Baker helps Sonics open with win

  • Frank Hughes / The News Tribune
  • Wednesday, October 10, 2001 9:00pm
  • Sports

By Frank Hughes

The News Tribune

SEATTLE – It’s still early, but if his play Wednesday night is an indication of things to come, Seattle SuperSonics power forward Vin Baker could finally be ready to silence his critics.

Baker followed up a 28-point, 14-rebound performance in the team’s first intrasquad scrimmage last week with a 10-point, 11-rebound, six-block outing Wednesday night that helped the Sonics defeat the Los Angeles Clippers, 96-85, before 7,988 fans at KeyArena.

Already, the difference in Baker’s game is vastly noticeable. No longer is he standing under the basket, watching as his teammates zip up the floor. No longer does he watch as an opponent sweeps in for an uncontested dunk. No longer do fans wonder why their 6-foot-11, $86 million man has not grabbed a rebound.

In short, Baker is more active – probably more active than at any time he has been in Seattle.

“We are going to need Vin to play that way in order for us to have success,” Sonics coach Nate McMillan said.

Baker is battling for rebounds, and because he has lost weight, he is quick enough to get off the floor several times in a span of a few seconds.

And he is willing to come off his man to block shots off the weak side. At one point Wednesday night, with the Clippers on a 3-on-2 fast break, Baker came across and swatted Eric Piatkowski’s lay-in into the stands. Another time, with Keyon Dooling attempting a reverse layup, Baker met him at the rim and rejected the shot.

“Coach McMillan has talked to me about my defense, and being a better defender,” Baker said. “Obviously, being lighter, my reaction time is better. And the new zone rules allow you to be in a position where you can get to the ball quicker. And my timing was there.”

The one part of his game that Baker has yet to display is his back to the basket in the low post. It will be interesting to see whether the loss of weight prohibits Baker from dealing with stronger players, or whether he is able to beat them with his quickness.

“It’ll come,” Baker said. “Tonight, I was working more defensively and the rebounds. When I get that part of my game going, the rebounds and blocks, then the rest will come.”

The other thing that remains to be seen is how Baker fares over the course of the season, and whether he burned himself out getting his weight down, as he did two seasons ago.

But for now, at least, he appears to be back to respectability, and he may be bringing the Sonics with him.

For all the hype about the up-and-coming Clippers, the same cannot yet be said for them. Despite a roster that includes Elton Brand, Lamar Odom and Darius Miles, Los Angeles has a long way to go before it is ready to deal with Gary Payton, who finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, completely abusing Jeff McInnis; or Rashard Lewis, who had 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists; or the remainder of the Sonics players trying to work their way into the rotation.

McMillan only dressed 15 of the team’s 19 players, keeping JaRon Rush, Art Long, Eddie Gill and Eddie Elisma out. Earl Watson did not play because of a left heel contusion, and Olumide Oyedeji did not get off the bench.

Because he wanted Seattle’s fans to see who the team has this year, McMillan started Payton, Baker, Calvin Booth, Brent Barry and Lewis, with Peja Drobnjak, Jerome James, Desmond Mason, Shammond Williams and Vladimir Radmanovic subbing for them. McMillan said the other players will see more time tonight, when the Sonics play the Denver Nuggets in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Notes – Besides the new court at KeyArena, there is a high-tech strip that circles the stadium, between the upper and lower levels. It is called an LED Ring, and has a clearer display for scores and advertisements. When technicians are done working on it, Sonics CEO Wally Walker said, it will have more detailed graphics. … .The Sonics wore their old uniforms Wednesday night because, according to general manager Rick Sund, the new ones are not yet ready.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Stanwood sophomore outside hitter Harper Neyens hits the ball during a District 1 3A quarterfinals match against Monroe in Stanwood, Wash., on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. The Spartans won 3-1. (Taras McCurdie / The Herald)
Spartans volleyball tames Bearcats

Stanwood’s 54 kills help top Monroe for third time and advance to semis.

Prep roundup for Tuesday, Nov. 12

Arlington and GP volleyball both one win away from state

Jackson wins district swimming and diving championship.

Glacier Peak and Jackson each send eight competitors to state.

Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ Justin Danforth (17) shoots against Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord (35) during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.
Kraken score 5 unanswered to dump Blue Jackets

Seattle rebounds from rough first period.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Nov. 3-9

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Nov. 3-9. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Tips Week in Review: Everett wins two, loses one

The Silvertips fall to Tri-City but rebound against Calgary, Red Deer.

WSU jumps three spots to No. 18 in second round of CFP rankings

Cougars odds of making the college football playoffs remain slim.

Seahawks offensive lineman Abe Lucas, an Archbishop Murphy High School graduate, prepares to block against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 30, 2023. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks).
Abraham Lucas could return to Seahawks lineup Sunday

The Archbishop Murphy graduate has been recovering from a knee injury.

Tyrel Dodson (0), who was waived by the Seahawks on Monday, lines up against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks waive starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson

Seattle’s leading tackler was let go to get other players in the lineup.

Arlington senior running back Caleb Reed stiff arms a North Creek player during a district winner-to-state, loser-out Round of 32 game at John C. Larson Stadium in Arlington, Wash., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. The Eagles won 56-35. (Taras McCurdie / The Herald)
Arlington football plows through North Creek, 56-35

Caleb Reed’s four rushing touchdowns help Eagles advance to state.

Lake Stevens’ Jayshon Limar puts his arms in the air in celebration after scoring a touchdown during the 4A district game against Tahoma on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep football roundup for Friday, Nov. 8

Five local football teams advance to state playoffs.

Cascade's Jacob Hopkins (top step) poses with coaches, teammates, family and friends after winning his third straight state title in the boys ambulatory race at Sun Willows Golf Course on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Steve Bertrand)
Cascade’s Hopkins wins third prep state cross country title.

Arlington High School girls take home fourth-place team trophy

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.