Sonics Burn Atlanta

Playing the role of General Sherman, one Ray Allen, who drained 5 of 8 from 3-point range on his way to 33 points as the Sonics outscored the Hawks in the 4th quarter to grab a 114-109 win on Wednesday night.

However, despite Allen's heroics, the unsung hero of the game has to be Chris Wilcox, who managed to shoot 80% from the field, grab 10 boards, and basically do everything Vladimir Radmanovic never did in a Sonics' jersey. Wilcox managed to score in double figures for only the second time this calendar year, and it definitely made a difference for the Supes tonight.

Game Night: Hawks

Tree Rollins: Not expected to play tonight.

Let's all take a breath. Steve Francis was moved today, but the Sonics have yet to do anything, and even if they do, it's only going to be get rid of Evans or Murray, or possibly picking up Earl Watson.

With that in mind, let's try focusing on the season for awhile. I for one will be glad to see the trading deadline in the rear-view mirror, if for no other reason than to put these Ray Allen-for-Ben Gordon rumors to bed (Good Lord, does Sam Smith even read his own nonsense?).

The Sonics are up against the Hawks. I say up against, in that usually the opponent provides opposition, which, of course, the Hawks are loathe to do. After starting at 2-16, the Hawks have improved of late, but they are still the Hawks and unless Doc Rivers, Nique, Kevvy Kev, and Tree Rollins are loosening up, they won't be seeing the playoffs in person this year.

Injuries are beginning to pile up for the Sonics, with Swift, Potato, and Fortson out, while Rashard and Wilcox are listed as questionable (which begs the question, is there ever a day in which Danny Fortson is not questionable?).

But if you want to really feel depressed, listen to this. Despite Atlanta's woeful state of basketball, they're favored by 5 against Seattle tonight. Considering the Hawks edged the Pistons in their last home game, it's not such a bad bet.

Lew Too?

After last week's Radman/Wilco trade, everyone is still waiting for the other shoe to drop. John Sleeper of the Herald thinks that shoe should be Lew:

The Sonics want to take good looks at youngsters Robert Swift and Johan Petro, both of whom have shown promise and that they only need playing time. Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis (both can include "All-Star" on their resumes), Luke Ridnour, Nick Collison and Damien Wilkins all appear untouchable.

But are they all safe? At 26, Lewis has been in the league eight years and is just now entering the realm of "seasoned veteran." An effortless scorer, Lewis, as are too many Sonics, is a liability on defense. His build still is so slight that opposing forwards use him as a tackling dummy in the paint.

Read the rest here.