Game Night # 14

You wouldn't have thought at the end of last season that the Nets would have lost 7 in a row and the Sonics would have the best record in the NBA, but, in the words of Joaquin Andujar, "Youneverknow." To say the Nets are struggling is to say Ben Affleck's movie career is struggling. They're so bad a guy with one good kidney, not even his own, wants out of town. They're so bad, fans are calling for the return of Dennis Hopson.

Good Sign: The Sonics drove Hubie Brown into retirement - is Lawrence Frank next?
Bad Sign: The Nets were able to get the Sonics to play at their crappy level in their hideousnessfest last week.

Questions: Will either team crack 90 points? Will the Sonics' alternate unis be their undoing? Is all yellow ever a good fashion choice for anyone but Corazon Aquino?

Notes: A rumor on the net has the Sonics showing interest in Vince Carter. Can't imagine what reason they would have. ... George Karl is rumored to be a possibility to replace Hubie Brown in Memphis ... Ray Allen had a case of bronchitis recently, the possible cause of his recent poor shooting ... Flip Murray isn't expected back for Sunday's game ...

Vegas line: Sonics by 12
Over/Under: 179 1/2
Prediction: Sonics 91-Nets 78
Record Against the Spread: 5-3

Sonics gouge Grizzlies, 93-84

"Excuse me young man, have you seen my Jheri-Curl?"

O.K., maybe "gouge" is a bit much. More like "escape with their lives".

Despite poor shooting and tired legs, the Sonics pulled out a 93-84 victory in Memphis tonight, improving their league-best record to 11-2 for the year.

The Sonics couldn't buy a shot in the first half, and looked every bit like a team on the tail-end of a six-game road trip. Luckily, the Grizzlies were in even worse shape, missing Pau Gasol, James Posey, and Stromile Swift to injuries.

After a slow start, the Sonics roared back to take a 14-point lead in the third. The Grizz made a good run late in the fourth, cutting the lead to two with six minutes to go in the game, but the Supes hung on for the win.

There was a scary moment for Sonic fans in the fourth, when Ray Allen went down with a sprained ankle. He returned to finish the game, however, as the entire city of Seattle gave out a collective "Whew!".

Game Night # 13

I give up. I know I could keep churning out negativity, saying there's no way Rashard can keep it up, that Ray Allen's a poser ... but, man, after last night's game, I'm not just on the bandwagon, I'm driving the frickin' horses. Danny Fortson sitting on Kevin Garnett? Rashard posting people up? Are you kidding me? In the immortal words of Jimmy Johnson, "How 'bout them Sonics!"

Good Sign: Beating the Timberwolves, San Antone, and Sac-town will qualify.
Bad Sign: The Grizzlies are better than their record, and led the Sonics by 20 in their first meeting before Seattle rallied to win 118-113.

Questions: Can the Griz survive without Gasol? Can Bonzi Wells continue his strong play? Will Rashard continue to impress?

Notes: Daniels had his best game of the season against Memphis a week ago (28 points) ... Kudos to Fort, et al for holding Garnett in check last night (16 points!) ... Only 2 NBA players have A:TO ratio of higher than 5; AD and Brent Barry ... Danny Fortson is tied for the league lead in T's (5) and fouls per game (5.1). Keep on bangin', Fort.

Vegas line: Grizzlies by 4 1/2
Over/Under: 197 1/2
Prediction: Sonics 102-Grizzlies 95
Record Against the Spread: 4-3