With the 7th consecutive loss to start the season, its getting harder to be optimistic for the season. But for whatever reason, I keep finding reasons for hope, and feel like these things need to be pointed out. The Sonics have lost, but haven't been blown out in a single game. In fact, after losing control quickly in the fourth quarter for the first few games, the Sonics have played the last 3 games (@ Sacremento, Memphis, Detroit) very tightly with a chance to win if they could just make a play late in the game. These players still believe they can win, even though they just don't know how yet.
Jeff Green put together his second consecutive stong game with 17 points and 8 rebounds in 25 minutes. Even more impressively, he had zero turnovers, after having problems holding onto the ball recently. He's starting to look more and more like a solid pick. A game after setting a career high in points, he followed with a career high in rebounds.
After a run of strong games, Kevin Durant has struggled the last two games, combining to shoot 10-38, including a brutal 2-12 from behind the stripe. He's clearly been the focus of defenses after starting to find his way, and unfortuneatly teams are content to let Wilkens and Wilcox combine for 30 every game, while focusing their defense on Durant. He's had to go against two tough defenders in Andrei Kirilenko and Tayshaun Prince, both of whom have the genetic gifts needed to frustrate Durant (long, athletic and aggressive).
As mentioned, Wilcox and Wilkens have been remarkably consistent this year. Both are averaging 15-16 points per game, and are the only Sonics besides Durant to average 30+ minutes per game (coincidence?). Coach Carlesimo went in a radically different direction last night, giving Luke Ridnour the start, while giving former starter Earl Watson a DNP - Coach's Decision. I'm not defending Watson, as this is clearly a necessary move and the Sonics were 0-6 with him getting the lion's share of the minutes, but this is a dramatic shake-up. Ridnour played relatively well in his first start garnering 7 assists, but scoring a Watson-esque 4 points on 1-5 shooting. Delonte West was the primary backup and scored just 4 points, but also added 5 rebounds and 4 assists. West's size allows him to give the opposing teams a different look. I believe West has the most upside, but Ridnour is the most natural point. I don't really care who the starter is at the end of the season as long as someone grabs the role. Otherwise, the Sonics will be borderline forced to take a point guard (in lieu of a can't miss post player).
Finally, the Sonics had two post players going in opposite directions as Kurt Thomas made his Sonics debut, and made a huge impact scoring 10 points on perfect shooting and grabbing 7 rebounds. Obviously we can't expect a near double-double out of the 35-year old veteran, but it's equally clear he has something left in the tank. His toughness will be a much needed addition to the Sonics frontline. On the downside, Robert Swift sat the entire 2nd half after injuring his knee. The return of Thomas along with the lack of production from Swift was probly going to lead to reduced playing time anyway, but hopefully Swift can come back soon.
Finally, I went 1-2 on picks tonight. I hope next time the Sonics lose, they don't cover.
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