Details: When: Friday, November 18th Where: KeyArena Time (Seattle): 7:30 TV: FSN, League Pass Projected Starters: <font color=""Green"">Seattle (3-5)</font> Luke Ridnour Ray Allen Rashard Lewis Nick Collison Johan Petro <font color=""Red"">Chicago (3-4)</font> Chris Duhon Kirk Hinrich Andres Nocioni Darius Songalia Tyson Chandler Injury Troubles: <font color=""Green"">Seattle</font> Danny Fortson - turf toe (probable) Ronald Murray - back spasms (questionable) Rick Brunson - Plantar fasciitis (out) <font color=""Red"">Chicago </font> None Inactive List (Projected): Unknown Brief Notes: * The Sonics are feeling good after dominating the Celtics on the road. After all that has been made of the long six game road trip, they should be happy to be back home. * Nick Collison has averaged a double-double in three games as the starting power forward. His work on the offensive boards has been one of the keys to his effectiveness, but the original O.R. (offensive rebounder), Danny Fortson, is back from injury to help the Sonics on the boards, as well. The Supes need to continue to rebound at a high rate to win games. * The Bulls get over half their points from the bench. The Sonics need to take advantage by getting out to an early lead while the starters are on the floor. * Chicago may have the advantage against the Sonics on defense, where their aggresive style of play works well against the finesse of Ridnour, Allen, and Lewis. Tyson Chandler hasn't been his usual shot-blocking self yet this season, but he'll have a chance to get back on track by playing off the rookie, Petro. * DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHON. <div align="center">Random Sonic Quote:</div> ?We just talked about it.? Bob Weiss, showing his coaching expertise by explaining how the Sonics stopped the Celtics from scoring inside. All predictions, analysis and discussion relating directly to the game, both before, during and after, to be posted in this thread.
We should own the Bulls this year and blow them out by 15-20 points. Should. That said, I am going with the sonics by 5, and that may be wishful thinking considering the rediculous fg% we have been giving up.
We were really clicking on all cylinders in the second half. We hit all of the open jump shots we had, which gave us some sorely needed energy on defense. One thing I really noticed was that everybody seemed to know their role on offense. Damien and Radman weren't jacking up contested shots and driving to the hole a lot more. Vitaly got some easy buckets by way of dump-off passes in the low post. Seemed like we just kind of rode the wave of momentum we got early in the fourth to a bonafide blowout.
Good to win a game we were expected to. The only thing I'm concerned about is Ray and Rashard both playing 40 minutes again. We still need somebody else to score consistently, like Vlad, Flip or Damien. Also, Reggie DNP-CD? Or was he hurt?
Amazing to think that, after the start we've had, we're still only a game under .500 and on a two game winning streak, both convincing wins as well. Petro four blocks and six rebounds, and looks as if he more than held his own over Chandler. We all wondered how Rashard would respond to being an All-Star last season (and more recognition/expectation), and his last four games I think have sent a message that he is prepared to back it up this season.
Props to Mateen also, who started the fourth and not only hit some key baskets, but also played tight D on Ben Gordon.
Weiss is finally settling on his lineup. He stuck with the rotation even when the Sonics struggled in the second. Reggie will be the odd man out. Petro was playing well and Nick, Vitaly and Vlade were solid as well. Radmanovic made sure that Weiss didn't insert Reggie by rotating on defense like he actually knew what he was doing, showing hard on screens and playing inspired defense. He forced turnovers on TWO inbounds plays which both led to Sonics baskets. Wilkens guarded Gordon a lot tonight and held him in check as well. It was great seeing him stick to his role of defense and hustle. The Sonics started to get to unselfish in the second half with too many players passing up open shots to drive a pitch leading to turnovers...before they got everything fine tuned. On one play in particular Vlade passed up an open three, drove and passed to Allen who passed on the open three drove and gave back to Vlade who passed on the open three, drove and passed... Nick disappeared in the second half offensively when the Sonics shots started falling. Post players can't get lazy on off the ball defense with Nick out there, twice he got dunks from Ridnour when his defender turned his back and Nick went right to the hoop.
