Wednesday, May 18

We can still win this

Seattle SuperSonics' Ray Allen sits on the bench during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs' in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals Tuesday, May 17, 2005 in San Antonio. The Spurs beat the SuperSonics 103-90.<br />(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

I know what you're thinking:

"It was a good run, but this series is over."

"The Sonics just got lucky in games 3 and 4."

"The Spurs are an unstoppable force of unstoppableness."


Well, cheer up, sour-puss. This series is far from over.

When the Sonics got off to another fast start this season, everyone expected them to collapse by December again. They didn't. When the Sonics limped into the playoffs, everyone thought they would lose to the veteran Sacramento Kings. They won. When the Sonics got blown out the first two games against the Spurs, everyone thought the Sonics would get swept. They won the next two.

The fact is, the Sonics have defied expectations all season. Just when you're ready to sell your lucky Ray Allen bobblehead on eBay, they do something amazing to pull you back on the bandwagon.

I can't tell you how many times during this series I turned off the TV or radio because the Sonics were getting beaten soundly, and then, out of morbid curiosity, checked back in only to see they'd tied the game.

Could the Sonics use a big boost from Rashard in Game Six? Absolutely. Will the Sonics positively get thrashed without him? No, because if there's one thing I've learned from watching the Supes this year, it's to expect the unexpected.

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