What else can I say: WOW. The Sonics, yet again without Ray Allen, beat Golden State in an incredible 107-105 victory. After trailing 56-72 at halftime (16 points behind), the Sonics came out with guns blazing, and managed to pull within 1 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Shortly after in the 4th quarter, they took the lead, and kept it. The Sonics scored first, then the Warriors took the lead later in the 1st, and the lead did not change until the Sonics pulled ahead in the 4th. They kept that lead until the end. Key points (no pun intended):
Luke Ridnour: 26 points, 9 assists, 3-5 from 3-point range (including a 30-footer), 5-7 FT
Rashard Lewis: 25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals
Damien Wilkins: 22 points, 9 rebounds (5 offensive), 6-7 FT
Earl Watson: 20 points, 6-7 FT, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover in 33 minutes. Earl has been getting a lot of playing time lately, and he has been using it well. Our lineup just seems to be ON FIRE without Ray Allen in the mix. Like last game, I will return to that subject again.
Chris Wilcox: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2-2 FT, 2 assists. Chris also had a mentionable, furious slam-dunk putback on offense. He's had one in the last two games now.
Nick Collison: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 blocked shot. Nick has improved much, and he is continuing to develop. Without Swift and Petro playing as often as they did last year, Nick has had plenty of experience on the court this year.
I hate to say it, Ray, but my theory is slowing starting to turn its wheels, and this next game will prove whether or not the wheels will pick up speed. The Sonics are now 10-11, have won 3 games in a row, and are distributing points well, this game having 4 players with at least 20 points. That is no easy feat. That requires passing, rebounding, unselfish playing, patience, and requires players to follow through when their teammates give them the ball for an open shot. Ray is an incredible player, but it seems as though he is becoming less and less a part of the Sonics' chemistry. Can the Sonics play without Ray Allen? Yes, they can. I believe that. For Ray to believe it, and the management, the Sonics are going to have to beat a good team without him. The Warriors are a good team, but not good enough for other teams to think Ray Allen is a hot item.
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