Eric Williams covered the Sonics' last season in Seattle. A Tacoma native, Eric graduated from Mount Tahoma High and the University of Puget Sound.
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21 -- The number of offensive rebounds Memphis had
32 -- The number of second-chance points Memphis scored off the rebounds
18 -- Kevin Durant's shooting percentage from the field. He went 3-for-17, but still finished with 17 points. Durant was 10-for-10 from the free throw line, including 8-of-8 in the fourth quarter.
52 -- The number of points in the paint for Seattle
1969 -- The last time Seattle lost six straight to open the season. The Sonics are a game away from matching that mark.
Not much to add here if you've already seen the game, or saw the first four games of the year.
As in past games, Seattle had a 29-16 disparity in fouls, and Memphis outscored Seattle 25-17 from the free-throw line.
Again, Seattle seems out of position defensively at times, leading to the inordinate amount of fouls. And most other teams continue to go more aggressively to the basket than Seattle
Seattle just can't seem to finish games. A lot of it has to do with the inexperience and lack of time guys have spent playing with each other, but you can only use that as an excuse for so long.
Seattle coach P.J. Carlesimo can take solace in the fact that his team still is playing hard. And there are a lot of teams still without wins. They include Chicago, Washington, Miami and Golden State -- all playoff teams a year ago.
Carlesimo will give the guys a day off on Thursday. But he said to expect some changes in the starting lineup come Friday. Will we see the debut of Luke Ridnour in the starting lineup at point guard? How about Jeff Green at small forward? Will Mickael Gelabale get some run? We'll see on Friday.
Here's the post-game interview with Carlesimo.
And listen to Nick Collison and Kevin Durant talk about the game.
COMMENTS:
In general, it seems like the team is comprised of a lot 'sixth men' - guys you wouldn't mind coming off the bench, but aren't really big time NBA starters.
What I don't understand is Wilkins getting crunch time minutes. In the words of Jerry Seinfeld, "he's a chucker." He seems to always force the issue and either throws up a terrible shot or turn it over when they really need a bucket in late game situations.
Last night against the Grizzlies he got pick-pocketed late in the 4th. The night before against Sacramento Durant was doubled with about 1:30 to go. Durant kicked it out of the double team as he should. Eventually the ball landed up in Wilkins hands, and I immediately let out an "oh no." Predictably, he threw up a contested shot within about two seconds that had no chance whatsoever. It seems like the team should have known that either Szczerbiak or Durant should have been shooting there.
On the positive side, it was great seeing Durant take the ball strong to the hole and repeatedly get to the line during crunch time. Seeing him knock down his FTs was even better.
Even though the Sonics lost, it's great to see Durant take charge of the situation.
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