Herald Staff
Opponent: Sacramento Kings
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: KeyArena, Seattle
TV: KONG (Ch. 6/16)
Radio: KJR (950 AM)
Still learning: Under new coach Nate McMillan, the Sonics had a 6-3 mark heading into Friday’s game against Miami. There have been obvious signs of progress, and none more significant than the team’s new commitment to effort and energy.
“We’re a few weeks into this with Coach McMillan, and we’re learning,” said Seattle’s Emanual Davis. “We’re learning how to win. Sometimes it gets a little stagnant, but what’s pretty consistent is the defensive effort and the hustle. If we can keep doing that, that’s going to keep us in games.”
Heat injuries: Some well-known Miami names were missing for Friday night’s game. Heat center Alonzo Mourning is out for the season as he receives treatment for a kidney disorder. Also absent was longtime Sonics nemesis from his days with Phoenix, guard Dan Majerle. He has a partial tear of his left hamstring muscle.
Break a leg: Sonics forward Vin Baker will make his stage debut during Tuesday night’s performance of The Nutcracker, staged by the Pacific Northwest Ballet at the Seattle Center Opera House. Baker will play the part of Grandfather.
Teammate Gary Payton will welcome guests to the performance moments before the opening curtain, then will operate props backstage during the show.
The charitable foundations for Baker and Payton will donate 400 tickets to Seattle youngsters through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Garfield Community Center.
