Game Thread: Atlanta Hawks @ Seattle Supersonics

[Det the Threat]

After blowing a big 4th quarter lead against the Houston Rockets and losing their 12th game in a row, the Sonics will host Joe Johnson and his Atlanta Hawks, while trying to avoid the 13th loss in a row, which would tie a franchise record.

The Hawks, on the other hand, are on a 4 game losing streak and will try to end this one against the Sonics.

Robert Swift is not on the IL, but still waiting and therefore not available for this game.

When and Where?

Friday, January 25th, 7:30 p. m. PT, Key Arena, Seattle, Washington

This game will be broadcasted by FSN NW in HD




Starting Lineups:

Seattle Supersonics


Atlanta Hawks


Important Role Players

Seattle Supersonics


Atlanta Hawks


Team Leaders

Kevin Durant 19.4 PPG & 1.10 BPG
Kurt Thomas 9.5 RPG
Robert Swift1.00 SPG
Earl Watson 6.3 APG


Joe Johnson 21.9 PPG & 5.1 APG
Al Horford 9.8 RPG
Josh Smith 3.32 BPG & 1.86 SPG

Key Matchup


Nick Collison

vs.


Josh Smith


Just for the looks




Questions:
Can Collison keep up with an athlitic big like Josh Smith?
Will Johnson kick our a$$ in the 4th quarter just like Kobe and T-Mac did?
Can we keep them off the offensive boards?
Is Green able to bounce back, after hitting the rookie wall?


Discuss and Go Supes Go!

[seafan]

I'm gonna say win. Losing is not a option!

GO SONICS!

[wiff]

I'm going to go out on a limb here.

Damien Wilkins doesn't score half of his 41 points he had in Atlanta.

The Hawks avenge the OT THILLA!

[Dick Tate]

I'll go out on a limb and predict the Key seeing a new season low in attendance tonight.

[evildallas]

I'll go out on a limb and predict the Key seeing a new season low in attendance tonight.

You mean we aren't a big road draw? Friday night should help some. I mean if we visited on a Tuesday that'd be really rough. Also, the exciting game the teams played in Atlanta should sell a few tickets, right?

[missin da glove]

Supes, 111-101

Streak must end.

[Yoshi2kx]

Wilkins' statline

1-2 FT
3 points (1-9 shooting)
0 rebounds
1 assist
9 turn overs

[OzSonic]

According to the P.I. Wilcox is back in the starting lineup replacing Collison

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/soni ... 130320.asp

Yeah wise move PJ, take out your most consistant player over the past 2 weeks for one of the most inconsitant players in the league.

I'm calling you out Wilcox you big sook with your sore pinky! Put up or get lost!

[Yoshi2kx]

Good god Durant take your time -.-;

[OzSonic]

Here is Wilkins, let te scoring begin!!!

[Yoshi2kx]

lol air ball

Petro has been playing real well, and I mean, real well, actually like this is his 3rd year and not like he's still a rookie, he's still just 21, but PJ needs to start playing him, sene, and Swift more, we lose with Thomas anyways,

[Troy McClure]

I wish I was a Hawks fan right now.

[giordunk]

Wow. 11 replies in the game thread...

Nice slam by Petro?

[sonichound16]

Not sure why Wilkins was in for so long at the end of the game. He wasn't really doing anything very well and is such a black hole at times. You can tell he isn't going to give the ball up and will force and ill advised shot. I am having a really hard time figuring out who is going to play and when, no wonder some of the players are getting frustrated. How does Jeff Green only get 19 minutes in this game? Collison has been playing great and gets benched? How many teams do you see where 10 players get about 20 minutes plus? 35 games into the season is enough time to make some decisions and stick with them. Shorten the rotation and get guys into roles. It can't even be that they are showcasing guys for trades because players don't play their best with sporadic playing time and not knowing if they are going to start or come off the bench.

[seafan]

How does Jeff Green only get 19 minutes in this game?

He has ran into the wall.

35 games into the season is enough time to make some decisions and stick with them

U would think. Put the best five guys on the floor.


Does this team have any plays at all? Kevin shooting a three every time down the court doesn't help build his confidence as the game goes along.

[djthesonicsfan]

I was there. Pitiful lack of effort by the Sonics for the first three quarters.

On the plus side J Petro played great. 5 blocks. 6 rebounds. Made a few mid range jumpers.

And L Ridnour played well again. He is clearly the PG for this team. He initiates the offense more quickly. Way more creativity. There is more team play when he's the PG. He gets C Wilcox involved.

This team is a bomb waiting to go off. Presti better get done with this evaluation stuff soon, trade who he's going to trade and let the team get on with trying to win.

[D5150]

yes but the tradable assets (wally, watson, thomas, wilcox) and what the sonics will likely get for them (picks, expirings, "prospects") wont equal any more wins this year. those are vets who can and do produce. if you start trading these guys fine, but dont expect anyone to come in this year and turn it around.

one positive from the game, durant looked to be more agressive taking it to the hoop. that missed jam off the baseline spin would have been nasty if he could have finished it. durant only took 4 threes last night. i can live with that. he was not shooting a 3 every time down the court as someone sugested.

[seafan]

he was not shooting a 3 every time down the court as someone sugested.

Where have you been? He just stands there waiting for ball. Like you said he was attacking the basket but I want to see more of that when his shot is not falling.

[D5150]

i have been right in front of the tv. last night he took 4 threes. that is not exactly jacking up a three every time down the court. he was much more agressive driving to the hoop last night. its easy to say "all he does is fire up threes" but that doesnt make it a fact. give him some time, he will figure it out.

[Relientk101]

we are the worst team in the league, without question.