http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basket...53_sonx11.html
By GARY WASHBURN
P-I REPORTER
SAN ANTONIO -- No discussion of pingpong balls or draft lottery could interrupt a compe ive dunk contest between Sonics forwards Noel Felix and Chris Wilcox and 5-foot-10 guard Mike Wilks. And Wilks, who has springs in his shoes, was keeping up with his taller teammates as the rest of the players watched in delight.
This is not the normal environment for a team that's 10 games below .500, mathematically eliminated from playoff consideration and ending a tremendously disappointing season.
The Sonics were supposed to be in preparation for another deep postseason run. Instead, their season will conclude April 19 against Denver -- there are six more games left.
Considering the playful atmosphere at practice Monday at Trinity University, however, the players don't want this season to conclude -- not when things are going so well.
The Sonics have won four straight games for the first time this season, have beaten three of the Western Conference's top six seeds and are finally a united bunch under coach Bob Hill after a half-season of turmoil and dissension.
"Usually guys are counting the days down or planning out their vacation. With this team, if feels like we have 20 or 30 games left," forward Rashard Lewis said. "We are playing like we are playing for something and that's the sign of a good basketball team. We're strictly business and the chemistry is coming along. It seems like we're headed in the right direction."
The more wins the Sonics amass the fewer pingpong balls with the team logo will go into the popcorn machine-like bubble when the NBA draft lottery is set on May 23.
For most of February, the Sonics were the second-worst team in the Western Conference, but by winning 11 of their past 18 games they have passed Golden State, Minnesota and Houston -- all teams fading down the stretch.
If the season ended today, the Sonics would have the 11th-most pingpong balls in the lottery. So winning games may cost the Sonics a chance at a premium draft pick, but nobody on the roster is thinking about June.
"Winning is important for these guys in here," Hill said. "We've never thought about losing games on purpose to get more pingpong balls. If you didn't approach the rest of the season the way we are, this team would step backwards. We are treating these games like our playoff games. That's great for our guys. Taking momentum into the summer for our guys is very important."
The Sonics are 20-26 since Hill took over on Jan. 3 and the organization underwent a metamorphosis at the trade deadline, when it acquired Wilcox, who was named Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday, Wilks and Earl Watson, who has been stellar in his return to Seattle.
In 18 games with the Sonics, Watson is averaging 11.7 points, 5.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds in just over 25 minutes. For the first few weeks of his Sonics stint, he remained noncommittal about whether Hill should return as coach.
Stars Ray Allen and Lewis have said they want Hill back next season. And management has to decide after the season whether to honor his option. Watson has warmed to Hill's style. He watched Monday as his teammates participated in post-practice shooting contests, and he has sensed the intensity of practices and games.
"Compe ive pride is the only thing on the line for us right now," he said. "And you just can't get a team to do that unless every player respects the coach and respects his strategy. It's a reflection of the coach and it shows every player respects him. And that says a lot because even teams with respectable coaches mail it in right now."
Respect is something that wasn't always prevalent under former coach Bob Weiss. He allowed the players to police themselves, and they eventually resented his lack of discipline. Add to that three unhappy free agents -- Reggie Evans, Flip Murray and Vladimir Radmanovic -- and you had a poisonous environment until mid-February.
Watson was not part of that era. He has made a determination after 18 games under Hill -- 11 of those wins.
"He has to come back," Watson said of Hill. "Guys are playing hard for him when there's nothing on the line. Personally, if I have any say-so, it's a no-brainer with me. That's part of the reason why I play hard because I want to see him come back. Things could be special here. I would like to see what could happen from the beginning with the enthusiasm and youth of our team."
SONICS AT SPURS
[...]
WHAT TO KNOW: Riding a four-game winning streak, the Sonics embark on a two-game road trip to San Antonio and Oklahoma City, as Bob Hill returns to San Antonio for the second time since being dismissed as head coach nine years ago. The last time the Sonics were here on Feb. 21, they were in turmoil with Reggie Evans, Vladimir Radmanovic and Flip Murray asking for a trade. The Sonics were pounded by 25 points. This time, they are coming off an impressive win over the Phoenix Suns. ... The Spurs are trying to close in on the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, but the Dallas Mavericks aren't making it easy. The Spurs had lost consecutive home games to the Kings and Mavericks before a two-point win over Memphis on Sunday. San Antonio finishes the season with five games against non-playoff teams. Duncan is playing with a sore knee [WTF?] and plantar fascia in his foot while Manu Ginobili missed the Memphis game with a sore calf.
wtf? knee? Is it getting worse or what?
Or they just added that cause he had some problems about 2 or 3 weeks ago.
Wilcox is a man on a mission (ohh more or less) , and hopefully he woon't end up like J.james did. Wilcox is simply better. But we saw some players lighting up for a even big margin of a season and then dissapearing.
With Manu and Horry out tonite, there is enough going right for Seattle to be a little nervous about this game. Hope the team takes care of business throughout.
Who said Manu was out tonight?
Tim is wearing a knee pad since few games but I don't think it's too serious.
Parker shin injury seems to be over too : he now plays without a shin protection.
Manu is out tonight??? Are you sure?
He might be out till the end of regular
As far as I know, Manu is questionable for tonight.
I thought Manu said that he is feeling better after the Memphis game or something like that. Why would he be out for the rest of the regular season?
as far as I heard and as I know Pop won't use him cause he is realy banged up.
We will see
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