the ball and getting good looks before the Clippers defense gets set.
When the defense gets set it is impressive but they haven’t been set all game. Sonics are shooting 61.5% and 6 of 10 from 3.
Radmanovic was not very good and he was booed (surprises me) He went 1 for 7 in 8 minutes and got 1 rebound and the Sonics killed him defensively.


Sonics 33 Clippers 30 – at the end of 1 Quarter
The Sonics are going right at Vlady and exposes his defense.
Lewis killed him on the last possession of the quarter driving by him from the top of the key and leaving him standing still like a statue.
Bob Hill called a “:20 timeout and went off on his club when they were down 16 to 8 and they responded well.
The Sonics are playing very well offensively against a good defensive team
Earl Watson was the spark. Unreal performance.


Clippers 11 Sonics 3 with 8:13 left in the 1st Quarter
Terrible start
The Clippers are wearing the old Buffalo Braves uniforms and I find it hard to believe anyone ever wore these god awful things. They are a truly ugly orange with a diagonal stripe of brown and white. Bad, very bad.
Robert Swift picks up two fouls in the first 1:50. He is really going to need to improve the quickness of his reactions.
The Sonics are having a hard time getting Lewis post opportunities with two bigs on the floor with Lewis.
On the other, Lewis is being guarded by Mobley and an opponent should never be able to get away with putting a 6’4 guard on Lewis.


The prop bet tonight is Ray Allen's threes or Mariners hits off Curt Shilling.

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. HORNETS

Hornets 104 Sonics 99 -- Final Score
The Sonics made a nice flurry late in the game but they lost the necessary focus to win this game in the third and fourth quarters
It seemed to me this game changed to open the 2nd half when it was clear the Hornets were playing for their playoff lives and the Sonics were just playing, playing hard but not with the same tenacity.
The rebounding told the story the Sonics got crushed on the defensive glass. At the half the Sonics had allowed 50% of the defensive rebounds to go the Hornets and that didn’t really change throughout the game they finished with 51% defensive rebounding rate. That is terrible --- truly terrible.
Only appropriately the Sonics got a miss that would have given them a chance to tie down three but the Sonics couldn’t garner the defensive rebound and the Hornets preserved their win.
By the end of the night the Sonics defensive rating was not awful but they allowed too many free throws along with the rebounding woes. The Hornets are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA and the Sonics took advantage of that but couldn’t finsh the deal.
Chris Wilcox left with a sprained ankle but before that was quiet for the second straight night. If Wilcox is going to be great he needs to expand his game so that it can translate to all match-ups.
Mark Jackson can’t beat you.


Hornets 73 Sonics 69 with 5:13 left in the 3rd
Seattle is getting crushed on the boards
Robert Swift must get stronger and he must gain stamina tonight was a night that really showed all of his weaknesses. For a young player he is not good on the back end of back to backs; strength and fatigue are an issue for his future.
Petro doesn’t have a great feel for space on the floor and is letting his man get too much room around the hoop.
The Sonics are just hitting threes to stay in the game. If you believe in the game will reward you theory the Sonics are in trouble.


Sonics 45 Hornets 45 with 4:50 left in the 2nd Quarter
Bad sign for Seattle they are shooting 60% from the field and are tied
The Hornets are on a 15-4 run
Lewis missed back to back threes in a mysterious fashion as both skimmed the bottom of the front of rim and went straight down.
No Petro in the second quarter as Hill went to Mikki Moore. Moore is playing well.
Wilcox is a 7 pts and 5 rebs


Sonics 29 Hornets 24 – end of 1 Quarter
Game gained some pace finally at the end of the Q
KC talked about Chris Paul as Tim Hardaway what about Kevin Johnson
Sonics shoot 55% from the field in the 1st Quarter
Rashard has been very good with 9 points
Speedy Claxton is one of the leagues most underrated players


Sonics 18 Hornets 12 with 5:22 in the 1st Quarter
Hornets leading scorer and reboudner David West is not playing tonight
I love Desmond Mason but he really is one of the worst offensive players in the NBA
The Sonics have started well.
It is impressive on the back end of a back to back that they aren’t jogging through this with nothing on the line.
Swift needs to get stronger and when he does he will start finishing down low and be quicker with his jumps.

USATODAY.com - Kacyvenski tackles forgiveness

USA Today did a feature story on the life of Isaiah Kaxyvenski. Many of you have heard it before but it is still worth the read. USATODAY.com - Kacyvenski tackles forgiveness: "The father was a dishwasher and a nursery home fix-it man. The mother was a missionary. They had six children. The first, Suzie, died at 5½ months because of previously undetected pneumonia.

The last went to Harvard and played in Super Bowl XL.

This is the story about that youngest child, Isaiah Kacyvenski, a 6-1, 252-pound reserve linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks."

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. SPURS

SPURS 106 SONICS 95 -- FINAL SCORE
Sonice were unable to match the level of the game the Spurs played
It was a good reminder of high on the sclae the great teams are.
Chirs Wilcox and Earl Watson both had their weaknesses exposed.
That is what a great team does it exploits all of the weaknesses of their opponent and that is the difference between Phoenix and San Antonio
Tony Parker killed Seattle.

Spurs 81 Sonics 68 – at the end of 3 Quarters
The Spurs have buried the Sonics a few times tonight but the Sonics keep removing the dirt and fighting for air.
Watson hit back to back threes to close the Quarter
The Spurs are hitting the Sonics with too many weapons and are able to expose all defensive weaknesses.
The Spurs look playoff sharp.
Ray is 3 of 9 and Rashard is 3 of 10 they have to get hot for the Sonics to get in this game.


Spurs 70 Sonics 54 with 6:48 left in the 3rd
Whap !!!!
The Spurs just put it down on the Sonics
Seattle didn’t match the intensity of the Spurs
Seattle got sloppy with the ball on a few plays but everything Seattle was doing was a little soft and the Spurs were playing at a different level.
Wilcox got caught three or four times where his lane got cut off or he went for his jump hook and a guy was there before he realized it or on a fast break he got sloppy with the ball.
Parker continues to dominate.


Spurs 55 Sonics 48 at the half
Watson and Wilcox have been absent
This is a big test for Wilcox since he lite up some lesser teams recently and in the case of Phoenix a non-defensive team.
The Sonics are shooting just 36%
Tony Parker is great. Really great. He is close to unguardable.
Seattle has played hard and fairly well. This game is closer then the score.
The 13-0 run has been the only time SA outplayed Seattle.


Spurs 39 Sonics 31 with 5:43 left in the 2nd Quarter
Spurs extended there run to 13-0 and that has been the difference
Watson is having a hard time in transition because the Spurs get back so well that he isn’t finding the lanes to basket and get caught in traffic. Watson is 0 for 6.
Another big man having too good a day. Nestorivic is 5 for 5.


Spurs 25 Sonics 22 –at the end of 1 Quarter
Spurs close on a 7-0 run.
Numerous highlights in the quarter
Swift hit a sick post move fadeaway to the baseline
Petro had a gorgeous floater
Collison had a fantastic post jumper
Ridnour finished a fantastic fast break.
Sonics were tied at 12-12 when Allen went out and Watson went in.

SEAHAWKS ADD SAFETY DEPTH

Seahawks.NET has learned that former Jets safety Oliver Celestin has signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Celestin was used primarily in nickel and dime packages with New York. Playing in 12 games last season, the second-year pro from Texas Southern amassed 21 tackles and one pass defensed. The 6'0", 207-pound safety is regarded as a tough player with marginal ball skills - he could be a special teams option for Seattle in 2006.

Locke's Breakdown -This is a typical Ruskell signing. A guy that helos solidify the special teams, but has also shown enough ability to play down after down if necessary. I am making the assumption that Ruskell and his staff have watched this guy since he was drafted out of Texas Southern and they see something they liked. This fits to mold of the guys that were very valuable last year.

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. SUNS

TONIGHT I WILL GIVE YOU A "GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE" TO REMEMBER AND THEN TOMMOROW ON 950, KJR'S LOCKED ON SPORTS I WILL ASK FOR THE "GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE" AT 7:30, 8:30 AND 9:30.

SONICS 116 SUNS 114 -- FINAL SCORE
Great defense -- Nash misses and the Suns get the rebound --- Diaw drives great help defense and the Sonics are were going to win
Ray Allen 11 fourth quarter points
Chris Wilcox has another double double and for the first time we have seen him pick his game up late in the game when it was most important. He really rebounded very strongly.
But the Sonics had 6 men on the floor and barely got one of them off the floor in time
The Sonics actually played good defense for the night despite the score




Sonics 116 Suns 114 with :16.5 left
RAY ALLEN DOES IT AGAIN !!!!!
Watson drives and Allen drops to the level of the ball and hits a three.



Suns 114 Seattle 113 with 2:33 left in the 4th Quarter
An insane game -- this is great fun
Ray Allen is carrying Seattle – he is more amazing then words can say
Allen has hit 4 of his last 5 shots on the last 6 possessions for 9 points all in the last 2:30.
He bumped backed in the post and faded to the baseline for two
He pulled up on a three
He went one on one at Raja Bell and drove by him for a powerful lay-up.


Suns 99 Sonics 93 with 8:48 left in the 4th Quarter
Chris Wilcox is having another big day 19 pts and 8 rebounds
He is active slicing without the ball and he has shown some post moves tonight
Bad line-up out of the shoot by Seattle – Ridnour, Watson, Wilkins, Wilcox and Petro.
Wilkins and Ridnour have missed the last two shots

Glimpse of the Future Moment #3 – The Sonics opened the Q on a Watson to Wilcox alley-opp and then two possessions later the Watson hit a slicing Wilcox for a silky two, coming down the baseline. The Watson to Wilcox combo is a glimpse of the future. Tune in Monday night at 9:30 for a chance to win tickets to the final home game of the year..



Suns 91 Sonics 87 at the start of the 4th Quarter
This game is maintaining a very high tempo.
Seattle must take advantage of Nash being out of the game. Di’Antoni is very conscience about his Nash and Marion minutes at this point of the season so their will be the opportunity to go on a run.
Ray Allen has not been special tonight – it is 4th quarter time now
Allen is 6 of 14 heading into the 4th.




Suns 85 Sonics 81 with 2:57 left in the 3rd Quarter
Watson enters for Ridnour – The Sonics are -9 when Luke is on the floor tonight and +5 when he is off the floor.
This is usually when Allen gets a rest but he just got hot on what has been a cold night.
Petro’s activity is terrific. He can play in this tempo a game. Swift is a much better rebounder, but Petro will learn that.


Sonics 70 Suns 70 with 7:01 in the 3rd Quarter
Seattle is matching the Suns in a bombing contest right now
The Suns keep making their move and the Sonics Rashard Lewis buries a 3 to bring Seattle back. He has three in the Quarter

Glimpse to the future #2 – Wilcox and Swift combined to grab the Sonics first 6 rebounds of the third quarter. Tune into 950, KJR’s Locked on Sports at 8:30 to win tickets the final Sonics home game


Sonics 57 Suns 56 at the half
Sonics are actually playing good defense. The pace is really fast and the Sonics are keeping the Suns below their offensive average.
The Suns don’t have their penetration and kick game going as well as they did last time they were in Seattle.
They have attempted 16 threes.



Suns 50 Sonics 48 with 2:58 left in the 2nd Quarter
Johan Petro makes his return with a mask
Nash returns and Phoenix gets its juice back
Watson and Collison are both out with 2 fouls. Hill believes in sitting guys with 2 fouls rather then let them get there third


Sonics 39 Suns 36 with 8:30 left in the 2nd Quarter
Seattle is out and running. Swift is clearing the glass and getting the Sonics out
9-0 run
The Sonics are taking advantage of the Suns poor +/- players.
Earl Watson the Sonics best +/- player is on the floor for the run.
Watson has 6 points, 3 reb and 3 asssists

Glimpse into the future #1- Swift pulled down a nice board then outleted the pass to Watson and Watson gave it back to Swift for a dunk and the foul – he hit the free throw.
Tune into 950, KJR’s Locked on Sports tomorrow at 7:30for Sonics tickets when I call for the glimpse of the future. More to come ……


Suns 31 Sonics 28 at the end of 1 Quarter
The game is exactly what you would anticipate
Wilcox finishes the quarter with 9 points and 2 rebounds
It may be as simple as how gets hot along the way
Seattle is pounding the post tonight trying to take advantage of the Suns lack of size.
Ray Allen is scoreless
Suns shooting 58% and the Sonics at 50%


Suns 23 Sonics 17 with 4:23 left in the 1st Quarter
The Suns have scored on 9 straight possessions.
The Suns are getting easy fast break looks and too many second chance opportunities
The Suns are the worst offensive rebounding team in the NBA so the Sonics can’t give up those chances.

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. BLAZERS

Sonics 121 Blazers 108 – FINAL SCORE
Seattle just outscored the Blazers tonight. The Blazers didn’t have the offensive fire power to match the Sonics
Sonics move to 11-6 with Watson and Wilcox in the line-up.
Ray Allen was the best player on the floor and dominated the game
Wilcox gets his third straight double and added a career high assists.
Collison return was positive.
Overall I find this game impossible to evaluate. The Sonics were up 10 for most of the second half and knew they could score at will, therefore had no need to defend at any point. You would like them to but really they didn’t need to any point. It also is why Portland is screwed. It is impossible to evaluate your talent in a game of this nature.


Sonics 88 Blazers 73 at the end of 3 Quarters
Ray Allen dominates the third with 14 points and now has 26 on 10 of 15 shooting.
Chris Wilcox has 16 points 8 rebounds and 6 assists in another terrific game.
The highlight of the game is how well Nick Collison has played
Honestly, I am not sure if the Sonics defense got better or if Portland’s terrible offense just showed up.


Sonics 66 Blazers 54 with 9:15 left in the 3rd Quarter
A good 3rd quarter start
Swift with some nice boards
Wilcox another follow shot, he doesn’t rebound like Reggie but he finishes just about every time he gets an offensive board

Sonics 58 Blazers 52 – at the half
No defense in this game
Collison hit back to back shots after my last comment
He and Wilcox look very good together
Blazers hoot 58% and they are the worst offensive team in the NBA


Sonics 49 Blazers 45 with 2:38 left in the 2nd Quarter
Ray Allen moves into #2 all time on the 3 pointer list
Wilcox and Collison are playing together and it is neat tandem that will have success.
Collison is rusty and having a hard time with his shots but is in the right place to get garbage.
The Wilcox dunk show is on
Juna Dixon is keeping Portland in the game


Blazers 29 Sonics 26 at the end of 1
Not much defense being played
Ridnour bounced back
It is great to see Nick back on the floor he understands where to be on the court terrifically
Telfair, whose game I don’t like at all, made two nice plays to get points for the Blazers


Blazers 23 Sonics 14 with 2:55 left in the 1st Quarter
Ridnour is in the midst of a really poor stretch.
Blazers on a 9-0 run
Sonics don’t have a defensive stop in the last 7 possessions
Collison has made his first appearance playing the center.
Swift had two turnaround jumpers that looked great expect for the end result. Both missed, but both look terrific and he will always be able to get those shots off


Sonics 14 Blazers 14 with 6:15 left in the 1st Quarter
Luke really has to be able to beat Steve Blake. He has done that so far.
Zach Randolph doesn’t have an offensive touch until the 8th possession.
I find that interesting since Wilcox is not a good defender.
Nice move by Swift early and Wilcox has 4 points


STORYLINES
1) Will the Soncis take the Blazers too lightly?
2) What does Chris Wilcox have in store tonight?
3) Get up early and make the Blazers wilt like they want to.

RUN EXPECTANCY CHART

OUTS

RUNNERS    0        1          2
-------------------------------
---    0.5165    0.2796  0.1075
1--    0.8968   0.5487   0.2370
-2-    1.1385    0.6911    0.3502
12-   1.4693    0.9143   0.4433
--3    1.5120    0.9795   0.3718
1-3   1.8228     1.1830   0.4931
-23    2.0363   1.4144    0.6073
123    2.3109   1.5279    0.7485

MARINERS WINS ITS THIRD STRAIGHT

MARINERS 6
OAKLAND 2
WP: Gil Meche (1-0)
LP: Esteban Loazia (0-1)
SV: JJ Putz (1)
HR: Carl Everett (1)

This was flat out impressive. In control from the first moment of the game and stayed in control the entire game. Solid pitching, good work from the starter and into the bullpen. Then the defense and the offense was solid throughout the game.

This is a game that makes you believe a little bit.

Lots of different feelings throughout the game on Meche. But the bottom line is he got the job done and he really pitched well. His movement was terrific and he did a better and better job of pitching to contact throughout the game. The 5th inning was particularly impressive. His pitch count was very high and with a 4-1 lead he really went at hitters to prolong the outing. This was smart pitching. He needs to get the pitch count down so he can go longer then 5 innings.

Any frustration about Meche was in the bottom of the 2nd when he was given a 3-1 and then got into a huge jam. It was typical Meche not closing the door but on this night he was able to get out of the jam.

Some of his specific pitches tonight were terrific. He threw a great 1-1 change-up to Chavez, a terrific 2 seam fastball that drifted away from left hander Kotsay.

Meche did an amazing job of wasting the A’s big hits.

This team continues looking like they are going to be able to score. Carl Everett went deep and all of the Mariners RBI’s came from 6-9 in the line-up.

Jo-Jo is the real deal.

The defense is stealing outs each night. If you rob two or three plays a night it costs the other team an inning.

.

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. ROCKETS

Sonics 92 Rockets 80 with 4:52 left in the 4th Quarter
Seattle is not great right now but Houston is not good enough offensively to make a run at the Sonics
Wilcox has 20 points and 20 rebounds tonight – 9th Sonics player to accomplish this


Sonics 83 Rockets 70 with 8:17 left in the 4th Quarter
Ming fouls out on the first possession of the quarter
This is one of those games where we have Ray Allen and you don’t. Allen is making a play every time the Rockets make a run he makes a play
Wilcox has 21 rebounds
Stomile Swift is awful


Sonics 78 Rockets 66 -- at the end of 3 Quarters
Sonics offense slumped but the defense held it together.
Van Gundy is going to gamble and play Ming with 5 fouls to open the quarter
Wilcox has 20 rebounds
Allen has been burying the 3 and is now the #2 all time 3 point shooter in NBA history


Sonics 67 Rockets 51 with 5:58 left in the 3rd Quarter
Yao Ming picks up his 5th foul at the 6:28 mark of the game
Ray Allen has 8 straight for the Sonics.
Rockets are forced to try to go small against the Sonics
Wilcox now has 17 points and 19 rebounds
Ray Allen is bombing the 3 he is 1 short of Dale Ellis for all time #2 spot.


Sonics 56 Rockets 41 - - at the half
Very good performance by the Sups
Defensively the Sonics have been very solid – the halftime defensive rating is 90
11 fast break points is really good in a relatively slow game’
Great work on the defensive glass today as let Seattle get out and run
Wilcox has been just unreal.



Sonics 47 Rockets 35 – with 3:08 left in the 2nd Quarter
Chris Wilcox is amazing tonight. He has 15 points and 13 rebounds. If it is possible he has been better then the numbers. His shots have been in the post and not all dunks. His rebounds have been tough in traffic boards with Yao Ming around. In addition, he has two blocks which not usually a part of his game. He has defended well also. He is unquestionably the best player on the floor.
Ray Allen has been great as well. 10 points.
The Sonics are not hitting the 3


Sonics 32 Rockets 21 – at the end of 1 Quarter
Watson closes the quarter hitting a buzzer beating three
Sonics hit 60% for the quarter
Lead by Wilcox who had 12 points and 8 rebounds


Sonics 24 Rockets 13 with 2:39 left in the 1st Quarter
Official Tommy Nunez is having a really tough night. At one point both Hill and Van Gundy were yelling at him so much that Dick Bavetta had to ask both coaches to stop. The next trip he blew another call and it was as though Hill felt sorry for him rather then yelled at him.
Ridnour has three turnovers in the first quarter
Sups are 11 of 18 from the field, the Rockets really are struggling at 4 of 15
Juwan Howard tore up Seattle last time and tonight he is 0 for 5.
Seattle is in serious foul trouble with Swift and Moore both with 2 and no Collison, Fortson or Petro.


Sonics 18 Rockets 11 with 5:26 left in the 1st Quarter
Swift with the assignment on Yao Ming committed two fouls by the 9:14 mark
Great start for the Sonics offensively. The Rockets are not a good offensive team therefore they will not be able to keep up with a good offensive night
Chris Wilcox has been very active –6 points and 6 rebounds


Storylines
1) Houston's putrid offense against the Sonics defense
2) Yao Ming
3) Sonics lack of player to guard Ming
4) Allen 3 point shooting

New York Daily News - Sports - Nate nearly shut down

More stuggles for Nate Robinson in his relationahip with Larry Brown and his adaptation to the NBA. The Stry says that Nate was shooting spitballs on the team bus of all things.

New York Daily News - Sports - Nate nearly shut down: "Nate Robinson had become such a nuisance for Larry Brown that the coach considered sending him to the Developmental League last month to work on his game and improve his attitude.

According to a source close to Robinson, Brown wanted to demote Robinson to the NBA's minor league rather than keep him on the inactive list. Brown broached the idea with Isiah Thomas, but Thomas felt that Robinson would benefit from practicing with veteran teammates."

HUSKY PRACTICE 4/03

950, kjr's and Locked on Sports Matt Gaschk attended Huskies practice today. Here is his report.

Tyrone Willingham gave his assessment of the first padded practice on Saturday, saying that he was not happy with the overall execution. “Intensity, at some points, wasn’t bad. We still have too many breakdowns, but that’s coachable and that’s something we can work on and continue to get better and better with,” Willingham said.

EJ Savannah should benefit from the spring drills in getting back into the mix because it will naturally limit the amount of contact drills he will participate in

WR Sonny Shackleford will not be available for spring practice in the immediate future after he sprained his ankle in Saturday’s practice. No timetable has been set on his return

Though Wilson Afoa has had some back troubles that have limited his work in the past, Willingham touted his perseverance last year in keying his leadership role on the team this season. With Jordan White-Frisbee still on the shelf with his foot injury, the competition at Defensive Tackle is heating up in spring. In addition to Afoa, UW has Erick Lobos, Jordan Reffett and Jovon O’Connor competing for playing time alongside mainstays Dan Milsten and Donny Mateaki.

MARINERS OPENING DAY

Welcome to Mariners opening day. This season lockedonsports.com and the Locked on Sports Blog will keep a running commentary about what is happening during the Mariners games. It will be somewhat similar to the Simulblog of the Sonics season. Obviously with 162 games it will be impossible to cover all of the games but we will do the best we can. Enjoy the season and please give us any thoughts on what would improve the coverage or bring you to lockedonsports.com more often.

ANGLES 5 MARINERS 4
WP: Scott Shields (1-0)
LP: JJ Putz (1-0)
HR: Guerrero (1), Johjima (1), Petagine (1)

THOUGHTS FROM THE GAME

A lot of the talk out of spring training is that hitting coach Jeff Petland has changed the approach of the Mariners hitters. In addition, the Mariners said they were going to push the limit on the baselines. The rally in the 6th inning showed a lot of signs of this being true. Both Johjima and Reed took the ball the other way. Betencourt battled with a solid at-bat and a short swing for a hit and Jose Lopez hit a flair to right by simply battling.

Great sign that Johjima has enough power to take it out to right field. Johjima also made a great play to cut off a runner at second when Reed’s weak throw had no chance to get the runner at home.

A good sign that the bottom of the line-up started the rally because last year the Mariners gave away every third inning with the bottom of the line-up.

Jamie Moyer was vintage. A slow start but then he got his game on. The issue for Jamie over the past few years has been how the home plate umpire calls the game. Today he was given a really wide plate.

First guy out of the pen was Rafael Soriano. If he can be anywhere close to what he was before Tommy John surgery it will significantly change the Mariners staff. He hit 94 MPH on back to back fastballs to Vlady Guerrero. He is consistently at 94. Then he threw a great breaking ball to Vlady at 83 MPH. That is a great differential.

The gun at Safeco must have been fast George Sherill was at 93MPH which is hard to believe or he got a hold of Ryan Franklin’s illegal stuff :-o

If Soriano is solid he can control the 7th inning, JJ Putz, who should improve again, can take the eight and Eddie the 9th. That could be a very solid group and if the Mariners can shorten games in that fashion they could be much better.

JJ is still a big circle pitcher. In other words, he is throwing to a big circle rather then specific spots on the plate. Until he shows the ability to find specific locations he will be an average pitcher with great stuff. It cost him today.

Maybe it is just opening day, but I am optimistic that both Lopez and Betancourt will be able to hit. Lopez has shown some signs of being special. Time will tell if that all comes together, but I assume he will have a good year and could have some stretches where he is really on fire. Betancourt has been talked about as a defensive only player, but his swing looks and his contact is solid. He is really inexperienced, but my bet is he gains an idea of what he is trying to do and hits for decent average.

Bases loaded in the 6th and nobody out and the Mariners can’t score. That is brutal. You simply have to score a run. Last year, the Mariners were the worst in baseball in hits per run. It simply took too much energy to score a run. This has to change if the Mariners are going to have success.

In the 9th inning the Angels had runners on 1st and 3rd with two outs. The Angels runner stole second without a throw. It was on a pitch that would have been nearly impossible to throw anyone out on. However, so often teams allow that steal uncontested and in this game that run was the difference when the Mariners added a run in the ninth inning.

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. BLAZERS

Soncis 107 Blazers 65 with 6:02 left in the 4th Quarter
Top 10 things to do during a 40 point blow out at the Key Arena instead of watching this disaster …….

10) Count the tattoos on the floor.
9) wonder if New York basketball is any good if Sebastian Telfair was really a school yard legend
8) think that the blazers broadcaster who just got up and left maybe the smartest man in the building
7) Wonder if you could drink the entire Pepsi 8 pack in one sitting
6) Eavesdrop on all the conversations around you and see what you can learn
5) Come up with another geeky stat that Groz can’t understand
4) scan nba.com’s dance team bracket and really analyze what was an upset.
3) nap
2) check out all the talent in the building
And
1) read my junk mail.


Sonics 91 Blazers 55 at the end of 3 Quarter
I am currently working on top 10 things to do during a 40 point white wash.

Sonics 74 Blazers 38 with 9:02 left in the 3rd Quarter
THIS IS A JOKE !!! NOT MUCH TO SAY
If I was starting a franchise, and I could have every player on the blazers I would only take blake as a practice point guard on my inactive roster and I might take Przybilla as a 3rd center but maybe not.
Nate doesn't start Zach Randolph in the third quarter

Sonics 67 Blazers 35 at the half
It is one thing to be as bad as the blazers but what is even worse is they don’t have a single player who they can build around for the future.
This is the bleakest of the bleak
This reminds me of a college game around finals when the big program plays a division III team so they can just get out and sweat.
Ray Allen did a ton of damage in the first half 20 points on 10 shot attempts
The Sonics put down the hammer and the Blazer crumbled.


Sonics 47 Blazers 27 with 5:52 left in the 2nd Quarter
Back to back threes by Ray Allen over the top of Jarrett Jack.
Sebastian Telfair is unimpressive. I think at best he is Earl Watson
The Blazers are really awful. It is hard to tell if they are not trying or if they are not good.
Great low post power move by Johan Petro
Allen has 9 in the Q
Not much to say about this one sided affair.


Sonics 34 Blazers 19 at the end of the 1st Quarter
Wow – I am not sure how Nate watches this every night his team is brutal.
Robert Swift is playing without the mask and his rebounding has been very strong in the game so far.
Earl Watson has been able to pick up the tempo and give the Sonics a ton of easy looks.
Sonics hit 14 of 19 in the quarter with only 4 fast break points but that is misleading they had numerous early chances
Good defensive rebounding by both teams.



Sonics 14 Blazers 7 with 7:00 left in the 1st Quarter
Damien Wilkins starting in place of Rashard Lewis who is not playing tonight with the ankle injury. Wilkins has come out on fire scoring 10 of the Sonics first 12 points on 4 of 4 shooting.
Seattle has hit 7 of 8 shots to open the game.

RE-CAPING DECEMBER'S STORY ABOUT SONICS DEFENSE

UPDATE -- I wrote this in December. A similiar story was just written on ESPN. The part of the story John Hollinger didn't include is how amazing it is that the Sonics have won any games at all with a defense this bad. Check out what the rest of the teams that have been at this nadir did in the win total.

Here is what I found.
First, since 1988, year the Minnesota Timberwolves entered the NBA no team has had a defensive rating as bad as the Sonics current rating of 114.6. Defensive rating is figured as points allowed per 100 possessions.
The only teams that were anywhere close are as follows …..


Year Team Def Rating Wins
05-06 Sonics 114.6 ??
92-93 Mavericks 114.3 11
90-91 Nuggets 113.2 20
95-96 76ers 111.6 18
94-95 Pistons 111.6 28
89-90 Magic 111.6 18
97-98 Grizzlies 111.3 19
97-98 Nuggets 111.1 11
94-95 Wolves 111.1 21

30 teams since 1988 have had a defensive rating worse then 110. Three of those teams managed to get to 41 wins but none were above .500

The only real way to judge a defensive team from one year to the next is to judge them in relation to the league average. This accounts for increases and decreases in scoring trends. The Sonics defensive rating is 114.6 and the league average is 102.6. Therefore the Sonics are a –12.

Again this is the worst of any team in the NBA since the 1988 season and maybe longer.
Here are the other terrible teams and their success rate …..


Year Team Def to Avg Wins
05-06 Sonics -12 ???
99-00 Clippers -10.46 15
99-00 Warriors -9.22 19
92-93 Mavericks -9.21 11
97-98 Grizzlies -8.63 19
99-00 Grizzlies -8.63 22
03-04 Magic -8.59 21
99-00 Bucks -8.49 42
90-91 Nuggets -8.49 20
97-98 Nuggets -8.39 11


The only team that won more then 22 games was Ray Allen’s Milwaukee Bucks.

None of this accounts for how good the Sonics are offensively. Therefore, I looked at efficiency differential, offensive efficiency minus defensive efficiency and charted 16 years of efficiency differential and its correlation to wins. The Sonics currently have an efficiency differential of –7.2, 4th worst in the league. History says that over the past 16 years teams with a –7.2 win between 21 and 28 games.

The most alarming findings were the following over the last 16 years …
No team with an efficiency differential of –7 or worse has ever won 30 games.
No team with an efficiency differential of –6 or worse has ever won 35 games.
No team with an efficiency differential of –5 or worse has ever won 37 games.
No team with an efficiency differential of –4 or worse has ever won 39 games.

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. LAKERS

Lakers 92 Sonics 83 with 5:20 left in the 4th Quarter
Here is this for weird – Mikki Moore gets tied up on a jump ball and has his finger dislocated. He sprints straight to the locker-room. At this point Moore looks like he can’t make the jump ball so he is going to be DQ’d and the Lakers choose who is jumping. After much consternation Hill tries to send out Wilcox but the Lakers choose Ridnour as they are about to tip Moore comes running out of the locker-room and onto the floor. Now what …. Sonics have to take a time out to make it legal that Moore went to the locker-room. It was mass confusion.
Other notes – Luke is 0 for 8
18 turnovers for the Sonics
Sups got hot from three hitting two in a row to get the game to 6 but it is a false run because you can't live that way.


Kobes 81 Sonics 73 at the end of 3 Quarters
Kobe scored 10 of the final 14 points of the Quarter including a sick bucket at the buzzer
When Kobe gets hot he stops defending and the Sonics didn’t have anyone in the game who could take advantage of it.
Another poor third quarter for the Sonics 29-17 they were outscored
Sonics turnover issue is officially an issue – 15 turnovers in the game and 6 in the quarter


Lakers 73 Sonics 70 2:00 left in the 3rd Quarter
Kobe time. He has scored on the last 3 possessions and has 10 in the quarter
Sonics feel like they are on the verge of getting blown out but it has felt that way most of the night and they have made the plays.
Hill moves Wilkins to the 2 and brings Lewis is at the 3 with Allen resting and the Sups down by 3


Lakers 63 Sonics 61 with 6:57 left in the 3rd Quarter
Can the Sonics get rid of the 3rd Quarter and call it something else.
They have been terrible in the 3rd Q all year
9-0 Lakers run
22-9 run since 2nd Quarter
Lewis and Petro are out – Swift and Wilkins in
Chris Wilcox has missed three in a row.
Lakers got there 1st fast break point at the 9:05 mark of the 3rd Quarter
Kobe in the Quarter is 2 of 3 --- 1 was a fast break dunk.


Sonics 56 Lakers 52 at the half
Lakers 11-4 to the end the half
Sonics offense disappeared in the final moments of the half
Kobe is 4 of 15 when he is guarded by Ray Allen
Kobe is noticeable better tonight when he does not dribble when he has put the ball on the floor he has miss


Sonics 50 Lakers 38 with 3:59 in the 2nd Quarter
Sonics on a 13-2 run
Kobe is just 4 of 14 when being guarded by Ray today
Kobe has 17 on 18 shots and Ray has 16 on 11 shots
Seattle continues to get very good looks on the offensive end
Mikki Moore took a charge from Kobe and it resulted in a Kobe tech


Sonics 37 Lakers 33 with 8:03 left in the 2nd Quarter
Earl is boom or bust tonight. He is going full speed and making great plays and then on the next possession throwing it all over the gym
Swift made a terrible play and then looked very fearful about what he had just done. That is not the correct reaction.
Game feels like it is swinging toward the Lakers


Sonics 28 Lakers 23 at the end of 1 Quarter
The Sonics are pushing the ball and the getting really good looks.
The Lakers are a poor defensive team rotating out to the three point line.
They are pretty good when it comes to covering the paint and the rollers but they are really slow getting out on shooters. If the Sonics stay focused they will get good looks all game.
The Sonics defensive rebounding has not be as good as it needs to be. On the final play Kwame Brown stole a rebound from Robert Swift that the youngster should have never let get away, he was either weak or miss jumped.


Sonics 19 Lakers 15 with 4:31 left in the 1st Quarter
Kobe misses his first three shots and is 2 of 6.
Lakers are going at Rashard with Lamar Odom
Lewis has made two great hustle plays for the Sonics
Wilcox has made two buckets out of isolation plays in the post on Brian Cook
High paced game early on.

LOCKE'S BREAKDOWN OF THE M'S STARTING STAFF

I am not sure how you are supposed to equate spring training numbers to regular season performance, but if there is any relation at all the Mariners are in serious trouble.
The Mariners left Arizona with a 8.18 ERA. Sure they pitched a ton of guys that aren’t going to be in the big leagues this season, but on the other hand in the last two nights Moyer allowed 8 runs in 2 innings and Pineiro allowed seven in six innings.

All of this will look at a lot better when the pitchers get to throw in the Northwest cold of April and May in Safeco Field. However, what happens when they hit the road.
<-p> The optimism of this starting staff starts and ends with one man, Felix. There is no reason to believe he will be anything, but terrific. However, the Mariners are still managing him with kid gloves and would like to keep his season total innings pitched, including spring training, under 200.

From there it will be a crap shoot. In reverse order, nothing new pitching coach Rafael Chaves has done has changed Gil Meche and his performance. Dr. Phil is the only hope. My best guess is we get 5 starts from Meche before everyone throws there hands in the air and says I quit. There is nothing in his make-up that makes me believe he will be able to translate into a top line pitcher.

Joel Pineiro, despite his last outing, give the opening day optimists some room. Pineiro’s arm was never right last year and on occasion he showed signs that when it is right he can be terrific again. Truly the Mariners need a #3 quality season out of Pineiro because it is somewhat inevitable that either Washburn or Moyer will fade.

Speaking of Washburn, let’s forget about the contract for a moment. Yes, we all know it was bad, but the Mariners believe that since they paid for the hitters they had to follow the next season paying for pitching. I might not pass debate class if I had to defend it, but that is what they believe. Anyway, Washburn is a terrific inning eater who when blessed with a really good offense will keep you in enough games to win. He might be Aaron Sele before he got old. That is the best I can imagine out of Washburn. I doubt there will be many days when we say, “Washburn controlled that game.”

Lastly, we have Moyer. Can he only pitch at home? My concern with this staff is when Moyer throws up a stinker on the road, like he did every time last year, who is going to be able to stop the bleeding of the bullpen on a road trip.

Final thought. The reality and cruelty of injuries is that the Mariners will need two more starters this year to combine for almost 30 starts. Think about the Yankees last year. That is where this all falls apart. Who is getting those starts? Can they keep the M’s in games? The 30 extra starts is what separates staffs in baseball.

HUSKIES HAVE A SET-BACK ON THEIR OFFENSIVE LINE

Day 1 for the Huskies had a unusual and unfortunate twist. Tyrone Willingham announced that offensive line coach Mike Denbrock has left the team due to an "unspecified illness." They hope he will be able to return by the end of the spring. In the meantime, former Husky and former GA Kyle Benn has been hired to replace Denbrock.

The offensive line is the #1 concern this Spring and losing the position coach is a tremendous blow. Moreover, the entire spring relies on the offensive line coming through. If the offensive line is in shambles then it become impossible to evaluate both the other offensive players and the opposing defensive players.

On a more positive note, Willingham had a nice quote about JR Hasty on Dawgman.com "J.R. makes yardage," Willingham said. "Talk about not being a sprint champion or this or that, and we take up so much time talking about what they aren't we lose focus on what they do. He gains yardage and understands how to do that, and that's a great quality to have."

CAPTION CONTEST

Put your best caption in the comment zone. Please keep it respectful. I wll post the best ones as they come in.

LOCKE BREAKDOWN OF HUSKIES SPRING FOOTBALL

Huskies start their spring practice. As Dick Baird alterly pointed out last year was about getting acquainted this year is about getting something done. Both the Times and the PI have put together their questions to be answered in the spring pieces.

Here is a the Locked on Sports breakdown of this three week run. Of course, Willingham continues his fan unfriendly approach of closing the practices therefore, we will not be able to relay any insight from the practices to you.

Question #1 is at QB – What I think gets interesting here is that Stanback had no growth for most of last year. Now as a senior that becomes a huge drawback for him in the competition. If he doesn’t show amazing growth and blow DuRocher out then I think he losses this job. On the other hand, it is undeniable he is the best playmaker on the offense and you can have that sitting on the bench. Tim Lappano said on dawgman.com the other day we need to have the ball in #4 hands more often. Yet, as a QB being a senior is going to work against him.

Injuries could cripple the spring, particularly to the offensive line. The numbers are so small that if they lose one or two guys it is going to become impossible to make progress for the offense as a whole. This happened a few years ago and really stunted the growth of Gilbertson’s team.

Position changes. There are gaps all across this roster. Most of the players who played last year were inadequate. The real task of this coaching staff is going to find ways to maximize what may be insufficient talent by placing them in the correct positions.

Someone on the defensive line better step up or have an attitude change. Greyson Gunheim hasn’t shown the balls to be a great pass rusher. Donny Mateaki hasn’t been able to stay healthy or be influential when he is on the field. These guys have to change their make-up or the Huskies need to find guys to replace them.

Here is the scariest thing. There are only 3 newcomers that have any chance of making an impact on this roster. Therefore, there better be a huge surge from last year’s freshman who are now physically ready to make a mark. The guy on the top of that list is JR Hasty

SIMULBLOG SONICS V. ROCKETS

Rockets 115 Sonics 87 – FINAL SCORE
Not much to say
Defensively this was joke. The Rockets are the worst offensive team in the NBA without McGrady and the Sups allowed 60+ in the first half.
Finally at the end of the night the Sonics had more field goals then turnovers.


Rockets 76 Sonics not very many with 6:39 left in the 3rd Quarter
Is it a bad sign if you are down 30 and your opponent goes on a 10-0 run.
Watson hits back to back three’s to bring Seattle within 34 – look out here we come


Rockets 64 Sonics 32 at the half
When you have more turnovers then field goals you are in trouble. Particularly if you have played 24 minutes.
Rockets shot 66% and the Sonics have shot 22% in the first half
Allen is 1 for 12.


Rockets 56 Sonics 25 with 2:56 left in the 2nd Quarter
Is there ever a point where you can just go home. Just hit he re-set button and say forget.
This would be the night.
The Sonics have no energy, no flow, no interest.
This is really tough to watch.
The idea of the Rockets scoring 56 points in a half is inconceivable. To do it with 2:56 left is even worse.


Rockets 37 Seattle 18 with 7:59 left in the 2nd Quarter
Seattle missed 14 straight shots
This is absurd. The Rockets are a terrible offensive team. I mean really really terrible and Seattle can’t stop them tonight.
Rockets are shooting 60% and the Sonics are shooting 20%
Ray Allen is 0 for 7
Seattle has 8 turnovers and 6 field goals.


Rockets 29 Sonics 10 at the end of 1 Quarter
This one has gotten away in a hurry
Juwan Howard crushed Chris Wilcox early in the game.
Wilcox really is a poor post defender.
Seattle can’t hit a shot tonight
Neither big has been able to handle Yao Ming



Rashard Lewis is out for tonight's game. Damien Wilkins will start in his place. Over the past two years Wilkins has thrived in this circumstances.

Spring Training - Morse, Dobbs sent down; Petagine, Borchard make roster

John Hickkey of the PI is reporting that the roster moves have been made.Spring Training - Morse, Dobbs sent down; Petagine, Borchard make roster: "As a result, two players who were not in camp when spring training started, first baseman Roberto Petagine and outfielder Joe Borchard, will make the team. But even they can't afford to be too comfortable -- one of them probably will be the odd man out when Matt Lawton's 10-day steroids supension to start the season has run its course.

Two players who reasonably could be expected to make the team, infielder/outfielder Mike Morse and first baseman/third baseman Greg Dobbs, won't. Morse will be asked to play in left and right and at third, short and first for the Rainiers."

ANALYSIS -- I am surprised that Dobbs couldn't make the roster. He has such a good swing and seemed to have the knack to pinch hit. In addition, I like Morse being sent down. This is what they should have done last year so he could learn the outfield. His natural knack at the plate is something you have to find a spot for once he gets comfortable on the big league level.

In addition on the pitching front the Mariners optioned Nagotte and reassigned Kevin Appier.

Locked on Sports: To foul or not: The answer is simple

Locked on Sports: To foul or not: The answer is simple: "When a basketball team is up by three points in the final seconds of a game, it has the option to foul the other team. This puts the opponent at the free-throw line, eliminating the chance of hitting a game-tying 3-pointer.

Numerous variables go into this decision: how much time is left, rebounding, inbounds plays and more.

However, no matter how you crunch the numbers, the correct move is to foul.

Yet coaches make their decisions based on fear of the worst-case scenario and blow this call almost every time.

Friday night, Washington had a three-point lead with seven seconds to play and decided not to foul a Connecticut player. Instead, Rashad Anderson, a 41-percent shooter from 3-point range, tied the game with 1.8 seconds left.

I can comfortably say had the Huskies fouled instead of trying to prevent the shot, they would have played another game and possibly would be on their way to Indianapolis for the Final Four."

SIMULBLOG SONICS V. GRIZZZ

SONICS 98 GRIZZ 97 – FINAL SCORE
Are you kidding me !!!! Ray Allen does it again. A buzzer beater on an impossible angle. Allen goes 1 on 1 on Eddie Jones one of the best in the game and hits the game winner.
The game changed when down 86-82 the Sups switched Petro onto Gasol. He forced Gasol off the box and Gasol who was brilliant all night finished the night going 1 for 5 with 2 FT over the final 8 minutes of the game.
Not only did Petro play d but he hit two 15 foot jumpers in the final 3 minutes.
Petro in back to back nights guarded Duncan and Gasol. His athleticism could allow him to be a very special defensive player.
Rashard Lewis got hurt with 2:45 left and Sonics to survive


Grizz 93 Soncis 89 with 3:12 left in the 4th Quarter
Huge play – Lewis missed his signature running hook and when he missed he hurt his ankle and the Grizz went the other direction with a 5 on 4 and Miller hit a three.
Miller has back to back buckets
Gasol got his first shot on Petro
We are back into the halfcourt game and Memphis is putting the clamps down defensively.
Earl Waston is finishing


Sonics 89 Grizz 86 with 5:00 left in the 4th Quarter
Gasol scored on the first threee possession while being guarded by Moore
Since they switched Petro onto Gasol he is 0 for 2 with a turnover.
Allen another nasty three


Memphis 80 Soncis 76 at the end of 3 Quarters
Gasol has 38 points
When will the Sonic double him in the 4th?


Sonics 76 Memphis 75 with 1:30 left in the 3rd Quarter
Gasol scored on three straight possessions on Wilcox he has 36
The game is in the half court for Seattle offensively
Eddie Jones has gotten hot
Seattle is dribbling way to much right now.
Swift’s lack of upper body strength has been evident tonight


Sonics 71 Grizz 64 with 5:37 left in the 3rd Quarter
Wilcox three dunks in the Quarter
Grizz scored on the first 5 possessions, but Seattle has recovered.
Sonics need to keep the pace up.


Sonics 59 Grizz 49 at the halftime
Wow !!!
Rebounding edge 26-12
Bench play has been terrific. Mikki Moore came in for Wilcox and played great.
The game changed when Allen was on the bench and Seattle started there run.


Sonics 59 Grizz 49 at the halftime
Wow !!!
Rebounding edge 26-17
Bench play has been terrific. Mikki Moore came in for Wilcox and played great.
The game changed when Allen was on the bench and Seattle started there run.


Sonics 44 Grizz 37 with 5:55 left in the 2nd Quarter
This is remarkable.
The Soncis have been stymied by the Grizz all year and tonight they are taking it to Memphis.
Earl Watson has changed this team moreso then any player
Swift showed his talent with a great rebound and then sprinted the floor and was there for the put-back. Which he missed and then missed the free throws. So he is not there yet.


Sonics 28 Grizz 27 at the end of 1 Quarter
28 points against the Grizz in a Q is remarkable.
Great comeback.
Gasol has been great and the Sonics have been single teamed. The instinct is to not stay with the single team. I would stay with it. He won’t score 20 every quarter and his teammates are getting stale


Sonics 24 Grizz 24 with 2:51 left in the 2:36 left in the 1st Quarter
Holy smokes Sonics have hit 7 of their last 8 and Ridnour has been the offensive punch.
Most amazingly they have done this with Allen on the bench.
Allen has the biggest discrepancy of any player in the NBA in how his team performs when he is on the floor v. off the floor. This is very rare to make a run with Allen on the bench. Suddenly, if you can make a run with Ray on the bench you can win this game.
If the Sonics score on Memphis after scoring on San Antonio then they are for real offensively.
Earl Watson has been terrific


Memphis 14 Gasol 12 Sonics 2 with 8:00 left in the 1st Quarter
Gasol is dominating !!!!!
Gasol really has developed an awesome all around game.
First possession he put it on the floor at Wilcox and hit a 10 footer
Next possession he got doubled on the dribble and hit Akins for a three.
Then later he put it on the floor and went for the reverse lay-up.
The next possession they re-set him in the post and he hit a turnaround.
Then he got it again on the left block and straightened up on Petro and he dribbled on step to the baseline and then hit a step back from behind the backboard.
He has directly contributed 12 of the 14 points.
Lewis who has been terrible all year against the Grizz has not been very good today

HOW DO THE SONICS BIG COMPARE !!!!

I thought it would be interesting to see how the Sonics two young bigs were performing at a per 40 minute rate compared to the other young bigs in the NBA. Also, I have included Yao Ming as the All-Star.

These numbers for Swift and Petro are since Hill took over.

YOUNG BIGS PER 40 MINUTES:

Player          Points Rebounds Blocks
--------------------------------------
Yao Ming         25.4    11.9     1.9
Robert Swift     12.8    11.1     2.6
Johan Petro      12.0    10.0     1.5
Channing Frye    20.4     9.5     1.2
Dwight Howard    17.0    13.3     1.6
Emeka Okafor     15.8    11.9     2.3
Andrew Bogut     12.4    10.1     1.3
Tyson Chandler    7.8    13.5     1.9
Chris Kaman      14.1    11.5     1.8
Andris Biedrins  10.3    10.4     2.0
Rafael Aruajo     7.3    10.0     0.4
Andrew Bynum      9.4     9.7     2.5

GREAT NEWS ON MARINERS FRONT

According to the Seattle P-I Spring Training Blog Jeremy Reed wrist is not broken. According to the story the wrist problem is an old fracture not a break. While opening day may be a long shot it is not out of the question that he could avoid going on the DL.

MORE MORRIS IN SEATTLE

After visting numerous teams Maurice Morris found a soft market and has returned to Seattle signing a three year contract to be Alexander's back-up. The Hawks had hoped that Morris would return the entire time, but allowed him to test the market and see if he had other opportunites. The market has been soft for all running backs, starters and back-ups alike.

This is good news for the Hawks. Morris knows the system and the role. Moreover, he is gaining experience each year and is a valuable asset to the Hawks. He will likely recieve more and more time as Alexander ages.

KELVIN SAMPSON NOT MARK FEW AT INDIANA

According to today's Indianapolis Star ... A source close to Mark Few said Monday the Gonzaga coach has been contacted and told he is not considered a candidate at Indiana.

That would tell me that Indiana is very close to making their hire. UPDATE --- In fact they are and the Hoosiers have hired former Cougar Head Coach Kelvin Sampson from Oklahome. Nothing like losing in the first round in back to back years and picking up a new gig.

Felix Hernandez forced to sit by pain from shin splints

A minor set-back for Felix. Here is the Seattle-PI report.
Felix Hernandez forced to sit by pain from shin splints: "Prized Seattle prospect Felix Hernandez, who has been experiencing some right leg pain, has been scratched from his Wednesday start.

Hernandez has developed a mild case of shin splints, and the Mariners want to make sure their 19-year-old No. 5 starter doesn't get any worse. He's been scratched from all running exercises for the time being, although he can do regular arm and upper-body work."

LOCKE'S NUMBERS DEFEAT MITCH THE GURU

UPDATED -- 6:49 PM ON SUNDAY

It is over !!! Locke's numbers and Mitch the guru both should get an award for inadequacy. Nonetheless, neither bracket has any more chance to score points. That means that the NUMBERS HAVE DEFEATED THE GURU. Certainly, it wasn't a win of elegance but nonetheless it was a win.

Therefore, after making fun. mocking and general disrespect to the concept of picking a bracket via history and the numbers, Mitch Levy will be writing a $200 check to the scholarship fund of Four Winds Westward Ho Summer Camp located on Orcas Island.

FINAL 4
Mitch's Final 4 - West Virginia, Memphis, UConn, Boston College
Locke's Final 4 - Texas, Kansas, UConn, Florida

TEAMS TO ROOT AGAINST
Team's Mitch has in the Elite 8 that Locke's numbers don't -- West Virginia, Memphis, Indiana, Michigan St., Boston College.

Team's Mitch has in the Sweet 16 that Locke's numbers don't -- LSU, Indiana, Pittsburgh, Michigan St., Tennessee,Georgetown

Current Standings
Mitch's Teams left as of the Sweet 16 = 11
Locke's Teams left as of the Sweet 16 = 10

Mitch's Teams left as of the Elite 8 = 3
Locke's Teams left as of the Elite 8 = 5

Big Games in the Sweet 16
Texas (Locke) v. West Virginia (Mitch) --- Locke wins
Villanova (Locke) v. Boston College (Mitch) -- Locke wins
Memphis (Mitch) v. Bradley (none) -- Mitch wins
UCLA (Locke) v. Gonzaga (none) -- Locke wins

SIMULBLOG FOR SONICS V. SPURS

SONICS 106 SPURS 102 --- FINAL SCORE
The game of the year other then in Phoenix
The Sonics play toe for toe with the World Champions and avoid a collapse with a big three by Allen down the stretch.
Petro made a huge defensive play knocking the ball away from Duncan on an inbound to prevent the Spurs from getting a final shot
The Sonics were on the verge of a collapse. Luke Ridnour had four turnovers in the final 2 minutes and it lead to the Spurs getting the lead.
Allen then went one on one on Bowen and nailed a three to win it.
Controversial call a moment before when Horry intercepted a pass but either fell or was knocked out of bounds and the officials ruled him out of bounds to give the Sonics another shot.
An amazing win.
The Sonics offense was better then the Spurs defense and the Sonics showed a defensive approach that they hadn’t had all season.
Does this make you believe?


Sonics 100 Spurs 93 with 2:37 left in the 4th Quarter
Oh my oh my oh my
Luke hits Wilcox on his way to the basket but he misses and JOHAN PETRO FINISHES IT OFF WITH AUTHORITY ---- WOW!!!
A few plays before the Sonics defense forces a turnover and the Sups get a fast break Ridnour leads the break, he wants to go to Wilcox on the left but the spacing is bad and somehow some way he sees Lewis trailing and leaves it behind in traffic for LEWIS WHO FINISHES IT OFF WITH AUTHORITY
Sonics 9 of 13 in the Quarter


Sonics 98 Spurs 93 with 3:26 left in the 4th Q
This is night that makes you believe
This is a night that makes you renew season tickets
This is a night that makes all of the struggles seem distant
The Sonics are outplaying the Spurs on both ends of the floor



Sonics 90 Spurs 85 with 6:43 left in the 4th Quarter
This the game of the year. The intensity is great. The Spurs are the best and Seattle is playing right with the,
Official Jimmy Clark has a good sense of humor, Horry was disputing a foul call and Clark says to the scorers table -- “he bumped and he hit hit him and then he blocked the shot but that was too late.”


Sonics 84 Spurs 78 with 9:25 in the 4th Quarter
What a start to the 4th
Petro gets back to back baskets
Allen buries a transition three. 6 already in the 4th quarter – 30 for the game.
DON’T PISS OFF THE GENTLEMEN HE WILL GET YOU. HE WILL BRING THE FIGHT.
Great defense on Parker has highlighted the 4th quarter.


Sonics 74 Spurs 74 at the end of 3 Quarters
Great atmosphere here at Key Arena tonight.
Luke Ridnour is playing very well tonight. He is getting around screens with the ball very quickly. He is aggressive into the lane. He is playing even with Tony Parker right now.
Plus, he has hit some big outside shots.
However, he just made a huge brain cramp trying to catch a pass that was going out of bounds and he stepped on the endline – the Sonics would have got the ball underneath their own basket – it didn’t cost the Sonics
The Sonics defensive game plan on Manu Ginobili is very very strong. They are doubling him and getting ball out of his hand to discontinue his ability to probe the defense.
Seattle is playing hard enough to get the Spurs frustrated.


Spurs 65 Sonics 62 with 4:35 left in the 3rd Quarter
Ray Allen back to back threes.
Seattle is really playing well tonight. Mainly on the defensive end.
Allen hit a three a moment ago and it was the first foul called on the Spurs in the entire quarter. Seattle has 7.


Spurs 61 Sonics 55 with 5:50 left in the 3rd Quarter
Spurs have come out of the half and run every play to Duncan in the post trying to go at Chris Wilcox.
The other play the Spurs are living on is a pick n roll with Parker and the non-Duncan big. This forces the Sonics to leave Duncan and to help on rotation. That is a tough quandary. It is great coaching moves to make a player like Nazr Mohhamed have value.
Swift just got three fouls on two possessions and they were tickty tact. They will go away in a few years.


Spurs 46 Sonics 42 at the half
Robert Swift is going to be really good if he wants to be.
I am watching him and I can’t find anything that he physically can’t do.
He has great hoops, good hands, he needs better balance but his balance is very good.
He is slowing down in the post offensively. He has very defensive instincts to block shots.
What he needs is time on the floor, he needs to understand the game and he needs to get the respect of everyone around him.
The Sonics have responded well to the Bowen incident and are playing right with the Spurs. This has been impressive over the last 4 minutes of the first half.
Parker has been quiet.


Spurs 39 Sonics 28 with 5:45 left in the 2nd Quarter
Bruce Bowen is a thug
Ray Allen was working one on one on Bowen and when he went they made contact and Allen got an offensive foul. But being the dirtiest player in the NBA Bowen always gets underneath his man and they fell to the ground. On the ground Bowen then kicked Allen in the back. Allen got up and was pissed. A tech was called on Allen and that was the correct call. A tech was called on Bowen.
The issue for me is that Bowen gets underneath guys and puts the shooters legs and ankles in jeopardy.
Someone should pop him.


Spurs 28 Sonics 20 at the end of 1 Quarter
Great shooting on both sides – Spurs at 55% Sonics 53%
Sonics commit 6 turns
Game is at Seattle’s pace.
Wilcox 7 leads the Sups – Duncan 10 leads the Spurs.


Spurs 28 Sonics 18 with 2:04 left in the 1st Quarter
Tony Parker is unguardable
The Spurs scored on 9 straight possessions
Lewis picks up two offensive fouls in the first quarter – 4:46 left in the Q he has to leave
Now the question is will he ever get back into the game mentally. He spent most of the next time-out lobbing with the officials.
When Lewis leaves and the Sonics have Watson, Ridnour and Wilkins on the floor the Sonics can’t shoot.
Wilcox is playing against Duncan and he seems fearless.


Spurs 17 Sonics 13 with 6:46 left in the 1st Quarter
Spurs are up 4 and Pop takes the time-out becomes he is furious.
The Spurs live on a different planet then the rest of the league
The Sonics hit 5 of their first 7 before turning it over on the next three possessions.
The Sups are struggling with their rotations. They are leaving too many guys wide open in their sweet spot.


Storylines
1) The best in the world are in town
2) Sonics pace v. Spurs pace
3) Best defense in the league and one of the best of all time against the worst in the league and maybe the worst of all time.

REVIEW OF THE HUSKIES CRUSHING LOSS

I just finished re-watching the game. Sports fans in the State of Washington are the Job of Sports Fans. This is absurd, when does are day come. Here is the breakdown.

You have to foul. We have talked about this one thousand times on Locked on Sports. It is a mathmatical no brainer. If you lead by three with less then 7 seconds you have to foul. It is criminal not to and it cost Washington the game. This is a classic example of coaches coaching scared. Coaches don't foul because they are scared of the worst case scenario no matter how rare it might be. Coaches need to be smarter. In this case Lorenzo cost Washington a trip to the Elite 8 because he coached out of fear from a past experience.

The amount of mistakes down the stretch by Washington were unreal. Again we have talked all year on the coaches show about how do you maintain aggressiveness and be smart. The Huskies failed this balance and it cost them the game. Here is the sequence.

Up 6 with 1:28 left the Huskies have the ball on a rebound but in traffic Mike Jensen can't get the ball out and throws a bad pass to Dentmon out of bounds. The next play leads to Bobby Jones fouling out.
Up 5 with :35 seconds left after a Jensen miss UConn pushes it up and Jensen sags into the lane leaving UConn's best three point shooter open for a bomb.
Up 4 with :11 seconds left Jensen fouls Williams on a drive and gives up and three point play to make it a one point game. The extra point becomes the difference on the final possession. Jensen fouls out.
Up 3 the Huskies decided not to foul and we head to overtime.

In overtime, the Officials miss a goaltending, but down 2 the Huskies panicked when they got gift and threw the ball away.

The Huskies coaches did a great job with their defensive game plan. They doubled the pick n roll and forced the ball out of the hands of UConn's primary ball handlers. It was fantastic. It forced 26 turnovers and for all intent and purpose it won the game.

Jamal Williams was fantastic. His one on one game was unstoppable. He kept the Dawgs in the game when Roy was on the bench.

The real killer is that Washington played great and matched UConn every step of the way. It proves Washington was good enough go to the Final Four and they may have been good enough to win it.

UConn really struggled on the offensive end. I said on 950,KJR today that if the Dawgs controlled the defensive glass they could stop UConn and for the most part they did that.

On NBA Draft day when someone drafts Rudy Gay over Brandon Roy because of potential it will be a crime. Roy showed what a night in and night out stud he is again in this game. Gay showed how he rarely turns on the switch.

Ryan Appelby made a great steal and there was a defender in his way that forced him to curl out. It is a minor deal, but that is a great play by the UConn player. He threw the pass away and instead of sulking he quickly stepped out on the floor and cut off Appleby's path. It kept the play alive and forced the turnover. Little Things.

One of the key times of the game was early in the second half when Washington had a real chance to blow it out and they got greedy shooting long threes and missed all of them. With 17:00 left Washington forced four straight turnovers up 8 and weren't able to convert any of the four. Roy missed a drive,Jones missed a three, Williams missed a fade away and Dentom missed a deep quick three. All bad shots. Two of those and Washington would have been up 12 or more and rolling. Then two possessions later up 10 Roy missed a lay-up off a turnover that would have put them up 12. Then another turnvoer and the Huskies threw it away on an in-bound pass which lead to a Roy foul that would be costly. This was the key to the whole game.

The double techinical that knocked Roy out of the game for 6 minutes was on the upcoming sequence. The officials didn't have to call it, but it was a mistake by Roy to be in that situation.

Finally, this is another great season for Romar and Washington. To make the Sweet Sixteen in back to back years is really special. The pain comes because last year if Washington had played Louisville 10 times they would have lost 9 of them, if this year's team played UConn 10 times I think they would win 6 of them.

SIMULBLOG SONICS V. NUGGETS

NUGS 117 SONICS 104 -- FINAL SCORE
Really bad sequence when the Sonics got within 8 with 5 minutes left ended the game.
Lewis took a quick 3 and then the defense didn't get back on the next possession the Sonics missed three threes.
Turnovers killed the Sups in the third
Good night for Swift and Ridnour
Reggie Evans has to be smiling ear to ear


Sonics 105 Nugs 95 with 5:23 left in the 4th Quarter
Ray and Rashard are still not rolling.
Another strong game for Robert Swift
Sonics cut it to 8 but can't make the plays to get closer
The bad Earl has been present for most of the night, 4 of 12 and 5 turns
The Soncis have been brutal at the line.

'Nugs 89 Sonics 79 at the end of 3 quarters
The defense looks bad becaus they allowed another 30 point quarter but it was the offensive that was killing Seattle with the turnover and giving the easy looks.
If anyone has seen Ray and Rashard can you let them know the 4th quarter has started.


Nuggets 69 Sonics 63 with 7:14 left in the 3rd Quarter
Lewis and Allen are combined for 3 of 18
The Sonics have been terrible with the ball in the Quarter. I mean amazingly bad. They have thrown balls around the floor without any pressure and the Nuggets are getting the easy baskets they didn't get in the first half.
Another bad third quarter for the Sonics.

Nuggets 57 Sonics 55 == at the half
Sonics in the game despite Ray not having a good game.
Where is Rashard Lewis -- 0 for in teh first half.
Ray and Rashard are
Sonics defense has been respectable.
Reggie Evans is tearing the Sonics up. He has 16. You knew this would happen when they met for the first time.
Damien Wilkins is having a very nice night.


Sonics 40 Nugs 35 wiht 6:42 left in the 2nd Quarter
Ray Allen gets his first field goal with 7:37 left in the 2nd Quarter
Nugs are trying to post Patterson on Allen in the post. Not sure this is bad because it takes the ball out of the hands of Anthony.
Chris Wilcox has three fouls. Ouch.
Ridnour with 10 points


Sonics 27 Nuggets 27 at the end of 1 Quarter
Ray and Rashard are 0 for the quarter. This again is a sign of how much better the Sonics are. If this had happened earlier in the season they would be down 20. Then again they may be if those guys don't get going in the near future.
Wilcox has 9 to lead the Sonics.
Anthony has 10 but 3 of 8 shooting. He must be kept off the free throw line and he has 4 free throws so far.


Sonics 22 Nuggets 16 with 3:05 left in the 1st Quarter
The Ridnour and Watson line-up leading teh Soncis to the lead
Robert Swift is playing well tonight. He seems to be better on the road.
Sonics are doing a nice job of protecting the rim

Nuggets 16 Sonics 15 with 5:34 left in the 1st Quarter
Chris Wilcox is at it again. He runs the floor so well that other teams power forwards can't keep up. They meekily are seen pointing at Wilcox as though someone has to pick him up.
For a player that Clipper people said was a low basketball IQ player he has a terrific knack for getting open.