Houston beats Seattle as Sonics’ magic number to win division remains at 1 after fifth straight loss

  • By Rich Myhre / Herald Writer
  • Monday, April 11, 2005 9:00pm
  • Sports

SEATTLE – Another game, another setback, another missed opportunity to clinch the Northwest Division title.

For 10 dreary days, the storyline has stayed the same for the slumping Seattle SuperSonics.

So it was again on Monday night. Though the short-handed Sonics battled gamely throughout, they fell behind in the early moments of the second half and were never able to erase the deficit on the way to a 90-78 loss that was the team’s fifth in a row, a season high.

In Denver, meanwhile, the surging Nuggets breezed past Golden State 122-106 to keep Seattle’s magic number for wrapping up the division championship at one. The Nuggets have also closed to within four games of the Sonics in the Northwest Division standings with five games remaining for both teams.

“It’s real frustrating,” admitted forward Reggie Evans in a somber Seattle locker room. “It hurts. Even though we played a little better (than in the previous four losses), we still can’t be satisfied when we compare it to what we’ve been doing this whole season.”

“I thought we really fought and really competed,” said forward Nick Collison. “This one could be a little tougher to take because we felt like we played well and we still got beat. But what else can we do? We just have to go out and try to get a win on Wednesday (against Dallas).”

Once again, the Sonics were without All-Star forward Rashard Lewis, who missed his eighth straight game with a deep bone bruise on his right foot; guard Antonio Daniels, who sat out his third game in a row due to a sore right knee; and forward Vlade Radmanovic, who will likely miss the rest of the regular season with a stress fracture in his lower right leg.

Also wearing street clothes on the team bench was forward Danny Fortson, who missed his second game with a nagging shoulder injury.

With one starter and three top reserves on the sidelines, “we almost have to play almost a perfect game (to win),” Collison said.

On this night, the Sonics were far from perfect. The 78 points was their third-lowest total of the season, and Seattle shot a mere .341 from the field (28-for-82), also the third-lowest mark of 2004-05. One of those who struggled offensively was All-Star guard Ray Allen, who was just 7-for-22 from the field and 1-for-9 from the 3-point stripe, though in fairness he was hounded by Houston defenders – they could focus almost solely on Allen with so many of Seattle’s other offensive weapons on the sidelines – throughout the game.

Two other Seattle starters, center Jerome James and forward Damien Wilkins, were a combined 2-for-16 from the field.

For Wilkins, it was a doubly discouraging night. He had a poor offensive game, and at the other end he drew the primary defensive assignment on All-Star Tracy McGrady, Houston’s top scorer. McGrady came in with a 25.6 scoring average and he padded that mark with 38 points against the Sonics to go with 11 rebounds and four assists.

“He played like an All-Star,” McMillan said. “I thought Damien worked hard to try to deny his catches and force him to work, but (McGrady) made some tough shots. He’s been playing well lately and tonight he had a huge night.”

Both teams started slowly and the score was just 37-37 at halftime, but in the third quarter Houston ran off five quick points for a lead it never lost. After falling behind by double digits late in the period, Seattle opened the fourth quarter with seven unanswered points to draw within one, 71-70, putting a stir in the sellout crowd of 17,072.

The comeback quickly fizzled. Methodically, the Rockets pulled away behind McGrady and 7-foot-6 center Yao Ming, and with two minutes left the outcome was clear.

“We’ve lost five in a row, but we’re not making excuses about certain people being out,” Evans said. “We still have to make it happen. … You want a rhythm going into the playoffs. You don’t want to have your head down, like you’ve run out of gas. So now we’ve got to fill up this tank again and get going. We have to pick our heads up.”

“There’s nothing we can do about (the injuries),” McMillan added. “Guys are injured and we have to go with the guys who are in uniform. … It’s hard because we’re losing. We’re feeling it, but what can you say? We just have to play better. We can’t sugarcoat anything because it’s all right in front of us.”

Ahead for Seattle are home games against Dallas on Wednesday and New Orleans on Friday, the last two regular-season contests at KeyArena this season. The Sonics then close their schedule with road games next week at Minnesota, Dallas and Houston before preparing for their playoff opener, likely April 23 at KeyArena.

Talk to us

More in Sports

Everett's Max Soterakopoulos points to his name on the leaderboard after winning his division the Regional Qualifier for Drive, Chip and Putt, held last Saturday at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place. (Photo coutesy of Chris Soterakopoulos)
Community roundup: Everett youth golfer headed to The Masters

Plus, Mill Creek Country Club’s Val Patrick honored by LPGA, updates on local NFL players, and more.

Angel of the Winds Arena stands ready and waiting Friday afternoon for Kraken fans to arrive for the preseason game against the Edmondton Oilers. (Jake Goldstein-Street / The Herald)
Patterson: After past fails, can arena football thrive in Everett?

The turbulent past of arena football in the city stems from the opening of the Everett Events Center, now Angel of the Winds Arena, in 2003.

Stanwood players react to their coach bringing them the Stilly Cup on Sept. 30, 2022 in Arlington. The Spartans snapped a 12-game losing streak in the rivalry matchup last year. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
4 games to watch in Week 5 of the prep football season

An in-depth look at the best games the area has to offer, plus a full schedule of the local action in Week 5.

Hall of Fame inductee Gina Carbonatto accepts her award during the 2023 Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame Banquet on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
GALLERY: 2023 Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame banquet

A look at Wednesday’s ceremony honoring some of the most decorated sports figures in the area.

Stanwood's Michael Mascotti relays the next play to his teammates during football practice on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022 in Stanwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Game picks for Week 5 of the prep football season

Find out which teams the experts and readers pick to win in Week 5.

Sultan’s Derek Feltner tries to stay upright after picking up an offensive fumble and getting a few yards against Granite Falls on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022, at Sultan High School in Sultan, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Week 5 prep football leaderboard

A look at the area’s top passers, rushers and receivers through four weeks of the season.

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Sept. 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, Sept. 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Lake Stevens’ Jayshon Limar (17) moves with the ball during a football game between Lake Stevens and West Linn at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. West Linn won, 49-30. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Associated Press high school football poll for Week 5

Lake Stevens falls from No. 1 in Class 4A; Arlington jumps to No. 6 in 3A.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Sept. 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Sept. 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Most Read